Is the DNA Still a Good Phone to Buy?

[ItnStln]

Here's the short version of my story: I need to replace my Galaxy Nexus as soon as possible. Not only does my battery drain in four hours, but the reception is horrible. My question is this: is the HTC Droid DNA still a good phone to buy? I believe it came out in November, if I'm not mistaken, so that will make it going on seven months old. If there are other recommendations, please let me know. Also, how are the battery life and reception on the DNA? Are there any issues that I should be on the lookout for?

 

[Imnutsnj]

The DNA is still a GREAT phone. I get 10-12 hours on the battery with very heavy use and well over 24 with light use. The 1080p display is still the best there is, and it's LCD3 which is far superior to the AMOLED displays. The storage is more than sufficient, with 105 apps that I have added to what was already on the phone I have only used 7.55 Gb. And then there is the wireless charging, once you use it, you could never go back to using a cord again. Finally, this is a beautiful phone, the all glass face that wraps around the edges just feels awesome, especially combined with the curved back. This phone really feels great in your hand. I hope this helps.

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[ItnStln]

The DNA is still a GREAT phone. I get 10-12 hours on the battery with very heavy use and well over 24 with light use. The 1080p display is still the best there is, and it's LCD3 which is far superior to the AMOLED displays. The storage is more than sufficient, with 105 apps that I have added to what was already on the phone I have only used 7.55 Gb. And then there is the wireless charging, once you use it, you could never go back to using a cord again. Finally, this is a beautiful phone, the all glass face that wraps around the edges just feels awesome, especially combined with the curved back. This phone really feels great in your hand. I hope this helps.

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It is beautiful, there's no doubt about it! That's good news on the battery life. The storage doesn't sound bad. Do you remember how much of the 16GB was usable when you got the phone? I noticed that my brother's One X had a better screen then my Galaxy Nexus, and it was actually viewable in the sunlight! Any issues with the screen on the DNA while outdoors on a sunny day? Also, any reception issues? As I remember reading before, HTC uses better antennas than Samsung, so I hope that's still the case.

 

[Imnutsnj]

The original memory remaining was 11.XX. As far as visibility in sunlight, it's awesome! While outside in the bright sun it's really easy to see the display, if the sun is directly on the display it's a little more difficult to see, but still very visible, I think that has a lot to do with the shiny glass.

Sent from my HTC DROID DNA using Tapatalk 4

 

[jec11718]

The DNA had been out almost five months when me and the wifey got them. I was going back and fourth from s3 to maxx hd, to dna. So happy I decided on DNA instead of Sammy or moto. Really good battery and right at 11.5 gigs of storage out of the box. Even with the SIM card issue, which only happened once, still rocking this awesome FLAGSHIP. Technically its Verizon's HTC flag until the one is brought to vzw.

Sent from my Droid DNA

 

[Jennifer Stough]

I got my DNA about three months ago. The reception is great, I never drop calls or go into roaming, and there are never complaints of me cutting out. The screen is awesome, and the speaker is very loud for a rear facing speaker. The camera is impressive, the phone is slick and feels great in the hand.

Now the negatives.

WiFi has been an issue since day one. I find that when my phone sleeps, WiFi disconnects, and the signal strength constantly drops. That being said, I don't have any issues while using it, ie. I never disconnect while using internet, I just watch the signal drop.

The SIM issue is very bad for some. I've had it twice, two weeks after getting the phone, and haven't seen it since. I consider myself lucky.

The battery is sufficient, but for a user like me, who is on my phone nonstop throughout the day, I may have to recharge. My battery useage changes from day to day. Sometimes I have to plug in by 5, sometimes I don't.

It is still a very nice phone for a great price, and has much more support to come.

"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.? -courtesy of Albus Dumbledore, via my droid DNA.

 

[berdinkerdickle]

I've been real tempted by the DNA. Amazon has it for 19.99 with add a line or new contract.

 

[Jennifer Stough]

I've been real tempted by the DNA. Amazon has it for 19.99 with add a line or new contract.

If you're lucky to get one that doesn't have any hardware issues (backlighting) or the SIM issue, and acknowledge that it doesn't have a maxx hd battery or a sd slot, then you won't be disappointed

"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.? -courtesy of Albus Dumbledore, via my droid DNA.

