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Galaxy Nexus or Droid Razr?

I'm making a purchase within the next day or so. Can someone give some in depth thoughts on either phone? Hardware, housing, software, camera, root and ROM potential, etc...
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Well overall, i'd recommend looking at their stats on gsmarena and comparing, its pretty much got the summary you need, but i'd say nexus.
its got much greater ROM potential, and therefore pushes itself ahead of the droid razr. the Razr is awesome, but the nexus rom scene seems better to me.
However note i dont own either but as a spectator i think the nexus has better ROM potential.

Never mind

Google Nexus. won't go wrong with it. Then Galaxy. Last choice would be Razr.

RAZR or NEXUS
I have owned both; I would say depends on how "mature" you want your device to be. RAZR is really robust regarding it's skin; copy and paste capabilities; RAZR is really darn easy to ROOT too; (don't remember how hard / easy the nexus was but I had it rooted as well).
I did get to play with the NFC (not beam but wallet) and that was a very cool thing to have; the screen is bigger than RAZR; but RAZR (the phone) is very robust physically as well (screen feels stronger in your hand).
Sorry to go on a tangent there; but again mature "stock" rom with root I would pick RAZR; for the feel in the hand (HMI / GUI) RAZR; external capability (HDMI / Micro SD) RAZR; movie watching (on airplane) NEXUS; NFC payments (obvious winner here) NEXUS;
bottom line; ICS when I had the NEXUS was too darn immature; bugs bugs; and poor nexus was freezing up every once in a while. you're going to ROM it anyways....
From a camera perspective.. I really liked NEXUS quick response time ( shot shot shot shot); however, if you had quality time to take a shot... the RAZRs quality is better....
datawise... (I'm a grandfathered unlimited data person) it always seemed my speed tests the RAZR would always get better results... again both phones were rooted and tethering / downloading constantly... Are you going to drop your phone ( yes - > get RAZR) from a battery perspective... I would pick Nexus.. but...
what was neglected to be mentioned was "RAZR MAXX" now that phone is what I would get.
-DVader88

darthvader88 said:
I have owned both; I would say depends on how "mature" you want your device to be. RAZR is really robust regarding it's skin; copy and paste capabilities; RAZR is really darn easy to ROOT too; (don't remember how hard / easy the nexus was but I had it rooted as well).
I did get to play with the NFC (not beam but wallet) and that was a very cool thing to have; the screen is bigger than RAZR; but RAZR (the phone) is very robust physically as well (screen feels stronger in your hand).
Sorry to go on a tangent there; but again mature "stock" rom with root I would pick RAZR; for the feel in the hand (HMI / GUI) RAZR; external capability (HDMI / Micro SD) RAZR; movie watching (on airplane) NEXUS; NFC payments (obvious winner here) NEXUS;
bottom line; ICS when I had the NEXUS was too darn immature; bugs bugs; and poor nexus was freezing up every once in a while. you're going to ROM it anyways....
From a camera perspective.. I really liked NEXUS quick response time ( shot shot shot shot); however, if you had quality time to take a shot... the RAZRs quality is better....
datawise... (I'm a grandfathered unlimited data person) it always seemed my speed tests the RAZR would always get better results... again both phones were rooted and tethering / downloading constantly... Are you going to drop your phone ( yes - > get RAZR) from a battery perspective... I would pick Nexus.. but...
what was neglected to be mentioned was "RAZR MAXX" now that phone is what I would get.
-DVader88
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I'm porting my Sprint numbers to Verizon and don't want to spend too much money on phones after my wife and I just bought brand new ones last year. I considered the Maxx but it's still $200 everywhere I look. I'm getting two phones from either Amazon or Wirefly. Either the GNex ($100) for me and a Bionic (free) for my wife, or two RAZRs ($50/phone). I'm very undecided and need to make a decision within the next day or so. I really want the GNex and my wife would be more than happy with the Bionic, but I'm leaning towards two Razrs
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Get the razrs then, becuase they are water proof.

Get a purple Droid Razr, they are sexy

Just how bad is the battery on the original Razr? How does it compare to the GNex?
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I'm a Razr Maxx owner and can give you my impression on the device.
The basic Razr is sleek and well built. It feels like a solid device though it is very slim. The battery time on the latest rom (.173) is good. You can standby for 12 hours and still have 70% battery life. I almost kept it, but I was offered the Maxx in exchange. Now, the Maxx is not as thin. It's solid and slightly heavier. I'm a bit spoiled I think from having the slim Razr for a while. But battery life is insane. I can go a day or more without charging, and regular useage, easily. I really have never ran the phone all the way down yet because I'm so use to charging often and it's hard to get it so low. I'd have to forget the phone for the weekend to give it a good test.
The OS is fine and fast. I use SPB launcher right now for some extra fun but it's not necessary. I do wish I had a few more widgets and stuff like ICS but it's still got plenty to do.
My only experience with the NExus was to see it in the store. The manager told me it was the most returned phone they had because of all the bugs. It was a large phone - twice as thick as the Maxx at least - and made of cheep-feeling plastic. The big thing for me was the removeable SD card slot. The Razr has it. The Nexus does not. Such a basic feature I felt was a deal breaker for the Nexus.
I'm happy with my Maxx. It does everything I want though I can't wait for a full fixed working version of ICS. I just think the Nexus is too cheaply built and was pushed out too soon.

