So I have a new phone – MotoDroid Review
It isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure. I’m a late adapter, simply due to the fact that I was trying to wait until something better came out. For now, I still have a couple more weeks of trying it out prior to my one-month return window. Here is what I think about it so far:
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It is dense and slightly heavy; it feels good in my hand and is not bad in loose-fitting jeans pockets.
The keyboard is fine to use, though I have small fingers. In two weeks, I have a little plastic key about to come off – will be taking this one back for a replacement likely.
I enjoy having a slideout keyboard. The software keyboard is ok, though in upright orientation the keys are too narrow.
It works fairly quickly and I’m happy with its non-lagginess. The Verizon “3G” network speeds are… tolerable if not fair.
The screen is a beauty and browsing the net is nice, pics are crisp and videos are pleasant.
Battery life is adequate for a full day and evening of moderate/heavy usage. In two years, when the battery is sucking… I dunno.
Vanilla Android is “ok” to use, and truthfully, I really don’t know if I mind missing out on the few perks of HTC’s SenseUI for now. Caveat: this is my first smartphone, ever.
I would like a combined contact messaging/calls/emails thread compiler like is present in the HTC Droid Eris (I think).
The Google navigation tool/mapping is excellent and the voice recog is a nice bonus. Neither one do I use much.
The sound quality is very good, but not “excellent”. People on the other end usually hear me just fine.
A major issue at times – usually when I’m driving in a car in bright daylight: after I’m done talking on the phone and take it away from my face the proximity detector somehow misfires and the screen won’t come back up – wtf? so I have to wait like 20 sec. for it to hang up on its own (without the screen on there is no “hang-up” button). If I try to use the powerbutton during that “rest” period it takes forever to be able to use again – like it’s locked up (perhaps 30 seconds?) . This problem is irritating at times. When I’m in lower light situations, it’s not a problem.
Overall, I like the functionality of the phone, so far. I’m sure there are better smartphone experiences out there though… we’ll see. I’m waiting for HTC’s Incredible – if it ever appears.
I may end up returning this phone for now, though — just not thinking it will last me years, that’s all. For now though, simply have a smartphone of ANY kind is fun and certainly usable.
Cheers.
