[Q] Buying a new phone - DNA still a good choice? - HTC Droid DNA

Hey all - here's my situation: Verizon unlimited, Rezound is on the fritz. I'm looking to buy a new phone imminently. I was taken in by the Moto X for a lot of reasons, but then I remembered the good old DNA. I like the idea of paying half what a new phone would cost and still having decent resale value.
So, my question really comes down to: is the DNA still a suitable phone in late 2013? My biggest requirement is that it run smoothly and be stabile. I have no qualms taking it S-OFF and flashing a good ROM. I actually quite liked my S-OFF JB Rezound until the radios started acting up and I don't see paying $100 for a replacement a good investment right now.
Reviews indicate the battery life isn't stellar, but I can live with that if the performance and screen are up to snuff.
I also hope you guys, being DNA owners, might be harsh about it. Tell me the things you don't like or wish were better.
Thanks in advance all

ecetim said:
Hey all - here's my situation: Verizon unlimited, Rezound is on the fritz. I'm looking to buy a new phone imminently. I was taken in by the Moto X for a lot of reasons, but then I remembered the good old DNA. I like the idea of paying half what a new phone would cost and still having decent resale value.
So, my question really comes down to: is the DNA still a suitable phone in late 2013? My biggest requirement is that it run smoothly and be stabile. I have no qualms taking it S-OFF and flashing a good ROM. I actually quite liked my S-OFF JB Rezound until the radios started acting up and I don't see paying $100 for a replacement a good investment right now.
Reviews indicate the battery life isn't stellar, but I can live with that if the performance and screen are up to snuff.
I also hope you guys, being DNA owners, might be harsh about it. Tell me the things you don't like or wish were better.
Thanks in advance all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still a good phone and should get better when it receives 4.3 here "soon".

None of the new phones offer much more than barely noticeable speed increases. You can't go wrong.
Only real hiccup is the limited storage, but considering you have unlimited the cloud is your friend.

With newt's GPE Rom this phone is as smooth as the One. Wirefly has them for 29 bucks I think. Best buy on the market. I am an average user and have never killed the battery in one day.
Sent from my DLX using xda app-developers app

HTC Butterfly S, its a DNA with 3200ma battery and SD card Slot
Sent from my DLX using Tapatalk 4 Beta

The DNA will still be heavy contender compared to the S4, Xperia Z, and all the others. Its much better than the Moto X in terms of hardware, and with custom romming and custom kernals, you can get some awesome firmware settups. If you can afford it and you're on GSM, I would go for the Butterfly S. Its the DNA with Boomsound, SD slot, and a faster processor (Snapdragon 800 I believe, as opposed to the DNA's S4 Pro). I would pick it over the S4 any day, and about even with the One. Butterfly S it the only phone I consider superior to the DNA.
Sent from my Ecliptic DNA

It's so solid. I've tried the new phones and the DNA is still just as good.

Ooooooo: Butterfly S. What are those (in $$$) running these days? Anybody get one?

rfarrah said:
Ooooooo: Butterfly S. What are those (in $$$) running these days? Anybody get one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$750 new and unlocked

I also had a Rezound before I got the DNA a week ago. Put it this way, if the Rezound was fast enough for you, then you don't have to worry about speed because the DNA is even faster. As far as battery life, I had a 3200mah battery and I was able to get about 4 hours of screen on time. With the DNA I can get 6 hours or more even though it has a smaller battery - and I'm running stock and unrooted. The screen on the DNA is much brighter than the Rezound. I could go on and on.
Conclusion: you should definitely get the DNA.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app

d-style said:
I also had a Rezound before I got the DNA a week ago. Put it this way, if the Rezound was fast enough for you, then you don't have to worry about speed because the DNA is even faster. As far as battery life, I had a 3200mah battery and I was able to get about 4 hours of screen on time. With the DNA I can get 6 hours or more even though it has a smaller battery - and I'm running stock and unrooted. The screen on the DNA is much brighter than the Rezound. I could go on and on.
Conclusion: you should definitely get the DNA.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 went from rezound to DNA a few months back, this comment is spot on
(used a contract and didn't lose my unlimited data too what a plus!)
This phone is perfect rom or no rom, granted the low storage might worry you once awhile if you install roms and make backups.

My battery over the past week , and three days.
Does a good job.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app

Get it. I got mine a month and a half ago for FREE at Best Buy. I don't regret getting this phone. You won't either. Get it.
Sent from my HTC DNA

I've had my DNA for a little over a month. Sold my Galaxy Nexus on craigslist and picked the DNA up for $130 (CL FTW!) The DNA is ten times better than the Galaxy Nexus ever was. Has specs that still compete with the newest phones. And battery life has not been an issue for me. I can get a whole day's use out of it. That's even with 4-5 hours of streaming Play Music over LTE. 3 hours of screen on time if listening to that much music. Can get over 5 hours of screen on time without listening to music at work. Wireless charging is a definite plus. It's a beautiful looking phone minus the huge verizon logos. I would get one if you can score one for fairly cheap used. I'm in the same boat as you having unlimited data so I won't upgrade through Verizon or anyone else.

