10 things I loved, hated about the Motorola Droid

November 6th, 2009, 9:55 am · 24 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

I, for one, am very glad that there is more to mobile phones than the iPhone, which is a very nice phone. But if the world only wanted an iPhone, gadget geeks everywhere wouldn’t have much to look forward to. And today, we’re looking forward to the new Motorola Droid, on sale today from Verizon Wireless (There are 40 Verizon stores within 25 miles of Santa Ana. Here’s a store locator).

After a week with the Droid, I’m seriously digging its Google Android 2.0 operating system, which will pop up in more phones from Verizon Wireless and other carriers. While I wouldn’t call the Droid a game changer for the industry, it’s a game changer for Verizon Wireless because for the first time the company let outsiders help develop the phone. Even tinkerers who want to develop Android apps can influence the Verizon phone in a way that was prohibited before.

The phone itself is an improvement over the original Google phone, the G1 (my current phone), with a sleeker shape and better internal technology. A 3.7-inch screen makes it the largest smartphone screen out there. The slide-out keyboard is a bonus. But, as with any gadget, I have an opinion. There are features I love, like and hate. Let me start with what I don’t like.

5 things I don’t like about the Droid:

1. Screen sensitivity: Nice big screen, but not as responsive and smooth as the iPhone. Not sure if it’s a glitch, but sometimes shortcuts I placed on the main screen did nothing when pressed. Other times, one touch popped up the application. Also, when scrolling on the Web, it can be jerky as images load. Reminds me of pre-broadband everywhere days.

2. Battery life: Like everyone, I want a GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth-enabled smartphone with a battery that lasts for a week. Turn all those wireless tools on, and the Droid’s battery is dead after a few hours. Motorola didn’t make any advances in this department. The big positive though: It charges up fast! Plugged into the wall, the battery was fully charged in under an hour. One other big plus over the iPhone: You can replace the battery.

3. The camera: The 5-megapixel camera is probably better than your camera phone but it’s on the slow side for me — for a camera. It won’t replace my Canon point-and-shoot camera. Yes, I have high expectations for a camera in a phone but only because the companies continue to improve the optics (this one has flash, scene modes and white balance, autofocus and image stabilization). They lead me to believe that one day, I will get a phone with a camera decent enough to haul to gadget shows to get pretty pictures for my readers. Yes, I know. It’s like comparing home broadband speeds to wireless mobile Internet. There’s no comparison. UPDATE, 11/10: Reader Jason Spielfogel, who has a background in imaging and happens to be a product manager at Sanyo, offers his take on why a camera phone just can’t be compared to a digital camera.

4. Web zoom: Because the screen is so large, the Internet browser opens a Web page at full width. Touch the screen twice to zoom in. Touch it twice again to zoom out. This I like. What was annoying was zooming in, selecting a link within the same site, and pulling up a page that zoomed out, thus defaulting to full width. I wish it would remember that I was zoomed in, at least if I’m on the same site.

5. No Bluetooth file transfer: One of the great things about Google phones is you don’t have to sync contacts, calendar or e-mail. This is done automatically when you first sign into the phone with your Google account. However, all the photos or other files you create on the phone don’t automatically transfer to a PC via the Web or vice versa. Or via Bluetooth, as I found out. Verizon and other mobile providers are notorious for blocking Bluetooth file transfer. In this case, Verizon says it’s Android’s fault. Android doesn’t support Bluetooth tethering for transferring files. Bluetooth is only good for headsets, stereo headphones and phonebook access. One other auto-syncing disappointment: Droid didn’t pull over any of my apps from my G1.

5 things I love about the Droid

1. Speakerphone & voice quality: You’d think this feature would be a given. But my current phone is just OK, verging on poor some days. The Droid kicks the G1’s butt when it comes to hands-free chatting over a speaker. First, the Droid’s speakerphone is far superior. With the phone in speaker mode and sitting on my lap while I drove, no one on the other end noticed that I wasn’t holding the phone to my mouth. When connected to my car’s Bluetooth speaker (an expensive after-market addition from the dealer that is terrible), there was some static but I could hear people clearer than on my own phone. Motorola really toned down background noise — an excellent feature for all of us hands-free drivers.

