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Conclusion: We like it

The Droid DNA sets a new standard for smartphone displays, with its 5-inch full HD (1080p) screen. The DNA also offers excellent performance, a good camera, and a sleek, Lamborghini-inspired design. The DNA's display, according to PC Mag, "handily beats every other phone available right now," adding that "HTC should call this screen X-ray vision; it's just incredibly sharp. Text and images look fantastic, and this phone was made for watching HD video." Among larger smartphones available on Verizon Wireless, PC Mag says the DNA is "easily the best device we've reviewed." Laptopmag calls the DNA "damned sexy," and says that "despite its supersized proportions, we could still use the device comfortably with one hand." The DNA's biggest downside may be that it's a Verizon exclusive. If you're using another carrier, you'll just have to console yourself with one of our other Must-have smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S III or Apple iPhone 5. Since Verizon also carries both of those, if you're a new or upgrading Verizon customer, you now have three great phones to consider.

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Critic reviews

7.8
18 reviews
  • Reception and call quality
    7.2
  • Display
    9.7
  • Battery life
    6.6
  • Camera
    8.2
  • Ease of use
    7.2
  • Design and form factor
    8.7
  • Portability (size / weight)
    7.8
  • Media support
    8.0
  • Durability
    8.4
  • Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.)
    7.0

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User reviews

9.5
24 reviews
9.0
Engadget Nov 16, 2012

At present time, it's pretty tough to convince us that you can do much better than the Droid DNA on Verizon's lineup. For $200, you're getting the absolute best display on the market, a great camera, Android's Jelly Bean OS and the best quad-core processor you can get.

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8.0
CNET Nov 15, 2012

With quad-core power, 4G LTE, a lovely 5-inch screen, and a stunning design, the $199.99 HTC Droid DNA is currently Verizon's best Android deal.

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8.0
Laptop Magazine Nov 15, 2012

While HTC's Sense software doesn't really wow, overall the Droid DNA's ground-breaking display and swift performance make it a top pick.

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8.0
Gizmodo Nov 16, 2012

It's a really nice piece of hardware with tremendous guts and some pretty good software. It's not the best display ever, but it's certainly the best screen on a Verizon phone. ... We would have liked a better camera and longer battery life, but in general, we really like this phone a lot.

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8.0
PC Mag Nov 16, 2012

The HTC Droid DNA for Verizon Wireless gets you the fastest performance and the sharpest display we've seen on a phablet yet.

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8.0
Ars Technica Dec 11, 2012

There might not be a ton of content that takes advantage of its high-resolution 1080p screen, but the performance benchmarks could sell a certain type of user on the investment. Unfortunately, it will require that there's a backup battery pack or USB cord tethered to it from time to time.

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7.0
Computerworld Nov 20, 2012

All considered, it's difficult to recommend the Droid DNA as a good all-around choice for most smartphone users. HTC has released some fantastic phones this year, but despite having a handful of standout hardware elements, the Droid DNA is not among the company's best efforts.

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7.0
TechCrunch Nov 21, 2012

A dearth of storage space and a wimpy battery are among the Droid DNA’s most notable misses, but if you’re looking for a shiny new smartphone as we descend into holiday madness, the DNA is definitely worth at least mulling over.

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6.0
Wired Nov 26, 2012

As wonderful and satisfying the curved Gorilla Glass 2 display on the DNA is, I can’t use this phone without wishing the screen wasn’t a little bit smaller. The massive, high-density display is the DNA’s hallmark feature, but at the same time, it’s the phone’s biggest drawback.

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8.0
SlashGear Nov 16, 2012

The DROID DNA is a return to what we’ve loved about HTC before, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a significant improvement in the manufacturer’s range and a compelling option in Verizon’s line-up.

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8.0
TechHive Nov 17, 2012

The HTC Droid DNA boasts one of the best screens on any mobile device, but suffers from poor battery life and an overabundance of bloatware.

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7.0
Pocket-Lint Feb 5, 2013

The Droid DNA may be the perfect handset for anyone looking for a 5-inch handset, and given the $199 on-contract pricing, Verizon and HTC hit the sweet spot.

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8.0
Ubergizmo Nov 19, 2012

If you simply want reliable battery life, there’s only one option for you: Motorola’s Droid RAZR Maxx line. But if you simply want the best handset, with the most recent components, you can’t go wrong with the Droid DNA.

