Rogers Confirms Its First Android Phones: HTC Dream and Magic
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
What Rogers confirmed
A company spokesperson said pricing would be released soon. Customers who activated or upgraded to a Dream or Magic would be able to use Rogers’ regular in-market pricing, and could choose between contract and no-contract options. No subscription plan details were released.
The two phones
| Phone | Key difference |
|---|---|
| HTC Dream | Known as the G1 in the US. Has a slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard. |
| HTC Magic | The newer model. Touchscreen based. |
Why it mattered
Canadians had been waiting for an Android phone from a major carrier. The announcement came right after Bell revealed that it would carry the Palm Pre. The writer expected plans similar to those that Rogers offered for the iPhone 3G, though that was a guess, and noted that a new iPhone was also rumoured for the months ahead.
Status today
Both phones are discontinued and long obsolete.
Frequently asked questions
Which Android phones did Rogers launch first?
The HTC Dream and the HTC Magic.
Was pricing announced?
No. Rogers promised it soon and confirmed both contract and no-contract choices.
What was the difference between the two?
The Dream had a physical slide-out keyboard, while the Magic relied on its touchscreen.