HTC DROID Eris Android Phone Verizon Wireless

Posted by Smartphone Review on March 21, 2010

HTC DROID Eris Android Phone Verizon Wireless

Combining performance and functionality in one sleek package, the ultra-slim HTC DROID ERIS brings the power of the Android platform and the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network together. Powered by the open-source Android operating system, it offers an intuitive interface with an easily customizable home screen and the ability to personalize it with a wide selection of free and paid downloadable apps via the Android Market. It also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs.

The 3G-enabled HTC DROID ERIS runs on the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network and is powered by the customizable Android platform, with 1000s of apps available to on the Android Market.

Customizable apps.

The 3.2-inch touchscreen interface features zoom capability and a virtual QWERTY keyboard, and it’s paired with a trackball for easy navigation. In addition to 3G connectivity, the HTC DROID ERIS 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. It also offers integrated GPS for navigation using Google Maps and other location services, as well as a digital compass with a sensor that enables the phone to know what direction it is facing.

With integrated Google technology, the HTC DROID ERIS brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The DROID ERIS also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. Other features include a 5-megapixel auto focus camera with video capture capabilities, memory expansion via microSD memory cards (an 8 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 3.5 hours of talk time.

The HTC DROID ERIS comes pre-loaded with a variety of Google and Verizon Wireless mobile services, including:

• Google Maps: Get turn-by-turn directions and instantly view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business. And Google Maps Street View enables you to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go.
• 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

• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV–DO, Rev A network
• Powered by the Android 1.5 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
• HTC Scene overlay: Create and switch between Scenes that reflect different moments in your life, helping you design your perfect weekend, travel or pure play phone.
• 3.2-inch touchscreen with virtual QWERTY keyboard (320 x 480 HVGA resolution; 262K color depth)
• 5-megapixel camera with auto–focus and video capture
• 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 16 GB (8 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.
• Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone; supports Flash Lite 3.7.1.
• 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.
• Text, Picture and Video messaging with threaded messaging feature
• Organizer tools including calendar, tasks, alarm, notes, stopwatch
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
• Integrated Google, Exchange and Facebook contacts
• Speakerphone
• 3.5mm headset jack
• TTY compatible
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
• Memory: ROM: 512 MB; RAM: 256 MB

Vital Statistics
The HTC DROID ERIS weighs 4.23 ounces and measures 4.45 x 2.19 x 0.51 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours (214 minutes) of talk time, and up to 373 hours (15.5 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
HTC DROID ERIS handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 8 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good choice for a Verizon smart phone
I wanted a Verizon smartphone because Verizon’s network is the best (if network hadn’t been an issue, I would have gotten an iPhone). Once I had narrowed things down to Verizon, I knew I wanted an Android phone, simply because after iPhone, there are more Android apps than for any other smartphone platform.

I looked at the Motorola Droid first, because I liked the idea of a real keyboard. However, I really disliked the feel of that keyboard, and having a slide-out keyboard also means you can’t put a protective ’skin’ on the phone.

So that left me with the Eris, and even though I picked it through a process of elimination, I really like this phone.

Pros:

- Small size and attractive design.

- HTC sense user interface is slick and easy to use.

- Even though there aren’t zillions of apps (yet) like iPhone, there are more than enough to ensure you can find what you need, and more are coming every day, including a lot of well-known iPhone apps.

- The battery charger only turns itself on when the phone is connected, so you can leave the charger plugged into the wall all the time and not worry about wasting power.

- The phone uses a standard mini-USB connector for charging and computer syncing, so you can use a standard cable to charge and sync the phone with your PC.

- Voice quality is good, nice and clear.

- Camera image quality is good (but the camera is slow, see below).

- Since it’s Android you can run multiple programs at the same time (iPhone can’t do that).

- If you’re like me and already use Google for email, contacts, calendar, etc., then this phone will automatically display and sync all your Google stuff. Any contacts, schedules, etc. that you change on your computer automatically update on your phone within a minute or two, and vice-versa.

Cons:

- Unimpressive battery life (but typical for a smartphone) - you will probably have to charge it every night (but you can get an extended life battery on Amazon - like I did - and almost double battery life).

- Will “pocket dial” at the least provocation. If you forget to lock it and put it in your pocket (or even just lay it face down on your desk), it will sometimes randomly start apps, dial numbers, etc. This has happened several times; I just have to get better at remembering to lock it before putting it down or in my pocket.

