Droid charge, iphone 4 or wait?

[MaxBuck]

A few comments.

1. Had a Fascinate before the Charge. Charge is superior in every way except connectivity with auto bluetooth - Charge and car do not talk nicely, probably because phone has Bluetooth v. 3, which car is not compatible with (or so I'm led to believe).

2. 4G speeds are fantastic. Worth it to get the faster speeds, for me.

3. To a large degree it's a matter of apps. Android apps are available that do what I need, so I'm happy.

4. Syncing is impossible between Mac and Charge with respect to calendar and contacts.

If it weren't for the speed advantage 4G provides, I'd have migrated to the iPhone - easier to sync. But 4G was the key for me. Everyone, though, will have their own priorities. Suggesting there is one "best phone" for everyone is silly.

 

[jpog]

Hi Guys,

I am new to android and just bought a Droid Charge...all my friends are trying to convince me to trade for a Iphone but it sounds like android is pretty awesome...I have tons of questions and a lot to learn but am pretty savy with electronics, which is why I got the charge..the specs were just alot better then the Iphone5. That beeing said I have noticed some stuff...for instance all the websites say it has 512 RAM and ROM but my task manager says I only have 328 MB of RAM when I go to turn-off programs. Also I keep hearing about Launcher Pro..what is it ans should I download it? Also I here I should download a better browser...which one and how do I default to that one...

Also..what is bootloading? and Rooting?

 

[DavidWooderson]

I had an iPhone4 for six months, and just got the Droid Charge one week ago. I plan to return my Droid Charge, and get another iPhone4.

I tend to use my smartphone to make and receive calls and texts, use email, and basic web surfing, and an occasional time-waster game.

One of my biggest complaints is that my Droid battery lasts just a half day. My iPhone4 battery lasted at least two full days with the same usage pattern. This issue is huge.

The Droid isn't as intuitive as the iPhone4 when it comes to reading/composing/replying to email and texts.

From a graphics perspective, the Droid is inferior to the iPhone, despite the much larger screen.

The Droid came with a raft of bloatware, but apparently, to get it on par with the iPhone, I'm forced to seek out, download, and configure dozens of apps. The App Marketplace is overwhelming. The list of apps on the phone is overwhelming. I have to create application shortcuts and add widgets to screens. Why does it require so much time to get these phones set up?! If you can't tell, I have little patience and time to deal with this.

Those are the most significant issues that come to mind, but there many other little things that influence my decision, like I can't copy/paste from SMS to a contact or an email. When the phone starts up, it makes a very childish "DROID" robot noise and machine noises that are just embarrassing in an office environment, and the default tones are just as bad. I'm not sure how the iPhone is considered juvenile compared to this phone, I see it the other way around.

If you're all about facebook and twitter updates, and can deal with keeping the phone on a charger, maybe this phone might be a good choice, although I'm not sure it's any better than the iPhone for that (or anything else).

 

[WizeGuyDezignz]

I had an iPhone4 for six months, and just got the Droid Charge one week ago. I plan to return my Droid Charge, and get another iPhone4.

I tend to use my smartphone to make and receive calls and texts, use email, and basic web surfing, and an occasional time-waster game.

One of my biggest complaints is that my Droid battery lasts just a half day. My iPhone4 battery lasted at least two full days with the same usage pattern. This issue is huge.

The Droid isn't as intuitive as the iPhone4 when it comes to reading/composing/replying to email and texts.

From a graphics perspective, the Droid is inferior to the iPhone, despite the much larger screen.

The Droid came with a raft of bloatware, but apparently, to get it on par with the iPhone, I'm forced to seek out, download, and configure dozens of apps. The App Marketplace is overwhelming. The list of apps on the phone is overwhelming. I have to create application shortcuts and add widgets to screens. Why does it require so much time to get these phones set up?! If you can't tell, I have little patience and time to deal with this.

Those are the most significant issues that come to mind, but there many other little things that influence my decision, like I can't copy/paste from SMS to a contact or an email. When the phone starts up, it makes a very childish "DROID" robot noise and machine noises that are just embarrassing in an office environment, and the default tones are just as bad. I'm not sure how the iPhone is considered juvenile compared to this phone, I see it the other way around.