I have a DNA for about a month now and it's an incredible phone however, if you can, try to get an HTC One. My brother has that phone and it's somewhat better than the dna. There just some things like the battery life and the front speakers that make it a better overall phone. Also twice as much storage is a big boost and the phone is absolutely beautiful. What I like about the materials is that it isn't a fingerprint magnet like the back of the Dna is. That's just my two cents so if you can, go for the One but otherwise, you can't go wrong with the Dna either as it is an awesome phone.

As long as you can pick up a DNA that has not had the newest update installed you will have a solid phone. Moonshine S-Off either Linux or Windows version and you will have a phone that will last for years. I picked mine up in May, S-Offed with moonshine and have been enjoying it ever since. Just today I installed CM10.2 and it's running buttery smooth. Moonshine unlocks the bootloader and the SIM so you will never again be tied to one service provider or a contract. All you need to do is flash a GSM ROM, go to any service provider and pay for a SIM card and a month to month deal and you will have total control. Good luck.

Just throwing my two cents in here. I still absolutely love my DNA. The only problem I have with it is the limited storage. I have about 3GB of music on it, for the rarer and more obscure stuff that Spotify won't give me, and I do occasionally have to clear off my pictures and videos to keep it from filling up.
Other than that the phone is diesel. Smooth and fast with a gorgeous screen and great battery life. I love it.

d-style said:
I also had a Rezound before I got the DNA a week ago. Put it this way, if the Rezound was fast enough for you, then you don't have to worry about speed because the DNA is even faster. As far as battery life, I had a 3200mah battery and I was able to get about 4 hours of screen on time. With the DNA I can get 6 hours or more even though it has a smaller battery - and I'm running stock and unrooted. The screen on the DNA is much brighter than the Rezound. I could go on and on.
Conclusion: you should definitely get the DNA.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the DNA is amazing...only draw back for me would be that DNA is no longer supported. I had a DNA and still have it...but I just got a HTC One. Wow. I didn't think I would like the smaller screen but I actually like the phone alot. if you're about to pay $599 for a phone ( like i did) i would go with the One only because it would get supported longer and its newer.
Conclusion: DNA is still a GREAT PHONE! And so is the One.

andrewp3481 said:
Yeah the DNA is amazing...only draw back for me would be that DNA is no longer supported. I had a DNA and still have it...but I just got a HTC One. Wow. I didn't think I would like the smaller screen but I actually like the phone alot. if you're about to pay $599 for a phone ( like i did) i would go with the One only because it would get supported longer and its newer.
Conclusion: DNA is still a GREAT PHONE! And so is the One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one is nice no doubt about it, however the dna and one are very close in terms of hardware. The only thing that the one has over the dna is a full aluminum body, more storage, and front facing speakers. I wouldn't trade my dna for the one. For me the dna is perfect.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I'm probably one of the small number of people that don't like the aluminum body if the HTC One. It does look nice but I prefer the softer back of the DNA. Metal just doesn't feel as comfortable to hold to me.
However, I do like the front facing speakers of the One. I do watch videos on my phone every now and then and it would be nice to have the sound coming towards me instead of going away from me.
I like the red accents that are on the DNA as opposed to the all black or all white of most phones. That's one of the reasons I chose the Rezound for my previous phone. I just don't see many phones that have that.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app

Related

Bionic to Rezound?

