CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Photos: Cingular 8525 (a.k.a. HTC Hermes)

The Cingular 8525 (a.k.a. HTC Hermes) has generated its fair share of buzz in recent months and with good reason. It's the carrier's first 3G-enabled smart phone, and it's fast. Check out the photos here.

CNET Reviews staff

Nov. 6, 2006 1:13 p.m. PT

1 of 11

CNET Networks

The Cingular 8525 is the carrier's first HSDPA/UMTS smart phone, so you should enjoy broadband-like connection speeds on this device. In other words, it's fast.

Read Full Review

2 of 11

CNET Networks

... but it's also a phone. The Cingular 8525 is a full-featured smart phone running Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC Phone Edition and sports a 2.8-inch touch screen.

Read Full Review

3 of 11

CNET Networks

The right side of the device hosts the power on/off button, a shortcut to the Communication Manager, and a camera activation button.

Read Full Review

4 of 11

CNET Networks

On the bottom of the 8525, you have an infrared port, a battery release switch, a reset hole, and a mini USB port.

Read Full Review

5 of 11

CNET Networks

Pocket PC phones have a tendency to be clunky and unwieldy, but the Cingular 8525 is actually quite manageable. It has a solid construction and feels comfortable to hold.

Read Full Review

6 of 11

CNET Networks

Though you get the standard array of navigation buttons, the controls and layout are fairly cramped so take care not to press the wrong key.

Read Full Review

7 of 11

CNET Networks

At 6.2 ounces, the Cingular 8525 is on the heftier side, so it'll add some weight to your bag. The smart phone also comes packaged with a belt holster.

Read Full Review

8 of 11

CNET Networks

The Cingular 8525 boasts a fairly spacious QWERTY keyboard with tactile buttons for easy messaging. However, the two soft keys above it are a bit too close to the slide-up cover.

Read Full Review

9 of 11

CNET Networks

The smart phone features a handy scroll wheel (a la BlackBerry), so you can easily navigate the 8525 with one hand. Nice. There's also a push-to-talk key, but this feature won't be activated until early 2007.

Read Full Review

10 of 11

CNET Networks

Though the micro SD format isn't widespread, we still appreciate the expandable media.

Read Full Review

11 of 11

CNET Networks

The Cingular 8252 one-ups its predecessor, the Cingular 8125, with its 2-megapixel camera. There's also a built-in flash, a self-portrait mirror, and a lever to switch to macro mode for close-up shots.

Read Full Review