 

[indyred99]

I bought it yesterday. I also came from the Nexus which I loved but i think the mic was going on it because people were having a hard time hearing me. Right now if you are in the states Best Buy has them on sale for 50. I also traded my Nexus in and only paid $16 with a Case and a Screen Protector. Now onto the phone the screen is beautiful and battery really isn't bad at all compared to my Nexus even with the extended battery. I don't regret getting the phone at all, just wish I could have kept my unlimited data. Overall the phone is great!

 

[Galaxia]

I bought the DNA and exchanged it for s4 within my 14 day return policy and I'll explain why.

I was researching and debating the whole s4 vs One until I realized vzw didn't even have the one yet and wouldn't be getting it in the time frame I wanted. But the HTC features (screen, sound, etc) really drew me so I went with the dna and hoped there'd be no sim issues. Out of the box, there were two dead pixels. My husband said he never noticed them but my eye ALWAYS went straight for them. Because my phone didn't have sim issues I was hesitant to replace the dna in fear I'd get a device with more issues.

PROS:

Screen is gorgeous. I've seen and played with a lot of phones. By far, best display out there.

Sound is awesome. Like another poster mentioned, despite its rear speakers, I never had an issue and with beats audio on when headphones plugged in, even better.

CONS:

No sd storage is a big thing... For ME. I'm a big picture taker with my phone and to be imprisoned with only 11gb for the entire phone was disheartening.

There was some lag when moving from screen to screen. My husband who has note2 even noticed it was a bit laggy.

Who knows the future of the company. This can be argued till we all look like smurfs but in reality, I feel "safer" owning a Samsung than HTC.

With all that said, DNA is one of my favorite phones. And I've had a lot.

Hope this helps!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ItnStln]

The original memory remaining was 11.XX. As far as visibility in sunlight, it's awesome! While outside in the bright sun it's really easy to see the display, if the sun is directly on the display it's a little more difficult to see, but still very visible, I think that has a lot to do with the shiny glass.

Sent from my HTC DROID DNA using Tapatalk 4

I don't think 11GB is too bad. I am glad that the display is easy to see in the sunlight. I use my phone as the GPS when I'm driving.

The DNA had been out almost five months when me and the wifey got them. I was going back and fourth from s3 to maxx hd, to dna. So happy I decided on DNA instead of Sammy or moto. Really good battery and right at 11.5 gigs of storage out of the box. Even with the SIM card issue, which only happened once, still rocking this awesome FLAGSHIP. Technically its Verizon's HTC flag until the one is brought to vzw.

Sent from my Droid DNA

I wasn't looking to get another Motorola, after having seven Droid 2's. I've had HTC's on AT&T, and have loved them, so that's why I'm looking at the DNA.

 

[ItnStln]

I got my DNA about three months ago. The reception is great, I never drop calls or go into roaming, and there are never complaints of me cutting out. The screen is awesome, and the speaker is very loud for a rear facing speaker. The camera is impressive, the phone is slick and feels great in the hand.

Now the negatives.

WiFi has been an issue since day one. I find that when my phone sleeps, WiFi disconnects, and the signal strength constantly drops. That being said, I don't have any issues while using it, ie. I never disconnect while using internet, I just watch the signal drop.

The SIM issue is very bad for some. I've had it twice, two weeks after getting the phone, and haven't seen it since. I consider myself lucky.

The battery is sufficient, but for a user like me, who is on my phone nonstop throughout the day, I may have to recharge. My battery useage changes from day to day. Sometimes I have to plug in by 5, sometimes I don't.

It is still a very nice phone for a great price, and has much more support to come.

"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.? -courtesy of Albus Dumbledore, via my droid DNA.

I'm looking for a phone with great reception, which is opposite of what my Galaxy Nexus is. It's the same thing with the battery. Hopefully HTC will continue to support it.

I've been real tempted by the DNA. Amazon has it for 19.99 with add a line or new contract.

That's a great deal!

If you're lucky to get one that doesn't have any hardware issues (backlighting) or the SIM issue, and acknowledge that it doesn't have a maxx hd battery or a sd slot, then you won't be disappointed

"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.? -courtesy of Albus Dumbledore, via my droid DNA.

No doubt about it!

 

[ItnStln]

I bought it yesterday. I also came from the Nexus which I loved but i think the mic was going on it because people were having a hard time hearing me. Right now if you are in the states Best Buy has them on sale for 50. I also traded my Nexus in and only paid $16 with a Case and a Screen Protector. Now onto the phone the screen is beautiful and battery really isn't bad at all compared to my Nexus even with the extended battery. I don't regret getting the phone at all, just wish I could have kept my unlimited data. Overall the phone is great!

