Motorola Droid Razr Maxx: To Maxx or not Maxx?

Features and Design:
The Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx is a decent improvement from its predecessors. In many ways it is the same as the Droid RAZR looking at it from software, ROM, and build. It is slightly larger and heavier but is still pocket friendly with a familiar design like previous models. It has excellent performance running on a 1.2GHz dual-core processor on the fast Verizon 4G LTE network. The RAZR Maxx has a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Advanced capacitive touchscreen display. You can toggle the ringer/vibrate function and launch the camera straight from the lock screen.

                                            Image is licensed under CC Attribution 

The User Interface is similar to previous models, having well-spaced keys and great responsiveness and feedback. You can also use Swype typing for faster, one-handed writing. The RAZR Maxx comes with a plethora of built in features like GPS, Bluetooth, and mobile hot-spot capabilities for up to eight Wi-Fi devices. The Maxx also comes with built in Google apps like Maps with Navigation, Gmail, Google Talk and Search with Voice, Youtube, and more. Other built in apps include Madden NFL 12, Netflix, Slacker Radio, VideoSurf, VZ Navigator, and Visual Voicemail among others. The MotoCast app allows users to share documents, media files, and other conent with other devices. The RAZR Maxx comes with Motorola’s Smart Actions app which makes changing settings a snap and overall function easier.

Model Modifications
The biggest change from previous models is the battery. The new high-performance 3,300mAh battery boasts 21.5 hours of talk time and almost 16 days on standby mode. This blows out all other competitor’s battery life. The Maxx has won head to head battery drain tests by substantial margins. It also has 16GB of internal memory and an SD slot for expandable memory. The Maxx has an 8MP camera that is very similar to previous models. It has some issues with colors in sunlight and indoor or low-light images get grainy. However, there is little shutter lag, panorama capabilities, and a continuous autofocus feature. The front facing camera is 1.3MP and has similar issues to the back facing camera. The Maxx can record in 1080p HD video, which is overall good with some compression. The active noise cancellation works well.

Pros:
Great design is both slim and durable, fast processor, 4G LTE speed, security features, long lasting battery, large screen and brilliant display, Smart Actions app, solid build, great functionality, multitasking, customization, call quality, HDMI port, splash resistant, and expandable storage.

Cons:
Non-removable battery, large in size, camera quality and performance, resolution, gets warm with heavy use, speakerphone is slightly unclear, not quad-core, have to upgrade to Android 4.0 rather than come preloaded, and some issues with Bluetooth and connectivity.
There are many reviews online for Motorola phones.  It is a good idea to compare features, read other reviews, and prices before going ahead with a purchase.

Abraham Myers – writer who enjoys piercings, tattoos, and, of course, the latest in mobile technology