Samsung Droid Charge smartphone
Samsung

Samsung Droid Charge

April 28, 2011 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Droid Charge was an early 4G LTE smartphone released by Verizon Wireless in April 2011, featuring a vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. It ran on Android 2.2 Froyo, powered by a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, and was notable for its fast 4G data speeds and an 8-megapixel camera.
Display4.3" Super AMOLED Plus (480x800)
Chipset1GHz Samsung Hummingbird
Main Camera8 MP with autofocus and LED flash
Battery1600 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $1,787

💰 Samsung Droid Charge Price

The Samsung Droid Charge lowest price is $1,787, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen
Size4.3 inches
Resolution480 x 800 pixels
ProtectionNot specified

Platform

OSAndroid 2.2 Froyo (upgradable to Android 2.3 Gingerbread was expected)
ChipsetSamsung Hummingbird (Exynos 3)
CPU1GHz single-core Cortex-A8
GPUNot specified

Memory

Internal2GB storage, 512MB RAM
Card slotmicroSDHC (32GB card often included)

Main Camera

Single8 MP, autofocus, LED flash
FeaturesDigital Zoom, Auto Focus, LED flash
Video720p@30fps (some sources mention 1080p)

Selfie Camera

Single1.3 MP
VideoAcceptable quality

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1600 mAh
ChargingStandard charging
Talk timeUp to 11 hours
Standby timeUp to 11 days

Body

Dimensions129.8 x 67.6 x 11.7 mm (5.11 x 2.66 x 0.46 inches)
Weight143 g (5.04 oz)
SIMMini-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth2.1 with EDR
GPSYes
NFCNo
RadioNot specified
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedCES 2011 (as a 4G LTE smartphone for Verizon)
StatusReleased April 28, 2011

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent 4G LTE data speeds
  • Superior Super AMOLED Plus display with rich colors and deep blacks
  • Better battery life compared to some contemporary 4G LTE phones
  • Good 8-megapixel camera performance
  • Physical navigation buttons

Cons

  • Plasticky build quality
  • Relatively high price at launch ($299.99 with contract)
  • Single-core processor and 512MB RAM could lead to occasional lag
  • Ran Android 2.2 Froyo at launch, with Gingerbread update expected but not guaranteed
  • Color saturation on the display could be 'cartoonish' for some
  • Call quality was sometimes less than optimal
★ Our Verdict

While groundbreaking for its early 4G LTE capabilities and impressive display, the Droid Charge was held back by its premium price, single-core processor, and some build quality concerns, making it a strong but not perfect contender in its era.

The Samsung Droid Charge, released in 2011, is now an outdated smartphone and is not recommended for daily use in 2026. Its operating system (Android 2.2 Froyo) is severely out of date, lacking modern security updates and compatibility with most current applications. The hardware, including its single-core processor and limited RAM, would struggle with even basic tasks today. Furthermore, its 4G LTE capabilities are tied to older network bands, and 3G/2G networks it relied on are being phased out, making it largely unusable for connectivity. This device is best suited for collectors or those interested in smartphone history, rather than as a functional communication tool.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Droid Charge smartphone
  • Standard battery
  • Wall charger
  • USB cable
  • 32GB microSD card (often included)
  • User manual

Standard manufacturer's warranty, typically one year, would have applied at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Droid Charge released?

The Samsung Droid Charge was released on April 28, 2011, exclusively for Verizon Wireless.

What operating system did the Droid Charge run?

The Droid Charge launched with Android 2.2 Froyo, with an expected update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

What were the key features of the Droid Charge's display?

It featured a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Did the Samsung Droid Charge support 4G LTE?

Yes, it was one of the early 4G LTE smartphones available on Verizon's network, offering fast data speeds.

What kind of camera did the Droid Charge have?

The phone was equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of recording 720p video, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.

Is the Samsung Droid Charge still usable today?

No, due to its outdated operating system, limited hardware, and the phasing out of older network technologies, the Samsung Droid Charge is not recommended for daily use in 2026. It is primarily a collector's item.