HD MAXX vs Samsung S3: usable screen

[Argelius1]

I'm considering (but just considering at this point) replacing my Samsung Galaxy S3 with the Motorola Razr MAXX HD, primarily because the battery life on the S3 is beyond pathetic.

When I was in the Verizon store taking a look at it I saw that, unlike the S3, the Android "buttons" (home, back, menu) on the Razr are part of the actual display area (whereas on the S3 the home button is physical and the back and menu buttons are capacitive touch buttons in the bezel and not part of the display).

This made the screen area on the Razr look noticeably smaller that the S3. Am I imaging this, or is this just a reality of the button placement?

Thanks.

 

[Xelios]

It's just how the buttons are. The usable screenspace varies though somewhat. Some apps such as on youtube or the video player, the buttons will hide away after being idle for like 5 seconds, I think the limit is. Giving you the whole screen space to view it on. But generally speaking, the buttons will almost always be there.

There are ways around it, kinda. There's this launcher that allows you to use the keys via gestures, and you can disable the onscreen keys through the build.prop I think. However this is all root stuff and if you're not into rooting, then this is pretty much useless for you.

 

[jkmasi]

I made the same switch you are considering, for the same reason, and the screen on the RMHD is noticeably smaller. I got used to it, but I do not see how on-screen buttons are ever better. I am always accidentally hitting the home button when I mean to hit the space bar while texting.

 

[hansangb]

it is smaller. But one thing you can consider is the Seido Online's battery for the S3. That will make it almost on par with RAZR MAXH HD.

 

[Argelius1]

it is smaller. But one thing you can consider is the Seido Online's battery for the S3. That will make it almost on par with RAZR MAXH HD.

Thanks. I did get one of those larger batteries. They definitely help, but definitely bulk up the S3. I know, I know... I'm difficult to please....