HTC DROID DNA Now Available on Verizon For $199.99

HTC’s latest high-end Android phone, the DROID DNA is now available on Verizon, offering the first 1080p screen in the U.S. for just $199.99 on a two-year contract.

The HTC DROID DNA is the first smartphone in the U.S. with a 5-inch 1080p display, though it isn’t quite a “phablet” like the Samsung Galaxy Note II. The HTC DROID DNA is closer in size to the HTC One X despite the larger screen. That means the device is easier to hold in one hand, it also means that HTC does not include a stylus.

Inside the HTC DROID DNA has a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (the same as the one in the LG Nexus 4), 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage space. It has an 8MP rear-facing camera, and an ultra-wide-angle front-facing camera like the one in the Windows Phone 8X by HTC. Like other recent HTC phones the DROID DNA uses an ImageChip for better photos and Beat for enhanced audio.

The DROID DNA runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with HTC’s Sense 4+ on top of it. Sense 4+ adds features like the camera app that makes it easy to switch between photo and video mode as well as take photos while shooting video. HTC’s Sense also overrides some functions of Android like multitasking which HTC replaces with its own system.

Read: HTC DROID DNA Hands-On Video

The first reviews of the HTC DROID DNA praised the 440ppi display, but said that it caused a few issues with the phone. The screen will lag when scrolling through websites on occasion, for example. Critics also said the phone’s battery doesn’t last that long, though the phone does include wireless charging so its easy to charge the phone when sitting at a desk.

HTC’s DROID DNA is $100 less than the Samsung Galaxy Note II which comes to Verizon next week on November 27. It has a nicer display, but some might prefer Samsung’s phablet if they can afford it.