I've been looking more into the phone and really like what I see. Anything I should hold out for or be weary. I have enough cash from my iPhone/Atrix sale to purchase, but without root yet. I know it's still very early though.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC
Any reason your Bionic not good enough?
It is a great phone without root. Best out of the box HTC phone I've had so far.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 10.1
I came from the Bionic and the Rezound is better in every way even without root. Especially the screen and the camera. After the bionic I will probably never buy a Motorola phone. I much prefer the Sense ui to the crap they call Blur.
My wife just got her first smartphone last month. She picked the bionic. She didn't want to spend the extra $50 for the rezound. I did though!!! I have had only htc smartphones and plan to keep it that way I love sense. The Rezound is an awesome phone. My wife keeps asking if her phone has some of the same option my phone has. It is always a sense thing she is looking for. I think she regrets the Bionic now and the camera sucks on the Bionic!
My wife just got her first smartphone last month. She picked the bionic. She didn't want to spend the extra $50 for the rezound. I did though!!! I have had only htc smartphones and plan to keep it that way I love sense. The Rezound is an awesome phone. My wife keeps asking if her phone has some of the same option my phone has. It is always a sense thing she is looking for. I think she regrets the Bionic now and the camera sucks on the Bionic!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I started in the HTC line and I'm staying HTC. Sense UI is the best and this phone is craziness great perfect fast is everything
Rocking My Unbelievable Rezound
zetsumeikuro said:
Any reason your Bionic not good enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me see, apps disappear, random reboots, video camera is garbage with low light, pictures won't focus, display looks like a screen door. Those were my reasons for returning the bionic.
I realize the rezound is like a couple months later but help for the same price it came with ear buds and better everything else.
The only one thing the bionic can do better is the display is easier the see in sunlight.
I came from the Bionic as well. Night and day difference. Having two previous HTC phones prior to the Motorola I had to switch back. HTC knows how to create the perfect device. The screen on the Resound is worth the swap alone. Can't wait till s-off and cm7/9. Maybe a little miui action as well.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
I have an active Bionic and Rezound ATM.
Screen is major. It is gorgeous. Other than that though .. I almost prefer my Bionic experience to the Sense. I know .. I'm strange I guess. The Bionic seems faster too, I have it rooted updated to 5.8.894 too. The update fixed the Bionic.
I love both, but I can't wait for the Rezounds root. That need to happen before I prefer this to the Bionic.
Which would I recommend right now? Bionic. Battery life, user interface, root ... it's a better device for me. for now...
I had a Bionic for a brief period and absolutely HATED IT. The screen was hideous, the sound sucked, camera was garbage etc etc etc. I have owned tons of phones over the years & the Bionic was the only one I have ever returned in disgust.
I returned it and bought a Droid Charge that was awesome (custom ROM, imoseyon 4.0, fuju tweaks, LPP Plus etc etc etc). I used that until just a few days ago when I gave it to my Wife & bought the Rezound. Both the Charge & the Rezound absolutely blow away the POS Bionic IMHO.
~John
jmorton10 said:
I had a Bionic for a brief period and absolutely HATED IT. The screen was hideous, the sound sucked, camera was garbage etc etc etc. I have owned tons of phones over the years & the Bionic was the only one I have ever returned in disgust.
I returned it and bought a Droid Charge that was awesome (custom ROM, imoseyon 4.0, fuju tweaks, LPP Plus etc etc etc). I used that until just a few days ago when I gave it to my Wife & bought the Rezound. Both the Charge & the Rezound absolutely blow away the POS Bionic IMHO.
~John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a very similar experience except I sold my bionic for the charge. Switching to the rezound however, has changed the way I look at phones. No phone I've ever had, rooted or not, has satisfied like this one. Only thing that will make me love this phone more now would be root.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
What's the going price for a lnib Rezound?
Sent from my DROID BIONIC
jbh00jh said:
It is a great phone without root. Best out of the box HTC phone I've had so far.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 10.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Also the best built phone I've owned since the HD2.
HTC all the way. I almost held out for the galaxy nexus, even though I don't like plastic phones, then the lack of sd card and 5mp camera brought me back to my senses.
MOTO Q9C
HTC TP2
HTC HD2
HTC HD7
HTC THUNDERBOLT
HTC REZOUND
I see a trend developing

Possible Purchase, Please Help!

