Help Understanding Droid vs Eris Processors

[andadroid]

Hi everyone,
Lots of reading here gave me tons of info, but I'm still confused. Maybe you guys can help.

I got an Eris 2 days ago. Liked the OS, the size, weight etc. However, there is a little lag, and now I'm worried--did I go wrong? In the shop I read that there's only a 22 mhz difference between the moto and htc droid processors, but I've also read here that not all processors are created equal. Can someone help me understand how much more powerful the moto phone is?

My main concern is that there's a huge difference between the two that I'm not aware of, and somehow my Eris won't be positioned as well in a year or so to handle android as it evolves. Is the 22 mhz going to be a huge bonus in a year or so? What about the other hardware features? I just worry the Eris is already "obsolete" as some snarky websites are claiming.

 

[milrtime83]

AnandTech: Understanding the iPhone 3GS

That link has some pretty geeky info on the subject. The article is talking about the iphone but the same idea applies as the 3G uses the same processor as the Eris and the 3Gs uses the same processor as the Droid. The Eris has an ARM11 while the Droid has an ARM Cortex A8. The short answer is that while the clock speed is close, the A8 is a newer architecture and performs much better at a similar speed (about double the performance according to the linked article.)

If you are more familiar with regular computers, you can think of it as a Pentium 4 processor compared to a Core II Duo. The Core II Duo is a newer architecture and is a much better processor at a similar or even lower speed than a Pentium 4.

To your question about being obsolete already, it pretty much is as most newer phones are using the A8 now. The reason for it is price. Being older, it is cheaper to use the ARM11, which is reflected in the Eris being cheaper than the Droid.

Android and smartphones in general are advancing so rapidly right now that pretty much any phone you buy is going to seem obsolete in 12-18 months.

 

[shizzy1427]

Android and smartphones in general are advancing so rapidly right now that pretty much 12-18 months.

+1 so true, having the best technology is an almost impossible battle, something better is always right around the corner.

 

[andadroid]

Thanks for the link milrtime, but isn't there more of a pronounced difference between the 600mhz 3gs and the 412 mhz 3g than there is between the 528 mhz eris and the 550 moto droid? Though of course the new architecture of the A8 makes those clock speeds unreliable reference points I guess...

Obviously I'm fishing a bit here. I bought the eris b/c I like the OS and the size. However the question really boils down to, in 12 months or so, will the processor of the moto droid help it keep pace with the evolution of android, or will both processors be so "old" by then that the difference between them is negligible? It's an unknowable answer I suppose. Just not sure I made the right choice...

 

[milrtime83]

Though of course the new architecture of the A8 makes those clock speeds unreliable reference points I guess...

Yep, the clock speed difference is somewhat negligible compared to the architecture change.

Obviously I'm fishing a bit here. I bought the eris b/c I like the OS and the size. However the question really boils down to, in 12 months or so, will the processor of the moto droid help it keep pace with the evolution of android, or will both processors be so "old" by then that the difference between them is negligible? It's an unknowable answer I suppose. Just not sure I made the right choice...

It's hard to say how well it will keep pace. Verizon has said that the Eris will get 2.1 this spring. Beyond that it is anyone's guess whether it will be able to support the next version.

 

[andadroid]

Thanks milrtime. I may go back to look at the droid and just eat the $35 restocking fee. You seem to know what you're talking about and I'm guessing you have the moto droid, right?

 

[milrtime83]

Yeah, I have the Droid but not specifically for the faster processor. I wanted 2.0 and Navigation right away. And also, coming from a Blackberry, I liked having the physical keyboard though I have gotten used to the virtual one and use it most of the time now.

If you do decide to switch, I would make sure you are comfortable with the form factor and the weight as it is about 40% heavier and definitely feels like it has some weight to it when you pick it up.

 

[andadroid]

I'm more worried about missing the great OS on the Eris--and the auto-correct spelling on the messaging. Heading to verizon now to compare.
Thanks so much for all your advice, it's been extremely helpful.