Released within a similar timeframe, the Motorola DROID 2 Global and the HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE represent distinct approaches to the early Android 4G experience. The DROID 2 Global aimed for a classic BlackBerry-inspired physical keyboard, while the Incredible 4G LTE prioritized a more modern, streamlined design and faster data speeds. This comparison dissects the core hardware differences to determine which device holds up better under scrutiny.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a more responsive and future-proof experience, the HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE is the clear winner. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Motorola DROID 2 Global’s TI OMAP 3640, offering a smoother user interface and improved application compatibility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | - | 13 - Verizon |
| Speed | HSPA 10.2/5.76 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev. A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO | CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, November. Released 2010, November | 2012, May. Released 2012, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 116.3 x 60.5 x 13.7 mm (4.58 x 2.38 x 0.54 in) | 121.9 x 61 x 11.7 mm (4.80 x 2.40 x 0.46 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 132 g (4.66 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~275 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~53.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | S-LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.2 GHz Cortex-A8 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 3640 | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX530 | Adreno 225 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), upgradable to 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Sense UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) | DivX/XviD/MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
Document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 230 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1420 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Black |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | 1.58 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -83.0dB / Crosstalk -82.5dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 42h
|
Motorola DROID 2 Global
- Physical QWERTY keyboard for tactile typing
- Classic DROID design aesthetic
- Potentially more durable build quality
- Significantly slower processor
- Less efficient chipset
- Outdated software experience
HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE
- Faster Snapdragon S4 Plus processor
- More efficient power consumption
- 4G LTE connectivity for faster data speeds
- Lacks a physical keyboard
- May feel less robust than the DROID 2 Global
- Software updates may have ceased long ago
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the market positioning, the Incredible 4G LTE likely featured a higher resolution display to complement its more modern design. The DROID 2 Global’s display was likely optimized for readability with the physical keyboard in mind. Both would have used LCD technology common at the time, and neither would have featured high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, HTC generally focused on image processing and software enhancements, while Motorola often prioritized hardware specifications. It’s reasonable to assume the Incredible 4G LTE benefited from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon S4 Plus, potentially offering better low-light performance and image stabilization. The DROID 2 Global likely relied more heavily on software processing to compensate for any hardware limitations.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE’s Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus, with its dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait architecture, represents a significant leap over the Motorola DROID 2 Global’s TI OMAP 3640 and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A8. The Krait cores, built on a 28nm process, offered superior per-clock performance and efficiency compared to the OMAP 3640. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Incredible 4G LTE. The Snapdragon S4 Plus also included an Adreno 320 GPU, providing a more capable graphics experience than the OMAP 3640’s PowerVR SGX540.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 42 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery performance despite the differing chipsets. This is likely due to the Incredible 4G LTE’s more efficient Snapdragon S4 Plus offsetting its increased processing power. The 28nm process node of the Snapdragon contributes to lower power consumption. While charging speeds weren't a primary focus in this era, the Incredible 4G LTE’s more modern chipset might have supported slightly faster charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola DROID 2 Global if you absolutely require a physical QWERTY keyboard for extensive text input and value the classic DROID aesthetic. Buy the HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE if you prioritize faster 4G LTE speeds, a more modern software experience, and superior overall performance for applications and multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE run modern Android apps?
Due to its age and limited RAM, the Incredible 4G LTE will struggle with many modern Android applications. While custom ROMs can extend its lifespan, expect performance limitations and compatibility issues with newer apps.
❓ Is the physical keyboard on the Motorola DROID 2 Global worth sacrificing performance for?
That depends entirely on your usage. If you frequently compose long emails or messages, or simply prefer the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard, it might be. However, be prepared for a significantly slower and less responsive overall experience compared to the Incredible 4G LTE.
❓ Which phone is better for web browsing?
The HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE is superior for web browsing due to its faster processor and 4G LTE connectivity. Pages will load quicker, and the overall browsing experience will be smoother and more responsive.
