Motorola DROID 2 Review

Introduction:

Long ago, in the not too far distant past, there was a handset released which was able to defy the odds and bring the Android platform into stardom – thus being graced with the prestigious title of Time Magazine's gadget of the year. The Motorola DROID was nearly a full head-on gamble for the one time dominant company in the mobile industry, but it appeared that they didn't require luck due to the fact that the DROID was such a big hit among consumers. Not only did it reinvigorate Motorola, but as a whole, it provided the sudden movement needed to showcase the power and depth that Android has to offer to a broad range of consumers. Fast forward to the present and we're now being treated to its eventual successor, the aptly named Motorola DROID 2, which is coming into the market at a time when a myriad of other Android powered smartphones have shown their prowess among the competition. Despite finding a handful of improvements in the hardware and software side over its predecessor, the Motorola DROID 2 is aiming to continue its stance of DROID DOES.

The package contains:

• Motorola DROID 2
• Wall Charger       
• microUSB cable
• Quick Reference Guide
• Product Safety & Warranty Brochure

Design:

Honestly, there isn't anything majorly different about the Motorola DROID 2's appearance versus the original – it still retains that streamlined industrial design that makes it one of the more compact QWERTY handsets on the market. Instead of relying on the same angular and hard lined looks of its predecessor, the DROID 2 is a bit more curved all around with tad bit larger dimension. The color scheme is different too with its chrome bezel found on the front with the rear relying on this soft touch coating with a dark blue shade to it. Overall, construction is solid as usual since it's once again built like a tank with its metallic like exterior and sizes up at the same weight (5.96 oz) – which easily exudes a high level of workmanship. Since it's a true successor, the decision to follow closely to the original's design makes perfect sense on paper, but unfortunately it doesn't resonate anything groundbreaking to make anyone jump with joy – similar to the experience we had seeing the DROID for the first time.



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

After checking out the monster sized display on the Motorola DROID X, the 3.7” TFT capacitive touchscreen on the DROID 2 doesn't feel as compelling, but thankfully there is plenty of detail with its 480x854 pixels resolution and support for 16 million colors. Even the tiniest of text is sharp looking to the naked eye thanks to its pixel density, while on the other hand, it's still able to display a rainbow of lush colors. The glass like material will not only stand up to the elements and harsh abrasives in our pockets, but it's also very accurate in registering a touch. When using it outdoors in direct sunlight, the display is still visible when it's placed on the brightest setting, but an occasional shade will help out as well. Ultimately, there's nothing that exciting about the display, especially when it's the same exact one used on the DROID.


It was nice to see physical hardware buttons on the DROID X, but unfortunately the DROID 2 relies on the same touch sensitive ones employed on the original. Some prefer it since it will allow for a completely flush surface, but there is always the occasional accidental press when using any of the portrait on-screen keyboards. To the left side, you'll find the microUSB port with an LED light that will turn on when it's connected, while on the right edge, the volume rocker and smaller sized 2-level shutter key are in the same exact placement as before. Both the 3.5mm headset jack and smaller sized dedicated power button, which was rather difficult to press and feel out, are located on the top side. Flipping over to the back, we found the placement of the 5-megapixel auto-focus camera and dual-LED flash to be exact to the DROID with the grill for the speakerphone found also in the same location.  We're happy to see that the designers improved the rear back cover which requires more force to be removed this time around – so that there are no accidental ejections while in your pocket. Once it's removed, it'll present you access to the 1400 mAh battery and microSD card slot.



Still utilizing the same monotonous movement in getting the QWERTY exposed, we were hoping to see some kind of snapping mechanism, but we'd imagine that it was done to retain its streamlined look. Instead of finding a completely flush QWERTY, buttons are slightly bubbled toward the middle which provides for a subtle distinction between them. However, we're still presented with the same stiff feeling keys at first, but over a period of time using them, they eventually had a better response when pressed. Gone is the large 5-way directional pad which is now replaced with 4 directional buttons and a larger sized enter key. Overall, there isn't too much to say about it since there are few improvements – but we'd suspect that casual DROID owners will take a liking for it still.