Ask Engadget: Which Android phone should I get?
By Darren Murph 
posted Oct 29th 2009 9:02PM
posted Oct 29th 2009 9:02PM
Wow Chris, that's a pretty compelling story. Really engrossing. So much so, in fact, that we're sure you'll have no issue getting all sorts of helpful replies in comments below. Right, Android lovers? Right?"Listen, I am an obsessed gadget hound who needs some real help. I just switched to Sprint from Verizon about three months ago for the Pre. Mostly because they said that they weren't getting an Android anytime soon (ha!). Anyways, I like the Pre but Sprint in my area is spotty at best. I have been intrigued with Android and have had HTC in the past with some good success, so I went for the Hero about a week ago. Now, I miss my hardware keyboard and am thinking about switching to the Moment. After Chris's pithy review of the Moment it seems that may not be the correct choice either. So, I am still able to switch back to Verizon if I want and get the Droid when it arrives. Should I just trade up to the Moment when it comes out, see if I like it, and if not switch to the Droid? Or something else entirely? Help!"
Sholes
Yup, Droid or Dragon.
droid does...
It's a Google experience phone, so you can install arbitrary apps, but I have yet to see a yes/no on root access and I fear the worst.
The most open option, albeit not running Android, seems to be the n900. Maybe you're interested in Android for a different reason, but since you seem to be switching back and forth between Linux based phones... the n900 is my suggestion.
Don't agree on the sholes.
I'd say since money does not seem to be an issue here, Motorola has just given you a solution with its DROID.
Verizon, keyboard, great specs, android 2.0... you know navigation and better browser...
Let us know how you like it.
@ Captain Awesome
And by DRIOD you mean, the Sholes.
Captain Awesome: Sholes was the codename for the droid.
Captain Awesome just became Captain Clueless.
Sholes sounds so much better, I think I'll just keep calling it that...
I'm 98% sure I'm getting a Droid but Sony has that press release on the 3rd. If I get a Droid am I going to be jealous of Racheal in a month?
Don't go Android. I had an ADP 1 for 7 months and found android to be a rather terrible phone platform. There is so much GUI lag that you will be pulling your hair out and screaming after a couple months. Network connecting and refreshing SUCKS; sometimes after leaving a dead zone it would take 10+ minutes to get a signal again, and wifi cuts out and is slow as hell. Maybe around Android 4.0 or 5.0 it will be decent enough to use for a smart phone.
If you need something "open" (what advantage are you getting from Android source being open if you're using a locked down carrier phone??) go with the Nokia N900. Maemo is going to be awesome and it is true-blood linux not a frankenstein. Also, it's nice to have the mobile-OS experience of Nokia on your side.
@ shands: I would like to go with the Nokia also, but is it gsm? If so, that means at&t or tmo. *shaking head*
Pre
The Droid, hands down. If you like Android and value a physical keyboard, it's definitely the winner
Android 2.0 + Thinnest full qwerty slider = WIN (in case you needed a breakdown)
It's got legs.
the hd2, inb4 killed by htc (i still want)
I think you mean the Leo, as the HD2 is WinMo
Isn't the leo and HD2 the same thing?
@dobe2049:
Yes and no. In an article on Engadget yesterday(I think), someone from HTC stated that there will never be an HD2 with Android. Leo was the codename for the HD2 during development. So the hardware is the same, regardless of which name you use, but HD2 will only refer to the version with Windows Mobile on it.
HTC are good at churning out new devices to fulfil market needs.
If HTC say they aren't going to do a HD2 with Android, no doubt they've got plans for something else bigger better etc already.
There is a market for a snapdragon device with hardware keyboard, and I'm sure its one of those devices HTC would eventually announce over the coming months. I wouldn't like to see the price though. I'd hazard a guess at a £700 (~$1100) device.
I still love the MyTouch 3G..
id love my g1 still if T-Mobile had accurate 3G maps.
I wouldn't say I love the MT3G, but it works just fine for me. A2DP and my cheap Sony head unit keep me from missing a 3.5mm jack, and either the Donut keyboard is an improvemant over Cupcake's or my fat thumbs have just gotten used to typing on the little 3.2" screen. I wouldn't be happy about paying $199 on contract today, but all in all the T-Mo neutered Magic is a joy. It slips right into a pocket and runs all the newest apps. I've experienced zero issues, the battery last all day +, and lean clean home screens keep it lag free.