If you're all about facebook and twitter updates, and can deal with keeping the phone on a charger, maybe this phone might be a good choice, although I'm not sure it's any better than the iPhone for that (or anything else).

I really don't mean this to sound rude, but you deserve an iPhone. Everything that you mention in here is very easily fixed, but I don't have the time to type it all out and it sounds like your mind is made up.

Good luck with your iPhone.

 

[jpog]

Hi WizeGuyzDezignz,

Could you anwser my questions? I want to keep the charge and think technically speaking it is a superior phone to the iphone..I am just new to the whole smart phone experience.

I am new to android and just bought a Droid Charge...all my friends are trying to convince me to trade for a Iphone but it sounds like android is pretty awesome...I have tons of questions and a lot to learn but am pretty savy with electronics, which is why I got the charge..the specs were just alot better then the Iphone5. That beeing said I have noticed some stuff...for instance all the websites say it has 512 RAM and ROM but my task manager says I only have 328 MB of RAM when I go to turn-off programs. Why is that? Did I get a bunk phone?

Also I keep hearing about Launcher Pro..what is it ans should I download it? Also I here I should download a better browser...which one and how do I default to that one...

Also..what is bootloading? and Rooting?

 

[WizeGuyDezignz]

Hi WizeGuyzDezignz,

Could you anwser my questions? I want to keep the charge and think technically speaking it is a superior phone to the iphone..I am just new to the whole smart phone experience.

I am new to android and just bought a Droid Charge...all my friends are trying to convince me to trade for a Iphone but it sounds like android is pretty awesome...I have tons of questions and a lot to learn but am pretty savy with electronics, which is why I got the charge..the specs were just alot better then the Iphone5. That beeing said I have noticed some stuff...for instance all the websites say it has 512 RAM and ROM but my task manager says I only have 328 MB of RAM when I go to turn-off programs. Why is that? Did I get a bunk phone?

Also I keep hearing about Launcher Pro..what is it ans should I download it? Also I here I should download a better browser...which one and how do I default to that one...

Also..what is bootloading? and Rooting?

I can try to answer as much as I can. I just got this phone yesterday, so I'm not 100% sure about everything.

As for the RAM, I have the same question. I've seen websites say 512mb, but you are right, it shows 328mb in the phone. I think 328mb is correct, but maybe someone can confirm this for us.

I don't know if you are familiar with UI's or User Interfaces. Most android phones have their own based on the manufacturer of the phone. HTC has Sense UI, Samsung has TouchWiz, Motorola has Blur, etc. Just think of it as a "skin" for all of your icons, menus, etc. Kind of how you can change themes and color schemes in Windows on your home computer.

Anyhow, Launcher Pro (and other launcher apps) change the built in UI. Launcher Pro is great, but I actually prefer GoLauncher EX. Very similar, but I just prefer it. With these apps it will override the way your phone screens currently look. You will get a different app drawer, more customization options, etc. Hopefully that helps.

If you want to try a different browser that might be more snappy, try Dolphin HD. It's a good browser and runs fast.

I am not very well versed on bootloaders and rooting. From what I do know, rooting gives you superuser rights to your phone so you can install custom roms and kernels to make your phone run how you want it to run. You can also get rid of all of the bloatware apps that Verizon installs when you root. You can also get the SetCPU app from the Market and lower your CPU speed to help on battery, etc.

That's about all I know. But I do recommend the Charge a lot. It's a great phone! Good luck!

 

[Gravytrain]

What he said... the first thing I recommend u doing is dl launcher pro or GO.... both run wayyyyyy smoother than TW. I prefer LP because of the 3D app drawer.... besides that, both are great UI.

 

[viperman2008]

Apple has always been about being the second wave of technology but making things play nice (at least with their own products). LTE will most likely be in the iPhone 6. They want other companies to test out the first wave and they come in and release a phone with better battery life. The iPhone will work well at what it does but won't allow easy customization if it isn't for you.

That said, android and the charge keep on innovating and don't stop (as long as Samsung updates the software). Lte speeds are very fast compared to 3g

 

[secretLOVER]

Wait, wait, WAIT!! What's wrong with hacky sacking?!

 

[TheXFactor]

why is iphone even being mentioned here??????

