The HTC Droid Eris and the iPhone are two very different smartphones from the late 2000s, and the main difference lies in their operating systems: the Droid Eris runs Google’s Android 2.1 (Eclair) with HTC’s Sense UI, while the iPhone runs Apple’s iOS 3.x. This fundamental difference affects everything from app availability and customization to hardware design and ecosystem lock-in.
Background and Release Context
The Droid Eris was released in November 2009 on Verizon Wireless as a follow-up to the original Motorola Droid. It was part of Verizon’s “Droid Does” marketing campaign, which positioned Android as a direct competitor to the iPhone, which at the time was exclusive to AT&T in the United States. The Eris was essentially a rebranded HTC Hero, a phone that had already launched in Europe and Asia earlier that year. The iPhone, by contrast, was in its third generation (iPhone 3GS) by late 2009, running iOS 3.0. The Eris was a mid-range device, while the iPhone 3GS was a premium flagship.
Operating System and User Interface
The most significant difference is the operating system. The iPhone runs iOS, a closed, tightly controlled platform where Apple controls both hardware and software. The Droid Eris runs Android 2.1 with HTC’s Sense UI layered on top. This means the Eris offers widgets on the home screen, live wallpapers, and the ability to customize launchers and icon packs—features that iOS did not support until years later. iOS 3.x had a simple grid of icons and folders (added in iOS 4) but no widgets or third-party keyboards. Android also allowed users to set default apps for actions like web browsing or messaging, while iOS forced you to use Safari and the built-in Messages app.
Hardware and Design
The Droid Eris had a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 320×480 pixels, a 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7600 processor, 288 MB of RAM, and 512 MB of internal storage (expandable via microSD). It had a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED flash. The iPhone 3GS had a 3.5-inch display with the same resolution, a 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, 256 MB of RAM, and storage options of 8, 16, or 32 GB (not expandable). The iPhone’s camera was also 3 megapixels, with no flash. The Eris had a physical trackball for navigation, while the iPhone relied entirely on touch. In terms of build, the Eris was made of soft-touch plastic, while the iPhone 3GS used a plastic back with a metal frame. The Eris was slightly thicker and heavier than the iPhone.
App Ecosystem and Performance
In 2009, the App Store had roughly 100,000 apps, while Android Market (now Google Play) had about 10,000. This meant the iPhone had a much larger selection of apps, games, and utilities. However, Android apps were generally less restrictive—developers could access more of the system, and users could sideload apps from outside the official store. The iPhone’s App Store was curated and sandboxed, which made it more secure but less flexible. Performance-wise, the iPhone 3GS was noticeably faster in everyday use due to its more efficient processor and optimized software. The Eris, with its slower CPU and heavier Sense UI, often felt laggy, especially when scrolling or opening apps. Many users reported that the Eris struggled with multitasking, even though Android technically supported background processes.
Common Problems and Issues
The Droid Eris had several known issues. The most common was poor battery life—the 1300 mAh battery often lasted less than a day with moderate use. The Sense UI also consumed significant RAM, causing the phone to reload the home screen frequently. Another issue was the lack of an official update path: the Eris launched with Android 1.5 and received an update to 2.1 in 2010, but it never got Android 2.2 (Froyo) officially, which meant it missed out on performance improvements and Flash support. The iPhone 3GS, on the other hand, received iOS 4 and later iOS 5, which added features like multitasking and iCloud. However, the iPhone had its own problems: the battery was non-removable, and the glass screen was prone to cracking if dropped. Also, early iOS versions lacked a notification center, which many users found frustrating.
Comparisons: Connectivity and Carriers
The Droid Eris was a Verizon exclusive, which meant it used CDMA technology. The iPhone 3GS was available on AT&T with GSM. This had practical implications: CDMA phones did not allow simultaneous voice and data use, so you could not browse the web while on a call on the Eris. GSM iPhones allowed this. Also, the Eris had a removable battery and a microSD slot, while the iPhone did not. In terms of network speed, both supported 3G, but AT&T’s network was generally faster in urban areas, while Verizon had better rural coverage. The Eris also had a built-in GPS, as did the iPhone, but the Eris’s GPS was notoriously slow to lock on.
How to Choose Between Them Today
If you are considering these phones as vintage collectibles or for a retro tech project, the choice depends on what you value:
- Customization: Choose the Droid Eris if you want widgets, custom launchers, and the ability to sideload apps.
- App availability: Choose the iPhone if you want a wider selection of old apps that still work, though many have been updated to require newer iOS versions.
- Build quality: The iPhone 3GS feels more solid and has a better display for its time.
- Repairability: The Eris has a removable battery and expandable storage, making it easier to keep alive.
- Network compatibility: Both are 3G-only, so they will not work on modern 4G/5G networks. You would need Wi-Fi for internet access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Droid Eris be updated to a newer Android version?
Officially, no. The Eris stopped at Android 2.1. However, the custom ROM community developed unofficial builds of Android 2.2 and even 2.3 (Gingerbread) for the device. Installing these requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom recovery, which is a technical process that risks bricking the phone.
Is the iPhone 3GS still usable in 2024?
Barely. It can still run iOS 6.1.6, which is the last version it supports. Many modern websites will not load properly, and the App Store is largely defunct for older devices. You can use it for basic calls, texts, music, and some offline games, but it is not a practical daily driver.
Which phone has a better camera?
The Droid Eris has a 5-megapixel camera with an LED flash, while the iPhone 3GS has a 3-megapixel camera without a flash. In good light, the Eris captures more detail, but the iPhone’s image processing produces more consistent colors. Neither camera is good by modern standards.
Can I use a Droid Eris as a Wi-Fi-only device?
Yes. The Eris supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, so you can connect it to a router and use apps that do not require cellular service. However, many apps require Google Play Services, which are outdated and may not work. You can still browse the web, check email, and use basic apps.
What is the difference between the Droid Eris and the original Motorola Droid?
The original Droid had a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a larger 3.7-inch screen, and a faster processor. The Eris was smaller, had no physical keyboard, and was marketed as a more consumer-friendly, touch-focused device. The Droid also received faster updates because it was the flagship.