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.
I still have a Motorola RAZR v3. I got it 3 years ago, the bezel on the front screen cracked and fell off recently but I really want a smart phone so I'm waiting for either iPhone on VZW, Android on VZW, or Web OS on VZW. (im not leaving Verizon)
Motorola Droid
droid
I have the same issues as Chris with Sprint and getting an android phone. My contract ends next month and I was going to stay with them and get the Moment, but reviews have been average at best for it.
Upping to Verizon would cost me about $25/month more for everything (family plan) but the service, call quality, and getting the best Android out there (Droid) is enough to compel me to switch.
Hopefully you will too.
You might want to double check on that $25 to upgrade. I was looking into getting my family four android devices, so maybe I am extreme. However, for us it was $100 per month.
According to two different Verizon stores, the 'data plan' doesn't really work for smartphones. You still have a 30 (I think) data fee per each Android phone on top of the plan. My memory is not exact, but for me it worked out to something like this:
$119 (1400 minutes)
$20 (two extra lines) plus
$120 (smartphones times four)
Total $259
In fact, you will find that if you go to the web site and choose their unlimited (premium) plans it won't show you any of their smartphones because these won't work with the smartphones. Your only choice is to step down two levels to the 'select' plans and then to add the smartphone. Once you add it it will force you to select a monthly smartphone package of at least $30 in addition to the basic price plan.
Just so that I'm not confusing things, today the only smartphones are non-android -- Windows Mobile, for example. However, the only way to see the Windows Mobile phones online is through the steps above. I'm assured by the Verizon store that this will also be true for the Droid phones when they arrive.
Michael,
I was computing mine in direct correlation to the Sprint ERP (everything referral plus) plan that I'm on.
Sprint = 1500 minutes, everything data/text.. $109
Verizon = 1400 minutes, 2 lines, one phone non-pda data ($10), one phone PDA ($22.99)... $135
I get 20% through my work so data is $22.99 extra, not $30, and my 1400 minutes also gets 20% off (using "select" plan).
I have Sprint w/ 5 lines. We aren't huge talkers and w/ their new Anymobile plan it has worked out great. We all have a data phone of some sort and w/ the 10% discount I get through work it's $199 a month including tax.
$129.99 (1500 minutes)
$20 per line x 3 = $60
+ fees and tax - 10%
We have unlimited data and text. Most of us call other mobiles so the minutes have never really been an issue.
@htowngater
Good points, I see how your are only $25 more for Verizon. In my case, my corp discount is only 15% and I'm talking four pda phones so I'm a bit more.
One last point. In terms of voice minutes the two plans do perform quite different.
Sprint 1,600 minutes on the ERP (1,500 standard) + any mobile any time
Verizon 1,400 minutes plus 10 family and friends to be shared with both phones.
So, if you call a lot of landline, to a 10 numbers then Verizon is the winner hands down.
However, if you call more mobile nunbers the Sprint plan is the clear winner.
@Michael
Yea, my wife and I don't make a ton of calls, but we both currently have 500 minute plans individually. We'd both burn around 600 minutes combined, but I am worried that 700 minutes with no family share or free anytime mobile calling wouldn't be enough in all situations. I wish Sprint offered the 700 minutes with option to add F&F, but alas they do not.
We call mostly cell phones, but as I said 1400 minutes without calling circles is still plenty for both of us either way so any mobile vs F&F isn't really an issue.
Get the Motorola Droid from Verizon.. Best hardware/OS Android 2.0 +keyboard. Finally something that will smoke the iphone3gs.
If you have the option to go verizon, get the droid nov 5th. U'll be happy.
I'm in Canada.. Wish Rogers would give us the selection... But probably gunna have to wait a year...like always.
The upcoming LG Eve looks pretty interesting.
Droid...Definitely
This wouldn't be a hard decision for me. If you want Android and a physical keyboard, go big. Get the Droid. It's as simple as that. If you don't you're going to be wishing you did later. On the other hand, if you can do without the physical keyboard, keep the Hero or get the Droid Eris because Sense UI is beautiful and I'm hoping the Android 2.0 update will be even better.
+1
If you like the Pre, then go with that. You get free voice AND data roaming on Sprint's Everything Data and higher plans.
*cough* android *cough*
Get the droid. It's much quicker.
Me, I'd pick the Droid. But none of us can offer any real advice, because we don't know what this guy wants to *do* with his phone.