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well, buy the Galaxy Nexus

Razr Maxx owner thinking of switching to an SIII

About 6 months ago I switched from a Galaxy Nexus to a Razr Maxx. Loved the development for the Nexus but hated the actual phone - poor battery life, quieter speakers, weaker vibrate, complete lack of accessories, no microsd slot. I had a Droid X before that which is why I switched back to a Motorola phone (and for the battery of the Maxx) because it had all these things the Nexus didn't.
Anyways, I'm getting that itch again to get a newer phone, and the S3 looks to be my next choice. Being a Samsung phone, I want to make sure I'm not going to get annoyed by the same problems as the Nexus. Obviously the build quality isn't going to be as good, but that not a big deal. From what I've read, speaker volume and quality is great. Vibrate is a little weaker based on the store model I played with, but I think that's partly to blame on being plastic vs metal. Battery life is good enough, it's got an sd slot, and tons of accessories. Plus a decent development community. So everything's looking good to me.
Anyone else have any thoughts, perhaps some other Razr user who switched to an S3?

The S4 is coming out in a few months and is a slight improvement to the S3. I have an S3 and I enjoy this phone but in my opinion since you never had this you are better off getting the next version of this phone.

I agree with waiting on the S4 but have one reservation. I am sure that the bootloader will be locked and no-one can 100% tell you that they will even be able to root it. History says that they will, but until phones are in the hands of people who know what they are doing, it is all speculation at best. If it weren't for a leak, we wouldn't have an unlocked bootloader on the S3 now. Even with the leak, it is still partially "locked".

I have the SIII now and not using it anymore and went back to my RAZR MAXX and fixing to buy the RAZR MAXX HD.

I can't upgrade yet and I want to keep my unlimited data anyways, so I'll be buying this off contract. The S4 isn't that much of an upgrade over the S3 to be spending $600 versus $300-350 on a used S3.

detonation said:
I can't upgrade yet and I want to keep my unlimited data anyways, so I'll be buying this off contract. The S4 isn't that much of an upgrade over the S3 to be spending $600 versus $300-350 on a used S3.
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I have the same problem. I think the S4 upgrade is significant though in size and baked in software. Also quad core. I will be buying off contract as well. It will most definitely have a ton of support for root.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

detonation said:
About 6 months ago I switched from a Galaxy Nexus to a Razr Maxx. Loved the development for the Nexus but hated the actual phone - poor battery life, quieter speakers, weaker vibrate, complete lack of accessories, no microsd slot. I had a Droid X before that which is why I switched back to a Motorola phone (and for the battery of the Maxx) because it had all these things the Nexus didn't.
Anyways, I'm getting that itch again to get a newer phone, and the S3 looks to be my next choice. Being a Samsung phone, I want to make sure I'm not going to get annoyed by the same problems as the Nexus. Obviously the build quality isn't going to be as good, but that not a big deal. From what I've read, speaker volume and quality is great. Vibrate is a little weaker based on the store model I played with, but I think that's partly to blame on being plastic vs metal. Battery life is good enough, it's got an sd slot, and tons of accessories. Plus a decent development community. So everything's looking good to me.
Anyone else have any thoughts, perhaps some other Razr user who switched to an S3?
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Click to collapse
Op I pm'ed you.
Sent from my SCH-I535

Eric021 said:
I have the same problem. I think the S4 upgrade is significant though in size and baked in software. Also quad core. I will be buying off contract as well. It will most definitely have a ton of support for root.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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From what I've heard the S3 will get the same software gimmicks features the S4 has eventually (if not sooner via the dev community). The extra screen real estate and quad core would be nice, but not enough to spend an extra $300 for IMO.

I have an S3 and I enjoy this phone but in my opinion since you never had this you are better off getting the next version of this phone.

[Q] thinking about getting the razr hd .

i currently have a droid x2. and while i would like to say that i could wait until the x-phone comes out, or the htc one comes out. i just cant stand having a non-functional phone anymore.
my question is:
do you guys think this phone is worth upgrading to ?
does development seem to be growing since unlock? ( does future development seem likely?) ( 5.0+ ? )
should i consider going with a galaxy device? (s3 or s4) i am kind of indifferent towards these plasticy devices.
i like motorola a lot. their build quality is fantastic. but i am not sure how i feel about a non removable battery (essentially limiting the life of the phone) , or the slightly outdated specs.
just looking for some users two cents on the topic. thanks guys.

It's a great phone and if your worried about battery get the maxx version.
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX

deeje00 said:
it's a great phone and if your worried about battery get the maxx version.
Sent from my pacman matrix hd maxx
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+1000000000000000

I love this phone....battery life of course is phenomenal and I've yet to hear of anyone's battery crapping out on them. I've had mine now for several months and I think I've used my car charger maybe once. And thats only because I didnt charge my phone the night before.
The whole S4 oct-core plasticky phone's are outright redonkulous. The 1.5 ghz dual core is all you really need.
As far as development, since the unlock, it's skyrocketed. And its just in its infancy. Hashcode already has a new Kernel up for review as we speak. Once Cynaogenmod approves, we'll get official support and the development will be on par with the rest of the other top tier devices.
This board is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out www.droidrzr.com for more...

