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Verizon smartphone comparison; Is the HTC DROID Incredible the best?

Summary: There are getting to be lots of high end smartphone options on Verizon and in this post we take a quick look at the Palm Pre Plus, HTC DROID Incredible, Motorla Devour, and Motorola DROID. The upcoming HTC DROID Incredible stands out from the pack and is an excellent choice.

Matthew Miller

By for Smartphones and Cell Phones |

I still have a couple more weeks with the HTC DROID Incredible and am getting a ton of questions from YouTube viewers and readers of this blog. With this device launching on Verizon late next week, I thought it would be a good time to talk about the high end smartphones on Verizon Wireless since many are trying to figure out which one to buy and have been sending me requests for my thoughts. I'll present the specs, along with my personal thoughts on each device based on my experiences with them that will hopefully help you with your own personal decision. Let's take a look at the Palm Pre Plus, HTC DROID Incredible, Motorola Devour, and Motorola DROID. I am not including BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices since I have used neither on Verizon Wireless and cannot give you my thoughts or experiences.

Specifications

Let's take a look at the numbers before we see how they perform and how each distinguishes itself.

Palm Pre Plus

  • Qualcomm 600 MHz processor
  • Palm webOS 1.4
  • 3.1 inch HVGA touchscreen display
  • Slide-down QWERTY keyboard
  • 16GB integrated memory
  • 3 megapixel camera
  • FREE WiFi Mobile Hotspot feature
  • Talk time: 330 minutes
  • Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.3 x 0.67 inches and 4.89 ounces
  • $49.99 with 2 year contract

HTC DROID Incredible I have had YouTube viewers challenge me on the name of this device and even though the retail box does not show the DROID part of the name anywhere, this is officially the HTC DROID Incredible. I am not sure why Verizon uses the DROID series name with some Android devices and not others, but I am just reporting the facts when it comes to the name.

  • 1 GHz Snapdragon processor
  • Google Android 2.1 with HTC Sense 2.5
  • 3.7 inch WVGA OLED touchscreen display
  • Virtual keyboard
  • 8GB internal memory and microSD card slot
  • 8 megapixel camera
  • Talk time: 312 minutes
  • Dimensions: 4.63 x 2.3 x 0.47 inches and 4.59 ounces
  • $199.99 with 2 year contract

Motorola Devour

  • Qualcomm 600 MHz processor
  • Google Android 1.6 with MOTOBLUR social networking interface
  • 3.1 inch HVGA touchscreen display
  • Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
  • microSD card slot
  • 3 megapixel camera
  • Talk time: 340 minutes
  • Dimensions: 4.55 x 2.40 x 0.61 inches and 6.35 ounces
  • $149.99 with 2 year contract

Motorola DROID

  • ARM Cortex A8 550 MHz processor
  • Google Android 2.1
  • 3.7 inch touchscreen display
  • Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
  • microSD card slot
  • 5 megapixel camera
  • Talk time: 385 minutes
  • Dimensions: 4.56 x 2.36 x 0.54 inches and 5.96 ounces
  • $199.99 with 2 year contract

Thoughts and experiences with the devices

Palm Pre Plus I have written a few articles about using the Palm Pre Plus, including this post that talked about why I purchased my own device on Verizon Wireless. There has been a lot of speculation about Palm surviving as a company and I am not sure what is going to happen in the future. That said, I think their webOS may be one of the best mobile operating system out there and I have no problem committing myself to the Palm Pre Plus and webOS. You will find the BEST multi-tasking experience on the Pre Plus, along with excellent service integration (Facebook, Google, Exchange, etc.), awesome gaming experience, and one of the most stable operating systems I have ever used. There are over 2000 apps in their Palm App Catalog and more are released every day and I have to admit there are only a couple of things missing that I would like to see, including Office document support and voice recording.

The hardware feels great in your hand and is quite compact. However, the keyboard has issues and with this second device I have I get double and missing letters all the time and will probably be exchanging it soon since it is starting to drive me crazy. Palm's hardware is subpar compared to what we see from other manufacturers and it really is a shame that their awesome OS doesn't have fantastic hardware to run on.

The FREE WiFi Mobile Hotspot service that just over a month ago cost $40/month is a HUGE factor in my decision to stick with the Palm Pre Plus rather than switch to the HTC DROID Incredible. I enjoy connecting to the Palm Pre Plus with my iPad, Zune HD, and other devices for a connection wherever I need one on the go. The Palm Pre Plus is also dirt cheap to purchase at just $50 so it is a very compelling option. I also started using Palm devices in 1997 so I have a special place in my heart for the company that may sway my opinion a bit.

HTC DROID Incredible HTC is the premier Google Android maker and they do not disappoint with this newest member of the family. I posted my first look of the DROID Incredible yesterday and have to say if I did not have the Palm Pre Plus I would be all over this device. I own a Google Nexus One that runs on T-Mobile and was looking forward to seeing it come to Verizon, which it is still planned to do sometime. Physically, the Nexus One is a bit more solid, but the DROID Incredible has some improved specifications that include the 8 megapixel camera, 8GB integrated memory, and optical joystick. The DROID Incredible feels great in your hand with a slightly narrower body and less weight. The OLED display looks great, except in sunlight. The camera takes good photos and records video quite well.

