Skip to main content

Nexus One vs. Motorola Droid

nexus-v-droidFor the past few months the Motorola Droid was the hottest Android device on the market, but after today’s press conference in Mountain View, California it looks like there’s a new droid in town. With all of the new reviews pouring in from lucky Nexus One handlers, there’s been a lot of “Droid-killer” talk. Will this new Google phone destroy the former Android king, the Motorola Droid? There are already mixed opinions on the matter, especially since the Nexus One isn’t linked to any specific provider and won’t hit Verizon until this Spring, but we’ll just have to wait and see how this Android duel plays out. And while we’re waiting, we’ll do a little comparison of our own.

So, which Android smartphone is the best? This is a tough question, because Google is basically competing with itself and even though the phones are very similar, they have distinct differences which would probably only seperate them by personal taste. The Nexus One is thinner but doesn’t have a physical keyboard. The Droid has that nice QWERTY keyboard and a 3.7” touchscreen (same as the Nexus), but it has a very boxey design.  Now, something to consider is that the Nexus one is about $20 cheaper across all options than Droid—unlimited plan and service plan—but buying either unlocked is still more expensive than buying a netbook. The Nexus One runs Android 2.1 which has been getting rave reviews for its speedy Web browsing. From the sounds of what we’re saying, the Nexus is sounding a little more appealing.

Here are the major Nexus and Droid specs so you can compare for yourself…


Nexus One Specs

  • google-nexus-one-combo5MP camera with LED flash
  • Qualcomm QSD 8250 1GHz processor
  • Android 2.1 OS
  • 512MB RAM
  • 512MB Flash drive (built in)
  • 4GM Micro SD card
  • 3.7″ touchscreen display
  • Weight: 130g with battery
  • Talk time: up to 7 hours on 3G/10 hours on 2G
  • Web use: up to 6.5 hours on Wi-Fi
  • Price: $179 with T-Mobile or $529 without contract

Motorola Droid Specs

  • motorola-droid5MP camera with LED flash
  • Android 2.0 OS
  • QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen
  • 600 MHz ARM Cortex A8 Processor
  • 256 MB RAM / 512 MB ROM
  • microSD/microSDHC
  • 3.7-inch screen touchscreen
  • Weight: 169g with battery
  • Talk Time: 6.4 hours on 3G
  • Web use: up to 6 hours on Wi-Fi
  • Price: $199 on Verizon or $599 without contract

Editors' Recommendations

Dena Cassella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Haole built. O'ahu grown
Don’t buy this new Motorola phone — get this other one instead
Renders of the Moto G 5G (2024) and Moto G Power 5G (2024).

the Moto G 5G (left) and Moto G Power 5G Digital Trends

Budget phones can slip under the radar when shiny, powerful flagships launch. But if you're in the market for a smartphone that gets the job done and won't blow a four-figure hole in your bank balance, then a great budget smartphone is the way to go.

Read more
Google Messages vs. Samsung Messages: Which app should you use?
Google messages versus samsung messages app icons side by side on Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Amid the rise of third-party messaging apps, texting remains a popular means of messaging in the U.S. If you own an Android phone, you've likely used or heard of Google Messages, which is positioned as the default text messaging app for Android. It is the culmination of Google's long history with multiple messaging platforms. Google has pursued smartphone companies to use its Dialer and Messages apps as their default since at least 2017 and now mandates them to use Google Messages as the default messaging app on all devices.

Meanwhile, if you have been a Samsung user in the past, you have likely also known and experienced the Samsung Messages app, which comes preinstalled on all Samsung phones and cannot be uninstalled. This is despite losing its spot as the default messaging app on Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Read more
I performed an intense gaming test with the OnePlus 12. Here’s what happened
Person holding green OnePlus 12 phone in hands while playing games.

OnePlus has traditionally appealed to a very demanding set of users. Its "Never Settle" ethos appealed to early adopters of OnePlus phones looking to accomplish more than they can on traditional flagship phones at a much lower price. After a few years off track, OnePlus' latest flagship phone -- the OnePlus 12 -- feels like an ideal representation of its founding principles.

From a radiant display to superfast wired and wireless charging, the OnePlus 12 has many compelling features. Areas that I feel deserves the most attention are its gaming performance and brilliant value, even compared to other $800 phones.

Read more