Motorola DROID A855 Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) | 
| Brand: Motorola
Category: Wireless
List Price: $499.99
Buy New: $49.99
as of 3/11/2010 17:14 CST details
You Save: $450.00 (90%)
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  134 reviews
Sales Rank: 18
Media: Wireless Phone
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
Model: A855
UPC: 723755811560
ASIN: B002UUTCKC
Release Date: October 14, 2008
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| | Android 2.0-powered smartphone with 3.7-inch touchscreen and slide-out full QWERTY keyboard | | | Access a wealth of Google mobile services including Google Maps with Navigation for voice prompted turn-by-turn directions, Gmail, Google Talk, Calendar and more | | | GPS-enabled for location services; Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g); 5-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD expansion (16 GB card included) | | | Up to 6.4 hours of talk time, up to 270 hours (11.25 days) of standby time | | | What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide, user manual |
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Amazon.com Product Description
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. What's in the Box
Motorola DROID handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide, user manual
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 134
 High hope. Very disappointing after a while. March 11, 2010
Phoebe Sam (NY, USA)
Pros:
1. it's Verizon. Signal's strong everywhere I travel to.
2. very good GPS with Google Map.
Cons:
1. WARNING: NOT GOOD FOR EMAILS! It's been a very frustrating experience so far. I get Force Close error messages for almost all my email accts on this phone. First, it's the IMAP acct, then POP, now even my exchange account stopped working. It almost impossible to use this phone for business if you travel a lot because you CAN'T GET EMAILS. And when it worked, it doesn't recognize meeting invite, it sometimes confuses PDF attachment as video and won't open it, and it doesn't save attachment... Compare to this, my old Blackberry about 100 times better with emails. Anther thing: it doesn't work with Mac's Entourage very well, every email I SEND from this phone looks like an empty email when sync to my Entourage.
2. compare to iPhone, the UI is not as user friendly.
3. speaker sound quality is not as good as it claimed.
4. pictures taken from the 5 mp camera doesn't look as good as the ones taken from iPhone.
Overall, it's very disappointing. It's not worth the high price (i got it at $199 from Verizon store). There are so many important features don't function properly, it should be released to public after more testing.
Sound quality is a deal breaker March 10, 2010
M. Weber
Here is the bottom line and the deal breaker; the sound quality is un-acceptable. You will be able to hear callers very clearly, but you will sound muffled and hard to understand. I suggest you go to a Verizon store, call your voice mail system and leave yourself a message, then listen to it, compare it with other Android phones. Have tried it with atleast 4 different Droid phones at 3 different stores, same result.
 Not perfect yet, but it's getting there March 10, 2010
J. Harley (Willow Grove, Pennsylvania United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Well, I've been playing with my new Droid for a little while now and here are my findings.
Email:
This was my biggest letdown on the Droid. The Droid works great with Gmail. However, if you plan to use any other mail service, (like Yahoo, Hotmail, or even POP accounts), get ready for some serious frustration. I encountered major issues. It's very telling that separate icons exist for Gmail and other mail accounts. The random problems with web mail (inability to configure accounts, missing sub-folders, mail sometimes not downloading, old mail re-appearing, constant false notifications for non-existent "new" mail...) are well-documented on the web, so I won't go into boring detail. However, the real surprise was when I confidently thought I'd bypass all these headaches with my POP-enabled "plus" mail account. I was able to configure and initially download mail. However, my sub-folders were missing and occasionally, mail would stop flowing. To make matters worse, I frequently got new message alerts and a new mail icon despite no new mail arriving. I did want to be notified of new mail but hated all the false alarms. My options were limited. I could either tolerate the false alarms, disable them, or delete the account. After the umpteenth false alert at 4am, I finally deleted the mail account from my device and settled for accessing all of my email over the web in the Doid's browser (Nothing like paying extra for POP access that you can't use.) On the plus side, if you use Gmail it will automatically sync all mail, contacts, tasks, etc from Gmail. It also integrates nicely with your Facebook contacts (if you choose), and will export pictures and other Facebook info to your contacts. I really wish the Droid worked as well with other accounts as it does with Gmail. Hopefully, this will be addressed in future OS updates.