I am contemplating getting a Droid DNA. I have gone through some different phones in the past 2 months including; iPhone 5, Note 2, Optimus G and Nexus 4 twice (sold it now own another). I have not been satisfied with any of these phones nor am I satisfied with AT&T recently. I am looking to switched to Verizon but I don't know whether to go with the DNA or not. Buddy of mine has one and complains about it all the time, creaking, battery a dead phone swap out in just 3 weeks time.
HTC has left a bad taste in my mouth after I owned and EVO years back. I can't decided whether I should give them a second chance. Some things about me personally, I don't need tons of customization, I like quick and easy to use, I like connectivity with other devices in my house and car and lastly my biggest pet peeves are build quality and lagginess/crashing.
I know this sounds like I am basically selling myself on going back to iPhone but I would really like a bigger screen but with a phone close to the iPhone in build quality and software stabilization.
Ur friend is retarded. This phone is really awesome. In not sure why he complain so much.
sent from my beastly powered DNA using Tapatalk 2
Hmm, this forum dying or is this post that I did worthless? If its worthless I apologize and will be happy to remove. I just wanted to get some insight from people who have the device.
holla420 said:
Ur friend is retarded. This phone is really awesome. In not sure why he complain so much.
sent from my beastly powered DNA using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's retarded because he has problems that other people on this forum have?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
The phone is good I've had it now for almost 3 weeks and no problems so far.
Sent from my HTC DROID DNA.
The phone is solid. I came from a gnex and IMO the DNA is significantly better from a battery/performance standpoint. My ONLY beef with the phone is the USB door *insert facepalm here*, and then the small storage size.
I wouldn't trade it for my gnex at all. Of course the ultimate IMO would be to have the DNA with CM...but I'm not so sure that'll happen.
I would say definitely get the DNA. I haven't had a single problem with mine and I've owned it for over a month - battery always lasts me all day without having to restrict usage in any way, it's fast and lag-free, and the build quality is superb.
What are you hoping to get in the DNA that you couldn't find in all if those other phones, if you don't mind my asking?
The hardware on my DNA is kick-ass. No creaks or anything.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using XDA Premium HD app
I haven't experienced any pig Wat he's referring to.
sent from my beastly powered DNA using Tapatalk 2
It is great, battery is fine, just don't expect note 2 or razr maxx levels of battery life. My phone doesn't creak, but apparently others have this problem.
And I've honestly never heard of a DNA just dying, unless he was unlocking it and just failed.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Every single phone ever will have haters. I actually know more people that complain about iphones than anything else. The thing you have to realize is that 9/10s of people that don't have problems don't post them and 9/10s of the people that do have problems do post them. I've owned so many phones to this point it's not even funny. I think the Iphone's build quality is crap for the main reason of actual durability. It looks great, but it can't withstand anything. It breaks easily. I don't call that good build quality. The Droid DNA for me is the first android phone that I have ever owned that has taken everything I've thrown at it and laughed even on the stock rom. For development it won't be the phone for you. It may be nice and eventually we may get AOSP, but I don't plan on it. I'm happy with the phone the way it ships. (Minus the stupid wifi notification lol) I have never owned the GS3 or note 2 and I can't speak on those, but I can tell you why I chose the DNA over them. Sure the one fallacy of the DNA is 16GB storage and no expansion, but I've been using dropbox thanks to help from a user. I used both the GS3 and note 2 in store and didn't like the way they left in my hand. The GS3 and note 2 may have more dev support, but the DNA felt right in my hands. It also matches or beats both the other phones in specs and in my testing the S4 pro blows out everything else. The radios are great and the battery is much better than I thought it would be. It's not as big as the note 2 which is almost comical to talk on. And it's not almost slippery in the hand like the GS3 or feel "cheap" like it may to some. It wasn't the best choice for me from the "available phones" it wasn't a compromise for me it was and is the one I want. I didn't settle and the ability to take it to any network other than sprint is something amazing to me. It's the first phone I've felt that is mine.
I love the phone also. Everything works well. If it creeks just replace it, I did that for my wife's phone.
The only non-obvious issue I have is that the phone overheats under heavy loads. When I play subway surfers longer than 15 minutes the game starts to lag as the temp reaches 40c or so. That's the four cores working hard rendering that full HD resolution. The good news is that it is the only game for which this happens.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
inseconds99 said:
I am contemplating getting a Droid DNA. I have gone through some different phones in the past 2 months including; iPhone 5, Note 2, Optimus G and Nexus 4 twice (sold it now own another). I have not been satisfied with any of these phones nor am I satisfied with AT&T recently. I am looking to switched to Verizon but I don't know whether to go with the DNA or not. Buddy of mine has one and complains about it all the time, creaking, battery a dead phone swap out in just 3 weeks time.
HTC has left a bad taste in my mouth after I owned and EVO years back. I can't decided whether I should give them a second chance. Some things about me personally, I don't need tons of customization, I like quick and easy to use, I like connectivity with other devices in my house and car and lastly my biggest pet peeves are build quality and lagginess/crashing.
I know this sounds like I am basically selling myself on going back to iPhone but I would really like a bigger screen but with a phone close to the iPhone in build quality and software stabilization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you thought about Windows Phone 8? It's smooth, easy to use, and efficient.
Posted from my Verizon Employee Edition DROID DNA #01749.
Its a good phone very fast and snappy if you go with verizon youll have a lot of bloadware and sadly this possibly the most annoying phone ive had when it comes to rooting but id still recommend it that or the s3 which my gf as i like messing with it too, but it wont let me root it so i can really start having fun with it lol
For integration, if you have Samsung devices at home, like a TV, then you may want to get a Samsung phone so they all sync up with ease.
Have had my DNA since launch day. NO problems, issues, concerns whatsoever. Battery life is amazing for me. Absolutely LOVE this phone.
As always, YMMV.

Anything other than the screen that's great?

