Do you regret buying the Droid Razr?

[revelated]

This might seem a bit petty.

But after having been exposed to the magic that is Smart Actions (and yes, I know there are apps that try to do the same thing, but it's really not the same), I simply can't do another device. The RAZR with ICS can only be epic. I don't have this splotch-deal that people are talking about, and I love the black levels of the phone by far and away. I don't like the ppi - which is another complaint, but really just because of the size of the text for icons which is chunky compared to even the Thunderbolt.

The only other complaint, which is unfathomable, is the hotspot glitch. Running at 1400 on the MTU limits the phone to 8Mbps down which is half of what the phone is really capable of. It works, but I don't want a nerfed experience. My eventual goal is to drop my separate MiFi altogether, but I have yet to find a device that can get the hotspot right. The Bionic was close, but it would have random fits where the data would drop entirely. The RAZR doesn't do that, but I can't use its maximum throughput. Very frustrating.

Beyond that, for what I use the phone for, I like it. Love the look of it, love that hardly nobody else has it (that's another thing that drives me nuts...when everyone else has the same phone I do), and the speakerphone quality is superb which hasn't been the case since my old BlackBerry. Yes, I think I will have the RAZR for quite some time.

The Nexus tempted me...but Verizon's release date games swerved me to the RAZR, and I thank them for it. In retrospect, it's really ICS that I want, not the Nexus itself. A "pure" Android is appealing, but not required.

 

[rushmore]

If people are choosing the Nexus due to ICS, that seems short sighted, since the Rezound and Razr to name a few, are getting it as well.

The other issue is now that Nexus comes with some bloat, it no longer has the direct update path from Google. VZW are now part of the party, which is why it was delayed in the first place.

 

[kidtronic]

If people are choosing the Nexus due to ICS, that seems short sighted, since the Rezound and Razr to name a few, are getting it as well.

The other issue is now that Nexus comes with some bloat, it no longer has the direct update path from Google. VZW are now part of the party, which is why it was delayed in the first place.

Erroneous on all counts. It is infinitely more likely that the Gnex was delayed due to battery life and Lte connectivity issues. Petty apps like My Verizon are hardly the issue, and once Verizon's quality concerns have been met (as rumors go, they have), the phone will be released and updates will come directly from Google. The apps are already on the phone. Verizon won't have to re-add them with every update Google puts out.

On an unrelated note, I'm interested to see what Blurcream Sandwich will look like.

 

[fdnj48]

I wouldnt say I regret it, but the hotspot issue is a pretty big deal for me. I tried some of the tricks others have said and they didnt work. I can only get my computer to connect to the phone properly via usb and that just doesnt work for me. My hotspot is my primary internet at home for 2 computers so to only be able to connect to one at a time is not working for me. My phone is also having a very hard time locking in a steady 4G signal in places where my Thunderbolt always had full 4G reception. I already had the sim replaced and it didnt fix it. Im gonna give it another week or so and if things dont improve im gonna return. Not bashing the phone at all in any way. Overall I really like the phone but I cant keep it if I cant use it for what I need.

 

[Szadzik]

I wouldnt say I regret it, but the hotspot issue is a pretty big deal for me. I tried some of the tricks others have said and they didnt work. I can only get my computer to connect to the phone properly via usb and that just doesnt work for me. My hotspot is my primary internet at home for 2 computers so to only be able to connect to one at a time is not working for me. My phone is also having a very hard time locking in a steady 4G signal in places where my Thunderbolt always had full 4G reception. I already had the sim replaced and it didnt fix it. Im gonna give it another week or so and if things dont improve im gonna return. Not bashing the phone at all in any way. Overall I really like the phone but I cant keep it if I cant use it for what I need.

With hotspot issues, as with most software issues it can be fixed with a bit of work. Let us know if we can help, open a thread if you have not done that yet, describe your problem etc. and I bet someone will be able to help you.