2. Google Navigation: The audible street-by-street directions can replace your in-car GPS but Google Navigation is definitely not ready for prime time. It’s the potential that I love. Verizon does offer a window mount for the Droid so it even looks like a portable car GPS. While the navigation did get me to the street I wanted to go to, it left me hanging by not saying what side of the street was my final destination. More stuff that needs work: Sending a Google Map from PC to phone, which is available for certain cars and some portable GPS brands; ability to add traffic alerts so you can avoid bad roads; more warning when an exit is nearby (seemed to tell me only when it was a quarter-mile away. And wouldn’t it be cool if Google navigation synced with your Google calendar so when heading to a meeting, navigation to the meeting immediately shows up on screen?

3. Multiple apps: Droid’s got a big one over the iPhone here. I can’t imagine living without access to multiple apps at the same time. Android allows you to switch between six at the same time.

4. Multiple sources for contacts. I loved the Palm Pre’s mashup of various social networks to create the ultimate address book, which Android didn’t offer previously. With Android 2.0, the phone pulls phone numbers from your Gmail contacts, Facebook friends and your corporate Exchange account. No updating or syncing necessary.

5. Voice search. Hands down, this is my favorite feature. I am trying to figure out how to get out of my two-year contract with T-Mobile because of this feature. Hit the “Voice Search” and just say exactly what you want. Navigate to a restaurant? Map of a store? Look up a phone number? This is like having your own personal concierge. (Added 11:56 p.m.: The G1 has Voice search too but it isn’t as robust.) On the down side, Droid doesn’t always understand your command. You have to say it clearly into the phone. However, I would guestimate that it was correct four out of five times, which was totally unexpected based on my experience with any sort of voice-activated technology. Google has a good video example of how this works.

More on Droid

On sale: Nov. 6, 2009
Price: $199.99 with 2-year contract
Screen: 3.7-inch
Processor: Cortex A8
Storage: 16 GB installed, slot for up to 32 GB card
Wireless: 3G, Wi-Fi, EV-DO Rev.A

More info:
Verizon’s Droid page
Motorola’s Droid page

More on Droid
On sale: Nov. 6, 2009 Price: $199.99 with 2-year contract Screen: 3.7-inch Processor: Cortex A8 Storage: 16 GB installed, slot for up to 32 GB card Wireless: 3G, Wi-Fi, EV-DO Rev.A More info: Verizon’s Droid page Motorola’s Droid page

There are other features of the phone that I don’t feel too strongly about. As mentioned, it has the largest smartphone screen out there, at 3.7 inches. But the size wasn’t noticeably different from my G1’s 3.2-inch screen (maybe because I wear glasses, so everything looks small compared to my 24-inch monitor).

The Android apps market has grown to 12,000 paid and free apps. While that pales in comparison to Apple’s iPhone apps, which is now over 100,000, 12,000 is still a lot of apps and there are new ones out every day. So, Androids apps — or small supply of them — isn’t a negative for me. At least there are 12,000 Android apps!

My conclusion: I love Android 2.0 more than I love the Droid. Yes, it’s a nice phone, but what I love is what its software can do. More Android 2.0 phones are surely on their way. However, the big benefit to Droid? It uses Verizon Wireless’ network, the company I hear the fewest complaints about. As for the iPhone vs. Droid debate? You can’t compare them. One is with AT&T, the other is Verizon. It’s not like we have a choice anyway between an iPhone and Droid. That’s the real issue.

Earlier on Droid:

Recent Gadgetress headlines:

Miss a day of Gadgetress? Miss out. Check daily for news you can use. Want this delivered to your inbox? Click HERE. Have you seen ... the Fast Gadgetress?

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Major categories

Nancy says:

November 6, 2009 at 10:28 am

You didn’t say anything about the flat/cramped/no feel keyboard.

