HTC’s Android-based smartphones have consistently impressed us over the past two years. In contrast, Microsoft has done little to impress us in the smartphone market for as long as we can remember. Now the ?rm has completely revamped its Windows Phone 7 operating system.

Windows 7 may be shiny and new, but the HD7 handset is highly reminiscent of the current Windows Mobile-based HTC HD2. The HD7 has the same 4.3in screen with a 480×800 resolution. It’s wonderfully crisp and bright, with vibrant colours.

Both handsets have similar proportions, and while the HD7 is by no means a small device, at 162g and just 11.2mm thick, it isn’t unwieldy, despite its large screen. The combination of weightiness and the solid casing keep the device from feeling cheap.

The HD7 focuses heavily on video playback and recording, and even includes a fold-out stand to prop up the phone up for easier viewing. It captures 720p HD video and ditches the Xenon Flash found on its smaller sibling, the HTC Mozart, in favour of an LED for video illumination. This is powerful enough to use in a small, dimly lit room but has a reach of only around three or four meters.Video shot in daylight is impressive.

For stills, the 5-megapixel camera produces exemplary results, capturing realistic colour and plenty of detail. There’s an option to use the torch as a ?ash but this proved stubborn and often failed to illuminate.

The HD7 is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. This is Microsoft’s minimum specification for Windows Phone 7 devices, and is used in all the initial handsets. It’s the same processor you’ll ?nd in high-end Android-based smartphones, such as the HTC Desire.

Unfortunately, the HD7 lacks two useful features. The ?rst is copy and paste, which will be added in the ?rst Windows Phone 7 update early next year. The second is multitasking.

For music and ?lm playback, the HD7 crams in not only Dolby Mobile but also SRS sound enhancement and a plethora of equalizer settings. There’s a 3.5mm headphone socket, so you can attach any headphones you please.

The HD7 comes in two versions with 8GB or 16GB of internal storage. With no microSD slot, however, neither can be upgraded. Considering how easy the Zune music management software is to use and sync, we think 8GB is adequate, although with 16GB you don’t have to be so diligent in your storage habits.