Oh yea, I'm also pretty happy with 300 anytime, 5 MyFaves, unlimited nights and weekends, seemless unlimited GV, unlimited data and 400 texts for a total of $81 a month including taxes and fees.
the amount you are paying sucks:
you can get the Even More Plus plan with Unlimited Talk + Text + Web for $79.99
Therapy
I'm tempted to ditch my vowelPhone for the Droid but I know there will be several awesome Android devices coming out shortly after the Droid as well (namely the SonyEricsson Xperia X10/X3/Rachel/Whatever). I'm wondering what to do as well.
I can't tell if you got upranked so much for your comment, or for your glorious avatar.
"...and don't look at me when I'm F-ing talking to YOU!!"
WINNER for deciding to stop being an iphonerd
I'll resist my urge to say 'iphone' and get downranked immediately...
I'd personally get the droid. I'm a sucker for keyboards.
Well, speak of the devil...
You say the iPhone yet recommend the Droid because you love keyboards, wha?
Go for the moment, ignoring Engadget's review.
Ziegler is a notorious iPhone fanboi.
i thought he's a Symbian fanboy
You'd me mad to pass on the Droid... hands down the best Android at the moment, you don't even need a full review to know that...
No SnapDragon Androids have offically been announced yet, so it will be the top dog for some time..
What about the Acer A1?
It makes me think of steak sauce for some reason....
I'm probably going to be getting a Droid as it is currently the best android phone on the market.
some personal advice, avoid Acer like the swine flu
At the..."moment"?
(Sorry.)
And that's why its better to wait for the upcoming SE X10/X3/Rachel or whatever to be announced, before then making the decision.
@GuniGuGu: Spot on!
If you're going to constantly (literally) be looking forward to the "next, great, perfect phone"...you'll never buy.
There's always something cooler, newer, faster, more-awesome-er (see? see the irony?) on the near horizon.
I waited for MONTHS for the HTC Lancaster (hyped AT&T-Native Android) which is *never* going to arrive...until finally driving up to Vancouver to get a Rogers HTC Magic which works fine on AT&T's network...and it's got more RAM than it's neutered American siblings. Don't expect *anything* more helpful than, "well, sir, you *could* buy an iPhone" if you need to call Customer Service, though.
Hold out for the HTC Dragon/Passion.
Xperia Rachael (X3, X10, Infinity, or whatever final products name might be). Cant wait! Nov 3 announcement
Sholes on GSM
Or SE Rachael, what comes first
i say wait for HTC's Android equivalent of the HD2. I can't remember the name (Dragon/Passion maybe?), but with a screen of that size you may rethink your ideas about onscreen keyboards.
I didn't have any interest in an android until I saw 2.0 - I'm not saying it is perfect but it is finally functional as a business OS for phones. The hardware to me is just as important as the OS so if my carrier only had an HD2 with android I'd probably get it (not that WM is perfect either but I'm playing with 6.5 build 23081 and it is much better than earlier 6.5 builds especially with the latest Touchflo which is also available for Android)
droid, without a doubt!
I'd say you have got to be frickin crazy to be switching phones so often. how much do you spend on phones, seriously? I love gadgets as much as the next guy, but at some point, you have got to say enough is enough and stick to a plan.
In the past two years I've had...
Palm Treo 600
Palm Treo 700p
HTC PPC-6700
HTC PPC-6800
Blackberry Curve
iPhone 3G
Palm Centro
Motorola Q9c
Palm Treo 755p
Palm Pre
HTC Hero
Yes.. that is in order. Some of these were for work to test most for personal testing. I'm sadly not that impressed by any phone but cost wise... eBay is a blessing.
I'm jealous of these people that switch every 6 months. I've had the Samsung SCH-A990 for 2 and a half years on Verizon, and it's definitely time to upgrade. I'm without a doubt getting the DROID in a week.
"I love gadgets as much as the next guy..."
Kyle, you don't. He is the next guy.