I've owned many a phone, from the first Android with the G1 to the RAZR HD and I have honestly never had a more fast, stable and force close free phone. This device is truly amazing and the battery life is flipping incredible. My wife has an S3 and it's okay but I would definitely rather own this one over that.
Development has exploded, as of right now I am running the following Rom. Perfection... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293262
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda premium

legend221 said:
I've owned many a phone, from the first Android with the G1 to the RAZR HD and I have honestly never had a more fast, stable and force close free phone. This device is truly amazing and the battery life is flipping incredible. My wife has an S3 and it's okay but I would definitely rather own this one over that.
Development has exploded, as of right now I am running the following Rom. Perfection... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293262
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda premium
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thank you sir. ! this helped a lot. its good to hear from someone who has seen both phones firsthand.
do you ever feel like the one gig of ram is not enough?

Lorenzo VonMatterhorn said:
thank you sir. ! this helped a lot. its good to hear from someone who has seen both phones firsthand.
do you ever feel like the one gig of ram is not enough?
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Click to collapse
You're welcome mate. The 1 GB of Ram is more than enough for my needs. I can have a lot of different apps running and never notice it sluggish or falling behind. I've seen a article or two mentioning that the camera isn't all that great and I can agree just a bit.
Only negatives are the non removable battery and the camera quality. All else is top notch.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda premium

Similar decision
I figured I'd post this for anybody else considering the RAZR HD.
.
I first used the original DX for two years before switching to the HD.
Here's my opinion:
Pros:
- Great battery. HD is good. MAXX is unbelievable
- Comfortable to use. Not too large, not too small, and a pleasure to operate.
- Removable storage
Cons:
- VERIZON. nuff said
- RAM used up fairly quickly.
- No removable battery (bad)
- NFC works fine, but the big V won't allow its customers to use Wallet
- Sound is meh.
- No OFFICIAL Cyanogenmod 10.1
- Unlocked bootloader = AP Fastboot EVERY power down AND you mustn't allow the battery to die with an unlocked bootloader.
I certainly love my HD more than the DX, but unless the X phone is amazing, I'm leaving Motorola.

I never see the fastboot screen unless I do it on purpose. And I've had my phone die quite a few times with no issues..
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX

deeje00 said:
I never see the fastboot screen unless I do it on purpose. And I've had my phone die quite a few times with no issues..
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX
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Ya? What are they talking about. Never seen that either.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

I must say that I truly love this phone. seems snappy and honestly no issues. I am going to venture into flashing my first ROM tonight when I get off of work. I had a gnex, which had a ton of support. I didn't like it so I traded it in for the rezound. It had way less support, but the devs were awesome! I bought this phone on CL and I must say it has even less development. That is my only concern about this phone. I would hope that the unlocked boot loader would bring on more devs, but coming from an OG, to the X, it appears the devs are not feeling the moto love.. If I had the money Id buy my favorite devs this phone. I think they would love it..

ushallneverknow said:
- Unlocked bootloader = AP Fastboot EVERY power down AND you mustn't allow the battery to die with an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try This
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42272243&postcount=1
AP Fastboot every time can either be a Sticky Bit error (from not tweaking a fastboot's xml file before flashing with RSD) or just a bad flash somewhere in general. Ensure you're using the snapdragon fastboots located in Mattlgroffs section on the Batakang FTP whenever you're doing any kind of fastboot flashing on any RAZR QCOM phone -- Atrix HD, all RAZR HD variants, both Phonton Q 4G LTE's.