I'm getting an upgrade soon. Not sure if I should get this phone or not.
So basically, are there any other features that makes this phone stand out from others besides the screen ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro is pretty awesome too if u want to know.... And IPX-5 grade water resistant.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
What has your research shown you so far?
Cremacious said:
I'm getting an upgrade soon. Not sure if I should get this phone or not.
So basically, are there any other features that makes this phone stand out from others besides the screen ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest with you, have yet to find anything about this phone I don't like. The screen is amazing, the snapdragon S4 pro is incredibly fast. Not to mention the fact that the DNA has by far the best battery life for any android phone I have ever had (went from the Aris >> Incredible >> Droid Charge >> rezound >> DNA). I can go to work for 8 hours and come home with >70% of my battery still left with moderate usage. A few friends who also have the phone report the same thing.
IMO you really can not go wrong with this phone.
I have a Galaxy Note 2 and a DNA and I much prefer my DNA as my "daily driver". My only gripe with the phone are kernel the wakelock issues, but that problem is easily addressed by flashing LKs kernel.
I would also add that the phone was a bit too thin for my tastes. Possibly because I have smaller hands. A Diztronic case solved that issue and I think the phone has a perfect feel to it now.
The DNA is nearly perfect, and using ViperROM makes it even better. The only reason that I would give a recommendation to a different device is for expandable memory. If you often find yourself in situations where you don't have 4g or decent WiFi, then you will want your media on your device, and 11GB goes quick.
Manjews said:
To be honest with you, have yet to find anything about this phone I don't like. The screen is amazing, the snapdragon S4 pro is incredibly fast. Not to mention the fact that the DNA has by far the best battery life for any android phone I have ever had (went from the Aris >> Incredible >> Droid Charge >> rezound >> DNA). I can go to work for 8 hours and come home with >70% of my battery still left with moderate usage. A few friends who also have the phone report the same thing.
IMO you really can not go wrong with this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The standby time for this phone is incredible. I can go on a 7 hour shift with only using about 2% of the battery.
This phone is also sooooo smooth. Waaay faster than my moms, sisters, or brother in laws galaxy III's.
i just lol'd
The reason I ask is because I'm going to be upgrading to either the S3 or DNA from an Incredible 2. The S3 is $100 cheaper, and I stopped and wondered if there was anything the DNA had that made it worth the extra price other than the screen. My Incredible 2 is the only smartphone I've owned so far, and I immediately stopped liking Sense and went the custom ROM route with CM7 and MIUI. I returned to stock once and the phone felt laggy, and the bloatware didn't help. I know its unfair to compare the DNA to an older device with and older version of Sense, but it kind of made me want to step away from HTC. Plus, I'm a bit mad at HTC promising an update but never delivering.
I plan on going stock this time, and based on what you guys are saying its still very nice and smooth? Worth the double price? It is a two year commitment so I'm being cautious.
What are your other choices?
it's still ur choice. but why not just go and try the phone first? hold it touch it feel it.
Cremacious said:
The reason I ask is because I'm going to be upgrading to either the S3 or DNA from an Incredible 2. The S3 is $100 cheaper, and I stopped and wondered if there was anything the DNA had that made it worth the extra price other than the screen. My Incredible 2 is the only smartphone I've owned so far, and I immediately stopped liking Sense and went the custom ROM route with CM7 and MIUI. I returned to stock once and the phone felt laggy, and the bloatware didn't help. I know its unfair to compare the DNA to an older device with and older version of Sense, but it kind of made me want to step away from HTC. Plus, I'm a bit mad at HTC promising an update but never delivering.
I plan on going stock this time, and based on what you guys are saying its still very nice and smooth? Worth the double price? It is a two year commitment so I'm being cautious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious as to where you are seeing this price difference. At Verizon they're both 199 and at amazon they're both 149 for an upgrade.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
DNA is the best phone I have owned. Came from EVO 4G lte, great phone but DNA beats it. Running Nova launcher and is crazy fast! Truly love the phone. Played with a buddies SGiii, no comparison, DNA smokes it. My opinion of course.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Yeah this is definitely the best phone ive owned. Coming from crapple.
Sent from my SuperCharged DNA
Cremacious said:
I'm getting an upgrade soon. Not sure if I should get this phone or not.
So basically, are there any other features that makes this phone stand out from others besides the screen ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Built in wireless charging, form factor, camera
battery. reception of 4g. call quality. gaming. speed. camera. stylish looks. beats. music. i can go on

