A worthy successor to the original Droid, the Android-powered Droid X by Motorola for Verizon Wireless is a pocket-sized home theater with a massive 4.3-inch high-resolution display, HDMI high-definition output with optional cable, and 720p HD video recording capabilities. And the 1 GHz processor provides excellent response for game play, such as the preloaded EA Need for Speed Shift.
It turns your hand into a larger-than-life 4.3" screen with an 8MP camera, HD video, HDMI output, and a hi-res screen that’s high-octane fuel for your eyes. It runs at a web-busting speed that plants churning pistons where your legs used to be. It’s better, smarter, faster, stronger than you ever thought possible. It’s the next generation of DOES.
Features and Specs
- Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network.
- Powered by the Android operating system (version 2.1) with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
- Advanced multitasking capabilities allow you to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open.
- Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- 3G Mobile Hotspot: The Droid X comes travel-ready with a built-in 3G Mobile Hotspot--a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be shared among five Wi-Fi-capable devices. The 3G Mobile Hotspot is the perfect family vacation companion, and at $20 for 2 GB and 5 cents per megabyte overage, it provides an allowance big enough for sharing with the entire family for downloading games, Internet access, and more.
- Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta), which provides turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It's powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say "Navigate to [your destination]," and you'll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.
- Swype input system allows you to input text faster and easier by gliding your finger around the keyboard, moving from letter to letter in one continuous motion. The Swype technology then calculates what word you're intending to type (learn more below).
- 1 GHz TI OMAP processor with dedicated graphics processor.
- 4.3 inch high-resolution touchscreen display (WVGA 854 x 480 pixels, 16 million colors)
- 8-megapixel camera with fast mechanical shutter (1/1000 second) auto focus, touch-to-focus, face recognition, panoramic modes, and more.
- Capture video in high- definition 720p HD resolution and customize your videos with a slow-motion effect as well as make them flawless with an advanced three microphone solution for directional audio capture and noise cancelation.
- HDMI video output for connecting to a compatible HDTV.
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
- 24 GB of storage right out of the box with 8 GB of internal memory and 16 GB preloaded microSD memory card. You can expand the Droid X up to a maximum of 40 GB with its 8 GB internal memory plus optional 32 GB microSD card.
Motorola DROID X Android Reviews
I'm a big believer in people using technology in ways that are customized to their needs. I don't think it's smart to just follow the herd and buy the latest device if what it's good at isn't what you need the most. While the latest crop of smartphones try to be do everything perfectly, they don't. They still have strengths and weaknesses, and here's where I want to outline each. I'll compare these phones because 1. I've used both extensively 2. Most people are probably debating between these.
Round 1: Battery life (X wins, because it can be replaced)
I think battery life is a considerably underrated aspect of most phone reviews. When I owned the iPhone 3G, my battery would die every die by about 3pm. I used all the tricks under the sun, including keeping my brightness low, turning off wifi/bluetooth, etc. I got so frustrated that I went to the Palm Pre, which had a replaceable battery.
Simalarly, I like the Droid X for this Round because it's battery can be replaced. The biggest draw for any phones battery is the screen, and you would think the huge screen on this would destory the battery life. It does hurt it, no doubt. But on the iPhone, when your battery dies, you're stuck until you get to charge. On my Droid X, I just pop in a freshly charged one ($12 with shipping on eBay. Make sure you don't buy it from Verizon for some ungodly markup).
However, if you are the type of person who is not a heavy user, then don't worry about this category. The iPhone 4's battery life is better than the 3GS, and if you just do light browsing, a few phone calls, and a bit of email, it should get you through the day no problem. For heavy users, X is the way to go.
Round 2: Screen (iPhone wins)
Much has been said about the iPhone's new "Retina Display", and here's why: it really is incredible. I can't believe that just 4 years ago a color screen was considered impressive, and now it's come to this.
Back to my theme: it depends on what you use your screen for. If you watch a lot of movies on your phone or look at high quality pictures, there's no doubt that you should go for the iPhone. If, however, you use your phone more for email, web browsing, music, and phone calls, a top notch screen is less important.