 

[rushmore]

Erroneous on all counts. It is infinitely more likely that the Gnex was delayed due to battery life and Lte connectivity issues. Petty apps like My Verizon are hardly the issue, and once Verizon's quality concerns have been met (as rumors go, they have), the phone will be released and updates will come directly from Google. The apps are already on the phone. Verizon won't have to re-add them with every update Google puts out.

On an unrelated note, I'm interested to see what Blurcream Sandwich will look like.

Not sure how you can imply absolutes, since even VZW corporate folks and reps do not know for sure on the delay reasons. How are the apps already "on the phone"? Unless part of the user apps and not part of the fixed stock app allocation, it will be part of the template for an update- even with ICS.

The process model is likely not the same as the Nexus 1 here, since a middle-man has been introduced in the supply chain and software (VZW). Will it be as complex and extended for updates as other VZW devices? Probably not, but it is not as "pure" as the Nexus 1.

Rather than make assertions as absolutes, not long to see what actually transpires.

BTW, how am I wrong on all counts? There were two points: Other current devices are getting ICS and having VZW bloat means not as direct a path for the Nexus updates. Seems pretty darn reasonable and no grounds for "all counts". Much less any absolutes.

added:

As far as the Nexus, this should be the week for it to release so stores should have a demo real soon.

Update: Nevermind, after checking out some posts, it seems you are a Nexus fan, so I see where the absolutes and "all counts", plus "Blurcream" came from. Got it

As far as "Blurcream" that just sounds so wrong. Will be interesting to see how Blur and Sense pan out with ICS. Seems they are best to go away, IMO.

 

[kidtronic]

Not sure how you can imply absolutes, since even VZW corporate folks and reps do not know for sure on the delay reasons. How are the apps already "on the phone"? Unless part of the user apps and not part of the fixed stock app allocation, it will be part of the template for an update- even with ICS.

The process model is likely not the same as the Nexus 1 here, since a middle-man has been introduced in the supply chain and software (VZW). Will it be as complex and extended for updates as other VZW devices? Probably not, but it is not as "pure" as the Nexus 1.

Rather than make assertions as absolutes, not long to see what actually transpires.

BTW, how am I wrong on all counts? There were two points: Other current devices are getting ICS and having VZW bloat means not as direct a path for the Nexus updates. Seems pretty darn reasonable and no grounds for "all counts". Much less any absolutes.

added:

As far as the Nexus, this should be the week for it to release so stores should have a demo real soon.

Update: Nevermind, after checking out some posts, it seems you are a Nexus fan, so I see where the absolutes and "all counts", plus "Blurcream" came from. Got it

As far as "Blurcream" that just sounds so wrong. Will be interesting to see how Blur and Sense pan out with ICS. Seems they are best to go away, IMO.

I was referring to the bold text. That much was obvious. And that's a quick change of pace for someone who just said that the bloatware was the reason for the hold up, without any sort of qualification. I only made claims to the likelihood of Verizon delaying the release of this phone for apps that could so easily be pushed out in a later update (as they have done with other phones in the past). And after reading my post, I see you've adjusted your terminology accordingly.

But you are still wrong. The apps Verizon added are essentially system apps that won't need to be updated with every incremental bug fix or feature addition google puts out. Verizon gave Google the files, Google added them to the software, and that's that. I never made claims that this was as pure as the nexus one so I'm not even sure why that's being discussed. Perceived purity notwithstanding, the only difference the "bloatware" will make for the user experience is that they can not be uninstalled without rooting. They will not hold up updates, as there is no reason for them to.

If a Nexus fan is someone who is planning on buying one, then so be it. But the only reason I posted here is because you were spouting misinformation. Had you said the Razr only had a 2mp camera or shot lasers from the speaker, I still would have corrected you. And blurcream sandwich wasn't meant to be a dig. No need to be sensitive about the manufacturer skin of your choosing. You're talking to someone who is currently using a DX.


Edit: And just to be clear, I'm not trying to dissuade anybody from buying the Razr nor am I trying to hype up the Nexus. I was merely addressing a baseless claim.

