Droid 2 next to the iPhone from my PC Mike NBC-TV segment
You’d think with all the hype that the iPhone is the only mobile device out there.
But these days, it’s getting some stiff competition from a smartphone brand that started slow but now is selling at the rate of 200,000 per DAY. That’s right, every 24 hours. It’s called the Android… the Droid for short… and as our the latest model has some features that, well, out iPhones the iPhone.
The latest version is the Motorola Droid 2. And while it looks a lot like the iPhone, it works on the Verizon network which means it gets fast broadband-like coverage in a lot more places than the AT&T-only iPhone.
But it also has a redesigned slide out WYSIWYG keyboard, which makes texting and e-mail and web-browsing easier and more accurate.
But the coolest feature turns the Droid 2 into a Wi-Fi hotspot, letting you connect up to 8 devices. And yeah, I used it to connect my Apple iPad and iPhone to Verizon’s network in places where AT&T’s is nowhere to be found. I took a picture of it, connecting my iPad and iPhone and Mac laptop on a rural overlook out in the woods where Verizon delivered a solid 4-bar 3G signal compared to a 2 bar EDGE signal from AT&T that offered only agonizingly slow Internet access.
It felt like a glimpse into the future, watching the iPhone and iPad speed along opening web pages and the various apps I have installed. If Verizon does get the iPhone come January as is rumored, this is what users will be able to experience. Right now, AT&T’s 3g network is embarrassingly non-existent in most places outside major metropolitan areas.
There are tons of apps for the Droid 2, just like the iPhone, and some really cool ones you can’t find with Apple, like an NFL video app that streams game highlights video from your favorite teams.
My biggest complaint: The 5 megapixel camera on the Droid 2. Compared to the HD video and crisp and clean still imagery on the iPhone with its new 5 megapixel camera, the Droid 2 image resolution seemed kinda fuzzy to me both for video and stills. Lots of other reviewers have similarly complained. The Droid 2 only has a back facing camera, while the new iPhone has front and back cameras.
I gotta admit, I wasn’t too keen on the Droid when it first came out. But now, I’m thinkin’ it’s pretty cool. The better network – Verizon – and the wi-fi feature make this one very handy smartphone. The other Droid models – the Droid X and the Incredible are also worth looking into.
So which one is the best, the iPhone 4 or the Droid 2?
All things being equal, I’d say it’s a toss-up, with the iPhone having the advantage of cool and cultural buzz.
But all things are not equal. The iPhone runs on AT&T, which I have found to be plagued by dropped calls, inadequate signal strength and minimal 3G outside of big cites. The Droid 2 works on the Verizon network, which has, hands down, the best 3g network in the country.
But I really like the iPhone’s cameras and the HD video it captures. Add to that the iMovie app and, for me, those are huge pushes in the iPhone’s favor.
As far as apps go, the Droid has almost every iPhone app I use, plus a few others that are specific to the Verizon system. I’d rate them a draw app-wise BUT, because of Apple’s iTunes system and my existing library of music, it would take a compelling difference to switch me to a Droid for my music and video.
Here’s my bottom line: If you live in the boonies or do a lot of traveling through them, go with the Droid (either the 2, the X or the Incredible) or wait until Verizon gets the iPhone. Verizon’s network is a dream compared to AT&T.
If not, and if you already have a big iPod music and don’t need to worry about always being in a 3g coverage area, choose the iPhone.
But don’t take just my word for it. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of Droid 2 reviews.
And here’s a link to Motorola’s key specs on the Droid 2/
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Ah. But the question from the iPhone people will b: does it work with Macintosh’s calendar, mail,iTunes, and all the rest of their software? Part of the attraction of the iPhone is no 3rd party software to run it, if we were lucky to get even that from other smart phones and regular phones. Will it work with a Mac without having to connect to aa PC as well?
these droid phones have google stuff built-in so you have full controll of your google acct and add other google app as well. like google maps, google voice, buzz,calendar and so many more stuff as well….do”s apple iphones do that?
Well, yes and no. And I qualify all that follows with the fact that I do not have an iPhone 4 yet. That sucker does a lot more than my humble 3! Anyway. My little 3 can use google earth, and sync with all the Mac apps that are on my MacBook Pro. I have used these apps in their various forms for 25? years (since the Performa Macs). I like them. I’m USED to them. What goes on my phone syncs with my other information. Good enuff! Why would I want Google’s stuff?
i saw your review of the droid 2 , you had forgot that the android phones have a better (OS) android 2.2 based on linux …the megapixal camara has fine tunning to adjust for light and has a shutter and the photos can be sent to facebook . these features are on all droid phones…..
apple has lost market share to the androids by 7 percent
pcmag has a detail report on the overall sales
The Droid is a poor man’s iPhone, Mike
One thing I’ve written about previously Android series of phones are the first to separate the operating system and functionality in the software from the phone hardware and platform. Any Android phone is very similar. Yes, some hardware comes with a few unique apps, and some carriers also have their own as well, but the bulk of Android applications run on all the phones. Likewise, the Google account synchronization features tightly integrate to the phone, so everything follows you if you should change phones or wireless carriers. This hopefully signals the beginning of the end for “proprietary” in the smartphone business (Blackberry, Palm, iphone, etc.); at the very least, it will open up more competition which will result in better products for all of us.