ANDROID SMARTPHONE BATTLE: SPRINT HTC HERO VS. HTC DROID ERIS

Verizon launched the HTC DROID Eris alongside the Motorola DROID to compete with the mid-range Android handsets offered by other carriers. This places the DROID Eris in direct competition with the Sprint HTC Hero. Well, both devices have plenty of similarities since they are CDMA versions of the original HTC Hero. So what are the differences between these competing Android devices? Let's do a side-by-side comparison of the Verizon HTC DROID Eris and Sprint HTC Hero to find out.

Form Factor/Design: These competing CDMA Smartphones are versions of the original GSM HTC Hero but they differ significantly in looks. The Sprint HTC Hero sports the "chin" found on the first and second Android handsets and comes with physical buttons and a trackball. The HTC DROID Eris is slightly lighter and slimmer than its rival and comes with four capacitive touch buttons along the bottom of the screen. Many online reviews claim that the DROID Eris "feels much better" than the Sprint version. And yeah, it doesn't have a chin.

Touchscreen Display: These devices have similar screens as both were manufactured by HTC and then customized to fit their respective carries. The displays are 3.2 inches in size with 65000 colors, 320 x 480 px, and includes an accelerometer.

User Interface: Both of these handsets use HTC's Sense UI that offers a customizable, seven-panel home screen with widgets that brings the most important information to the surface. This user interface allows access to text messages, emails, call history, Flickr streams and Facebook updates from a single contact card.

Price: At the moment, this appears to be the most signifcant difference between the two handsets. Sprint is selling the Hero for $179.99 after rebates with contract. However, the DROID Eris was launched with a very affordable price tag at $99 after rebates with a new contract.

Camera: Both devices essentially sport the same 5.0 MP camera with digital zoom, auto-focus and video recording.

Proximity Sensor: The DROID Eris includes a proximity sensor located above the screen. This feature deactivates the display and touchscreen when the device is brought near the face during a call. It's useful because it helps to save battery power and to prevent inadvertent inputs from the user's face and ears. This feature is not found in the HTC Hero.

Battery: Verizon's affordable Google Android phone is powered by a 1300 mAh Li-Ion battery. However, the Sprint HTC Hero carries more power capacity with its stronger Li - Ion, 1500 mAh battery.

Cell Phone Plans: The DROID Eris may have a cheaper contract price than the Hero, but Sprint's rate plans are also lower than Verizon's service plans. For instance, an unlimited voice and data plan on the Hero costs $99.99 compared with $149.99 for Verizon.

Conclusion: The Hero and the DROID Eris are versions of a single device that was customized to meet the needs of rival CDMA carriers. There are minor differences in design and battery capacity but the major differences lie in the carriers and the rate plans they offer. Consumers can choose Sprint's HTC Hero and its cheaper plans or go with the DROID Eris with Verizon's reliable network.