Web Browsing:
The browser on the Droid is fast and renders nicely. Although there is no multi-touch capability yet, the feature just appeared in the latest revision of Google Maps, so I sense it's on the horizon. It's rumored to be part of the upcoming 2.1 Android update. The Droid also supports Flash.
Communication tools (Texting, Facebook, Mebo, etc):
Although I like the iPhone's slick Facebook app just a wee bit better, Facebook on the Droid is a very close second. There are plenty of good apps available for Twitter, Mebo, etc. Texting on Droid is great and conversations are presented in a chat style format. A picture of the user will also appear with the text message if you've setup pictures on your contacts. There is also a built in chat/IM client, but I prefer texting because it essentially looks and acts the same.
Phone/Carrier:
The bottom line of all these devices is the phone. The Droid does not disappoint. Coverage is great in my area and clarity of calls is nice and clear. Ringers are loud and the vibrate mode has a nice solid vibration to alert through clothing. Caller ID will show a caller's photo as well as number. 3G service is fast and readily available. I notice only a slight difference in speed when switching between wi-fi and 3G, mainly when using things like Google maps as maps to re-draw. I played some Youtube videos over 3G and wi-fi and didn't experience any stuttering or delays in either mode.
Operating System/Apps:
The Android OS is a powerful operating system. It is capable of multitasking, which was one of my major gripes with the iPhone. I hate being forced to quit what I'm doing if I want to do anything else. It also does a good job at memory management and, contrary to popular belief, does not require task killers or app management software. Most of the time, poorly written apps are to blame for any problems (like apps that hijack the GPS at the wrong time and prevent location services from properly functioning), rather than Android's memory management. The Droid market is full of nice paid and free apps. Although it may not currently have "100,000" available apps, there are thousands of entertaining and useful apps, including some, (like game emulators), that can't be found on other more restrictive platforms like the iTunes store. The freedom of the Droid market gives you a much better selection of apps without the need to "jailbreak" (or as they call it in the Android world, "root") your phone and risk voiding your warranty. App purchases are handled through Google checkout. There is no option yet for direct billing to your phone bill.
Camera:
The 5-megapixel camera is okay. It's a bit (audibly) noisy, laggy, and shows noticeable noise in all but the best of lighting. It has a built-in flash. The camera will get the job done in a pinch but don't expect it to be a replacement for a regular digicam, even at 5MP. I'd rather have smaller razor-sharp photos at 3.2MP than large fuzzy photos at 5MP. Video is not bad. But once again, remember, it's a phone. It's not going to compete with a flip or dedicated video pocket camera. There aren't any built-in photo editing tools to speak of. The media gallery is okay, but I don't like the fact that it lumps all photos into the same folder. You can separate media into individual folders, but there is one central folder that stores all photos as well. File management apps seem to be the workaround if you want to keep some things private or not readily viewable on the phone.
Navigation:
This is one of the best features. The Droid uses Google Maps, which includes turn by turn GPS navigation. A side-by-side test with a Garmin proved the Droid to be just as reliable. The best part is that Google Maps is constantly updated, so no need to purchase map updates. There are a few nice car mounts out there that will automatically place the Droid in navigation mode when it is inserted (just take care not to purchase a phone case with magnets because this feature is activated by magnets. If you place your Droid near magnets, it will stay in GPS mode, never sleeping and thus draining the battery). The Droid also has Google Latitude which will show you the location of friends with GPS enabled phones that have Latitude enabled. With Google Maps navigation and Latitude, that's two less services (VZ Navigator and Family Locator) you have to spend money on. The GPS can also be utilized by apps for everything from localized weather to cool apps that will trigger your phone to do certain things (like launch reminders, go into silent mode, etc) when you enter specific geographic areas.
Music:
Obviously, the iPhone beats the Droid hands-down in this area. Honestly, can anything really compete with an iPod turned into a telephone? The Droid features a so-so music player and standard headphone jack. Bluetooth headphones will also work. It does support quite a few formats (including MP3, WAV, AAC, MIDI, OGG, and WMA). The Droid doesn't support DRM, so you might be in trouble if you have a lot of protected iTunes music. Music is copied to the Droid through simple drag and drop from your computer (same with any other files you wish to copy to the Droid). You can either attach the Droid to your PC via the included USB cable or remove the micro-SD card and copy directly to it. I prefer the cable because the card is located inside the battery compartment under the battery. That means popping off my case and removing the battery whenever I need to transfer files. The USB cord is much simpler and faster. The Droid comes with a 16GB micro-SD card but can support up to 32GB cards.