Can you read the title of the thread or should I write it out in crayon for you?

 

[jpog]

Awesome guys..thanks..that clears thingsup. Couple more questions..if I install Launcher Pro or Go and don't like it can I uninstall it and go back to TW..easily?

Also..everything I down load like Key Ring and such is being stored on internal memory..at the store they told me I could pick where it was stored internal or SD..how do you do this? Also..if I can't change this won't I run out of internal memory? Lastly, what I really want is the Droid Bionic which is suppose to come out the end of the summer..should I return the charge and wait. I got it because it looked awesome and I was trying to lock in my unlimited data rate. I am scared though it won't be powerful enough in 6 mths to a year. ANy suggestions?

 

[jpog]

bump for my above questions

 

[Ken7]

Awesome guys..thanks..that clears thingsup. Couple more questions..if I install Launcher Pro or Go and don't like it can I uninstall it and go back to TW..easily?

Also..everything I down load like Key Ring and such is being stored on internal memory..at the store they told me I could pick where it was stored internal or SD..how do you do this? Also..if I can't change this won't I run out of internal memory? Lastly, what I really want is the Droid Bionic which is suppose to come out the end of the summer..should I return the charge and wait. I got it because it looked awesome and I was trying to lock in my unlimited data rate. I am scared though it won't be powerful enough in 6 mths to a year. ANy suggestions?

I can tell you that Launcher Pro is reversible back to TW. I did just that yesterday. Although there were facets of LP I liked, there were thing that I like with TW that were missing. I like the weather banner, the market update and things like that which are stock on TW. Now maybe there's a way to get those on LP, but I couldn't figure it out. So I went back to TW with no issues.

As for the Motorola, who knows when it will come out and who knows when Verizon will introduce tiered pricing. My attitude is you know what is you don't what will be.

 

[jpog]

Thanks for the input...and good saying, "My attitude is you know what is you don't what will be."

SO can anyone anwser the question about the internal memory below?

Also..everything I down load like Key Ring and such is being stored on internal memory..at the store they told me I could pick where it was stored internal or SD..how do you do this? Also..if I can't change this won't I run out of internal memory?

 

[chasman001]

I looked also and ended up getting the Samsung Droid Charge for three main reasons:
1) 4G !!!
2) 4.3" screen
3) Android

There isn't a perfect phone but I chose 4G speed (crazy fast) over battery life. My iPhone 4 friends were amazing at the speed. Speed over battery life was just my preference.

When kids are playing Angry Bird or watching video, do I have to say anything more when comparing 4.3" vs. 3.5"?

Android is catching up to Apple. Thing you can do much more with Android. Plus all the good free apps on Android. Sure, Apple has a lot of free but in terms of percentage, I take the Android.

Note. I also like the DC over the Thunderbolt. We have both.

 

[hitdog042]

Droid Charge 100% all the way. The iPhone is for 16 year old girls, hipster chicks in birkenstocks and people that just don't know any better.
If you played hacky-sack more than never then i'd say get the iPhone, otherwise be a man....get the Charge.

And what do you mean "built quality"? My friend farted and his iPhone screen cracked. Do you wanna have to buy that stupid, ugly $60 Otterbox? Don't get me started!

This is a horrid reply dude.

Bottom line: ask this question in this forum and you will get nothing but charge. Ask in an iPhone forum same deal for the iPhone.

The iPhone is very sturdy. This comment is a joke. Also has way better battery.

Flip side the charge is fast and beautiful. Apps are oranges to oranges now.

Both phones are great. Period. It all depends on your tastes. Don't listen to the 16 year old girls garb. That's horrible advice and not the truth.

iPhone is the #1 selling devices of smartphones for people over 30. Fact. Source gartner.

I own a Charge tho lol. And I do love it although the call quality leaves a bit to be desired but you can do a programming change that helps. Pm if you need the instructions.

Just trying to keep it real guys.

Ask Obama vs Romney in a democrat thread while you are at it lol. Same thing.

 

[trparky]

I had an iPhone 4, emphasis on the word... had. The Droid Charge is my first venture into the world of Android and I have to say that I don't miss the iPhone at all.