Galaxy Nexus to HTC Droid DNA

I'm currently debating whether to pick up the Galaxy Note 2 or the HTC DNA. I love the form factor of the DNA and it's 1080p, sense has always been of interest as well. I currently own a Galaxy Nexus, the new Nexus 4 is kind of underwhelming so I think I'm gonna take a break from the google line of devices.
what do you guys say?
I looked at both before I got the DNA. The Galaxy Note 2 was just to big for me. The screen on the DNA is much better. The also I prefer Sense over Touchwiz and Sense 4+ is the best yet. The biggest problem people have with DNA is the 16gb of space on the phone. You can easily get around this since the phone has usb-otg built in. With an adapter you plug in any size USB device. I have a dongle with a 64gb microsd card. It also works with TWRP recovery so you can backup your phone to it if you choose to unlock your phone.
The DNA is also a world phone, correct? I live in Pakistan (where all the networks are GSM) and plan on having a friend of mine bring a DNA over from the states. I've read that they're unlocked out of the box and can be used on virtually any network.
iArtisan said:
The DNA is also a world phone, correct? I live in Pakistan (where all the networks are GSM) and plan on having a friend of mine bring a DNA over from the states. I've read that they're unlocked out of the box and can be used on virtually any network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yups, u should be able to use it in Pakistan. All GSM frequency/band are UNLOCKED in this phone.
Iam using mine in India
My previous phone was also a GNex.
DNA is at another level to GNex. Quad-core, Bigger and better screen , better sound quality, better camera, better battery life.
The only thing GNex has over DNA is custom ROMs. But you should try out ViperDNA. It kicks ass !!
We should be getting AOSP pretty soon :fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
The thing that sold me was the 1080p screen... Everything looks phenomenal on this thing. I was nervous about the battery life but that had ended up impressing me also. This has honestly be the best phone I have ever owned
man you guys are getting me pumped. I might have the phone by the 3rd week of march.
The only thing that bothers me is the Verizon logo tbqh.
I bought the note 2 but after two weeks it was just too big. Swapped it for this and never looked back!
For what it's worth I came from galaxy nexus and get easily double the battery life on this phone.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
I was on a gnex before I got my DNA I'm happy as hell with mines. Unlocked,rooted,s-off,viper Rom, can't go wrong with that
sent from my beastly powered viper DNA using Tapatalk 2
I could not be happier leaving the gnex
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
AW: Galaxy Nexus to HTC Droid DNA
I have the Note 2 before Dna,Dna is better for me!
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
letschky said:
I have the Note 2 before Dna,Dna is better for me!
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol cool .
I'm surprised to see so many gnex owners made the switch to DNA. That says a lot about the quality of the phone in my opinion. I'm not surprised you guys love the phone though, I guess its just that I've seen so much (unnecessary in my opinion) debate about all the things wrong with sense and HTC from gnex users.
I'm one of the rare people that loves both, but if I wasn't allowed more than one interface it would definitely be sense.
In regards to the OP, how serious of a hardcore android gamer are you?
Sent from my DNA... S-Off like a baws
I came from a GNEX and haven't looked back. I miss the roms but it is honestly a relief to be able to sit on one rom for a month with no issues and stellar battery life.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
I'm going to provide a somewhat tenuous dissenting opinion. I'm coming from a Gnex, and picked up a DNA last night, which I'm considering switching to full time. After 24 hours with it, I'm quite pleased by the hardware, and utterly horrified by the software.
Sense is, in my opinion, complete and utter crap. There's no other way for me to put it, I hate almost everything about it. It's as if they locked several caffeinated adolescent boys in a room and told them to design a skin while watching episodes of Transformers. Viper is making it somewhat tolerable, but man am I anxiously awaiting AOSP. That said... the hardware, oh the hardware. The screen is simply gorgeous, and the battery life is easily twice what I got with my Gnex. In addition, I have 2-3 bars of 4G at work where I had 0-1 bars of 3G before.
The hardware advantages this has over the Gnex are sufficient to keep me from selling this thing in the hopes that AOSP is coming soon. If anyone reading is on the fence, and isn't sure how they'll feel about Sense, I'd advise waiting for prices to come down. I'll probably still pop my SIM into the Gnex here and there to experience Android as it was intended to be.
I too came from the gnex and while I loved the phone itself and devolopment. I couldnt stand the poor reception and battery life. I got the DNA on launch day and have never regreted it. battery life is great and so is the radio reception! As far as development goes you cant beat Viper rom been running it for a good while now and dont even miss AOKP anymore .I am sure you will love this phone!
TheJ0hnman said:
I'm going to provide a somewhat tenuous dissenting opinion. I'm coming from a Gnex, and picked up a DNA last night, which I'm considering switching to full time. After 24 hours with it, I'm quite pleased by the hardware, and utterly horrified by the software.
Sense is, in my opinion, complete and utter crap. There's no other way for me to put it, I hate almost everything about it. It's as if they locked several caffeinated adolescent boys in a room and told them to design a skin while watching episodes of Transformers. Viper is making it somewhat tolerable, but man am I anxiously awaiting AOSP. That said... the hardware, oh the hardware. The screen is simply gorgeous, and the battery life is easily twice what I got with my Gnex. In addition, I have 2-3 bars of 4G at work where I had 0-1 bars of 3G before.
The hardware advantages this has over the Gnex are sufficient to keep me from selling this thing in the hopes that AOSP is coming soon. If anyone reading is on the fence, and isn't sure how they'll feel about Sense, I'd advise waiting for prices to come down. I'll probably still pop my SIM into the Gnex here and there to experience Android as it was intended to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As much as I hated it when I first switched, I actually kind of like sense now.... But maybe because every phone I have had before this one I ran CM or some form of aosp and the "newness" of sense keeps me interested. I really LOVE sense camera especially with the mod to make compression next to minimal. I get amazing pictures that the aosp (bless its soul) could never produce.
CharliesTheMan said:
I'm surprised to see so many gnex owners made the switch to DNA. That says a lot about the quality of the phone in my opinion. I'm not surprised you guys love the phone though, I guess its just that I've seen so much (unnecessary in my opinion) debate about all the things wrong with sense and HTC from gnex users.
I'm one of the rare people that loves both, but if I wasn't allowed more than one interface it would definitely be sense.
In regards to the OP, how serious of a hardcore android gamer are you?
Sent from my DNA... S-Off like a baws
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually don't game all that much, I might start though with that beautiful 1080p 5" screen. That said, I'm aware that many games don't work just yet, if that's the point you're insinuating.
sn1p3r6992 said:
As much as I hated it when I first switched, I actually kind of like sense now.... But maybe because every phone I have had before this one I ran CM or some form of aosp and the "newness" of sense keeps me interested. I really LOVE sense camera especially with the mod to make compression next to minimal. I get amazing pictures that the aosp (bless its soul) could never produce.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly how I feel. Having first owned a G2x and then a Galaxy Nexus, the untainted google experience is starting to get a little stale. This is why I hope the DNA and sense will distract me for at least a year or longer... especially if Sense 5 is on the way.
Can only add to what others have said. I also came from the Nexus. Before that I had the incredible and sense.
The piss poor reception is what ultimately made me pay full retail for the DNA. Only downfall is the 16GB memory and annoying WiFi notification.
This phone is amazing though.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
I just recently made the jump from the Galaxy Nexus to the Droid DNA. I resisted Sense at first being so used to the Stock UI but have come to really enjoy it. This phone is amazing though. Beautiful screen and very snappy performance. Anyone know how easily the back cover scratches? I prefer the naked feel and don't really want a case. In short it was a good move to go to the DNA.
BS
The process
so my question is what is the process of unlocking and turning s-off on this bad boy, i have never owned a htc device before

Droid DNA or should I leave to a RAZR Maxx HD?

