Motorola DROID A855 Android Phone
- Android 2.0-powered smartphone with 3.7-inch touchscreen and slide-out full QWERTY keyboard
- Access a wealth of Google mobile services including Google Maps with Navigation for voice prompted turn-by-turn directions, Gmail, Google Talk, Calendar and more
- GPS-enabled for location services; Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g); 5-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD expansion (16 GB card included)
- Up to 6.4 hours of talk time, up to 270 hours (11.25 days) of standby time
- What’s in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start handbook, user manual
Amazon.com Product Description
The first Android-powered phone for Verizon Wireless, the 3G-enabled Motorola DROID smartphone offers a full package of powerful mobile connectivity–from simple access to all your social networks and viewing of full Web sites to spoken turn-by-turn directions thanks to the new Google Maps with Navigation Beta app. One of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available, the Motorola DROID also features a high-resolution 3.7-inch touchscreen show and a virtual onscreen keyboard that auto-rotates depending on the phone’s orientation. And you’ll be able to capture high-resolution images and DVD-quality videos on the go with its 5-megapixel camera with flash.
The Motorola DROID offers the powerful Android 2.0 operating system, quick and reliable Verizon Wireless 3G connectivity, and a wealth of Google Mobile services–including the new Google Maps with Navigation app. |
With integrated Google technology, the Motorola DROID brings one-touch access to the ordinary Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The DROID also provides simple access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Chat Server and Gmail.
In addition to 3G connectivity, the DROID offers Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go and Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free devices and stereo music streaming. Other features contain memory expansion via microSD memory cards (a 16 GB card is included with the device), threaded text and picture messaging for seamless on-the-go conversations, Visual Voicemail capabilities, 3.5mm headset jack, and up to 6.4 hours of talk time.
Here are just a few of the things that the Motorola DROID can do for you:
- Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
- See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, email, Google Maps, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7-inch high-resolution screen. Bluster a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor.
- Run manifold applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market. Toggle back and into the world between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
- Perform Google Search at the speed of signal: Simply tell DROID what you’re looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you’re looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
- Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5-megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, auto-focus and persona stabilization, or capture your friend’s antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you everlastingly have it on hand.
- Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail and Chat email pushed directly to you, but don’t let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go honest to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart glossary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.
Other features contain a 3.7-inch touchscreen, slide-out full QWERTY keyboard, real HTML web browsing, Bluetooth stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion (with included 16 GB card), and access to both personal and corporate email (see larger persona).
See a schematic of all the controls.
- Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Road View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.
The Motorola DROID comes pre-loaded with a variety of Google and Verizon Wireless mobile services, including:
- Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
- Gmail: Manifold fiscal statement support and undo for ordinary operations.
- YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from home screen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
- Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat description, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
- Android Market: Browse and download applications made by third-party developers.
- Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.’d to your meeting invitations.
- Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
- Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, answer and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.
Key Features and Specifications
- Quick 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV–DO, Rev A network
- Powered by the Android 2.0 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market. Built-in GPS with turn-by-turn directions provided by Google Maps and voice prompts using the Google Maps Navigation (BETA) app.
- 3.7-inch touchscreen with 480 x 854-pixel resolution and 16 million color depth
- Full slide-out QWERTY keyboard with familiar layout lets you type messages easily without scrolling for the letter you want.
- 5-megapixel autofocus camera also includes manifold scene modes, white balance settings, persona quality choices, macro setting, manifold color effects, and geotagging capabilities.
- DVD-quality video capture at 720 x 480-pixel resolution and up to 24 fps capture; up to 30 fps playback
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile–enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of well-matched Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (16 GB card included).
- Multi-format digital audio player with dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads. Includes compatibility with MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, and WMA formats and the capability to start and manage playlists on the phone.
- YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi relations.
- Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone (Android Webkit HTML5-based browser).
- Ordinary voice mail and compatibility with Verizon Visual Voice Mail (subscription required), which enables you to delete, answer and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Features contain on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive everlastingly), start up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and answer via call back, text or even voice mail.
- Email: Corporate (Chat 2003 and 2007), Gmail, IMAP, POP3, Attachment and browser document viewer (Microsoft Office and pdf)
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- 3.5mm Headset Jack
- Bilingual Boundary: English/Español
- Cortex A8 processor with dedicated HW Acceleration
- Memory: ROM: 512MB; RAM: 256MB
- TTY well-matched
- Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
Vital Data
The Motorola DROID weighs 5.96 ounces and measures 4.56 x 2.36 x 0.54 inches. Its 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.4 hours of talk time, and up to 270 hours (11.25 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.
