Nexus Vs Razr

[rushmore]

Both seem to have similar hardware, so comes down to some other things:

1. If you are a media hound and like your data with you, the Razr is tops, since has a side port for microsd. Seems designed for heavy media, due to this.

2. If you just have to have ICS and everything else is second, the Nexus is it. ICS could be five months aways for the Razr (if the "early" 2012 statement is correct).

3. ASSUMING that VZW allows the Nexus to be unlocked on their network, the Nexus will be the best bet. Even if not, probably will be easy to root.

4. Both devices are cloud friendly, but you will be more dependent on cloud storage with the Nexus especially if VZW gets the 16gb version (only 10gb for apps and data). Cloud lovers = Nexus. People liking their media with them- Razr all the way.

5. Hands-on to this point suggests the Razr is a better build.

Both devices appear to have nice features, but Nexus will be cleaner and should have less bloat, if VZW lets that happen. On the other hand, due to the reported thickness of the VZW version of the Nexus, it may have a similar LTE chip like the Charge (not good). Due to the thin size and fixed battery, Moto have apparently created a custom LTE chip that is more efficient (that, or they are insane).

Hope this helps some out, but the real deal is when people have both devices and use them a few weeks. Almost all media reviews only skim the surface, with one of the few exceptions being Anadtech.

Note: I am assuming nothing on radio reception or call quality, but they are critical as well (of course).

 

[ylexot]

One of the big spec differences for me is the screen:
RAZR - 4.3", 540x960
Nexus - 4.65", 720x1280

 

[rushmore]

Good point, but for some, that does not rid the Nexus of a big dark cloud known as no micros sd slot. Gets even bigger if only 16gb version.

 

[ylexot]

Good point, but for some, that does not rid the Nexus of a big dark cloud known as no micros sd slot. Gets even bigger if only 16gb version.

I understand that. For me, it's not a big deal. I've only used 1.5GB out of 6GB of app storage on the DX and ~10GB on the SD card. I could easily get rid of some of the apps and files that I have too.

 

[rushmore]

I admire your thriftiness.

 

[kishin14]

For me the key differences are screen resolution and ics versus bloated/blurred.

I know they both have super amoled screens, but the 720p display on the Nexus offers 77% more pixels. That's a significant jump from qHD and might just be too good to past up. That's why I disagree that the RAZR is more more media friendly -- at least for video lovers. Sure you can store more on the RAZR, but HD video playback will offer a better experience on the Nexus.

Storage isn't an issue for me. My bet is the Nexus will be 32g, which is plenty imo. That's what I have now on my D3 and right now I have 8 movies, 5 TV episodes and 9 anime episodes all in 720p. I also have 840 songs, 853megs worth of comic books, 146 books and data associated with the game 9mm (which takes up 1.6g). I still have 3 gigs of free space left.

The fact that it comes with ICS is also a big plus. I really don't want to wait five months for it. Also, Because Nexus is a google phone, it will ALWAYS get updates and new software before any other phone. So you don't just get ICS five months before anyone else, you'll also get updates to it before anyone else and the next version of android (5.0, or whatever they choose to call it) before anyone else.

I'll take a good hard look at both these phones before I choose. All I've ever owned are Moto phones (the DX before and currently the D3), but right now, I'm leaning towards the Nexus.

 

[rushmore]

Those are your likes, so cool. I do the same like assessment too:


1. Travel too much to rely on clouds (even 32gb is less than 25gb actual space for apps and media). This assumes VZW even offers the 32gb version.

2. I can not tell the difference on a small display for video above 480p, so see 720p content as a space and resource hog, plus relying on storage clouds will drain the battery a LOT quicker than local playback.

3. For game emulators like PSX and N64, the extra pixels slow the emulators down.

I will take a side loading microsd slot ANY day over depending on cloud storage. ICS makes little difference to me and Blur is actually good on the Droid 3.

Those are my likes Still, if the Nexus had an sd slot, I would lean toward the Nexus, if the 32gb version. Added: Assuming the LTE chip is not a refresh of the Charge's LTE (bleh).