Reality check...
OK, so I've been through a LOT of Android devices, and this one has some poo that goes along with it (as many others have).
1. The radios have become worse over the generations. While LTE is technically faster now on this device, I had WAY more coverage on my POS Revolution, but this device smokes the Galaxy Nexus for LTE coverage hands down (SGN is a joke as an LTE device).
2. Phone is mediocre. This is where the SGN showed what it was supposed to really sound like on a phone. On a call to my dad, he stated in my car that it sounded like I was in a quiet room by myself. He definitely doesn't say that with this phone.
3. Gaming. This one irritates me the most. Every few minutes there is lag. Sometimes it's short lag, sometimes you drop to 5fps for 6-7 seconds. Try Subway Surfers - you'll want to chuck the phone at the wall. I'm guessing this is an IO issue as I saw this in the TF300, and whatever CleanROM did for the TF300, it made the term "buttery smooth" no longer tongue and cheek. I'd give anything (except stability and features) to see that on this phone.
4. ROMs - I can't comment on this one, but I've been following the threads for a while now, and there's still some dealbreaker trade-offs going on - hopefully we'll see less of that as time goes on (great improvements over just the past few weeks). I've been waiting for the right time to make the move.
5. Tethering - Interesting that less people have seem interested in this problem, but as an unlimited user, I have found NO possible way around VZW. I'm rooted and have tried WiFi tether in the configurations people have suggested in multiple forums with no luck. I've tried the SQL hacks, I've tried other programs, I've tried WFT 3.2b, I've tried every configuration you can think of. The best I have had was a connection, but no internet. Every thread suggests something, but from my experience, nothing works.
6. A little lag in Nova Launcher when waking up and switching between screens.
7. VZW and Motorola seem more interested in blocking the devs from cleaning up Moto's mess than fixing their own crap. With the Ultra coming out, I figure that they'll block it from devs the best they can with a few more updates, then jump ship to create a shinier turd and repeat the cycle.
8. Browsing is still slow, even on WiFi, but show me a phone where this isn't true?
The pros?
1. Battery life. This is hands down the best phone I've had for battery, and it's only the HD, not the Maxx.
2. Better LTE than an SGN? LOL...
3. Depending on your usage, it's a decent phone I guess. It's ok in between downright irritating lagging for games(laugh), the WiFi works, albeit a little slow in areas, it's average as a phone, and if you're just interested in checking your e-mail and doing navigation, it's not bad.
4. Decent built in storage space stock.
5. Pretty good sound - no complaints on the music front.
Just don't EXPECT tethering, or a decent, lag-free gaming experience.
I either have a knack for choosing bad phones, or Android just STILL isn't there in the phone arena yet, even with the greater specs. If the former is true, I wouldn't follow my devices (minus the TF300 - that was excellent with CleanROM).
I paid in cash, and if I had to do it all over again, I have no idea what I'd do... I'm starting to believe that the big V along with these manufacturers, they are just slapping coats of wax on turds, then high tailing off to put the next, bigger, and shinier turd in front of people. There's no pride put into the devices past the marketing strategy. I'm never going Apple, MS is still hard to take seriously, and Android? Maybe I'm just really bad at choosing phones.
Edit: as an aside, my dad loves his (late 50s), but he doesn't game or care about tethering (with me, it's not often as well, but when I do, I expect it to work well). For him, it is mostly just navi, e-mail, and on rare occasions, browsing.
Edit 2: why do we not see more reviews like this instead of "omg it's the bestest octacore beast with terapixel camera that makes poking your friends on FaceBook a breeze?" I think we need "pro" reviewers at well known sites to dig a little deeper, and actually use devices as hard-core daily drivers for a week or so before passing judgement.

I tether just fine using easy tether pro. Sure it's not wireless but it's an easy way to get Internet on my netbook once in a blue moon. Worked just fine before I rooted.
I don't really disagree with anything from the previous entry. You would think motorola mobility's acquisition would have significantly changed things for the better. All I saw was a loss of webtop support. And wow going from the support of the galaxy nexus forums to these was a bit of an adjustment.
I watched a video today at android central regarding specs. Why they become so important. You don't see the issue with apple or windows phone. Yes there's fewer devices. More options should cause a healthy competition and I think we're getting there.
I do love the battery life on this phone. It's the sole reason I have it. I do also appreciate that there aren't tons of issues with the display and having to deal with worrying about the quality of a replacement device. Nobody wants a phone they can't rely on or enjoy. I just think it's funny how my galaxy nexus had all the features a year ago and I'm just finally starting to have friends and acquaintances ask me or brag to me about them.
I do think the X phone and its customizable aspects are great for certain users. But look how apple sells the iPhone. They focus on a feature like its camera. Interesting stuff.
Maybe android needs a figurehead to blatantly lie about her/his health to the public and get backdated stock options.
Edit 1
I do find it unsettling that technology advances so quickly that a device is much less popular in 6 months or a year. I feel this way especially because most people are in a contract for two years and are stuck with the device.
Edit 2
At least with a computer, you can upgrade it. Give it a new display, video card, max out the ram and it's like Christmas. Perhaps one day technology will permit the majority of smartphones to not only expand their storage space, but also easily enhance the hardware.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

Note 2 for maxx??

Question for you MOTO guys. I have a Note 2 currently. I've been looking to trade it for a while now. I have a guy wanting to trade straight up for a 1 month old Droid Maxx (the new version). I was looking for some opinions... I have owned the Razr, Razr HD, Razr Maxx HD and all of those seemed to lag bad. Can someone give me some input on this? Thanks in advance...
Also, I'm a craigslist pro and know everything necessary for the trading part. I'm only looking for input on the devices...

I went from the Note 2 to the Maxx and couldn't be happier. I notice no performance difference at all. The Note has a bit nicer screen (color-wise) but otherwise i can think of nothing that gives it an edge.
Keep in mind though, you'll be going to a very locked down phone with almost no development community. If you're a flash addict, this isn't the device for you.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

erishasnobattery said:
I went from the Note 2 to the Maxx and couldn't be happier. I notice no performance difference at all. The Note has a bit nicer screen (color-wise) but otherwise i can think of nothing that gives it an edge.
Keep in mind though, you'll be going to a very locked down phone with almost no development community. If you're a flash addict, this isn't the device for you.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
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I had a feeling it was still like that. Without really researching it... I remember those days when I had the Droid X. Never could really truly change it all that much... I just want to be sure the lag that existed on the razr line isn't on this device. Hard to tell really by just looking at one at a store or I'd do that. The Maxx seems to be more "advanced", besides the screen. Wireless charging, the voice command features, etc. Is the camera a lot better than the previous models? They sucked bad.....