First of all, the Droid Charge feels like something in my hand, I mean... really it does. I know that I could go without a case on the Droid Charge but I choose not to. The iPhone 4 on the other hand feels like a slippery bar of soap in my hands and felt like I couldn't keep a good grip on it. I always felt like I was going to drop the thing. And they want to make it thinner? My God man! I can't imagine what the thing will feel like when it's thinner!

Steve Jobs, don't get me started on his idea that I can't make decisions for my myself.

That app doesn't agree with me, rejected! That app doesn't look pretty enough for the iPhone, rejected! That app has a feature we're thinking of implementing ourselves, rejected! I hate Adobe, I don't want Flash!

Listen, I bought the phone... it's my phone, not yours. I should be able to do what I want with it. And no, I don't care what one maniacal person's ideas say, I want the control over what I bought.

And Android does all of that for me. It gives me the power to customize the phone as I see fit.

I didn't like the keyboard, so I replaced it with Smart Keyboard Pro. I didn't like the browser, so I replaced it with Dolphin HD. I didn't like the launcher, so I replaced it with GoLauncher EX. I didn't like the SMS app, so I replaced it with HandCent.

Can you do that with the iPhone? NO! It's Steve Job's way or the highway!

 

[hitdog042]

I had an iPhone 4, emphasis on the word... had. The Droid Charge is my first venture into the world of Android and I have to say that I don't miss the iPhone at all.

First of all, the Droid Charge feels like something in my hand, I mean... really it does. I know that I could go without a case on the Droid Charge but I choose not to. The iPhone 4 on the other hand feels like a slippery bar of soap in my hands and felt like I couldn't keep a good grip on it. I always felt like I was going to drop the thing. And they want to make it thinner? My God man! I can't imagine what the thing will feel like when it's thinner!

Steve Jobs, don't get me started on his idea that I can't make decisions for my myself.

That app doesn't agree with me, rejected! That app doesn't look pretty enough for the iPhone, rejected! That app has a feature we're thinking of implementing ourselves, rejected! I hate Adobe, I don't want Flash!

Listen, I bought the phone... it's my phone, not yours. I should be able to do what I want with it. And no, I don't care what one maniacal person's ideas say, I want the control over what I bought.

And Android does all of that for me. It gives me the power to customize the phone as I see fit.

I didn't like the keyboard, so I replaced it with Smart Keyboard Pro. I didn't like the browser, so I replaced it with Dolphin HD. I didn't like the launcher, so I replaced it with GoLauncher EX. I didn't like the SMS app, so I replaced it with HandCent.

Can you do that with the iPhone? NO! It's Steve Job's way or the highway!

Actually with a jail broken iPhone you can do all those things. Jail breaking is one click.

Not defending the iPhone. Just making sure facts are facts

 

[trparky]

Yeah... and every time they come up with a way to jailbreak it Apple closes the hole and the jailbreak fun is over until they find another exploit the take advantage of. Jailbreaking on the iPhone is is cat-and-mouse game that I have no want to take part in.

 

[hitdog042]

Actually with a jail broken iPhone you can do all those things. Jail breaking is one click.

Not defending the iPhone. Just making sure facts are facts

Help me understand something on apples app approval process. What apps does android have that apple doesn't that people actually use? You cite that process as a reason you didn't like it.

I use the same apps on my charge that I did on my iPhone. In fact several came well after they were on iOS. I finally just got Netflix. Still no Hulu. Mostly for what I use it's apples to apples.

My Flyer still doesn't have live MLB tv games tho which angers me.

If app choosing is the OP criteria Apple wins despite the process. Add in the JB apps and it's even crazier.

I will say twitter apps are way better on android. Even the same branded ones on both devices are more pleasant on android.

Other than that I like both phones tho the clarity of calls was way better on the iphone4.

 

[hitdog042]

Yeah... and every time they come up with a way to jailbreak it Apple closes the hole and the jailbreak fun is over until they find another exploit the take advantage of. Jailbreaking on the iPhone is is cat-and-mouse game that I have no want to take part in.

Not really. Just don't update the Os. Most of them are minor and don't add features.

Yeah it's more of a pain but there's ways around it.

