Review: Motorola Droid
Nov 2, 2009, 2:16 PM by Eric M. Zeman
Here is Phone Scoop's full-length, in-depth report on the new Motorola Droid. It easily bests most other Android phones out there, but still has a few major drawbacks.
If you're a Verizon Wireless customer who's longed to be on the cutting edge, the Droid is probably your best bet. It is Verizon's first Android phone, and makes a bold entrance with Android 2.0 system software, a 5 megapixel camera and other features that the current crop of Android phones just don't offer. On top of that, it's well built, has an incredible display, and ain't bad looking, either.
About the author, Eric M. Zeman:Eric has been covering the mobile telecommunications industry for 17 years at various print and online publications. He studied at Rutgers Newark and University of Kentucky, and has a degree in writing. He likes playing guitar, attending concerts, listening to music, and driving sports cars.
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Motorola Droid
Comments
Cost?
has anyone seen a cost for this thing yet? I didn't see one in the review, maybe i missed it
assuming with a 2yr contract.
assuming with a 2yr contract.
i got this phone new Verizon plan 2yr cost was 199.00 plus i got a car charger for 25
the total was 226.00
thats pretty darn amazing for a high end phone
🙂
the total was 226.00
thats pretty darn amazing for a high end phone
🙂
Does it have a sensor on it for calls?
I am wanting to know if it has a sensor built-into it whereby when making calls and you place the phone up to your ear/face, the display/touchscreen will then disable so that buttons/widgets/etc aren't accidently pressed when the phone is put up to your face. My LG Touch has this, but the Storm1 didn't.
Iphone killer? Not a chance
having just spent a year struggling with the blackberry storm, i went to the iphone and ATT a couple weeks back. I was at verizon today to upgrade my wifes phone and was given demonstrations of the motorola droid by no less than 3 sales people (once they saw my iphone they couldn't help themselves i guess).
i was hoping for more from motorola but was very disapponted. so some observations:
- screen transitions were choppy not smooth and fluid like the iphone.
- overall design is clunky and kind of like a brick. i like the htc droid phone much better.
- lack of control of the software and hardware platform was evident given the lack of ergonomic factors.
- screen swiping was choppy not smooth like the iphone
- some of the app's we...
(continues)
i was hoping for more from motorola but was very disapponted. so some observations:
- screen transitions were choppy not smooth and fluid like the iphone.
- overall design is clunky and kind of like a brick. i like the htc droid phone much better.
- lack of control of the software and hardware platform was evident given the lack of ergonomic factors.
- screen swiping was choppy not smooth like the iphone
- some of the app's we...
(continues)
If you like the Iphone so much stick with it. This is not the Iphone so stop comparing it to it.
One phone is called the Droid
One phone is called the Iphone
See?They're not spelled the same. People who are looking for an Iphone should buy an ...
(continues)
One phone is called the Droid
One phone is called the Iphone
See?They're not spelled the same. People who are looking for an Iphone should buy an ...
(continues)
...
bluetooth app.
I need an app that will allow me to listen to music/podcast via bluetooth. Any suggestions?
Motorola makes a laggy phone? No way.
Not suprising that moto can't manage to make a smooth running device... I always assumed it was the verizon OS.. but must be a moto processor issue... It's a shame, I'll wait for the HTC version.
Funny PS found it laggy because all other reviewers said it's been anything but. Maybe a faulty unit?
...
I noticed a few discrepencies in review.
I believe you have a version with the non final software. Since I do remember when training on phone the original software was laggy for the camera but playing with the devices that will be selling Friday the Camera and Video work Great, Also in the Marketplace their is a Tab for Verizon software so far their is VZW Tones, My Verizon, Visual Voicemail, etc etc. I know this phone is going to be a hit and can't wait to get my own. I cant find any negatives yet on the final release except that it is not launching with tethering capabilty but will have that later implemented.
I made mention of the Verizon tab in the Android Market. Yes, VZW Tones was the only app in there.
Verizon Wireless and Motorola told us we have the final software build of the device.
Verizon Wireless and Motorola told us we have the final software build of the device.
To Reviewer: MMS Handling?
How well does it handle MMS..such as animated .GIF files that have sound playing in the background? Does it show the animation with the sound playing at the same time in the background or does it play the animation on one screen and the sound on another screen like the iPhone?
I want this phone!
The keyboard issue is kinda a bummer, but honestly I'll most likely use the touch screen keypad more if it's that bad.
For software lag, I'm confident that most of these issues will be resolved through firmware updates.
The main reason I want this phone though is for the interest it generates. We have a lot of customers looking for a multi-media focused cellphone, and while the Tour/Storm can do facebook, I think we all can agree Blackberry is still more business than party.
First thing I'll do when I get this phone is load a movie on it. My smartphone sales will be great.
One thing I notices with your review is you said the video quality was poor. Some other reviews I've read mentioned that while the camera was finicky, the v...
(continues)
For software lag, I'm confident that most of these issues will be resolved through firmware updates.
The main reason I want this phone though is for the interest it generates. We have a lot of customers looking for a multi-media focused cellphone, and while the Tour/Storm can do facebook, I think we all can agree Blackberry is still more business than party.
First thing I'll do when I get this phone is load a movie on it. My smartphone sales will be great.
One thing I notices with your review is you said the video quality was poor. Some other reviews I've read mentioned that while the camera was finicky, the v...
(continues)
I would hope a software update could fix the camera issues as well. 😕
Hmmmmm...30 day return policy, right? When I was an indirect ours was seven. What was that analog flip Nokia? It was our 'penny' phone. I would cross my fingers when I was forced to sell one. Oh and that black Ericsson phone. Those were wild tim...
(continues)
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app storage limitation?
I've been reading about Android limiting where you can store applications. The Droid comes with 512 ROM for applications. (Not sure preloaded applications use up some of this .)
Are Android app developers that buttoned up and space conscious? Can I expect a game like TigerWoods to ever be available on this platform?
Is is even logical to compare it to my ipod touch that can utilize the entire 16 gigs for apps/music/video or whatever?
Six months down the road I don't want to be hassled with which app do I keep and which can I get rid of to make room.
Are Android app developers that buttoned up and space conscious? Can I expect a game like TigerWoods to ever be available on this platform?
Is is even logical to compare it to my ipod touch that can utilize the entire 16 gigs for apps/music/video or whatever?
Six months down the road I don't want to be hassled with which app do I keep and which can I get rid of to make room.
remember most apps are TINY. blackberries only have 32mb for apps.
That being said, they are working for a way that only executable files have to be on the phone, an the data (the graphics, saved games, etc) will be able to be on the memory card.
That being said, they are working for a way that only executable files have to be on the phone, an the data (the graphics, saved games, etc) will be able to be on the memory card.
...
I Would Wait.
"Before running out to the store on November 6 when it goes on sale, I'd wait just a week or two to see what else Verizon Wireless has up its sleeves."
Agreed. Reportedly Verizon is throwing everything except the kitchen sink.
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/11/02/verizon-to ... »
Agreed. Reportedly Verizon is throwing everything except the kitchen sink.
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/11/02/verizon-to ... »
The Kitchen sink is actually coming with any blackberry sale. It's the new BoGo offer if you don't have a second line. You can either get the smartphone or a nice ceramic bowl 😎