Ergonomics and customization:
The Droid is a solidly built phone. It is a little on the heavy side. It features a slide-out keyboard, but I find the keys a little cramped with too little tactile feedback. As a result, I use the on-screen keyboard 99% of the time. The sliding design makes it a bit difficult to find nice cases for the phone that offer a perfect blend of protection and ease of use. I opted for a two-piece Seidio case (which fits perfectly) for the body and a pouch for carrying the phone. I also use screen protectors, although I've seen enough evidence that the Droid's screen is extremely scratch resistant. One brave chap even made a YouTube video of himself performing a scratch test on his new Droid by vigorously scratching his keys against the glass. The glass was unscathed but the body lost a little paint. The Droid has a large bright razor-sharp screen. The touch screen is very responsive. The home screen can be customized with different wallpapers, shortcuts, and widgets. It can can be further customized in many different ways through third party apps and widgets.
Conclusion:
There are a lot of other features that I didn't touch on, but I've rambled long enough to hopefully give you an idea of my experience with the Droid. It's still a work in progress but I like the direction so far. I do wish the Droid's email was at least on par with the iPhone (which handles mail accounts and sub-folders with no problems), but I'm optimistic this will be addressed in the near future. The Droid also has a few other "new kid on the block" warts, which are significantly exposed by the iPhone's polish; but the Droid also has its share of advantages over the iPhone (multitasking, interface customization, app freedom, Flash support, user-replaceable battery, and better file compatibility are a few examples). I can live with the music inferiority of the Droid because that was not my primary reason for buying the it. Besides, music playback on the Droid is good enough for casual listening. Don't worry Apple, I still favor my iPod over all else for that purpose.
If they can resolve the email issues and a few other minor annoyances, it would be the perfect phone. I still love mine and the upcoming Android 2.1 update has me very optimistic that some of my minor gripes will be resolved
Pays for itself IMMEDIATELY. March 9, 2010
Terrance Shaw (Virginia Beach, VA USA)
I'm about to step on the toes of what I'm sure are the lurking forms of all the iPhone users out there when I say the following (but keep in mind that I say it with complete sincerity, and no animosity):
The iPhone is better than the DROID in the same way that a calculator is better than a desktop computer system.
You can hand an iPhone (calculator) to just about anyone, and they'll be able to figure its intuitive functionality in no time at all. This was proven to me when a friend's daughter took hold of my iPhone and proceeded to show me how she'd mastered it in only ten minutes. Likewise, however, if you give that same six year old a computer, she MAY be able to find the calculator application if she's lucky. Maybe.
That being said, the DROID is a fantastic device, created with powerusers in mind. It may lack a lot of the shiny smooth corners that the iPhone touts, as well as its inherent ease of use, but it more than makes up for these... "shortcomings" with raw power. Compared to the things that the DROID can do (which are only AMPLIFIED by the level of synergy with Google), the iPhone is... well, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Getting to the title of this review, the DROID absolutely does pay for itself almost immediately. Taking advantage of Verizon's New Every Two deal, I was able to get my DROID at the discounted cost, and enjoy all the features it had to offer.
Included in those, of course, was the navigation service (beta), absolutely free.
Already, I've paid for this device. No longer do I have to go and spend $100.00 to $200.00 on a GPS, and then $70.00 or so each year after that to maintain an updated set of maps. Now, I've got a GPS that gets updated whenever Google Maps does. And on that note, I'm stoked to mention that I mentioned my apartment was missing to the Google Maps staff, and within a month, the entire complex was mapped out. Compared with waiting for a YEAR for my complex to MAYBE be added in the next GPS revision, this was absolutely magical.
And that's only ONE SERVICE.
The DROID brings so many more to the table. As does the iPhone, I'll grant you that.
Ultimately, it comes down to taste. Apple boasts something to the effect of over 100,000 apps on the App Store. Compared to whatever number that the Android Marketplace has, I'm sure that Apple has the iPhone beat.
Numerically.
But what does the app count matter when the apps you have don't matter to me, the consumer? Who cares if you have 99 law apps, when I'm not a law student? Who cares if you have 101 dalmations, when I'm a Husky man at heart?
I'm sure you get the picture.