 

[hitdog042]

Help me understand something on apples app approval process. What apps does android have that apple doesn't that people actually use? You cite that process as a reason you didn't like it.

I use the same apps on my charge that I did on my iPhone. In fact several came well after they were on iOS. I finally just got Netflix. Still no Hulu. Mostly for what I use it's apples to apples.

My Flyer still doesn't have live MLB tv games tho which angers me.

If app choosing is the OP criteria Apple wins despite the process. Add in the JB apps and it's even crazier.

I will say twitter apps are way better on android. Even the same branded ones on both devices are more pleasant on android.

Other than that I like both phones tho the clarity of calls was way better on the iphone4.

It also ticks me off still no gtalk video chat. I don't get that one.

 

[trparky]

Flash is one thing, Android has it... iPhone will never have it. All because Steve Jobs seems to have this personal vendetta against Adobe. It's not even a technical issue, it's a personal vendetta/grudge against Adobe and it's clouding their judgement.

What reasons can an app be denied?

* You can't use any APIs that aren't sanctioned by Apple, doesn't matter if the APIs are part of the OS, if it's not sanctioned you can't use them; instant rejection.
* Duplicate functionality. This covers things like Safari on the iPhone. So no alternative web browsers. Yes, they are allowed now... but who knows what they will do later. I figure that they will eventually get pulled. This goes for Skype as well since technically it duplicates Facetime. I know, if this happens it will be a PR nightmare for Apple but I have a feeling that they don't care; remember... It's Steve Job's way or the highway.
* Ratings. Just because it can access the Internet it's slapped with a 17+ rating. Why is that? Safari can access the Internet. Why isn't the whole phone slapped with a 17+ rating?
* Transactions outside the app store. So if you want to take payment through your app without using Apple as a third-party, your app will be rejected. Why? Apple wants 30% of the take of that sale.

Another thing... updates to apps are treated just like new apps. If you need to release a bug fix for your app because of a very bad bug... good luck, you're going to need it. Get ready to wait, because that's what's going to happen.

 

[hitdog042]

Flash is one thing, Android has it... iPhone will never have it. All because Steve Jobs seems to have this personal vendetta against Adobe. It's not even a technical issue, it's a personal vendetta/grudge against Adobe and it's clouding their judgement.

What reasons can an app be denied?

* You can't use any APIs that aren't sanctioned by Apple, doesn't matter if the APIs are part of the OS, if it's not sanctioned you can't use them; instant rejection.
* Duplicate functionality. This covers things like Safari on the iPhone. So no alternative web browsers. Yes, they are allowed now... but who knows what they will do later. I figure that they will eventually get pulled. This goes for Skype as well since technically it duplicates Facetime. I know, if this happens it will be a PR nightmare for Apple but I have a feeling that they don't care; remember... It's Steve Job's way or the highway.
* Ratings. Just because it can access the Internet it's slapped with a 17+ rating. Why is that? Safari can access the Internet. Why isn't the whole phone slapped with a 17+ rating?
* Transactions outside the app store. So if you want to take payment through your app without using Apple as a third-party, your app will be rejected. Why? Apple wants 30% of the take of that sale.

Another thing... updates to apps are treated just like new apps. If you need to release a bug fix for your app because of a very bad bug... good luck, you're going to need it. Get ready to wait, because that's what's going to happen.

Flash tho isn't a big deal anymore. Most sites conform for apple right or wrong unless there's an app. I never had one time where I had a site not play.

No idea what you mean by rating. Explain that one further.

As for alt browsers and such.... At least my iPhone had gtalk video chat. Sort of a black eye for google. Vtolk I think the app was. And it is in the normal app store.

I'm not a fanboy for either. I just think the silly comments some make are unfounded and people who ask for info should get non biased info. Not stuff like 16 year old girl comments.

A phone doesn't make the man. If it does that other poster has bigger issues lol.

 

[trparky]

At one time or another, any web browser that wasn't made by Apple ended up getting a 17+ rating on the appstore.

App Store Rejection Reasons | iPhone Development Blog

UIWebViews
If your application has a web view that allows unrestricted access to the Internet where scary things lurk, then you are automatically slapped with a 17+ rating. Why the built-in Safari app is not consequently shielded from minors is a mystery. But those are apparently the rules.