The maxx is just very stock android, which i prefer. I feel like the overlays like TW and Sense just haven't evolved much since the GB days. Yes, they're better than they were, but they aren't really leveraging everything android has to offer yet.
As far as the camera goes, i don't take a lot of pictures, as i have a camera for that. It does take decent pictures, but it doesn't have the features of the Samsung camera. It does ok for me, but a real picture-phile (i think i made that word up) will be disappointed.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

brandon2x said:
I had a feeling it was still like that. Without really researching it... I remember those days when I had the Droid X. Never could really truly change it all that much... I just want to be sure the lag that existed on the razr line isn't on this device. Hard to tell really by just looking at one at a store or I'd do that. The Maxx seems to be more "advanced", besides the screen. Wireless charging, the voice command features, etc. Is the camera a lot better than the previous models? They sucked bad.....
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Click to collapse
The Maxx/Ultra run a very Vanillaish version of android which makes it really smooth and fast, not at all like the Razr HD. The camera is OK, not the best but they did just release a firmware update which improved the camera. Fwiw I have a Note II and a Maxx and the maxx is smoother and faster imho. While there isn't much development for the maxx you can get root and install recovery and used the xPosed framework which provides for some visual customization.

erishasnobattery said:
The maxx is just very stock android, which i prefer. I feel like the overlays like TW and Sense just haven't evolved much since the GB days. Yes, they're better than they were, but they aren't really leveraging everything android has to offer yet.
As far as the camera goes, i don't take a lot of pictures, as i have a camera for that. It does take decent pictures, but it doesn't have the features of the Samsung camera. It does ok for me, but a real picture-phile (i think i made that word up) will be disappointed.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Picture-phile... That's a good one.... I take A LOT of pictures with my phone. It's just more convenient and the pictures are as good or better than any digital camera I've personally ever owned... TW on the Note 2 seems pretty important to me. I am probably one of the only people who actually USE the s-pen quite often and the way its built in to TW just works... I think based off what you've told me, I'm going to stick with my Note. I appreciate your fast responses. Have a great day.

brandon2x said:
Question for you MOTO guys. I have a Note 2 currently. I've been looking to trade it for a while now. I have a guy wanting to trade straight up for a 1 month old Droid Maxx (the new version). I was looking for some opinions... I have owned the Razr, Razr HD, Razr Maxx HD and all of those seemed to lag bad. Can someone give me some input on this? Thanks in advance...
Also, I'm a craigslist pro and know everything necessary for the trading part. I'm only looking for input on the devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a Note 2 user here...buy I've had a GS3 since its launch day and just upgraded to a Maxx...I fell in love with the Maxx as soon as I started using it...
Development is a little scarce to say the least...but I almost don't even care...the stock performance beats the pants off any ROM/kernel/OC'ing I ever experienced on my GS3...
I do need to take the time to root this thing in the next couple of days but I dont even feel the desire for much else other than basic root functions...
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

I was doing a comparison with my brother's N2 and my Maxx. This Maxx, with the LTE, was doing everything faster and smoother. Not once was his phone more responsive or as polished as the Maxx.
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I vote to keep the Note 2.
I'm a former Droid Razr owner...you'd be hard pressed into talking me into any phone that had a locked bootloader like the Motorola devices. Plus the Motorola devices just don't have the sales volume of Samsung so that's another reason that the development community is small. I just love the large amount of custom ROMs that are available for the top selling phones.
For the guy who just came from the S3, I've got Paranoid Android with 4.4 on mine and everything opens pretty much instantaneously. I wouldn't mind having more (Cores/RAM/Storage/Screen) but it would really just be for show. I can wait for my contract to be up before I get the "Next Big Thing" (S5?)
That being said I don't have any other specific complaints about the new Moto Droid devices and I am mulling over getting a Droid Mini on for my stepdaughter for Christmas. Using Early Edge since Verizon took the early upgrade program away, and I promised her a new phone if she kept up GPA above 3.5. It seems to have the same CPU and memory specs as the Maxx and the Ultra, just with a smaller screen. She'll never root it or anything. I wouldn't mind getting her the Ultra or Maxx either but I'm not sure she wants a device that big.
Which leads to my other question, I guess the Maxx/Ultra/Mini are all in this forum since they seem to have the same hardware specs?

