Cell phone comparison: HTC Droid Eris vs. HTC Hero (both with Google Android)
As many of you already know, the HTC Droid Eris from Verizon Wireless is extremely similar to the HTC Hero with Google from Sprint/Nextel. Specs-wise and appearance-wise, the HTC Droid Eris and HTC Hero are almost exactly the same. They are both 3G smartphones running the HTC Sense user interface over Android 1.5 (though an upgrade to Android 2.0 is rumored to be in the works) and they both have capacitive touch screens, 5-megapixel cameras, GPS and everything else you’d expect from a smartphone. But there are some differences that may make or break your decision between an HTC Hero and an HTC Droid Eris.
Verizon vs. Sprint
Of course, the biggest difference is the carrier. Verizon has been and will likely remain the king of coverage, which will certainly matter when using the EV-DO and 3G CDMA networks for web apps. However, Sprint’s network isn’t anything to sneeze at either. If you get sufficient coverage with Sprint where you live (check the coverage maps), then Sprint is a worthy contender when it comes to speed.
But what will likely be the X factor for you is cost.
Verizon’s plans start at somewhere around $99 for 450 anytime minutes, unlimited data and messaging and free nights and weekends starting at 9Pm (you can get less text messaging and shave that down to about $79).
Sprint, on the other hand, gets you the “Simply Everything” plan with 450 anytime minutes, unlimited data and messaging and free mobile-to-mobile (any network) and free nights and weekends starting at 7PM all for $69.99.
It’s easy to see which is the better deal – but if Sprint doesn’t have your hometown covered, you’d better stick with Verizon.
Hardware and Features
Like we said, there is very little that is different between the HTC Hero and the HTC Droid Eris when it comes to hardware. But here are some of the token differences you’ll notice:
- HTC Droid Eris has a proximity sensor that darkens the screen when you lift it to your ear. The Hero doesn’t.
- HTC Hero is about .1 inches thicker than the Eris (you’ll hardly notice).
- The HTC Hero has an ever-so-slightly bigger battery at 1500 mAh vs. the HTC Droid Eris’ 1300 mAh.
- HTC Hero comes bundled with Sprint’s customized apps while the HTC Droid Eris has the stock Android apps
- The HTC Droid Eris automatically kicks calls to a paired Bluetooth device while the HTC Hero requires you to choose the option in-call (small issue, but might matter if you have a Bluetooth hands-free setup in your car).
There are also a myriad of little design changes and tweaks between the HTC Hero and the HTC Droid Eris – but for these, we really recommend checking out some videos or handling one at the store, if you’re picky about aesthetics and look and feel. Otherwise, it all comes down to whether you prefer Verizon or Sprint and if any of the above bullet points bug you.
Related posts:
- Android Fans: Don’t Count Out the HTC Droid Eris
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- Cell Phone Comparison: iPhone vs. Android Phones
- Cell Phone Plans Comparison: Android vs. iPhone | Verizon vs. Sprint vs. AT&T
- Cell Phone Comparison: Motorola Droid vs. T-Mobile G1
- Cell Phone Comparison: Motorola Droid vs. Motorola Devour
- Move along Moto Droid the Droid Incredible Is Here
- Consumer Reports: Best HTC Smartphones
- Online Tethering Axed By Verizon with the New Android OS Droid Update
- Top 10 Verizon Wireless Upgrades
Tags: Android, HTC Droid Eris, HTC hero
December 28th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I have Straight Talk from Walmart and it is the best cell phone plan that I have ever used. Their unlimited plan is only $45 a month for unlimited texts, calls, and internet. It’s also the best quality becuase it is carried on the Verizon network.