- Sometimes it gets slow to react to button presses and slow to update the screen. This is usually because too many programs are running. To avoid this, try to remember to press “Back” to exit a program, instead of just pressing “Home” (the latter is more likely to leave the program still running in the background). Turning the phone off will also of course exit all programs. If this problem continues, another thing you can do is to download one of several free “task killer” apps that let you see all the programs that are running, and kill any of them (but don’t go overboard - some of these are responsible for keeping your inbox, facebook, etc. up to date).

- The built-in compass isn’t very precise. It will point in the right general direction, but if you really need accuracy, get a real compass (this isn’t a big deal though since the phone also has GPS which works fine).

- With my car’s bluetooth speaker/mic, the phone always seems to drop and reconnect the connection a couple of times when I first switch on the speaker/mic. My old simple dumb phone didn’t do this. This is a bit annoying since the speakerphone makes a bunch of beeps whenever this happens.

- Camera is slow to react - about half a second goes by between clicking the “shutter” and actually having it take the picture (but picture quality is good otherwise).

- At the time I wrote this review (March 2010), this phone is still using version 1.5 of Android, even though the latest version is 2.1. This means that a few newer/cooler Android apps won’t work, though I haven’t come across any such apps that I can’t live without so far! The good news is that Verizon has promised there will be a free 2.1 update made available for the Eris sometime in 2010.

To sum up…

Overall I’m happy with this phone. It’s not the fanciest Android phone that Verizon offers, but let’s face it - with smartphone technology changing so fast these days, ANY smartphone is out of date after a few months. I don’t see the point in spending more for a fancier phone when all that it gets you is a few extra months of bragging rights!

4 Stars Love my phone!
Ok - so I’m not at all a technical person so I wont go into detail about the operating system and how fast everything is and the amount of memory etc. What I can tell you is about me and how this phone meets my needs.

First off - I’m a big texter. I LOVE texting and was very nervous coming back to a touch screen after having a lot of frustrations with the Dare. This phone is so different tho! The first few days of texting were interesting to say the least, but either I adapted or the phone learned and now it is just about perfect! I downloaded Handcent and it is great. I have customized colored text bubbles, pictures as my backgrounds and couldn’t be happier. The phone learns words easily and it is easy to enter in everything. You long press to select numbers and most punctuations which annoys me sometimes. You have to press longer sometimes and then occasionally it will freeze for a second and stick in a ( or something in the middle of a word. Not a big deal but annoying when it happens.

Calling is my second main function for a phone - of course!! Call quality is great - have had no issues with it. Can download an app for a ton of free ring tones called Mabilo Ringtones. I have gotten about ten or so from there. They are loud and easily heard but I usually have the phone volume turned all the way up when not at work. While I’m at work I no longer have the phone on vibrate because the sounds are so subtle and quite that I can get away with it on the lowest sound setting. You can also download apps for wallpapers. I find that having all of the apps (such as games) on one of the 7 screens that I really dislike busy wallpapers but that is person choice I guess.

I play alot of games on my phone - and love that they are all free!! I can browse thru a ton at the market place and try out the ones that I like and delete them if I don’t like them. Right now I have a full screen of games - 16 loaded onto my phone. Love it!! I am sad that there wasn’t a Need for Speed or some sort of racing game that let you turn the phone on its side and steer like a steering wheel - but I’m hopeful for the future!!

The web browsing on this is great! I can easily do facebook and google things - which I find that I do a ton of!! I’m always out with my friends and we need an address, phone number or have a question about what exactly something is and I’m able to hit the google search button and have the answer quickly enough so that we are bored to tears by the time it comes. The other day we were wondering what a grouper fish looked like and I was able to quickly and easily find a picture and show everyone. Love that!!

The gmail app for this phone is ok. It is awesome for just looking at my emails and then deleting the ones that I don’t want. It also lets me look at word attachments and pictures - something my blackberry curve wouldn’t let me do for some reason. Getting into other folders - like emails that I’ve deleted?? That was difficult and required me going in and actually using the browser and selecting the standard view - not the mobile version.

The one thing I was sad about was the volume of the ringer for the alarm and the fact that you can only choose from an assortment of beeps and can’t set a ring tone to wake up to. I wont wake up to the beeps - they are that quiet. Thankfully I still have my Dare and have set the alarms for that phone for work. Not the first time since my blackberry only had one alarm and it was too annoying for me to change it every time I had to work a different shift.