 

[rushmore]

I was referring to the bold text. That much was obvious. And that's a quick change of pace for someone who just said that the bloatware was the reason for the hold up, without any sort of qualification. I only made claims to the likelihood of Verizon delaying the release of this phone for apps that could so easily be pushed out in a later update (as they have done with other phones in the past). And after reading my post, I see you've adjusted your terminology accordingly.

But you are still wrong. The apps Verizon added are essentially system apps that won't need to be updated with every incremental bug fix or feature addition google puts out. Verizon gave Google the files, Google added them to the software, and that's that. I never made claims that this was as pure as the nexus one so I'm not even sure why that's being discussed. Perceived purity notwithstanding, the only difference the "bloatware" will make for the user experience is that they can not be uninstalled without rooting. They will not hold up updates, as there is no reason for them to.

If a Nexus fan is someone who is planning on buying one, then so be it. But the only reason I posted here is because you were spouting misinformation. Had you said the Razr only had a 2mp camera or shot lasers from the speaker, I still would have corrected you. And blurcream sandwich wasn't meant to be a dig. No need to be sensitive about the manufacturer skin of your choosing. You're talking to someone who is currently using a DX.


Edit: And just to be clear, I'm not trying to dissuade anybody from buying the Razr nor am I trying to hype up the Nexus. I was merely addressing a baseless claim.

I have no allegiance to electronics and ding the Razr too. You still speak in absolutes. You do not know I am wrong any more than knowing your are right.

Notice I have not said you are wrong? How can I, since that would be an absolute

 

[kidtronic]

I have no allegiance to electronics and ding the Razr too. You still speak in absolutes. You do not know I am wrong any more than knowing your are right.

Notice I have not said you are wrong? How can I, since that would be an absolute

Are you calling me a Sith?

Spoiler

I'm putting this in a hide tag so as not to completely derail this thread but evidently, the debate has been put to rest. I'm still looking for the official statement for google though, so don't think this is an absolute.

Confirmed: Verizon Galaxy Nexus won't support Google Wallet (but will receive Google updates) - Computerworld Blogs

Edit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irKxtVOymXY

 

[hitdog042]

Yes. I should have tried the camera BEFORE I bought this phone. I used my Droid X camera all the time and loved the pix, so figured the Razr wouldn't be much different. Main problem? OMG this camera is too SLOOOWWW. It takes 15 seconds for the camera function to load before you can actually take a picture. By then your subject(s) are gone or fed up. I've disabled all background apps that might be slowing things down and tried turning off the auto-focus because someone else suggested that might help (it didn't). I figured I had 30 days to return/exchange the phone ...WRONG. It's 14 days from the date you ordered the phone, and if they don't receive it on the 14th day or earlier, Verizon can keep your phone and not return it AND not give you a refund, either.
If anyone has suggestions for speeding this phone up, PLEASE let me know.

Completely incorrect.

1. It has to be post marked no later than day 14 and

2. It's illegal for them to keep something you paid for.

C'mon man. Also next time read the receipt. 14 days is plastered right on it. Shenanigans.

 

[hitdog042]

If people are choosing the Nexus due to ICS, that seems short sighted, since the Rezound and Razr to name a few, are getting it as well.

The other issue is now that Nexus comes with some bloat, it no longer has the direct update path from Google. VZW are now part of the party, which is why it was delayed in the first place.

Wrong. It comes with 2 vzw branded sw that can be disabled. It retains direct google path for upgrades.

 

[rushmore]

Wrong. It comes with 2 vzw branded sw that can be disabled. It retains direct google path for upgrades.

And how do you know this? ICS dev team tell you this? VZW?

Another absoluter'.

 

[hitdog042]

And how do you know this? ICS dev team tell you this? VZW?

Another absoluter'.

Google stated it 2 days ago genius. Google it.

