Tech reviewers have been gushing over how HTC masterfully forged the solid build of the Droid DNA, which experts said more than deserve a second look for all its superior hardware and software arsenals.

And shaving off some $50 from the basic model is just the start, according to Amazon, as the offer is also open for existing Verizon subscribers who may want to upgrade to the power-packed phone that beams out video via 1080p rendering.

The 5-inch screen Droid DNA is a veritable shopping pick for the holidays as it meets the strictest requirements for a worthy gadget buy - quad-core processor, generous amount of RAM and the sweet JellyBean servings from Google.

Plus the fact that it does not break the bank, providing buyers more reason to overlook the usual suspect of competitions that include Apple's iPhone 5, Samsung's Galaxy S3 and Nokia's Lumia 920.

But as a widescreen handset, the biggest rival out there for the Droid DNA is the hulking but sexy Galaxy Note 2, some experts said.

While the Note 2 easily impresses with its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED screen, its 720p resolution is no match to the HD 1080p of the DNA, which HTC paired with 440 pixels-per-inc (ppi). The Note nonetheless emits crystal-clear clips and images but only at 267 ppi.

Reviewers also pitted this HTC phone's 8MP camera shooter with that of the Lumia 920's PureView technology from Nokia. And the verdict: It is able to measure up, thanks much to HTC's ImageSense chip that ensures owners will be afforded great results during 'shooting binges'.

Another identical character by the Droid DNA with the Lumia 920 is wireless charging, further notching up its convenience factor for those eyeing a possible HTC buys for the holidays.

Yet the strongest allure right now by the HTC Droid is its price tag. Apple's iPhone 5 starts its price at $US199, the same price level that is associated with the Galaxy S3 while the Note 2 is up for grabs as $US299 - all the handsets with respective telco contracts.

So the clear choice for the budget hunters who do not want to compromise on the quality of the gadget is the irresistible Droid DNA, which offers roughly $US50 of savings.