The DROID is an incredible device, very stable, and very elegant. Again, it DOES lack the curves of the iPhone, but it's most definitely not lacking its own inherent sense of beauty and elegance. There was definitely a lot of thought put into the design of the DROID, and the only part of the phone that really brings me a cause for pause is the "chin". I don't really get that, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.
Back to the stability issue: I owned an iPhone for four months. In those four months, my iPhone was constantly crashing, taking upwards of five minutes to start up, and I'd constantly have to reload my apps. With the DROID, I've loaded each app once, and they've remained intact the entire time I've had the phone.
Integration with other services. Major plus here.
In addition to pulling contacts from my Gmail account, the DROID goes and takes it a step further: it siphons contacts from my Facebook account. I was more than just a little amused when I had one of my friends text me outta the blue (first time ever).
Person: Hey, Terrance, it's me, Person.
Me: I know.
Person: How do you know, are you stalking me or something?
Me: No, but apparently my phone is.
...Maybe you just had to have been there, but it was incredible to actually have their face from their Facebook account displayed next to their name in the MMS, when I'd never texted or talked with them via phone prior to that.
They even let you replace the generic home app with another app of your choice to replace how your DROID experience is, well... experienced. Everything on the phone can be replaced with another app of your choice. The only limit is the developers' imaginations.
The only real problem that I've encountered with the DROID is with connectivity. I'll switch on Wi-Fi, and it'll show that it's connected, but I won't be able to browse the web or download apps or anything else involving any sort of connection. Disabling Wi-Fi and then re-enabling it will solve this every time, but it's a problem they should address with some haste, I think.
In the end, the DROID is, again, a solid device. A beautiful device. An elegant device that blurs the line between... well, just about everything. If you've got a contract with any non-Verizon carrier, wait it out, then jump ship. If you're with Verizon, you know what you have to do.
Only one word needed to describe the Moto Droid: Awesome! March 8, 2010
CLARK KENT (LARCHMONT, NY, US)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I bought my Moto Droid from a well known price club about a month ago, and can honestly say it's the best electronic device I have ever owned! I have owned at least a dozen cell phones in as many years, including Blackberries and the like, and the Droid beats them all hands down! This phone does so much so well I don't even know where to begin.
It's a phone, a texting device, a PDA, a GPS NAV, an MP3 player, a video player and so much more. I have tethered it to my laptop with great results (even better results when phone is connected to a fast WiFi network vs Verizon's 3G network, but the speeds with 3G are still much faster than dial up). And the LCD display on this device is incredible. It puts the iPhone and many other phones to shame. I have ripped mp4 movies and copied them to the included 16GB micro-sd card to entertain my toddler at lunch time and the picture looks like a high def plasma TV, no exaggeration.
And before I forget, the glass on the Moto Droid is "Gorilla Glass" made by Corning and is extremely durable and wear resistant, so no need for a screen protector. Gorilla Glass can crack (or even shatter) if the phone is dropped and lands just right, but it's basically scratch proof (see Youtube video for droid glass scratch test). So why do they make screen protectors for the Droid, you ask? Because a sucker is born every minute. It's an easy sell to people who don't know any better and have been buying them to protect inferior phone screens for years now. Ever buy rustproofing for a new car? It's the biggest and longest running joke in the new car industry, but they still offer it don't they? Like I said...
Getting back to what the Droid can do, there are 10,000+ apps available in the "Market" (built in shortcut on apps page, so very easy to get to) and more are being developed every day. I currently have 47 apps (some are apps, some are games) of various kinds installed from the market that I like and use on a regular basis (I have installed more than 47 to date, but some apps I tried and didn't like or need and uninstalled not long after installing, and you too will experience this "trial and error" process of finding new apps). Some of the pre-installed apps are very basic with very few customization options, and you may want to find apps in the Market to replace these. Others are great right out of the box. The voice recognition capabilities of this phone are great. I use the Droid as a NAV unit and search for destinations by voice with great results.
Bottom line is the Motorola Droid is one powerful device and you won't be sorry if you decide to buy this phone. Be prepared to play with it a lot in order to learn as much as you can to get the most out of it. The more you use it the more you will like it, I promise you. Motorola and Google did a great job getting this phone right the first time around. iPhone users can keep their iPhones. They don't know what they're missing!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 134
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