HTC DROID Eris Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

HTC DROID Eris Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Category: (Wireless)

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Editorial Reviews

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

Customer Reviews

Only problem is the battery life . .

Reviewed by M. McGrory, 2010-03-03

and that can be solved by either using a free aplication killer app, getting a better battery (they have a high performance battery on sale at Amazon, and my personal favorite getting a docking port that charges the battery in the phone plus a spare. And you can of course just not dowload a hundred applicatins that looked really cool, but you're never going to use after you played with them for a while.

And you can't beat the price!

I love my phone

Reviewed by Pedro P. Garcia, 2010-02-27

After a few weeks of using the Droid Eris, I can only gush about what a great experience using this phone is. The form factor is, in my opinion, much prettier than it's big brother Droid, and the HTC's Sense UI is a cinch to get the hang of (and beautiful as well). The apps for Android are many and useful. I opted to buy the Seidio Innocell 1750 mAh Battery for HTC Droid Eris after using the standard Eris battery and coming to the conclusion many others have, the stock battery sucks. But, with the price of this phone being so low, paying $49.99 for a new battery (and another $23 for the Seidio Innocase II Surface Case for HTC Droid Eris (Blue), AWESOME case), I am in LOVE. I was thinking of switching to AT&T for the iPhone, but I am so happy with my Eris and what it's capable of that I haven't looked back.

Splendid phone for the price

Reviewed by J. Apodaca, 2010-02-21

This is one great little phone for the money. I just bought it a couple days ago for 80 bucks (after rebate). So far so good.

This has been my first exposure to Andriod, and so far I love it. Especially with HTC's sense UI...Phew! Transitions are mostly smooth, and I don't find the phone to lag unless I'm transitioning from heavier-weight apps (for instance, from a game to the home screen will sometimes lag a second or two).

Pros:
*Android
*Touch-Screen
*Android Market. Seriously, this has almost ruined my productivity and efficiency. A lot of time can be spent just browsing and downloading very cool apps. This is a wonderfully fun pass-time.

Cons:
*No update for Android 2 (yet!...I've seen pages on the web saying that HTC is going to release one soon, though)
*No physical keyboard. This isn't a big deal for me, but at least give it some thought as a virtual keyboard isn't for everybody
*Battery life. This one I'm not used to. Coming off of a full charge, my phone will not last me more than one day. Compared to other phones (albeit, they weren't full featured phones), this performance is pretty poor. Within approx. one hour, the charge will drop from 100% to 80%, and then, after that, discharge more slowly ~10% per hour. All in all, I would estimate that I get around ~8-9 hrs total battery life out of a full charge. This is what brings it down to a four-star. If the battery lasted longer, I would give this phone five stars, hands down.

Bottom line:
If this phone was lost or stolen, I would definitely want another one. This is such an upgrade from my previous phone experience, though, that I may not be entirely objective. But for anybody just wanting a fun phone, BUY THIS one! You can't get much better for the price.

Very Good Phone, almost...Great

Reviewed by Kim Hillsman, 2010-02-21

The Good:
-8 GB SD Card
-Screen Resolution
-Customizable screens
-Numerous(useful, useless, and pointless) free apps
-Lightweight
-Music Player
-Touchscreen keyboard has a minimal learning curve, very easy to use
-Vertical or horizontal screen

Could be better:
-Camera, don't let the 5.0 megapixel fool you, it takes decent pictures but not as good as the Moto Droid or Samsung Omnia which are similar phones with 5 MP cameras

The Bad:
-Because it cannot be said enough, the battery. Absolutely awful.
-Flash Player or lack thereof, difficult time with YouTube videos and the YouTube app(which is pre-installed) doesn't play vids at all and I have seen MULTIPLE complaints on YouTube's help forum about this same issue with no resolution

Overall:
I am happy with the phone, there are a few nuisances that perhaps the 2.1 upgrade will fix when it becomes available. For the price, you can't beat it.

half-baked

Reviewed by M. Segal, 2010-02-15

This phone has a lot of promise. The Android operating system gives you tight integration with Google Voice (which can automatically make your international calls for you for pennies per minute) and Google Mail. Using "Mytracks" with the GPS is fun and useful. And, well, it's cool having internet in your pocket. But:

- every time I booted the phone, Google Voice would crash.
- the HTC input program, that lets you type text into the phone, would crash in the middle of emails and not let my type until I rebooted.
- many of my conversations were badly muffled. I googled this and followed instructions on switching to "EVRC-B" form "EVRC" (these are algorithms used to encode voices). The quality improved, but people have reported not being able to make calls from some parts of the country after making this switch. Without it, the quality was patchy for me (Boston area). I didn't want to have to play with internal network settings to get the phone to work.
- The phone dropped calls, giving a "Signal Faded" message. I checked with Verizon, and this wasn't recorded by the network as a dropped call - therefore it was the phone. I never had this problem with my cheap flip phone.
- I couldn't play Youtube videos through the Youtube player.
- the phone was laggy. This means you're typing and letters aren't appearing, then appear all at once. Or it means that you're looking through your call history to make a call, press on a number, and call the wrong number because it took 5 seconds to update the list display.
- with moderate usage the battery lasts about 6 hours. This is usually fine if you're between office, home and car chargers, but sometimes it's not enough. I was always turning parts of the phone off to save battery life.
- video quality is poor, particularly the sound, compared to an iPhone (which admittedly is more expensive).

In short, you get what you pay for. This phone is really cheap - but the savings are small compared to the cost of a 2-year plan, and I'd recommend getting the best phone you can to take advantage of the investment that plan represents.