brons2 said:
I vote to keep the Note 2.
I'm a former Droid Razr owner...you'd be hard pressed into talking me into any phone that had a locked bootloader like the Motorola devices. Plus the Motorola devices just don't have the sales volume of Samsung so that's another reason that the development community is small. I just love the large amount of custom ROMs that are available for the top selling phones.
For the guy who just came from the S3, I've got Paranoid Android with 4.4 on mine and everything opens pretty much instantaneously. I wouldn't mind having more (Cores/RAM/Storage/Screen) but it would really just be for show. I can wait for my contract to be up before I get the "Next Big Thing" (S5?)
That being said I don't have any other specific complaints about the new Moto Droid devices and I am mulling over getting a Droid Mini on for my stepdaughter for Christmas. Using Early Edge since Verizon took the early upgrade program away, and I promised her a new phone if she kept up GPA above 3.5. It seems to have the same CPU and memory specs as the Maxx and the Ultra, just with a smaller screen. She'll never root it or anything. I wouldn't mind getting her the Ultra or Maxx either but I'm not sure she wants a device that big.
Which leads to my other question, I guess the Maxx/Ultra/Mini are all in this forum since they seem to have the same hardware specs?
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Correct, this forum covers all of the new Droid line.
Personally I would consider a Moto X for your daughter over the Droid Mini. The specs are about the same but the Moto X feels much better in hand and is a much more stylish device. The Droid Ultra is the worst of both worlds and should not even be considered IMO. I have the Droid Maxx and my wife has the Moto X, and both are great devices with slightly different strengths (battery/screen size on the Maxx, form factor/customization on the Moto X).

unbesorgt said:
Correct, this forum covers all of the new Droid line.
Personally I would consider a Moto X for your daughter over the Droid Mini. The specs are about the same but the Moto X feels much better in hand and is a much more stylish device. The Droid Ultra is the worst of both worlds and should not even be considered IMO. I have the Droid Maxx and my wife has the Moto X, and both are great devices with slightly different strengths (battery/screen size on the Maxx, form factor/customization on the Moto X).
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Stylish? Huh, she shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I told her in July I wouldn't be able to get her another phone until May because Verizon had done away with the early upgrade program.
This is based on what I feel like paying. I am going above and beyond to do this for her. Even her mother encouraged me not to do it, but I feel the need to keep my original promise I made last Christmas. And I feel a little bad making her have a Droid Razr with a battery that broke, then an Xperia Play I had sitting around, and then (now) a used Droid Bionic I got off of Ebay.
So...
In the Edge program you basically pay for it every month, full retail divided by 24 months, so the Mini is appealing because full the retail price is only $349, or $14.54 per month. I think the Moto X was $549 so it would be $22.89 a month.
I can buy a 6 pack of Blue Moon with the leftover 8 dollars.
The other thing is that if I was going to go with a larger more expensive phone I like the G2 better than the MotoX. But I haven't looked at any reviews of the MotoX or the G2 either. I hated the HTC interface, and considering I will have to support her remotely, rather have an interface I can deal with. The S4 is not an option because it costs more than the other phones in the same class.
I could put my line on Edge, and do a hand-me-down with my S3 that works perfectly. But I would want an S4 out of that group and it would cost more. I'd rather wait until May when my contract is up and then I can re-up for another 2 year with either an S4 or S5.
So given all that, the Mini seems like a pretty good option considering I'm only paying $349 out of pocket and it has similar specs to all the other current gen Moto phones. But if she really wants a 5" phone we'll talk when she gets in town on Friday.

brons2 said:
Stylish? Huh, she shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I told her in July I wouldn't be able to get her another phone until May because Verizon had done away with the early upgrade program.
This is based on what I feel like paying. I am going above and beyond to do this for her. Even her mother encouraged me not to do it, but I feel the need to keep my original promise I made last Christmas. And I feel a little bad making her have a Droid Razr with a battery that broke, then an Xperia Play I had sitting around, and then (now) a used Droid Bionic I got off of Ebay.
So...
In the Edge program you basically pay for it every month, full retail divided by 24 months, so the Mini is appealing because full the retail price is only $349, or $14.54 per month. I think the Moto X was $549 so it would be $22.89 a month.
I can buy a 6 pack of Blue Moon with the leftover 8 dollars.
The other thing is that if I was going to go with a larger more expensive phone I like the G2 better than the MotoX. But I haven't looked at any reviews of the MotoX or the G2 either. I hated the HTC interface, and considering I will have to support her remotely, rather have an interface I can deal with. The S4 is not an option because it costs more than the other phones in the same class.
I could put my line on Edge, and do a hand-me-down with my S3 that works perfectly. But I would want an S4 out of that group and it would cost more. I'd rather wait until May when my contract is up and then I can re-up for another 2 year with either an S4 or S5.
So given all that, the Mini seems like a pretty good option considering I'm only paying $349 out of pocket and it has similar specs to all the other current gen Moto phones. But if she really wants a 5" phone we'll talk when she gets in town on Friday.
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Didn't realize you were buying off contract ... in that case sure the Droid Mini is a very good choice. As for 5" displays, the Droid Maxx is now $499 off contract which is probably the best deal going in that class (price might be good online only though, not 100% sure). I think of the Moto X as the same class as the Droid Mini because the form factor is so small, although it does have a slightly larger display (4.7" vs. 4.3").

unbesorgt said:
Didn't realize you were buying off contract ... in that case sure the Droid Mini is a very good choice. As for 5" displays, the Droid Maxx is now $499 off contract which is probably the best deal going in that class (price might be good online only though, not 100% sure). I think of the Moto X as the same class as the Droid Mini because the form factor is so small, although it does have a slightly larger display (4.7" vs. 4.3").
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Update: The Maxx just dropped to $449 off-contract today. Amazing deal IMO.