The resolution of the iPhone screen is better, but if that's not a factor, then ignore this category too.
Round 3: The Operating System (Droid X wins)
This is perhaps the only category where it matters for everyone, regardless of how you use your phone.
I've spent a considerable amount of time researching and testing both operating systems and trying to analyze them for different types of users, and I believe Android OS (even before 2.2) is superior to iOS4.
Here's why: Android is more open, and that just makes it more useable.
Round 4: App store (Believe it or not, Droid X wins)
People love comparing numbers, as if volume has anything to do with quality. Yeah, the iPhone App Store has more apps. By a few multiples. But how many calculator apps are there? How many apps that tell you the weather? How many apps that can do note taking or calendar work? If there's 36 apps that do calendars, do I really need a 37th?
I completely ignore the numbers aspect, because I think it's an illogical and useless argument to have.
Rather, I think it's more important to judge the utility of the App store, and on that front, Android market wins. Why? Since Android is completely open, you can just do more stuff with it.
On my Droid, I have an app that allows me to download any mp3 for free, right away. I have an app that allows me to tether my phone to my laptop for free, through either Bluetooth or USB, using my unlimited data plan. I have a Google Voice app, that gives me free text messaging, and free calling. I have a Divx app, that allows me to watch movies in AVI format (good luck, iPhone owners.)
None of these apps are available on the Apple App store.
Just to be fair, let's talk about my recurring theme. If you are the type of person who wants to play some simple games and needs a good notetaking application, then either store will be just fine for you. If, however, you are an advanced user and are looking for some more advanced features, the open Android market is the way to go.
Round 5: Typing (Droid X wins, not because of native keyboard, but because of Swype)
For those of you who haven't heard of Swype, it's a new text entry method developed by the same guy who came up with T9. You slide your finger across the screen, pausing and changing directions at the letter you want, and it guesses the word for you. It it undoubtedly the most effective data entry method I've ever used.
Android is more open and allows you to install Swype as your default keyboard.
This one doesn't matter for different people. Whether you only enter 160 characters at a time or re-write War and Peace, easy text entry is important.
[...]
Round 6: Media (a tie.)
Here, it really really depends what you're looking for.
If you have already downloaded most of your movies/TV content through iTunes, then go with Apple. It's still a phenomenal iPod, and as I mentioned previously, the screen is second to none. Movies look bright and crisp, the controls are smart and helpful, and it's a good looking media player.
If, however, you download most of your movies/TV shows in AVI format, then stick with the X. As I mentioned, there are apps that play AVI format (it's a HUGE pain in the butt to convert everything from AVI to mp4).
Music is music. Either player will work fine. Apple's is probably a bit easier to use since most of us are used to it, but the X's isn't bad.
Round 7: Aesthetics
Let's face it: the iPhone 4 is an incredibly good looking device. Sleek lines, nicely outline buttons, metal, glass, incredible display, they really thought this one out, and they hit it out of the park.
The Droid X isn't that. I would say though that it is the best looking Android phone out there. Yes, the screen is big and personally I like it. But it's very, very thin. Very thin. And that makes a huge difference when putting it in your pocket. For women who carry it in your purse, I guess it's not that big of a difference.
If aesthetics are a primary concern of yours, go with the iPhone. I can't argue with that. If you are looking exclusively for utility, go for the Droid X. I can say this with confidence because I bought the original Droid, which is one of the ugliest phones I've ever owned, but it worked SO well I just didn't care.
----
Summary: It all depends on what you use your phone for. If you are looking for a better version of a Blackberry OS, in the sense that you do a lot of work on your phone all day long, you type a lot, like the openness of the OS, send tons of email, and rely on your phone as your life, then go for the Droid X.
If you use your phone mostly for texting and phone calls and to listen to music, play the occasional game and do light browsing, go with the iPhone.
I'm an iPhone to Anroid convert, and couldn't be happier. You'll have to make that choice for yourself.
More on Motorola DROID X Android Phone
Comments