Part of the reason I finally decided to ditch my dumb phone and get a smartphone, was to be connected. If I was out and about at a park, I could check in for an important email. When traveling, I would not have to worry about bringing my laptop and signing onto Wi-Fi. What I quickly realized with many of my phones was that just because you have your phone with you, it does not mean you will be able to use it. My troubles have had nothing to do with my 4G-LTE connection on Verizon Wireless, it was the screen glare associated with phones that I otherwise adored. There is nothing more annoying than missing a call or message and not being able to see if it was your child’s school calling because the lighting made it impossible. That is the reality that I have had with many different smartphones, including two previous Motorola Droids (Bionic and RAZR HD).
As part of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I recently received a new Motorola Droid Mini.
No stranger to the Droids, I quickly had the basics set up and was ready to head out with my family to the Emma Willard Marker Faire this weekend. It was an absolutely gorgeous autumn day. The sun was out and making it hard to see walking from location to location. Without thinking about it, I was able to use my Droid Mini to make a Vine, create a few collages to share on Instagram, and Tweet. When I missed a call, I was able to read the screen perfectly in the middle of a soccer field.
Even with the sun shining that you can clearly see in the photos above (taken on the Droid Mini), I was able to see everything. I did not have to shield my screen, twist my head, or hide under a tree for some shade. I was able to see everything. So while the boys were watching a Flying Pizza Box, I was able to use photos taken earlier in low lighting to share our TARDIS experience. 
Yes, our Whovian family wore our Doctor Who shirts just for this occasion and the kids adored seeing the TARDIS created by Tech Valley Center of Gravity. It was a fun filled family day at Emma Willard where I got to know my new Droid Mini, Minnie, a little more. Thanks to this phone, I now know the importance of looking for a phone that can be used outside without the dreaded glare stare issues that so many phone suffer from. Now, while I wait outside of school, I can have confidence that I can check my email in any lighting situation.
Do you have glare issues with your smartphone? I would love to know how you battle this when you are out and about and need to use your phone.
Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I received the Motorola Droid Mini to test out and share ways that I use it in my life. There was no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.
