I wasn’t anticipating on writing this post today (my off day), but I got a tip and Verizon has just released its HTC Droid Incredible 2, with the Casio Commando and the Samsung Charge to follow. I’m way too tired to be doing any in-depth reviews so I’ll leave you all off with lots of photos and a light synopsis on each. I have to admit, the new Incredible 2 has the rugged feel and durability that you’ll find from its predecessor with great features found in the HTC Thunderbolt such as a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, dual LED flash, the 8 MP camera, a 16 GB microSD, and best yet, it’s global ready. It runs on Android 2.2 (Froyo). It has a 4″ touch screen and weighs only 0.17 oz. more than the original HTC Droid Incredible. The phone’s back plate has been smoothed out but you’ll still get that felt-like feel with the now one groove instead of two. The right side of the phone remains virtually buttonless as the volume control still remains on the top left adjacent to your USB connector. The power button has been placed on the top right, a spot that angers me because it feels a bit awkward when you have to press that button, but that’s just something we all live with subconsciously. You have two microphones, one on the top and the other on the bottom panel. The speaker is aligned horizontally next to the flash so you won’t find clarity an issue as did with the Thunderbolt’s speakers being placed behind a kickstand (which Incredible 2 does not have by the way). You now have a few more options when it comes to connecting your phone to your computer. You have the standard charge only, HTC Sync, Disk Drive, and Internet Connection options. Incredible 2 comes with two more options to broaden its capabilities such as media sync and especially Internet pass-through (if you don’t have wi-fi or a data plan, then this comes in handy). Incredible 2 now has the personalization option which is a one-stop option when it comes to changing your wallpaper, choosing another HTC Scene, or easily adding apps to your seven extended homescreens. The battery life is a bit better although it really depends on the owner’s usage. If you want a lightweight phone that stays in your hand rather than slipping around and performs better than its brother did, then go for it. The Incredible 2 comes with so many options and features if you’re looking for a quiet-looking phone that delivers the punches. HTC did a great job cutting down the excess and keeping what works for everyone. And just like the original Incredible, this phone is going to be a hit (until iPhone 5 comes out). *** The Samsung Charge and the Casio Commando are not released yet and it seems like they will be delayed for a tad bit. Samsung’s Droid Charge is going to be Verizon’s third LTE phone. It comes with a 4. 3″ super AMOLED plus display and it more or less remind me of a Blackberry. I have no idea why. Maybe it’s the shape or something. The Charge’s battery life is superb giving you 11 hours of talk time instead of today’s phone standard of 8. Casio made it their intention to come out with a rugged and extremely durable phone. Even its name does the job: Commando. It’s a smartphone that has everything you’d expect from a smartphone: a 5 MP camera, Bluetooth capabilities, LED flash, and a 3.6″ touchscreen. It is not an LTE phone so it won’t be receiving any 4G connection. However, you won’t find a smartphone that is splash proof, dust, shock, and temperature resistant, and complies with military standard 810g. They are rumoring that this phone survives being run over and it’s a pretty great smartphone if it can do that. The phone comes with a locking battery cover, gaskets that cover your ports, and silver screw accents. Personally, it’s not something I would get but I’m pretty sure anyone working in harsh environments would appreciate the reliability and the smart functions of this product.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.