The DROID Incredible states "with Google" on the back, but also has the latest HTC Sense 2.5 UI. I ended up hacking my Google Nexus One to run Sense after using the Incredible because I find the experience to be that good. You get 7 home screen panels, a new webOS-like Leap card view, multiple Scenes, integrated Exchange support, HTC widget support, and an awesome visual experience with Sense on the Incredible.

I was very pleased to see that Verizon Wireless also left the Incredible pristine without any bloatware like AT&T loads up on their devices so you really feel like you are getting a quality device that you can customize to your personal preferences. NFL Mobile is new and supported on the Incredible with Skype Mobile coming soon too (may be available on the 29 April launch date).

Verizon Wireless also provides official support for Mobile Broadband connectivity on the Incredible, via a wired connection, but I have not yet heard what charges may apply to use this.

Motorola Devour Prior to the DROID Incredible, the latest Google Android device from Verizon was the Motorla Devour. Andrew took a look at this device and posted his review that was complimentary of the device. I held it and played with one for a few minutes at the store, but did not spend an extensive amount of time with it. It runs an older version of Android and has the custom MOTOBLUR user interface that is very focused on social networks. The hardware is pretty solid and IMHO they keyboard is much better than the Motorla DROID.

Motorola DROID The DROID set the bar for Google Android devices on Verizon Wireless and was recently updated to the latest Google Android 2.1 version of the operating system. It is a very nice device with a beautiful display, but the keyboard is not that great and I actually think the outstanding HTC virtual keyboard on the DROID Incredible is even better than this physical one.

The Motorola DROID is still a good option, but with it at the same price as the DROID Incredible I think the better processor, internal memory, and camera specs of the Incredible win for most people.

Final thoughts

As you can see there are some great options for the smartphone buyer on Verizon Wireless and I honestly doubt we will see any iPhone launched with them until at least 2011 so holding out hope for an iPhone on Verizon may be a lost cause. If you are looking for the best smartphone and have no need to tether wireless then the DROID Incredible is probably your best choice. I do find webOS to be a more compelling OS, but the hardware is not superb and there is some uncertainty with Palm at this time.

Topics: Smartphones, Android, Google, Hardware, HTC, Mobile OS, Mobility, Verizon

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Talkback

15 comments
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  • OK, but Can You Hear Me Now?

    I love my Droid for all of the cool computer like features ... Android is impressive, and I don't feel great envy for the slightly better processor, memory or screen upgrades offered by HTC or others.

    What I despise about the Droid if the voice quality. Even with the Codec hack, (EVCR-B) I find myself asking "Can you hear me now?", not intending to mock the ads.

    Please include voice quality in any review of a smartphone. Making calls is still any phone's first job.
    cchx111
    Reply Vote

    • Excellent call quality

      I have had my Motorola Droid for going on 2
      months now. The call quality is great. I use it
      for conference calls & as a speaker phone
      frequently. I rack up over 2000 mins per month
      on it for calls. Never had any issues on either
      end.

      I would like to get the Incredible, but I am
      going to wait for the next gen of phones next
      year. The incredible will seem old school next
      summer. I am waiting for 4G on Verizon too.
      tgschmidt
      Reply Vote

    • network strength

      Is this not mainly down to network strength, and part of the reason why most reviewers keep this section pretty simple when they do their review?

      I have read a couple of reviews and most reviewers do mention how they found calls, and how the person on the other side found the call. I must say that I can't remember a review of the current crop of Android phones where this was slated, so am pretty sure that the Droid had no issues on this.

      Have you rooted your phone by any chance, as I do know that some people have experienced issues when rooting their phone, as this is an area that some mods change to suite their preference?
      jaamgans
      Reply Vote

  • A couple of questions about WebOS since you seem to not be biased...

    What in your opinion gives it the best multi-tasking and
    gaming experience? I have my own opinion about the two
    when it comes to multi-tasking but I'm really lost on the
    gaming experience thing which I seen mentioned in a
    couple of places now.
    storm14k
    Reply Vote

    • Tom Clancy's HAWX

      Try Tom Clancy's HAWX and you'll see what he's talking about. I have students who have seen the game on my Pre and they swear it looks just like the version on the XBOX 360. It runs very smoothly and is very responsive (using accelerometer to fly your plane) with beautiful 3D graphics. Any of Gameloft's or EA's games on the Pre will give you a good idea of how it is for gaming. Need for Speed looks great too (but I don't have that one yet, I opted for NFL 2010 which plays great, but doesn't show off the 3D hardware as well as some others).
      islesfan
      Reply Vote

  • Looking forward to the rumored LG VS740 "Aloha"

    I'm looking forward to the rumored LG VS740 "Aloha". It is supposed to have specs similar to that of the Incredible, but also have a hardware keyboard. If it all pans out to be true, and gets good reviews, that may be my next phone.

