eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Verizon Wireless will begin selling the Motorola Droid X2 online May 19 and in its retail stores May 26 for $199.99 on contract.
Launched last July, the Motorola Droid X sold out of stores fast enough to make it hard for Verizon and Motorola to stock the Google Android 2.1 handset, which sported a 1GHz chip, 4.3-inch screen and 8 megapixel camera.
The Droid X2 is physically super similar to its predecessor, but is a bit improved under the hood, running a dual-core, 1GHz Tegra 2 processor.
Contrary to earlier rumors, the Droid X2 would run the latest Android 2.3 “Gingerbread” OS, the Droid X2 runs on Android 2.2 “Froyo,” or the same OS build that fuels the current Droid X.
This could disappoint users interested in the handset. However, Verizon’s HTC ThunderBolt 4G and Samsung Droid Charge also currently carry Froyo instead of the newer OS, which supports NFC (near field communications), among other user experience perks.
Carriers for some reason are waiting on Gingerbread, which is currently available on the Samsung Nexus S from T-Mobile and Nexus S 4G from Sprint.
Motorola claims the Droid X2’s 4.3-inch screen is a quarter high-definition display that is resistant to scratches in case it’s dropped. Moreover, the handset is anti-reflective, which Motorola believes makes it “ideal for watching movies, typing emails and playing your favorite games.
The camera is 8 megapixels with continuous autofocus and HD video capture. Motorola’s Mirror Mode lets users view and share photos, videos and movies on a larger screen, such as a TV, via the HDMI output cable.
The Droid X2 also boasts Verizon’s Mobile Hotspot capability, allowing users to beam their 3G connection to up to five WiFi-enabled devices for $20 per 1GB of data, per month.
GigaOm noted that it looks as though Motorola simply swapped out the processor and display from last season’s Droid, which might irk those expecting a jazzier phone.
Those who purchase a Droid X2 will need to subscribe to Verizon’s Nationwide Talk plan, starting at $39.99 per month, and an unlimited smartphone data package for $29.99 per month.