I was given the option to switch? What should I do? I am getting really desperate because of no root on my DNA!? Is there any other phones on Verizon I should look towards?
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
ramongarza said:
I was given the option to switch? What should I do? I am getting really desperate because of no root on my DNA!? Is there any other phones on Verizon I should look towards?
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy s4 at the end of the month. Pretty sure it will see more action than the DNA. Though DNA imo is probably better.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
The only better spec on the razr is probably the battery it has nothing on the dna.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
In all fairness, the Razr Maxx has twice the internal memory, option for an SD card, quicker updates from Motorola, better radios and currently an unlocked bootloader option. As for screen resolution, smoothness (quad-core plus twice the ram), camera and features the DNA wins in those categories.
Sent from my HTC DNA
Ummm... No....
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
I've owned both. The battery life is immensely great on the maxx. But it being locked down like the dna was horrible. Motoblur is kept to a minimum. While Rom speed ends up slow due to the lacking dual core. The moto doesn't have anything resembling a task manager so the phone becomes quick overrun by rogue apps robbing memory. It does have a decent radio but the lte radios were horrible. I had a unique problem the other razr owners had. Dust would accumulate in the headphone port cause it not to switch AT ALL. The Maxx is a decent phone. But the HTC has a better radio and reception, faster processor and a better camera. However. The maxx had a better microphone for videos. I have comparison videos I could post if you'd like. But. I chose the DNA.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
rsims26 said:
In all fairness, the Razr Maxx has twice the internal memory, option for an SD card, quicker updates from Motorola, better radios and currently an unlocked bootloader option. As for screen resolution, smoothness (quad-core plus twice the ram), camera and features the DNA wins in those categories.
Sent from my HTC DNA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know that the radios are better? "Because its a Motorola" is not a valid answer.
OP, the razr HD is even wider than the DNA. It is difficult to use with one hand.
Sad to know that specwise. The RAZR. Is/mighthavebeen the thinnest phone on the market. I got better reception on my DNA than I ever did on the maxx. It would also heat up quite a bit whereas the DNA is slightly warm? And only hot with my wireless charger. The razr used to heat up even in a long phone call which made it almost unbearable to hold on your face. I also had to send my RAZR in for a refurb. Vibe motor became disconnected from the mobo and rattled in the phone. Except the razr had a very strong vibe motor. The colors and screen quality got better with the JB update it got. However in lowlight settings the physical manufacturing limits of the screen left black splotches that with time will expand and move about the screen. You cannot see these under high brightness. 3 razr maxx's and one friends razr all had this issue so its not limited to batch runs. I can imagine they improved this with the newer HD version but I can't atest to it. The motorola hardware is SOLID. But the software that moto overlays can be cumbersome. At least HTC always tests sense. Even on a 5-600mhz Qualcomm the sense doesn't lag. I can keep answering any questions you have. I'm very very picky. My DNA headphone port plastic chipped away one day. But. I still have my charge door. I don't plug in.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
If you're at all used to the speed, display, and smoove operating on the DNA, the Maxx HD will be a difficult pill to swallow. I went that route and had real trouble getting over the screen; there is absolutely no comparison to the DNA and the DNA wins hands down. The second thing I noticed on the Maxx HD was the lag that creeps up and bites you on the @ss. At first I didn't think it was any big deal. As time went on however, the lag got worse and worse until I finally said, "Enough!". At one point I was using TiB to reboot the phone for me every night just to clear things out.
I gave up the stellar battery life for a phone I'm in love with. IMHO there isn't anything out there which compares to the DNA; my only desire would be a bigger battery, but there are tradeoffs to be considered. I've learned to live with the battery life using a combo of carefully monitoring specific app battery consumption and using a wireless charger. I'm sure there are people who have gone this route and decided to stick with the Maxx HD or some other phone for their own personal priorities.
With the launch of the S4 and the One I'm sure they will rival the DNA in many areas. However I don't know if they'll usurp the DNA in my daily usage, that remains to be seen. Good luck with your choice!
==ETA==
Reception: My wife has never before commented on my phones and their reception. However when I started using the DNA she said, "Your phone sounds a lot clearer than it has in the past. Have you been somewhere other than your normal place for talking to me while at work?" I've noticed the DNA is as good or better than the Moto for reception and voice quality; IMHO that's not at all a reason to give up the DNA.
rsims26 said:
In all fairness, the Razr Maxx has twice the internal memory, option for an SD card, quicker updates from Motorola, better radios and currently an unlocked bootloader option. As for screen resolution, smoothness (quad-core plus twice the ram), camera and features the DNA wins in those categories.
Sent from my HTC DNA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a Moto owner (Bionic) I find it interesting that you think updates come quicker for Motorola than for HTC. Its not the brand, its VZW!
On a side note, I'm considering the DNA as a replacement for my Bionic. I'm mainly concerned that I'll be switching from one red-headed step-child to another! Currently waiting to see what happens with the HTC One before I make my decision.
dnlwthrn said:
As a Moto owner (Bionic) I find it interesting that you think updates come quicker for Motorola than for HTC. Its not the brand, its VZW!