[Q] Think I want a Z3V, you guys diggin yours?

Been waiting for the S6 to come out and now that it's been released not happy about several things and think I'm going to pass. The Z3V seems to have everything I'm looking for, waterproof and good reception being high on the list.
My needs:
Good call quality and reception
Water proof
Good battery
Good camera
SD card slot
Durable
From everything I've been reading it looks like the Z3V has got this covered. Not sure I like the glass back but it'll live in a case anyways, which I'm finding out there is not much choice there. Btw I'm coming off a Razr Maxx HD, I ruled out the Turbo fairly quick lol. Thanks!

My Z3v has blown away every expectation I've had on any phone I have owned. Battery life, radio reception, OS stability, no lag, seriously the smoothest running device I've ever used, camera, SD Storage, 3gb RAM, waterproofing and Wireless Qi charging, stereo front facing speakers, and LED notification. Everything works as intended and expected. I've had mine since launch and 4-5 months later I'm actually more enthused about it than I was the first day. Without question if my phone met its demise today, I'd turn around and get it again without hesitation. It's hard to think about switching to another device when the one you have has performed flawlessly with no hiccups.
The only thing it doesn't have currently but supposedly is planned to is simultaneous data and voice. It is a slight disappointment, but not critical for me.

Yup I agree with PChain

Everything needed to be said, pchain has said it. I won't likely ever get another branded phone since there's nothing too new or attention worthy about them. I'm very disappointed how the S6 turned out to be as the Z3v is already everything as it is but incredibly better.
The glass back isn't too much of a concern since it is Sony's tempered glass. Look up any youtube video of Sony's Drop test, they're nearly indestructible. It's worth it man, get this phone and you won't have to wait as long for the update for simultaneous voice and data.

Well I'm sold, thanks for the replies! Should've just got it in January when my contract was up but I was hoping for great things from the S6 and thought I'd wait it out, but like many I'm disappointed in the direction they went.

Awsome, but none of these phones are particularly "durable"...
The hardware guts, performance and elegant form of this phone blow me away. No question, hands down, this is more pocket computer than I ever imagined. In the Verizon store it's absolutely the best bang for the buck.
I'm a bit OCD, so if it gets dropped and marred, or scratched, or dented, or cracked I'll completely freak out and cry like a baby! It's not a particularly durable design, but it's really well put together. No weird seems, misalignments, etc. Because I work in landscaping and construction, I've swapped my unused Xoom tablet line with an old handset that I'll bring to work instead of the Xperia so I won't have to feel like I'm performing an act of surgery every time I take a call (cleaning hands off, etc).
I think this phone in a top notch case is super hard to beat for most applications.

IMO - the Z3v is the best bang for your buck. I was first intrigued by Sony Xperia when the Z2 was @ Verizon a few years ago. I'm glad that the Z3v was available when my Razr Maxx bit the dust last Fall, though not initially.
I first went "Cheap" with a LG G Vista, but it shutdown a few times. I swapped it for the Moto X 2014. While the Moto X is a fine phone, it got hot to the touch and the battery isn't the greatest. Luckily - the Z3v came out during my 2 week trial and the third time was the charm!
It has never shutdown, the battery life is pretty good, and the MHL and mirror link functions work via my Smart TV! The same cannot be said on the former phones mentioned.

Go for it!
Based on your post, stan smith, i think this is the ideal phone for you. Thats awesome to hear youre making the move. Just picked the Z3v up a few days ago and I'm blown away. I like to believe im an educated consumer and did a lot of digging on all the latest VZ offerings. My expectations for this phone were sky high and they are being surpassed! i'm running nova launcher and the phone is by far the snappiest device ive ever had. Tap to wake is phenomenal. Having moved here from an HTC ONE M7, my primary concerns were pixel density (M7: 468ppi - Z3v: 424ppi) and screen brightness (M7: 460nits - Z3v: 407nits) but these are no longer a concern. Expectations exceeded.

Really excited about this phone! I will admit I'm concerned about the size, haven't even seen one in person yet. I did some comparisons at phonearena and it looks really tall, like .66" taller than my current razr maxx hd. Going to hit Verizon maybe tonight if not tomorrow and check it out, probably bring it home if I think I can manage the size of it. :good:

I love my phone. I came from a Galaxy S5 and I think this phone is so much better in many ways. I particularly like the solid feel and build of this over the S5. Don't know how it would compare to the S6.
Like someone posted, the only bummer about this phone is the lack of simultaneous voice and data. That is very disappointing in this day and age on a high end phone. But I can live with it and perhaps they will fix that with an update in the future.

vplaza96 said:
I love my phone. I came from a Galaxy S5 and I think this phone is so much better in many ways. I particularly like the solid feel and build of this over the S5. Don't know how it would compare to the S6.
Like someone posted, the only bummer about this phone is the lack of simultaneous voice and data. That is very disappointing in this day and age on a high end phone. But I can live with it and perhaps they will fix that with an update in the future.
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Idk how solid the S6 would be, but compared to this, it definitely can't withstand water anymore. lol
The lollipop update that will include everything is reaching upon us soon. Sony confirms they're in final phases of testing to work out the bugs. We will all soon get simultaneous voice and data (again, depending from whatever phone we came from before).