What’s in the Box
Motorola DROID handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start handbook, user manual
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buy Motorola DROID A855 Android Phone
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pro: bright and shiny
cons: not a phone, too thick to fit credit card slot of a shredder
The Droid is probably best considered an overweight flash handbook with bluetooth.
It has no controls worthy of the name.
One might fantasize that a stylus could offer an illusion of control,
but iPod/iPhone reviews suggest that styluses are effectively incompatible with capacitive touch screens.
A phone should have a grip, place to speak and place listen, so zero for three.
Fully charged before turning off: two days later the battery was flat.
This appears to be correlated to (and can be repeated by) selecting full power down
while in airplane mode, then storing in the Verizon holster,
which by the way has cutouts which in no way correspond with connectors.
We have seen the battery go from fully charged to flat over night in this way.
Leaving the Droid in sleep mode, on the other hand, barely discharges the battery.
For dependable wireless communications (that is why you chose Verizon, right?),
you will need to also carry a real cell phone. Voice communications are
nearly unintelligible, mostly resembling grunts and mumbles.
Droid Wi-Fi appears to confuse our NETGEAR WGR614v6;
for the early connection each day we now have to power that wireless router off and on
to re-enable 802.11g access for any of our wireless devices.
If you are the sort of person who prefers their SLR with a battery grip
or appreciates why real typists chose the IBM Executive to Selectric,
then go along, nothing to see here.
The LCD seems quite nice until your eyes tire of focusing on things no more than 8 inches away.
Rating: 3 / 5
Democracy in America (and elsewhere) is under threat by corporate domination. The Supreme Court (through its conservative majority) chose on Jan. 21 to allow giant corporations and other special interests unlimited economic influence in elections. The power to control information is, in the end, the power to control the possibility. The rich and powerful by now have too much influence in Washington. This new rule (supported only by so-called conservatives!) will give them much much more.
What does this have to do with Verizon, and the Droid?
Some Verizon products and services are pretty excellent. But if you give Verizon your money, you are threatening the possibility of the United States. That’s because Verizon is a key supporter of the groups that organize the Tea Party movement.
Verizon doesn’t support this movement because it shares their agenda. It has a different agenda, one that has a touch to do with band widths and other tech issues. It only wants to get particular politicians elected because it wants greater freedom to dominate its markets. In other words, it’s using the Tea Party movement as a confidential lobby– exploiting and corrupting its aims.
If you want your regime to be strong, let Verizon know (through your consumer choices) that you won’t tolerate them exploiting urgent American problems as tools for their own corporate ends.
Rating: 4 / 5
First of all, this review is based on my personal experience. This is not just review of the product but also some experience with VW services. In view of the fact that this phone is exclusive so the carrier service is part of the overall product experience I believe.
Here are what I care about when select phones:
carrier service quality
product quality (user boundary, build quality, functionality, etc)
international wandering
I waited for the droid but I got iphone 3GS (2 of them now, one for me and one for the wife) after I delt with VW rep. When I questioned the VW rep if I could see one that is powered one for demo. the guy told me one word ‘NO’ and walked away. Then I immediately drove to the nearby ATT store. While at ATT store, I got warmly greeted. the girl questioned me what’s the purpose of my visit and place me on the list. while I am waiting, she offered me some water. then in about 2 minutes, a rep is ready. Does VW have better network coverage? probably yes but better coverage doesn’t mean better service overall.
Another thing I am concerning about is in view of the fact that most of my friends are using iphone, so switch to VW will cause privileged phone bill and not be able to stay in touch( I assume even the same Apps e.g. ping! is available on Droid, it probably won’t be well-matched between iphone version)
I reckon iphone has better build quality overall. it has the solid feeling. the UI is extremely simple to use. Droid has it’s advantage too. multitasking is my pet. turn by turn GPS is another one and privileged resolution is very attractive as well. It’s all about personal preference I estimate.
International wandering might not be a concern for most of Americans. but, I do travel from time to time and I need GSM in view of the fact that this is most available mobile network around world.
So overall, I reckon iphone fits me. JB it and it will even fit better.
Rating: 3 / 5
Before purchasing this phone on Amazon I went to my local Verizon store to test handbook the Motorola Droid. I walked into the store 8 days after the phone’s release. I did not see one sign, poster or show that indicated that this phone even existed. There was not ONE dummy phone on show in the entire store. This is a large store in a major market!! When I inquired about the Droid I was told they have a functional model in the “back room.” There were 10 customers and 2 employees in the store. I left and went to Best Buy. The exact same tale. No phones on show and no signage. Nothing!! I live 15 minutes from the Best Buy world headquarters so this is not a Verizon store or Best Buy issue. Note to Google, Motorola and Verizon: If you are going to mark a phone an “iPhone Killer” maybe you should have a functional model on show and some signage in the two most vital stores selling your product. You can go to Walmart and demo a functional iPhone. Walmart broadcast!!
