Motorola DROID R2-D2 Special Edition Hands-on

Star Wars fans all around should rejoice now that the Force has brought on a systematic smartphone that exudes all of the intricacies that one of our most beloved DROIDs is able to embody. Only fittingly, the Motorola DROID R2-D2 Limited Edition is able to conjure up some excitement for fans of the Star Wars universe, as there are some notable goodies packed along with it to make its purchase utterly satisfying. For starters, the $249.99 on-contract price of the handset is not only justified by its stark resemblance to R2-D2, but there are some included content and accessories packaged as well. Sure you get a charger for the Android powered smartphone, but it also comes along with a matching multimedia docking station to sit your handset in style while charging.

In terms of design, we already mentioned that it follows closely to the style in use with the current Motorola DROID 2 handset, but its paint job is noticeably different with its attention to R2-D2. There are even some subtle details, like the blue accented buttons and markings on the display, that makes this one a looker from a far glance. However, we were thoroughly surprised with the flush nature of the physical keyboard – which in fact reminded us of the original Motorola DROID. Instead of finding the prominently bubbled buttons with the DROID 2's keyboard, our fingers are left having to feel the faint pronounced areas of each key, but thankfully, they still offer a solid click when pressed. Although it's rather difficult in feeling out each individual button, we found ourselves typing casually after a short while of using it.




Software-wise, you've got Android 2.2 running that customized version of MOTOBLUR which some can appreciate as it's not as obtrusive as others. Seeing that this is the R2-D2 Limited Edition handset, there are some notable Star Wars themed goodies that are in for the ride – such as wallpapers, ringtones, notification sounds, a widget, and a couple of apps. The only sole Star Wars widget that's found is the R2-D2 clock widget which unfortunately, is a bit on the smaller and less prominent side, but will still add that cool factor since it's R2-D2 emitting a beam to display the time. However, we do adore the multitude of static and live wallpapers found on the handset. By far, we like the live wallpapers that require you to shake the handset to activate them – such as the lightspeed one which essentially will put you in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon as it shifts to lightspeed. Not only are we greeted to the nifty animation, but it's accompanied by some classic Star Wars sound. Finally, there are two apps loaded on the handset, but one of them is nothing more than a short video. You've got the Star Wars ESB Binoculars app which places you in a first person view which will then allow you to pan and zoom the battlefield. Actually, it didn't scream anything too enticing since you don't necessarily interact with anything aside from the binoculars view you're situated in. Secondly, there is “The Best of R2D2” clip which compiles a variety of scenes throughout all of the movies that consist of our adorable DROID.

So that's pretty much sums up the Motorola DROID R2-D2 Limited Edition handset which will undoubtedly be appreciated by any fan of the Star Wars universe. And if you really consider yourself a die-hard fan, you might want to scope this one out since it'll most likely become a collector's item some day.

Motorola DROID R2-D2 Specifications
Motorola DROID 2 Specifications | Review
Motorola DROID 2 vs Motorola DROID X
Motorola DROID 2 vs RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800
Motorola DROID 2 vs HTD Droid Incredible
Motorola DROID 2 vs Motorola DROID