I guess my question would have to be, why did you switch to another Sprint device when the coverage was already spotty with your Pre?
More money than sense?
If I could switch carriers: Droid in an instant...
I just signed for two more years on Sprint (didn't get a new handset though, they just gave me a bonus for extending the contract). The Moment looks good, but will it get Eclair (OS 2.0)? Buying the brand new handset and being permanently stuck with 1.5 would kind of suck. I don't see why that handset got a poor review (I read the review and still don't see what's wrong aside from OS 1.5)...
Just wait and try the Moment, see how you like it, and we'll see too if they are going to allow us to put Android 2.0 on it
None! Get a iPhone dumb asses!
DROID.
Like, not even a legit question. That's the only answer. D. Freaking. ROID.
An iPhone with Sense UI on it somehow. Fuck yeah.
Not sure why I got the downvotes. The iPhone is the best-looking phone out there, and Sense UI is the best software out there, right?
@AceJay reading comprehension is key for surviving the internet.
But, iPhone!
I can sell you a shiny stone and draw sense UI on it with sharpies but it still wont have the all the functions of an android phone.
By Sense UI I was inferring that it was legit Android. Oh well.
Also, in my opinion the Hero (rectangle with chin) is the best-looking phone out there.
brb, adding chin to iPhone, making millions.
I'm going for the Droid. I think its a step up from my current phone (EnV2) and my company discount doesn't hurt. Whee!
My comparison chart:
http://bit.ly/JEwGt
i thought charts were supposed to be helpful, that thing just gives me a headache...
Wow, great chart, thanks!
wow dude you made that? did you get paid for that? cuz you should be
U left out 3 most important factors used in smartphone purchase decision making.
Desirability rate. Handset customer satisfaction rate. N last but not least wow factor.
We all know which handset possesses all 3.
You should add if the device has exchange email/calendar/contacts support or not to your chart
The one that comes out this time next year when my Nextel contract is up.
Droid. No question. If you don't like it you can always sell it for $400+ on Ebay and get something else.
It would be easier if you eliminate the options altogether. Don't waste your time, just get the iPhone.
I gave you a +1 because your comment was so original, clever, and edgy.
Try out the Moment when it releases, if you don't like it, keep waiting for the Verizon Android phones to release, and give them a try. Any local Best Buy will let you test them out before buying.
Also, ignore Engadget's terrible Moment review. They couldn't find anything they seriously disliked about it, yet would not recommend it which does not make any sense at all. The whole review reeked of being rushed to press, and not taken seriously. The Moment is far better then some reviewers are suggesting.
they are all the same basic phone until they change the hardware inside the shell. Get any HTC, as it seems you'll have the best shot at customizing the firmware and/or hacking firmware on it. Otherwise, wait for something that has more than 500 MHz Quallcom in it.
you do realize that the 550mhz processor in the droid is much faster than the 500 in the other android phones right? that they are different chips? that a big reason everyone is hyped about the droid is because of the upgraded processor? and that it's likely to be the fastest android phone on verizon for at least the next 6 months?
"likely to be the fastest android phone on verizon for at least the next 6 months"
Maybe 6 weeks. The snapdragon 1ghz stuff is right around the corner too.
except all the phones so far leaked that i've read about are for non verizon networks. even the sony phone. a quick google search turned up only the acer as a possiblity. and it's.. still an acer. and looks to lack a physical keyboard.
but the point still stands. the 550 in the droid is not the same as the other android phones on the market, as this guy is complaining about.
Chill out Brian. I made a mistake. For some reason, I was under the impression that it was the same chip as the others. I think the last video I saw of the Droid added to my misconception even further, as menus and notifications stuttered like usual. I just read that it is a Cortex A8 600MHz underclocked to 550. Good for them. Hopefully this will be the trend - better processors AND QWERTYs in Androids. Two things that I'd want before I will consider an Android device.
I hope Motorola doesn't fail, so I couldn't hope for this device to fail - but I really hate to root for something that will benefit Verizon. I wish Verizon would just die.
Hands down, i"m getting the Motorola Droid. This phone is the best phone out today, i've had the iphone 3gs and it was fast and good web browsing but there were just too many features that it didnt have, i would name them but i'm sure everyones familiar with them. From reading reviews and checking out the pics, this Droid will be the real deal, and when i do get it, i'll make sure of that, haha, well in the area that i live in. GOOD THINGS WILL COME, BUT THE BETTER THING IS DROID!!