The battery life on this phone is flawed - it doesn’t take a charge for very long at all. I find that when I’m at work and texting almost all day - after charging it all night, I usually have to find a wall and plug my phone in around 2 pm. This lasts me the rest of the night and then I have to charge it again that night. I have taken to carrying a wall charger and a car charger in my purse at all times. Not practicle for a guy - but I don’t mind that much since it is pretty convenient for me to charge the phone while at work.

All said and done I love this phone!! It has a 5 megapixel camera which is amazing to me!! Sadly there is no flash so you have to adjust the brightness a lot as well as the white balane in order to get a good picture in less than optimal lighting. Annoying when trying to take a quick picture. I love the facebook integration however and how you can have people’s ID pictures be their profile pictures. So awesome!! A task killer I believe however is essential to this phone. When I can tell there is a lag I go in and kill the apps and it is great again! Only takes a second!

I would recomment this phone to anyone - as long as a long battery life isn’t essential to you! It really is so great and has so many things that you can do with it - for example - restaurant finder app?? So useful and have used it multiple times now! Try it - you wont regret it!

4 Stars An almost flawless phone
At this point I’m sure most of you that are interested in the HTC Eris have done your research on cnet, youtube, and other various websites. I won’t waste your time on describing the great things about this phone. There are plenty…trust me. I like to think that it’s as good as an iphone. Let me hit up the biggest disapointment: the battery. The Eris is awesome in comparison to many phone out there. Once you turn it on and set it up the way you want it, you’ll feel like you own an iphone (which I assume it’s a good thing for many). However, you’ll quickly find out that being connected to the mobile network (facebook,twitter, email, ect.)and gps 24/7 drains the hell out of your phone. Sadly, you’ll have to tweak your phone to save on power and you just might have to settle on being connected to the mobile network a few hours out of the day. I’m going into day 3 with this phone and I now realize that I’ll have to be connected to the mobile network and gps when I go out only. If you’re the type of person that wants to be connected all the time, but doesn’t have time to play around with your phone during work hours then being connected 24/7 won’t be that big of an issue. But if you’re constantly playing with your phone then you’ll have to set up a time limit on how long you can be connected.

Overall, don’t let this discourage you. You can easily work around this issue. It all depends on you. I still love this phone and all that it has to offer. When you buy this phone go to this website: [...]

This site has lots of helpful information to extend the battery life. It’s a really awesome forum.

5 Stars Eris Rocks
Love this phone, smaller than the Moto Droid and works great. Battery life could use improvement which it will when android 2.1 is released soon.

2 Stars Eris cute but is not quite ready for consumers
My family got this Eris for me in a 2-for-one special at Verizon and I have been working with this phone for several months but plan on deactivating it and turning it into a kind of ipod touch. The interface is cute but hard to figure out, not intuitive, I like having the apps available and games free to download,and the touch keyboard is probably better than the iphone. The Google Map application is very interesting.

The phone interface is klunky and the phone function seems to have taken second place to the other apps. Bluetooth functionality was essential to me, but only connected to my car bluetooth (Ford Sych) or my other bluetooth headsets about 50% of the time. If it would not connect, sometimes I would have success by restarting the phone, sometimes I had to re-pair it, a painful process. My old Motorola L7c connected 100% of the time.

The phone does not support bluetooth phone voice commands, so I cannot easily dial a number in the car without looking at the keyboard, very dangerous. The voice dial functionality app included does not work for me and is unable to follow any of my commands. Many of the apps and the phone itself is very slow, asking it to dial a favorite will result in a delay of 3-8 seconds, so I have no idea if the phone is responding or not. Hit the wrong spot on the screen and it is difficult to stop and you may not know you hit the wrong function for 3-10 seconds until the phone starts the call. Hitting the end call button is futile, since the phone will not respond to your touch command for 3-8s second. It is hard searching for a phone number without stopping and typing in the name in a separate search field, and then you carefully have to hit the screen in a 4-5 mm area to choose the number to dial.

The Verizon store tried to help my complaints by installing the 2.1 software but that has not helped, and may have made things worse. The phone now locks up several times a day, or the phone functionality stops or the apps that previously worked now crash and have to be erased and re-downloaded. The phone routinely loses my favorite phone contact list and the only way to get it back is to shut the phone down and restart it, I have to do this 2 times a day. Turning the phone off and back on is a painful process, the phone had to reboot and can take 2-4 minutes before it can be used. The Eris is unacceptable as a phone, too distracting, too difficult to use without your full and careful concentration on careful touchscreen accuracy, and bluetooth reliability is haphazard. I will be going back to my friendly Motorola L7c this weekend. The software and interface is just not ready to use, and is expensive.

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