 

[waynester]

I am very happy with my razr.
Was also happy with my droid Inc.
At first was second guessing about razr vs nexus, but now vzw will be disabling google wallet. (hardware or software block?)
How will that effect release date and the NFC chip usefulness?
How many will be swayed to the razr with google wallet gone?*


*regardless of vzw postings ,I believe it is mostly due to the pay system vzw is backing

 

[hitdog042]

And how do you know this? ICS dev team tell you this? VZW?

Another absoluter'.

It also had zero to do with the delay. The delay was done because Verizon had a lot of razr sales the past 2 weeks. 14 day return policy. It's also why they still haven't released the date although we know it's Friday.

How do I know this? As I've stated in posts in the past, verizon is a client of mine. Their testing lab is here in Columbus (Dublin). I meet with my rep for lunch weekly.

I know.

If you hit up Engadget do a search on me. I said 12/9 3 weeks ago and was vilified for it.

 

[waynester]

Another reason to like my razr, looks like nexus release is delayed again.

 

[hitdog042]

Another reason to like my razr, looks like nexus release is delayed again.

Yep. The issue is with the razr, not the galaxy. Razr is having 4g issues pop up and vzw wants to make sure it's not the sim cards.

Too bad.

 

[jroc]

Yep. The issue is with the razr, not the galaxy. Razr is having 4g issues pop up and vzw wants to make sure it's not the sim cards.

Too bad.

As of earlier today.....the entire LTE network is having issues.

 

[zerocool79346]

Curious as to what people think about Moto coming out and saying that it will be 4-6 months before customers officially get ICS on their handsets.

 

[Szadzik]

Curious as to what people think about Moto coming out and saying that it will be 4-6 months before customers officially get ICS on their handsets.

I could not care less. I am in no way impressed with ICS.

 

[hitdog042]

I could not care less. I am in no way impressed with ICS.

You aren't impressed with better battery life, folders, vastly improved notifications with swipe away, The fact developers can easily integrate apps to tablet, faster browser, way better contacts?..

What does it take to impress you?

 

[rushmore]

You aren't impressed with better battery life, folders, vastly improved notifications with swipe away, The fact developers can easily integrate apps to tablet, faster browser, way better contacts?..

What does it take to impress you?

How is there better battery life? Based on the discussions about hardware acceleration by a Google dev and framework updates, they were hitting diminished returns already with HC. The majority of battery life efficiency is now in the hands of the device OEMs and app devs.

A lot of the stuff in ICS seems superfluous to basic device function.

 

[da2k17]

I love the phone. Its my first smartphone ive played with plenty of iphones but thought they were too simpl. This razr is crazy with what it can do but i giess thats expected coming from just a basic text/calling phone.the only thing i dont like is the battery i think i have an issue. Came off a full charge during the night got up at 7 and now 7 hours later have only 20% battery. Wifi was off the whole time had 3g/4g on for about 4 hours. Did about 1.5hrs of browsing and an hour texting with talk to text. Does that seem normal? I dont think that very heavy usage but im new to these type phones. I have an app thatz ising a lot of battery and i cant shut it down i started a thread on it in this section.

Other than that no screen or color issues. The back of the phone gets a lil warm but any nlrmal person would considerit just that, warm.

 

[Szadzik]

You aren't impressed with better battery life, folders, vastly improved notifications with swipe away, The fact developers can easily integrate apps to tablet, faster browser, way better contacts?..

What does it take to impress you?

I do not need to be impressed at all. I simply see the current GB Android as a quite functional piece of software. It does everything I need it to do and am happy with it. I do not really need the gimmicks of swipe away or any of that, these are things I might or might not use.

If I were to be honest, I would say that looking at Google's work ATM, Android is headed the same way WP is - a toyish look with social media integration - I need neither.

 

[jroc]

I was impressed with Froyo. I'm sure ICS is nice, looks nice too. But Android has come a long way and whats on the RAZR, Bionic, Droid 3, Rezound, GS2, LG 2X is nice. Custom UI's n all.