 

[ylexot]

I'm actually leaning back towards the RAZR, but I'm not sure why I'm even looking that closely...not upgrading until March. There will probably be something better coming out by then.

 

[Sandroidfan]

I think jury is out for LTE on both phone. It's hard to tell Charge or Bionic is better as both LTE chip had some issues. I heard that LTE chip in Nexus is new one designed for faster speed, not the same one as in Charge. Apparently the one in Razr is also new one as it's in much smaller space than Bionic. We need to wait for early reviews.

edit: another point missing here is camera. This one will probably go to Nexus as Moto doesn't have good record with Camera. But I hope Moto improved camera in Razr from slow one Bionic.

 

[rushmore]

Media buzz seems to be heavily favoring the Razr: Here is a snapshot example that has a few of the praises:

Motorola Droid Razr hands on review round up - Reviews - Know Your Mobile

The one issue I HATE is how Webtop sucks up about 4gb of flash.

 

[kishin14]

Those are your likes, so cool. I do the same like assessment too:


1. Travel too much to rely on clouds (even 32gb is less than 25gb actual space for apps and media). This assumes VZW even offers the 32gb version.

2. I can not tell the difference on a small display for video above 480p, so see 720p content as a space and resource hog, plus relying on storage clouds will drain the battery a LOT quicker than local playback.

3. For game emulators like PSX and N64, the extra pixels slow the emulators down.

I will take a side loading microsd slot ANY day over depending on cloud storage. ICS makes little difference to me and Blur is actually good on the Droid 3.

Those are my likes Still, if the Nexus had an sd slot, I would lean toward the Nexus, if the 32gb version. Added: Assuming the LTE chip is not a refresh of the Charge's LTE (bleh).

I can definitely see the difference in higher res screens. When I had my DX and my sister got the iPhone 4, I could see a clear difference in screen resolution. There's no question in my mind that the iPhone's clarity was far superior. It was, and still is, the only thing about the iPhone that I'm jealous of.

Heck, even with its inferior pentile tech, I could even tell that my D3 had a higher res screen than my old DX. So if I noticed a 26% increase in resolution that going from the DX to the D3 offered, I'm definitely going to notice the difference when going to a 720p, which offers a 77% jump in res over qHD.

Honestly, I expect the screen on the Nexus to blow me away. If for some reason it doesn't look much better than the RAZR's, I may have to reconsider or even opt for the Vigor/Rezound, which also has a 720p screen.

 

[_Aardvark]

I want the Droid RAZR 2, you know the rumored button-less ICS version? (you know, the rumor I just started)

 

[rushmore]

Dang, now that it seems Moto gained some stupid and put a 4430 in there at 1.2ghz, I choose neither device. Better chipset for 1.2ghz in one and a micro sd slot in the other. Oh well.

Last chance for 2011 may be the Vigor......

 

[sean76]

Well here it is for me...These are my thoughts...

Initially I was going to get both of them if they dropped very close to eachother, and put them through they're paces, and then decide which one I like better, and return the other...
However, at this point I don't think they will be launched at the same time...maybe 2/3 weeks apart from each other. So that idea won't work, and with the news dropping of the Razr having a micro sim card, swapping the phones out daily will be in a pain in the neck. So no dice there!

Which leads me to this...They both have amazing qualities ...In my eyes, one is not lite years ahead of the other, for the exception of ICS untouched being on board for the Nexus.

But to be brutally honest...I have 3 giant concerns about both, and will probably play out big to me...The BIG things I am concerned about is,,,

Which has better...

Build Quality?
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the DROID Razr most likely...You will most likely not here any creaks out of that thing. Looks like a very modern, lite Tank if u ask me. Just looks like it may be better made then the Nexus with more attention put into detail about the build quality...I mean come on..Gorilla glass, a bullet proof back (lol), and a steel interior chassis, etc..
The Nexus however looks like classic Samsung, plastic and lite...which isn't a bad thing! But I need a hands on to really make the call. And if it comes out 100% that the Nexus doesn't have Gorilla Glass, i'm out of the market for it.