Got it tonight!! Solid phone, love the look and feel. A little big but I can get used to it. Lol the guy at Verizon didn't know anything about it, said he never sold one and tried to talk me out of it. Once I schooled him on the features he was pretty impressed. Glad to join this very limited club and thanks for all the advice!

americandad said:
Got it tonight!! Solid phone, love the look and feel. A little big but I can get used to it. Lol the guy at Verizon didn't know anything about it, said he never sold one and tried to talk me out of it. Once I schooled him on the features he was pretty impressed. Glad to join this very limited club and thanks for all the advice!
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Yay, welcome aboard. I should school the employees more often too because I talk to the reps about account assessment and stuff, and they just have not much of a clue about my phone being there. This is what Apple and Samsung (as well as Motorola Droid) brainwashing does to corporate employees..

GigaSPX said:
Yay, welcome aboard. I should school the employees more often too because I talk to the reps about account assessment and stuff, and they just have not much of a clue about my phone being there. This is what Apple and Samsung (as well as Motorola Droid) brainwashing does to corporate employees..
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Yup-Yup! Pretty sad when the consumer has to do the job of the salesman. but more sad that this illustrates just how easily the masses are brainwashed.
Good for you, AmericanDad. hope you enjoy it!

Coming from a rooted Droid DNA w/ a custom ROM, I'm not seeing any improvements, says the camera. If it wasn't for the ailing battery in my DNA, I would have kept it. Form factor is a bit of a downgrade and visually, it looks very reminiscent of the Droid Razr HD. Camera is definitely better, but the autofocus time takes away from it. A good phone, but nothing here to make me forget my DNA entirely.

sabinblitz said:
Coming from a rooted Droid DNA w/ a custom ROM, I'm not seeing any improvements, says the camera. If it wasn't for the ailing battery in my DNA, I would have kept it. Form factor is a bit of a downgrade and visually, it looks very reminiscent of the Droid Razr HD. Camera is definitely better, but the autofocus time takes away from it. A good phone, but nothing here to make me forget my DNA entirely.
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I'm not sure what exactly you're asking or what your point is but I assure you the Z3v has surpassed every expectation I've had in any device I've ever owned. Battery life will absolutely crush the DNA, radio reception is better than today's Moto offerings, there is zero lag, the camera is really good, it is water proof, has front facing stereo speakers, multicolor LED notification, Qi wireless charging etc. I've had the Z3v since launch and if my device met its fate today I'd immediately get another. Once you have a completely fast stable OS that performs flawlessly you don't want a different device. The Z3v is without a doubt is the most underrated unknown non-marketed devices on Verizon. Unless rooting is a necessity for you there is no reason to question if the z3v is worthy of being your next device. While the DNA is a good device in many ways, the Z3v is good in just about every way. The new Samsung S6,, S6 Edge, and HTC M9 aren't even close in tempting me away from this bulletproof device. I've never had a Sony device before and took a chance and it has been the best technology decision I've made in years. Just my two cents....

pchain said:
I'm not sure what exactly you're asking or what your point is but I assure you the Z3v has surpassed every expectation I've had in any device I've ever owned. Battery life will absolutely crush the DNA, radio reception is better than today's Moto offerings, there is zero lag, the camera is really good, it is water proof, has front facing stereo speakers, multicolor LED notification, Qi wireless charging etc. I've had the Z3v since launch and if my device met its fate today I'd immediately get another. Once you have a completely fast stable OS that performs flawlessly you don't want a different device. The Z3v is without a doubt is the most underrated unknown non-marketed devices on Verizon. Unless rooting is a necessity for you there is no reason to question if the z3v is worthy of being your next device. While the DNA is a good device in many ways, the Z3v is good in just about every way. The new Samsung S6,, S6 Edge, and HTC M9 aren't even close in tempting me away from this bulletproof device. I've never had a Sony device before and took a chance and it has been the best technology decision I've made in years. Just my two cents....
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I couldn't say this any better. I really liked the underrated phone part of the post. That is so true. I came from a Nexus 5 on ATT. I am so impressed. My only gripe is I like stock Android. But the phone build quality and the countless other features make it awesome.

I've had mine for about a week now. Battery is amazing, I'm on my 4th day without a charge but I'm not a heavy user and it gets turned off at night. Wifi signal is incredible! My workshop is about 150' away from my house and I never got wifi there with my razr maxx hd, but the Z3v gets a strong signal. Real pleased with the call quality also. All in all happy with my choice.

To pile on with the radios, i've been in my current house for nearly five years. Previous phones were htc one m7 and a galaxy sIII prior to that. When making calls, i was forced to stand near the front of the house. living room/foyer/bedroom didn't matter. as long as i was near the front. Most likely due to some very large trees in the backyard. Just last night, i noticed i did not have to leave my den when taking a call. for the first time in this house, i could relax on a phone call. so very pleased with this device.

I've heard things like the notification LED are amazing, someone care to elaborate? Not sure what people mean and I've watched some review videos and they don't show it off or anything so I'm confused