Post Reply

Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress says:

November 6, 2009 at 10:40 am

Heh.. a keyboard is really personal to the user. You definitely have to get used to it. And for some people, a real keyboard is so much better than a virtual one. For me, the keyboard is just as cramped as my G1 so it didn’t make my 10-things list. I didn’t love it or hate it.

Post Reply

Les says:

November 6, 2009 at 10:30 am

this phone looks so 1999

Dean says:

November 6, 2009 at 10:39 am

I have the MyTouch with T-Mobile and it has voice enabled search. Not sure if that was just a lacking feature on the G1. I am looking forward to seeing Eclair (Android 2.0) on the MyTouch.

So far, I’m a happy Android user. Glad I made the jump from AT&T to T-Mobile and went the Android route. It was that or an iPhone. No regrets here.

Mike says:

November 6, 2009 at 11:13 am

It looks great but Verizon has been known to do some very shady things (They disabled the GPS unit on the Touch Pro unless you shelled out for their VZ Navigator). Would be nicer if the GSM version was released in the States on a US 3G band.

EUGENE W. FIELDS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER says:

November 6, 2009 at 11:31 am

Btw -
The G1 does have an app for Google Voice Search..

Would like a GPS and a flash, but I’m pretty happy with the G1

Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress says:

November 6, 2009 at 11:55 am

Thanks Eugene — My G1 Voice Search seems to only go to Web search and contacts first. No maps, apps and obviously navigation…

Post Reply

Andi says:

November 6, 2009 at 11:33 am

I enjoyed your review. I can’t wait to get this phone.

StrangeThought says:

November 6, 2009 at 11:38 am

I’ll only comment on the design, I truly do NOT get how they could make such a bad looking phone (both hardware and software design), it’s crazy to me.

There are so many industrial designers and graphic designers out there they could have employed to make the look and feel of the the device (inside and out) THE smack down to iPhone or any phone for that matter. Why can’t software/hardware be beautiful?

I think I’ll be writing Google to tell them about their lack of visual style on the phone and their site. I love Google and I’d love for them to surpass Apple!

Les “this phone looks so 1999″! << I couldn’t agree with you more!

All in all I’m not impressed….

happyHBmom says:

November 6, 2009 at 12:02 pm

I won’t be getting a droid because Verizon very short sightedly did not make it available with a family plan.

Lisa says:

November 7, 2009 at 12:28 pm

I have the Droid, I’m on a family plan. You just have to add the data plan to that line.

Post Reply
roger says:

November 17, 2009 at 9:39 am

Yep me too. They also have bundled email and web family plans

Post Reply

goga says:

November 6, 2009 at 12:37 pm

thats a must get, just looking for a way to get out of the stupid 2years contract with att

Pat B says:

November 6, 2009 at 10:45 pm

I haven’t seen one in person but by the pics it reminds me of an old Texas Instruments calculator…not pretty

jackson says:

November 7, 2009 at 7:47 am

Droid does support bluetooth file transfer using Opp profile. Please select an image or video from gallery and press share button to see what happens. Also. You can send files to droid if bluetooth discoverable. The bad things you mentioned about is pre2.0 release Limitation, and pls correct that for droid. It’s andorid 2.0 with more profiles.

Andy says:

November 7, 2009 at 8:39 am

At least partially incorrect — article states that Bluetooth is limited to headsets and phonebook. I was easily able to print pictures on my photo printer via Bluetooth and was able to pair with my laptop. If I can push a jpg to a printer using OBEX/OPP, I can push a file.

It seems that the current crop of BT file transfer apps aren’t Droid-ready, but that’ll change soon.

larry says:

November 7, 2009 at 11:21 am

in response to happyHBmom’s comment, I am having no trouble adding a droid on my family plan. Maybe you have an outdated family plan? Most phones released in the last two years or so require you to update to a nationwide family share plan if you’re still on one of the older plans.

