The first Android-powered phone for Verizon Wireless, the 3G-enabled Motorola DROID smartphone offers a full package of powerful mobile connectivity–from easy 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 display 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, fast 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 popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The DROID also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange 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 include 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. Boasting 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 multiple applications at once : Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
• Perform Google Search at the speed of sound : 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 image 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 always have it on hand.
• Multi-task like a master : Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail and Exchange email pushed directly to you, but don’t let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.

Other features include 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 image).

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 Street 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 : Multiple accounts support and undo for common 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 history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
• Android Market : Browse and download applications created 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, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.

Key Features and Specifications

• Fast 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 multiple scene modes, white balance settings, image quality choices, macro setting, multiple 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 compatible 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 create and manage playlists on the phone.
• YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
• Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone (Android Webkit HTML5-based browser).
• Standard voice mail and compatibility with Verizon Visual Voice Mail (subscription required), which enables you to delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.
• Email : Corporate (Exchange 2003 and 2007), Gmail, IMAP, POP3, Attachment and browser document viewer (Microsoft Office and pdf)
• USB 2.0 connectivity
• 3.5mm Headset Jack
• Bilingual Interface : English/Español
• Cortex A8 processor with dedicated HW Acceleration
• Memory : ROM : 512MB; RAM : 256MB
• TTY compatible
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3

Vital Statistics
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.

5 Responses to “Motorola DROID A855 Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)”

1. Dwight M. Stevens says:

   July 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I love Google and all their organization skills. I disliked my Blackberry and went to Droid.

   CON:

   -OUTLOOK DOES NOT WORK! There are several workarounds that take awhile to setup and they still don’t work well. Also, there’s no way to use your outlook tasks. Verizon lied to me and said outlook syncs with Droid. Thats not true.

   -The keyboard sucks

   -A bit bulky

   -Not the same ability to create ring profiles as Blackberry

   Summary:

   If it weren’t for the lack of outlook syncing, I’d have kept my Droid, but I NEED my calendar/contacts/tasks and only LIKE all the toys Droid has. In short, I went back to a crappier blackberry that could do what I actually need and otherwise sucked.
2. Snyderlover Smith says:

   June 25, 2010 at 12:00 am

   Upgraded to Verizon & the Droid from T-Mobile & the Wing (thus the gushing over the Droid).

   After a lot of research and hands-on playing, my wife and I purchased two Droids. We considered iPhones, but didn’t want to be locked into ATT or iTunes. The Droid was easiest to use, had a better on-screen keyboard (plus the physical keyboard), and was far more customizable than the other phones we looked at (including the iPhone).

   The droid is a fast, easy to use, beast with absoutely fantastic apps. Makes sharp calls on a great network.
3. Dan Eppinger says:

   June 9, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I shall not bore you with a rehashing of what others have said. Although the phone has a long learning curve (it took me two months to really master it with speed), I only found one major, and easily curable flaw. It is virtually impossible not to accidently change the volume settings when handling the phone. The control has been placed in a horrible position. Now this problem is easily solved. There is an application on Market called “Volume Lock.” It is nothing fancy. It simply locks all the volumes to your preferences. Then, when you pull out your phone and accidently change the volume settings, the app immediately changes them back. Now the phone is really great!

   Dan
4. Matthew Nikkel says:

   May 25, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I got my Droid back in December, when I ditched my iPhone out of frustration with AT&T and switched to Verizon. Since then, I’ve had lots of ups and downs with the phone. Let me start with the downs.

   From a hardware perspective, there are a handful of flaws with the Droid. First is the battery cover on the back of the phone. Simply put, it’s too loose, and easily slides off when you don’t want it to. I’ve addressed this on my phone simply by putting a piece of tape over it. Still, it’s something that’s apparent almost from the moment you get the phone and Motorola should have noticed.

   Second, perhaps it’s simply my phone, but I’ve had numerous issues with the headphone jack. Bumping or shifting my headphones introduces a lot of static. At one point, it even rendered the phones ear piece useless without a restart of the phone, but the Andoid 2.1 update seems to have fixed that issue. Also, the phone behaves oddly when connected to a car stereo system. If I bump the line-out it automatically starts and stops the Android music player, something that’s especially frustrating if you’re listening to something else, such as Pandora.

   My last quibble with the hardware is the keyboard. I thought it would be nice to have a physical keyboard after using the on-screen one on the iPhone for so long, but the Droid’s keyboard is practically worthless. The keys are impossible to tell apart by feel, and if you have large hands, the top row is practically unreachable, due to their close proximity to the screen. Additionally, the slide out keyboard means extra moving parts, and after 6 months, my screen is starting to get wobbly.

   On the software side I’ve been happier. That 2.1 update fixed a lot of the issues that I did have. And while Android’s still not perfect, it’s getting closer. I still think the app store is lacking, especially when it comes to games and leisure apps, but it makes up for it with solid apps that make much more use of the hardware than iPhone apps do (eg setting power profiles depending on different states of the phone).

   The high res screen is nice for browsing, and it renders a lot of web pages at full resolution. However, I think it may be too much for the Droid’s processor, because the phone can be a bit slow, even after the Android 2.1 update.

   All in all, the Droid’s a solid smart-phone, and you could certainly do a lot worse. But it’s not without its share of problems. If you’re in the market for a smart phone on Verizon these days, I’d would recommend looking at something more upscale (such as the HTC Incredible).
5. BAB says:

   May 25, 2010 at 12:00 am

   This is the worst phone I have had.

   The voice quality is terrible- it’s hardly a phone. The other party cannot hear me.

   The camera is useless. It takes terrible pictures that are blurry. The focus function does not focus.

   Service to fix it including that from Verizon is bad. They offer to send a used reconditioned phone even though there are numerous reports of the same problems; I have a service contract; and these problems were present from purchase date. Besides what good is a replacement phone with the same problems ?

   I am sorry I got this phone —it’s horrible to use