HTC DROID Incredible 2 Review

Introduction:

Conveniently aiding Android’s permeation to the masses approximately a year ago, the HTC DROID Incredible helped usher the beginnings of high-end Android love with its better than average specs at the time. Fast forward to a year later, we’ve seemingly witnessed a major shift in the landscape as Verizon is embarking on yet another journey to the top with their top shelf offerings. Although it’s basically the same as the HTC Incredible S that we reviewed over a month ago, the HTC DROID Incredible 2 comes out of the gate bringing some improvements over its predecessor­­­ – while being retaining its global stature as a CDMA device. However, it’s coming in at a time when we’re seeing devices like the HTC ThunderBolt and Samsung Droid Charge taking precedence with their next-generation hardware. Is it too late for the DROID Incredible 2 at this point? Let’s find out!

The package contains:

• HTC DROID Incredible 2
• 16GB microSD card
• microUSB cable
• Wall Charger
• Quick Start Guide
• Product Safety & Warranty Brochure

Design:

If you checked out our HTC Incredible S review, you’re not in for any surprises with the DROID Incredible 2 since its design is absolutely identical. Naturally, being slightly larger than its predecessor, the minimalistic design style is once again evident as it completely looks clean in the front, while being complemented with a subtle soft touch feel around its back. Even more, we see that the unmistakable contoured rear pattern design is in play once again as it gives the handset its sprinkling of character. Sure it’s one solid feeling handset, but it doesn’t come off as anything remarkably impressive since it follows in traditional fashion to other recent HTC smartphones of late.



You can compare the HTC DROID Incredible 2 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

Rather than finding it using an AMOLED panel like its predecessor, we’re instead presented with a larger sized 4” Super LCD display with WVGA (480 x 800) resolution. Still quite polarizing on its own with its iridescent color production, it’s actually more natural looking and doesn’t have the overly saturated presentation of some other AMOLED displays out there. Additionally, its size and resolution combine well to deliver a sharp image, while viewing angles and outdoor visibility are also pretty good.


Again, the other one unique distinguishable item about the HTC DROID Incredible 2 is the fact that its usual set of capacitive Android buttons will actually rotate accordingly to the orientation. Definitely a nice touch indeed, we still find ourselves accidentally pressing them since they’re positioned very close to the edge of the handset.


Much like other contemporary high-end smartphones, the HTC DROID Incredible 2 sports a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera that makes it convenient for shooting self-portraits or video chatting with friends. Also, the LED indicator is hidden beneath the right side of the wide looking earpiece grill.
 
On the left edge, we find its microUSB port for charging and data connection purposes, while the thin looking volume rocker offers a reasonable amount of feedback when pressed. Meanwhile, the 3.5mm headset jack, second microphone, and dedicated power button are located on the top side of the phone. Thankfully, the power button is slightly raised to offer an adequate amount of feel, while still packing a moderate response.


Taking a look at the rear, its 8-megapixel auto-focus camera with dual-LED flash and speakerphone grill are placed towards the top area of the handset. And even though the lens of the camera is recessed a tiny bit from its surroundings, we don’t necessarily feel confident in placing the device flat on its back due to the fear of the lens potentially being scratched.


In addition to finding the microphone in its usual location on the bottom edge of the phone, we also have a notch that allows us to easily yank of the rear cover – thus giving us access to its 1,450 mAh battery, SIM card slot, and spring loading microSD card slot (16GB card preloaded).