The Droid Incredible from Verizon: Lives Up to its Name
Last Updated on May 30, 2013 by
Just before I returned the HP Mini to Verizon I was given the opportunity to get my hands on what may be the hottest phone out there right now: the Droid Incredible by htc.
I’ve had about 3 weeks with this phone and love the technology. The 1GHz processor is incredibly fast, the 8mp camera takes amazing pictures and the touch screen has “pinch to zoom” and a technology that makes typing feel like you are actually touching buttons. It has 8GB of storage and has a mini SD slot that can add up to 32GB more.
Beyond the technical aspects, though, this is just a cool phone. Even my husband’s 18 year old nephew was impressed by my technology.
During the time I had the Incredible we made a trip to Kansas City and another to Dallas. Both times we arrived well after dark; both times we were staying at a hotel we hadn’t been to before. The Google Maps™ navigation was beyond easy to use- I didn’t even have to know an address. I just typed in the name of the hotel and where it was (example: Marriott downtown Kansas City) and a list of options appeared. I chose the correct one and it was inserted. I could then follow the listed directions, look at the map or have it lead me to it- turn by turn- like a “real” GPS unit. It even offered alternate routes and reset quickly if you missed a turn (which we did- just to see how quick it would correct).
The voice search makes navigation even easier. By preceding the destination name with “navigate to” the directions appear- no typing involved. You just have to make sure to speak clearly and with details such as “Marriott Downtown Kansas City” as opposed to “Kansas City Marriott” as the latter will bring up a few options. You can also use voice search to find websites or information (like “where is the biggest ball of twine?”)
Because this is a Droid phone the apps are seemingly endless (I think it’s around 32,000) so you should be able to find whatever you need. I downloaded a mileage app, Friend Stream (which brings all your social media together in one place), a Twitter app, Facebook, Google Goggles (this one is amazing: scan a logo or bar code and Google will tell you the closest place to get it) and Google Sky Map (tells you what constellations you are viewing).
Because I knew I had to give this back I didn’t input much onto the calendar; just enough to know that, for a scheduling freak like me, it can keep me organized.
The downside to this phone? Only a couple that I found. 1) You can’t talk and use data at the same time. 2) It should come with a car adapter because, if you use the navigation, the battery will drain within 2 hours.
Those two downsides aside, I found this phone to live up to it’s name and would definitely buy it if my “new every 2” was coming up soon.
The Droid Incredible is available through Verizon Wireless. The cost is $199 with a 2 year contract. A data plan of $29.99 or higher is required.
Disclosure: I have been a Verizon customer for over 5 years (as an AT&T customer previously I have personally found that their coverage doesn’t work many places my family ventures) and have been happy with their extensive coverage areas and products. The Droid Incredible was loaned to me by Verizon Wireless. I did not receive cash or product compensation for this post.
I also received an incredible incredible from Verizon to test out for 3 weeks. Wow. It truly lives up to it’s name. I was so sad to give it back. I highly recommend this phone and will patiently wait until my new every 2 is up so I can upgrade. Awesome product. Awesome company.
We’ve been Verizon customers for about 8 years now. We’ve been happy w/ the service – customer service as well as cell service/reception. And I’ve heard the Droid Incredible is amazing…would love to have one, but until they (all wireless companies) can bring the cost of data service down to reasonable levels, I’ll stick to my basic phone.
For as much as I use the $30 unlimited data plan (it’s priceless for a traveler- or a busy mom!) the cost isn’t prohibitive. I suppose it just depends on what you use it for.
My New Every 2 is up in August, and I am waiting very IMpatiently for this phone ever since I got to test it out at the Moms Nite Out last month!!! My husband has the older Droid and I HATE IT, but this new one is AWESOME, and I am going to head out to get it the very first day my contract allows me to!
P.S. Thanks for the IBLOG gift… I just saw the email. You’re the best!!!
Cool! Thanks for the info. I’m a Verizon customer and currently have a BlackBerry, which I love, but have been considering getting the Droid. I think you just sold me on the Droid Incredible!
I currently have a Blackberry, too. But the bigger screen and super fast loading put my Curve to shame!
Great post Jodi. I have a Droid Eris, and while it was a good first try by Verizon, it falters in some areas, although it seems like where it falls, the Incredible rises. They still need to figure out the whole battery drainage thing though.
When you have apps that constantly update (Twitter, navigation, etc) running battery drainage is going to be an issue. And not a really big one as it’s an easy fix: get a battery recharger, a car charger, or the auto mount charger.