Many of the top tech and mobile phone websites have already got their hands on the HTC Hero Android phone. Below you’ll find a round-up of the various reviews, previews and first impressions of the HTC smartphone.

You can also submit your own HTC Hero user review here.

The new user interface and functionality of the Hero stands head and shoulders over the vanilla OS that Google offers. If anything this will be the USP for this handset. We found it was better than all the Android phones we’ve seen of late and this could finally be the Google OS handset we’ve all been promised since last year. – The Inquirer

The Hero looks like an impressive touchscreen, especially with its screen lit and HTC’s Sense UI on display. We loved tinkering with the Magic, customising the interface with the widgets available on the Android Market, and seeing HTC take this to the next level is fantastic. – ZDNet

HTC has clearly gone to town on bringing the next level of Android to the Hero, with a centralised system on offer thanks to Sense.

And saving the best for last, the internet on the device was tip-top, although lacking the polished finish of Safari. But that shouldn’t take away from the fact HTC has not only nabbed multi-touch from Apple in the HTC Hero, but it has also managed to stuff Flash compatibility under the hood as well. – Tech Radar

In more than a few ways, the Hero—or Sense, really—represents a lot of what people had hoped for in Android. When the OS came out, everyone was talking about customization, varied hardware and integration with online services. Until now, we hadn’t really seen that.

HTC has done some exciting stuff here, to be sure. With any luck, others will follow. – Gizmodo

Where the G1 felt like a clunky brick and the Magic was no great shakes in the design department, the Hero feels comfortable and light in the hand, and the Teflon coating makes it tough and rugged.

Just like the Magic, the touchscreen is iPhone-rivalling – it’s fast, responsive and a joy to use, with the trackball at the bottom giving extra navigation options.

If Android can get together a decent app store that doesn’t lag behind Apple’s, then the Hero could be our new favourite handset. – Stuff.tv

HTC Hero Now Available FREE From 3 Visit the official 3 Mobile HTC Hero website