On a side note, I'm considering the DNA as a replacement for my Bionic. I'm mainly concerned that I'll be switching from one red-headed step-child to another! Currently waiting to see what happens with the HTC One before I make my decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, your Bionic just got JB! You should be happy. :good:
I work for Verizon and I have the DNA as my personal phone and the Razr Maxx HD as my work phone. I can tell you I like both I don't think either is bad but there are pros a cons. for me I like the 32GB of internal and up to 64GB MicroSD card support on the Razr. I love the battery on the Razr like 2 to 3 days with good usage. however cons horrible camera. The dual core lags and the phone freezes more for me. also the screen is no where near as good. also I and I will get a lot that disagree actually like Sense over motoblur. Mind you I have Sense 5. Also I love the wireless charging in the DNA. Personally I am waiting I have heard we are getting a DNA+ soon and S4 is coming amongst a few others.
azndan2 said:
How do you know that the radios are better? "Because its a Motorola" is not a valid answer.
OP, the razr HD is even wider than the DNA. It is difficult to use with one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Because it's a motorola" is a completely valid answer. They have *never* been good at tuning radios for use on VZW's network. It's always been crap, from the OG Droid to the new RAZR line, and the Bionic was a massive failure in that category, worse than others. The only thing Motorola knows how to do is build decent material-quality handsets. Everything else about them is less than sub par.
rsims26 said:
In all fairness, the Razr Maxx has twice the internal memory, option for an SD card, quicker updates from Motorola, better radios and currently an unlocked bootloader option. As for screen resolution, smoothness (quad-core plus twice the ram), camera and features the DNA wins in those categories.
Sent from my HTC DNA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The updates come *way* quicker from HTC than Motorola, some of them don't even come at all from Motorola.
eakeller said:
Dude, your Bionic just got JB! You should be happy. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I "should" be happy, except that I'm running CM10.1, so I haven't even bothered with the JB update. To be honest, I was really surprised that they even pushed the JB update out. It took forever to get ICS, and don't forget all the radio issues with the Bionic.
Still, I can (and may) upgrade next month. Not totally happy with any of the options at this point, so I may hold on a little longer. I've even contemplated buying a used phone and leaving my contract as-is for now in case I get totally frustrated with VZW and decide to jump ship.
dnlwthrn said:
I "should" be happy, except that I'm running CM10.1, so I haven't even bothered with the JB update. To be honest, I was really surprised that they even pushed the JB update out. It took forever to get ICS, and don't forget all the radio issues with the Bionic.
Still, I can (and may) upgrade next month. Not totally happy with any of the options at this point, so I may hold on a little longer. I've even contemplated buying a used phone and leaving my contract as-is for now in case I get totally frustrated with VZW and decide to jump ship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was pretty surprised about the JB as well; I think Moto is trying to make up for the bad mojo created early in the life of that device. Back in the day I went through a couple of them and agonized over terrible radios, poor battery life, a year before an official ICS was released, bad camera, etc...you know the drill. I couldn't handle it and jumped ship for a GNex (at the time).
Regarding not upgrading, I highly recommend sticking with the used market and leaving the contract alone or going month-to-month. Especially since VZW pushed the upgrade cycle from 18mo. to 24mo., even the economics of upgrading don't make a whole lot of sense to me. Of course I'm grandfathered in to unlimited data so they can pry that out of my cold, dead hands. The secondary market really isn't bad, and it's especially safe on eBay. Generally you can catch a price break on CL, but there are a lot of shady characters pushing some bad deals - if you know what to look out for though, it can be navigated.
Good luck with your choice, and with whatever device you choose next.
Motorola X Phone may be a good choice
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
aleadag said:
Motorola X Phone may be a good choice
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it ever comes... and will it end up being the next Bionic? Remember, that was supposed to come out in Feb 2011, but was delayed until Sept. Then the RAZR showed up just before Christmas!
dnlwthrn said:
If it ever comes... and will it end up being the next Bionic? Remember, that was supposed to come out in Feb 2011, but was delayed until Sept. Then the RAZR showed up just before Christmas!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. Then again what real staying power does any king of the hill have? Only until the next younger, stronger, smarter, faster, better looking, more nimble, blah, blah, blah....shows up. In all seriousness, I am really impressed with the way the Bionic hardware and build can still almost keep up with the current pack. Says a lot about Moto, at least Moto ca. 2010.
eakeller said:
True. Then again what real staying power does any king of the hill have? Only until the next younger, stronger, smarter, faster, better looking, more nimble, blah, blah, blah....shows up. In all seriousness, I am really impressed with the way the Bionic hardware and build can still almost keep up with the current pack. Says a lot about Moto, at least Moto ca. 2010.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point. So my real question, and reason for posting in this thread, is to find out if the DNA might be the next phone to do the same... Although I have my concerns about the fixed internal battery and lack of microSD.
I had a RMHD bought through Bestbuy. I loved the build and feel of it, the battery was amazing , but the thing that pushed me away was the horrible lag and screen redraws. It drove me crazy. Now having had a Note 2 which for me was too large, I decided to switch to the DNA last Saturday and am pretty happy so far. Size and speed are great , battery is decent (nowhere near RMHD or N2) but fine for my usage. Bought the wireless charger and like it also. That's just my experience. Had the RMHD not lagged so much I would have gone with it .
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2

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