Rob says:

November 7, 2009 at 2:42 pm

It also is not set up for GSM so you can only use it in North America. Not so great for anyone who travels and uses their phone overseas. After 18 years with Verizon it may be time to jump ship to AT&T and the iPhone.

Joseph says:

November 10, 2009 at 7:10 am

I don’t think you have been with “Verizon” for 18 years. “Verizon” was formed out of a merger in 1999.

Post Reply

jim s says:

November 8, 2009 at 9:48 pm

major problems with new web site. hope it settles in a while. for now it sux

Maria S. says:

November 10, 2009 at 2:57 pm

Tried it the other day at Verizon Retail store. Not impressed. Keypad feels cramped, the touchscreen feels sluggish. It’s OK on some tasks, but not very responsive in other ways. The 5megapix camera looks nice, but I don’t need it since I have a professional 12-mexgapixel Canon digital SLR. Still tempted to go with iPhone this Christmas, around the time my existing contract expires.

Jason Spielfogel says:

November 10, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Thank you for the great review of the Motorola Droid. It’s on my Christmas list. A few of my friends have them already and their reviews vary. For those who haven’t tried an iPhone they think the Droid is the best thing since sliced bread. For those who have tried the iPhone they say that the Droid still has its challenges but in the end they believe it will win out over the iPhone.

But that is not why I’m writing.

I want to address the camera portion of your review because I think you have an expectation that matches many other consumers which may be unrealistic.

First, as you know, something that is purpose built to do one thing will usually do it better than something built to do multiple things and digital still cameras (DSC) are no exception.

But above and beyond design, there are some laws of physics we should become familiar with as they relate to optics.

- First of all: Imager Size - Low light sensitivity of any imager is governed pretty much by one thing only — the size of the pixels. The bigger the pixel, the better its low light sensitivity. It’s just like a telescope, the larger the lens, the deeper out into space it can see. This is why the telescope at the Griffith Observatory can see things your little 10″ Schmidt-Cassgrain purchased at Walmart can’t. Imagers that are in DSCs tend to be 1/2.5″ or at the smallest 1/3″. Compare that to the imager on your Droid or any other phone which tends to be 1/4″ or even 1/6″ format. So right off the bat they aren’t as light sensitive as your DSC. And, as we add more and more pixels to those imagers, the pixel size gets smaller still. A 5 megapixel imager will have pixels half the size of older 2.1 megapixel imagers. All of this translates into worse low-light sensitivity.

- Iris - For a purpose built camera, you can focus the lens and adjust the iris as you need to. For camera phones, the iris and lens are locked down. The reason for this is rooted in a concept known as the Circle of Confusion, You can Wikipedia that later if you want to understand the physics, but the elevator speech about CoC is that the smaller the iris, the larger the depth of field. Depth of field is the near-to-far range of objects remaining in focus. Since with a phone camera there’s no lens to adjust, the Depth of Field must be as large as possible, and the only way to achieve this practically is to close the iris down as much as possible. That translates into a HUGE restriction of light hitting an already small-pixel’d imager.
The long and short of all of this is that for the forseeable future, phone cameras will never provide the same performance as a purpose-built DSC. Sure, the technology will get better and shrink the gap, but as I think I’ve explained, there are some immutable laws of physics when it comes to optics that will always make DSCs perform better than camera phones.

Hope this helps.

-Jason Spielfogel

roger says:

November 17, 2009 at 9:36 am

Might check out swiFTPftp server for file syncing. Transfers are just as fasat as physically connecting through usb.

chopperdan666 says:

November 22, 2009 at 10:46 am

All I can say is the Droid ROCKS. No issues and I have not been able to put it down.


* Guide to TV services * Story archive	Click for more: Time Warner Cable Cox Cable *DirecTV	Verizon FiOS AT&T U-verse *DISH Network
Guide to Mobile services Story archive	Digital TV transition Story archive	* PC Club * Q&A archive
iPhone 3GS iGirl, Apple	CES 2009 *Story archive	Blizzard Blog Ezra Chatterton

Orange County Register