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9.0
Techno Buffalo Nov 15, 2012

I’m head over heels for the HTC DROID DNA. It offers everything I want in a modern smartphone...you just have to deal with the storage problem. That’s the only reason I’m docking it a full point below perfect, otherwise I envy anyone picking up a DROID DNA in the near future.

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8.0
HotHardware Dec 12, 2012

The HTC Droid DNA has a few quirks but they're mostly minor. The hardware is very well built but a few design choices, like the top-center mounted power button, hold this otherwise amazing device back. It’s great to see Android 4.1 on board but Sense tends to get in the way more often than not.

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8.0
MobileBurn Dec 12, 2012

There have been many DROID's at Verizon, but none quite like the DNA. The DROID DNA is a sight to behold and well worth holding on to.

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9.0
peter peter

I'll admit that while I was eagerly awaiting the launch of the DNA, I was not expecting to be so impressed with it. HTC has done an amazing job here. Despite having a five-inch screen It's thin, light, and easy to hold in the hand. While I think 4.7-inches might be my personal sweet spot for...

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9.0
falleninsea falleninsea

So far I have to say this is a very solid phone. The screen is impressive, its light, it is large coming in with a 5inch screen and you can’t remove the battery. But it a small powerful machine with Jelly Bean (android 4.1) and HTC Sense which i feel is one of the nicer skins out there. Here are...

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9.0
neohs84 neohs84

EDIT: (After a month with the phone) I wanted to revisit this review after having lived with the phone for a month. I will say that I am very pleasantly surprised at how much I like this phone. Most of the issues and quibbles that I mentioned earlier have either been remedied or gone...

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10
TrooperThorn TrooperThorn

To call any phone "The Best Smartphone Ever" is a bold claim, though given the nature of the industry, where new phones come out almost quarterly with specs that trump everything else, it's not too far off the mark. The truth is, there is no better phone available anywhere at the moment. For...

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9.0
srmccoy srmccoy

It's amazing how time changes perceptions. Two years ago I felt that 3.7" displays were the ideal size, and that the monstrous 4.3" beats that were coming out were just too large to be comfortable. I ended up settling for an 3.5" iPhone and considered it to be a solid size. Then, a year ago I...

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8.0
mapritchard47 mapritchard47

Features: 1080p 5 inch SuperLCD 3 screen. Quad core Snapdragon 1.5ghz CPU. LTE+CDMA modem for calls and data simultaneously. Beats Audio amplifies your music. Wireless Qi charging with wireless charging pads, sold separately. Notification light on both sides of phone. Awesome Red/Black...

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9.0
timmsc timmsc

I love almost everything about this phone. My wife has the iPhone 5 and I prefer the DNA due to its razor sharp image and large screen. There is one major flaw with some of the DNAs. A number of users have reported intermittent SIM card errors rendering the phone useless without notification....

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10
jonwestfall jonwestfall

An awesome phone that has all the bells and whistles! I'm very happy with mine, especially since the screen size isn't too big (as I'd feared) and the HTC sense software finally seems mature. Love the Scenes ability to totally transform my phone from one set of start screens to another!

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10
SteveReddington SteveReddington

When you first power on the HTC Droid DNA you cannot believe the amount of power you have in your hand. From the speed that apps download and install to the vivid display, I now own a powerhouse smartphone. I considered buying other phones, but was never happy with anything I saw. Then HTC made...

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10
jerrbear jerrbear

Pros: + great form factor: the black with red accents has been a great design element for many of HTC's iconic phones (dinc, etc), like the red side metal accents , the rear camera is completely flush with the backside + 5" display at 440 ppi is phenomenal. + About same size as S3 but much better...

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10
ericwilborn ericwilborn

The best phone I've laid eyes and hands on... ever. Of course each phone is supposed to progress with time, but normally this is a gradual gain. The DROID DNA is leaps and bounds ahead of other Android devices. Part of it is Sense 4+ that makes it so great. Another part is Android 4.1.1. And...

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10
bellken bellken

The Droid DNA is a great phone with a 5 inch 1080 p screen. It has the best display on the market. Some users have complained about the battery size, but, typically, those that have complained do not own one. HTC has done a masterful job of power management with the DNA. The limited storage may...

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