I didn't mind my Galaxy Nexus as far as the software goes. What I had an issue with was the reception and battery life. I am glad that you're satisfied with it. I am seriously considering pulling the trigger on the DNA.

I bought the DNA and exchanged it for s4 within my 14 day return policy and I'll explain why.

I was researching and debating the whole s4 vs One until I realized vzw didn't even have the one yet and wouldn't be getting it in the time frame I wanted. But the HTC features (screen, sound, etc) really drew me so I went with the dna and hoped there'd be no sim issues. Out of the box, there were two dead pixels. My husband said he never noticed them but my eye ALWAYS went straight for them. Because my phone didn't have sim issues I was hesitant to replace the dna in fear I'd get a device with more issues.

PROS:

Screen is gorgeous. I've seen and played with a lot of phones. By far, best display out there.

Sound is awesome. Like another poster mentioned, despite its rear speakers, I never had an issue and with beats audio on when headphones plugged in, even better.

CONS:

No sd storage is a big thing... For ME. I'm a big picture taker with my phone and to be imprisoned with only 11gb for the entire phone was disheartening.

There was some lag when moving from screen to screen. My husband who has note2 even noticed it was a bit laggy.

Who knows the future of the company. This can be argued till we all look like smurfs but in reality, I feel "safer" owning a Samsung than HTC.

With all that said, DNA is one of my favorite phones. And I've had a lot.

Hope this helps!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

I agree, the display is awesome. AS far as the storage issue goes, I had the HTC One X+ on my AT&T line. I've taken thousands of pictures and was around 3GB. However, I try to back them up to my computer so that I can free up room, if needed. Seriously, they should have put at least 32GB on it, which would not make the lack of a microSD card an issue. I hate making decisions like this!

 

[mightyfacundo]

I picked mine up barely used so I could keep unlimited data, and I no longer pay attention to the new phones coming out.

And that's probably the best endorsement I can give the DNA! :thumbup:

 

[bespinct]

I have definitely gotten lazy and don't do much to manage my storage. I let my pictures backup with Google Plus and Dropbox (yes both) and delete pics from my phone when I'm in the mood which isn't often. Not much energy expended.

Steve

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[cwbcpa]

The DNA is my first HTC phone. I am very happy with it. I have had Motorola and Samsung android phones and there a few things I like better on each. That is true for the HTC as well. The phone is close to perfect. If they had put a bigger battery in it and a sd card slot I would have no complaints at all. That said, I manage my music and apps so that space is not much of an issue and I am always around a charger so battery life is not a problem either. I also picked up the DNA for free so I have no room to complain really.

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[ItnStln]

The DNA is my first HTC phone. I am very happy with it. I have had Motorola and Samsung android phones and there a few things I like better on each. That is true for the HTC as well. The phone is close to perfect. If they had put a bigger battery in it and a sd card slot I would have no complaints at all. That said, I manage my music and apps so that space is not much of an issue and I am always around a charger so battery life is not a problem either. I also picked up the DNA for free so I have no room to complain really.

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I've had HTC phones before and have always been satisfied with them. As for Motorola, I swore that I'd never have another after going through seven Droid 2's.
Hopefully I'm satisfied with the DNA. I just ordered it today. I can almost guarantee that Verizon will get the HTC One now.

 

[ItnStln]

Does anyone know of a good case? I'm thinking about getting another Otterbox, but was just wondering what else is recommended. Also, will the case interfere with the wireless charging?

 

[Jennifer Stough]

I would not suggest the otterobox defender or commuter. Both are ill fitting, and after only having the defender for three months the silicone has stretched out to the point it is unuseable. Same on my husband's note 2. I'm getting the seidio surface.

"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.? -courtesy of Albus Dumbledore, via my droid DNA.

 

[ItnStln]

I would not suggest the otterobox defender or commuter. Both are ill fitting, and after only having the defender for three months the silicone has stretched out to the point it is unuseable. Same on my husband's note 2. I'm getting the seidio surface.

"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.? -courtesy of Albus Dumbledore, via my droid DNA.

I've noticed the quality of the silicone has gone down since the iPhone 4 or 4s came out. Sadly, I really liked the Defenders that I had for my BlackBerrys back in the day. They were of a very high quality. The one that was on my S3 however looked cheap. I've used Seidio cases before, and really liked them. That's probably what I'm going to get unless I find something better. I have a Surface on my Note 2, and I've used the Active on my Nexus. So the decision is Active or Surface, but I'd hate to miss out on a similar or better case.