    If I had to choose right now, it would be a tough decision - I like the specs and what I've heard about the Incredible, but I really want something with a hardware keyboard. Though it sounds like the Devour has a nice keyboard, I have no interest in MotoBlur and I'd rather have the most recent Android OS version. It'd be a tough choice between the Moto Droid and the Incredible.
    NetAdmin1178
    Reply Vote

    • Don't be fooled...

      The Devour is still in that first gen category.
      You'll probably be disappointed by performance.
      Some how even though the hardware specs don't
      appear to be there the Droid seems to perform
      acceptably from what I understand. If you want
      the real next gen peformance and a hardware
      keyboard the Aloha is probably worth hanging
      around for.

      However with the increase in screen sizes I
      think I'm finally ready to ditch the hard
      keyboard. I was actually able to type much
      faster on the Droid onscreen keyboard than I was
      on the hard one. I would never have believed
      that until I tried it. I also hear Swype is
      really good but again its something I can't
      believe until I try it.
      storm14k
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon smartphone comparison; Is the HTC DROID Incredible the best?

    Yes the droid Incredible has the right name but after looking at it there is some questions on a few items that make me still want the nexus 1. the charge port is on the bottom for the Nexus 1. and the bottom of the phone is not cluttered with useless space. The phones should have near identical speeds and who needs 8mp over 5mp. will it really make a difference? I want the Nexus 1 because I am anal about the charge port and the look of the phone.
    jcorbett35@...
    Reply Vote

  • Palm Pre Plus and Devour use the same Processor?

    Matthew
    Based on your chart, it seems that both devices have the
    same processor? Which one is zippier? The Devour has less
    RAM right?
    Thanks
    ecobranon
    Reply Vote

  • Tethering for Incredible?

    PDANet supports bluetooth DUN (apparently not PAN) tether for Android. Also others, like beta program from Tether. Others too if you google "tether android." No, I haven't tried these on Android, don't yet have Android phone. May be getting Incredible though :). I have successfully used PDANet on WindowsMobile.

    http://www.junefabrics.com/android/index.php
    http://www.androidguys.com/2010/03/10/beta-test-tether-android/
    kevinsneel
    Reply Vote

    • PDA Net purports to work on any Android phone

      The only one I can vouch for is my Motorola Droid but I know it works there and is very easy.
      cornpie
      Reply Vote

  • Comment on "Internal Memory" + other "Advantages"

    Matthew,

    I think a little correction is in order. When talking about why you think the Droid Incredible is better than the Motorola Droid, you cite "Internal Memory" as an advantage for the Incredible. But based on your own post yesterday, the 8 GB in the Incredible is not really the same as RAM - its flash and only usable in the same ways that a micro SD card would be. The Motorola Droid on the other hand comes with a 16 GB micro SD so it actually has twice as much storage (as opposed to RAM) as the Incredible.

    Granted, the incredible could be upgraded since it still has an empty micro SD slot. Verizon claims you can fill that slot with a 16 GB card giving it 24 GB total. But, those 16 GB micro SD's start at $50 (much more if you go through Verizon) so that's really both a storage advantage and a cost advantage to Motorola as the phones come out of the box - at least for those that need that much storage.

    Also, is 8 megapixels Vs 5 really an advantage? I've found with digital photography in general that more megapixels is not necessarily "better". I have a feeling that with either phone, you are going to be saddled with a relatively crummy (compared to a real camera) lens such that the extra pixes don't' mean much. For me my phones picture taking prowess is just a convenience in case I don't happen to have my real camera with me.

    All that said, I think that these things all come down to personal preferences rather than one phone being better than the other.
    cornpie
    Reply Vote

    • I agree

      The camera on the HTC though better than other cell phones is still not a "real" camera. At best there is 2MP of real data behind that noise, from the full rez images I've seen come out of the INC camera. Most cell phones too are about one quarter actual of stated MP.

      WM Pro devices, BTW, can wifi tether pretty easily. Android, needing iptable changes, means root only AFAIK. Same being for Apps2SD.
      LarsDennert
      Reply Vote

      • Not so on needing root

        I'm using PDANET from the Android market and its working fine for me. No root'ing required.
        cornpie
        Reply Vote

  • Verizon Premium Phones

    I'm going to preface this comment by saying that I don't "root" for one wireless carrier over another. I just like good service at fair prices.

    That said, I have been pleased with Verizon over the years, and I'm glad to see that they have relinquished some control over the phones they allow on their network.

    The Droid Incredible will leapfrog the Motorola Droid and Nexus One as the best, most refined Android phone on the market. And Verizon can say that they solely offer said best phone.

    And while it does look like the Droid Incredible will retail for $200 at first, I'd check online at sites like http://BuyDroidPhones.com for exclusive online deals. When the Motorola Droid was first released, I was able to save $50 on the phone simply by shopping online (and yes, the shipping was free).
    estatemaster
    Reply Vote
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