Droid X, repair it or move on?

[dweezle]

I have a rooted Droid x (Apex 2.0 RC4), on Verizon. Yesterday the bottom 1/3 of my screen just blacked out, both portrait and landscape mode. The underlying apps and widgets still work if I press the screen.

I have been out of contract with Verizon for years and bought the DX from a private party. At this point, I might have to admit that I will be staying with Verizon for the next 2 years, so I can make use of my $50 discount.

I like the flexibility of the DX to root and the availability or some creative ROMs. But, actually I am pretty content with APEX and don't switch ROMs much any more. I am wondering if this is the end of the practical life for my Droid X? Is it worth having it repaired? Is it time to move on and, if so, to what?

Can I root the newer phones? I'm looking at the possibility of the Razr Maxx. I could use some opinions and help making this decision.

Thanks,

 

[jerofld]

It's probably going to cost you $50 to replace that screen. But if you like your device, it may be worth it to you. Have you tried clearing cache and dalvik? Maybe even reflashing your ROM? Might be worth a shot.

If that fails, here's my opinion on upgrading: The DroidX is actually more limited than most other phones when it comes to rooting. You can't change your kernel (unless that has changed in the last 6 months) due to the locked bootloader. The new Razr probably has the same problem, as it's bootloader is also locked. But best to check in the All Things Root section of the Razr. I'd imagine the root methods will be similar between the Razr and Razr Maxx.

RAZR - All Things Root - Android Forums

If you really want to get into changing everything, I'd recommend a Samsung or a HTC device. But if you just like Motorolas (I don't think they're bad phones), the Razr looks pretty sharp (no pun intended). Personally, I like unlocked bootloaders.

 

[dan330]

in portrait and landscape??? so the bottom 1/3 black screen moves as you rotate the phone???

if yes... i dont think it is hardware. try wiping and/or reflashing....

 

[jae480]

Yeah I've heard that Samsung is a really great phone brand to pick because of the unlocked bootloader. Also, the Galaxy Nexus is the ONLY phone as far as I know that has Android 4.0. With some neat features like face unlock haha. If I were in your position I would definitely replace my phone for a more recent phone. Only because the original Droid X is a bit old now. I personally have a Droid Razr and I have found that there isn't that many ROMS available for the Droid Razr.

 

[dweezle]

in portrait and landscape??? so the bottom 1/3 black screen moves as you rotate the phone???

if yes... i dont think it is hardware. try wiping and/or reflashing....

The portion that is black stays in the same place. By that I mean, when in portait mode, the bottom of the screen is black, and when in landscape mode the left part of the screen is black. It is the exact same part of the screen blacked out. I've noticed that it the phone is plugged in for a while the "black" portion turns white with some red and black, narrow stripes.

EDIT: When I did screen shots, using Android SDK, the full screen appears in the screen capture. Does that mean problem with my LCD or does that support the idea that reflashing could help?

 

[Martimus]

With few (if any) exceptions domestic Motorola devices have locked bootloaders. So while you can load alternative ROM's onto the device you are going to be limited in terms of what ROM's you can load.

At this time, I believe, some of the other brands still have locked bootloaders but unlock procedures are (or will soon be) available. Personally, and this is only my personal opinion, my past experience with HTC and Samsung has been rather sketchy. Some are good while others aren't. From a standpoint of radio and physical build quality, Motorola is second to none. That said, Android is all about choice!

Stop into your local Verizon retailer, handle several phones. Find one that feels good in your hand, looks good to your eyes, and functions in a manner consistent with your needs... In my opinion, it's time to consider retiring your Droid X!