I was able to obtain a functioning model from a Best Buy employee that was stored in a locked cabinet!! I sat down with the phone for 45 minutes to demo it. Due to the nature of my business I have used 3000-7000 cell phone minutes a month for the last 7 years. I hear 100-200 emails a day on my cell phone. In 7 years I have owned and wore out 4 Treos and 3 BlackBerrys. I know what a smart phones does and should do and the Droid does not. With the demands I place on my phone, functionality is absolute paramount but I must comment on the Droid’s appearance first because mobile phone design has been taken to a high art in recent years. The overall appearance of this device can only be described as embarrassing. How could the company that made the Razor have produced this device? As you may recall, the Razor was the pinnacle of mobile phone design for it’s time. The best way describe the Droid’s overall appearance is to compare it to an early 1980’s Texas Instruments calculator. The gold accents and the flat black appearance are just dreadful. Look at a photograph of the keyboard and you will see the gold color of the directional device. Enough said!!
As I have earlier mentioned, my use of smart phones is comprehensive and significant so I have no problem adage the functionality of this phone is a mess. Yes, there are learning curves and software updates to be had but the most vital communication device you own should not take more than 15-45 minutes to obtain an understanding of it’s functionality. I taught my wife to use a BlackBerry in 30 minutes. She had never used one and has abandoned ever electronic device I have ever bought her. 5 hours after using this device I am still uncertain what I encountered. The screen lagged at times and was too sensitive at others. The directional device on the keyboard is virtually useless. The keyboard is like a touch from the earlier mentioned 1980’s calculator. The keys are flat and charming with no feedback. The top row of keys can barely be used because your thumbs touch the edge of the device and my hands are tiny. My 12 year son has larger thumbs. This keyboard is fine for 5-10 emails a day but no business user could send 50-100 emails a day without going insane. Look at a close up photo of the keyboard. It doesn’t even look like it could be on a device built in 2009. Broadcast have raved about the Droid’s on screen keyboard but I found it to be sluggish and inaccurate. Previous reviews have detailed the Droid’s email abilities and if you are a heavy email user you should beware. This phone has a long way to go to compete with Blackberry.
Additional issues: How could they release this phone without the ability to Sync with Outlook? I know it is possible wirelessly but does it have to be that complicated? No physical phone buttons? It is a 3 step process to hang up a call on this phone. I was very under whelmed by the screen quality and may have been a victim to the “better than iPhone hype” but I just don’t see it. I have had my Blackberry Curve 8900 for 11 months and at least once a day I am amazed by the screen. I held the Droid for 45 minutes and I was never once was “wowed” by it’s screen. I don’t know how long Verizon has exclusive civil rights to the Droid but I suspect, based on what I have seen, this phone will be heavily discounted and available through other wireless providers in a small period of time. The reason I mention this is that I am a “charter customer” with T-Mobile because I signed up with their service when they first started doing business in the U.S. in the late 90’s. This allows me benefits and discounts not available to everyone so it would be a significant step to leave them for Verizon. But, after testing this phone it is highly unlikely that I would buy one at a steep discount if it became available at T-Mobile let alone switch wireless providers to obtain it.
I must say that I am no fan of Apple or the iPhone. The ad campaigns to the masses selling the iPhone and extolling it’s ability to “cut and paste” make me want to puke when the first smart phones could do that 7 years ago. Motorola, Verizon and Google had a tremendous ad battle for the Droid and I wanted to believe it. After all I am their target market. It worked!! I was ready to abandon my Unlimited Plot for $50 at T-Mobile and my Blackberry but the Droid under delivered huge time. The geek in me wanted to so terrible walk away with this phone. The bottom line is years I ago I would have bought this phone and had a lot of fun playing with it. But today, most broadcast rely on their devices to perform and perform well at a high level and the Droid is not a high performance device. In the meantime I will wear out two more BlackBerrys waiting for the next version of the Droid!!
Rating: 2 / 5
Not a very excellent phone and Android is a work in progress.
The physical keyboard is unusable and the onscreen keyboard is not much better. iPhone keyboard is much better especially in wide screen.
Laggy! You can’t even scroll the home screen without lag.
You can only install a few hundred MB of apps. Thats all. From the bottom of your heart.
Touch screen not as sensitive or accurate as the iPhone.
Syncing of data and multimedia not very excellent other than basic Google services.
Can’t do data and voice at the same time. Thats a Verizon issue though. Verizon also charges a fortune if you cancel your narrow early so you better be really sure you want this phone.
Rating: 1 / 5