Camera?
Yea I know ...5 vs 8 Megapixels! Means nothing in the real world. My Bionic is 8 and it sux along with the terrible auto focus. And with that being said, makes me feel a little weary about the Razr...if its the same exact camera as the Bionic...again, that's a problem to me. Hopefully its a little revamped...
As for Samsung...the Charge was awesome! If the Nexus is as good, which it most likely is, or better, then I would be a very happy camper. As long as the gimmicky no shutter crap doesn't spit out blurry shots because of the camera not having time to focus.

Call Quality?
Yup I use my phone as a PHONE...lol! So this is a BIG concern to me...Loud and clear is what I like...So this will have to be tested live on both to see which one cones out in top ...

As for the Beast label...Come on, they both rock and will both be lightning fast as far as speed goes.

So there it is...Let the waiting game begin.

 

[jroc]

I'm getting both, the hell with it all. And grabbing a Bionic from somewhere cheap.

I will use my Bionic when I'm outside, the RAZR when I wanna make a call, and the Prime when I wanna watch movies...lol

Seriously, this might be the first time I do actually get 2 phones. And I'm sure the Bionic will be cheaper somewhere off contract, Ebay or something. Even tho I was kinda joking....I might wind up with all 3.

 

[huskerkate]

I'm getting both, the hell with it all. And grabbing a Bionic from somewhere cheap.

I will use my Bionic when I'm outside, the RAZR when I wanna make a call, and the Prime when I wanna watch movies...lol

Seriously, this might be the first time I do actually get 2 phones. And I'm sure the Bionic will be cheaper somewhere off contract, Ebay or something. Even tho I was kinda joking....I might wind up with all 3.

jroc, you's craaaazeee, mayng!!

given what i've seen in pics so far, i think the RAZR will win, hands down, in the build quality and feel. plus, personally, the RAZR also wins in aesthetics - that is just one sexy looking handset!

for the OS, GNex wins that one, easily. i mean, c'mon - pure ICS?! that's the stuff right there!! now, of course, RAZR gets ICS in early 2012 (P3 or BMX tweeted that it would be Feb). but, the RAZR still has the bloat that goes with it. now, given that the RAZR has already been rooted, you could probably get rid of some of that bloat; but still....

then there's the BL's. Moto and VZW have locked down the RAZR. and, as i've said before, because it appears that Moto is targeting the business customer (with all of the security and encryption features) i doubt that it will be unlocked. could there be a work-around?? sure. but, the openness of the GNex wins out.

as for hardware? RAZR has the 4430, and GNex the 4460. both are at 1.2 ghz. but, with the 4430, it was designed to be clocked at 1.0, not 1.2. with the 4460, it is designed for 1.5, and is being underclocked to 1.2. that tells me the 4460 will probably perform better, and be more efficient for the battery.

also, Google chose the 4460 for ICS. so, even tho RAZR will get ICS, it may not run as well on the 4430. to me, edge goes to GNex.

on the screen, GNex is HD, and RAZR is a little less. not having seen either one, hard to judge. but, my gut tells me that the differences in the screens won't be significant.

right now, the GNex is my first choice, and the RAZR is second (but not close enough to call it choice 1B). the RAZR is a close enough contender that i'm going to play with both and then decide. but, i think the GNex is going to have to really disappoint before i go with the RAZR.

fwiw....(not much, i know....)

 

[rushmore]

jroc, you's craaaazeee, mayng!!

given what i've seen in pics so far, i think the RAZR will win, hands down, in the build quality and feel. plus, personally, the RAZR also wins in aesthetics - that is just one sexy looking handset!

for the OS, GNex wins that one, easily. i mean, c'mon - pure ICS?! that's the stuff right there!! now, of course, RAZR gets ICS in early 2012 (P3 or BMX tweeted that it would be Feb). but, the RAZR still has the bloat that goes with it. now, given that the RAZR has already been rooted, you could probably get rid of some of that bloat; but still....

then there's the BL's. Moto and VZW have locked down the RAZR. and, as i've said before, because it appears that Moto is targeting the business customer (with all of the security and encryption features) i doubt that it will be unlocked. could there be a work-around?? sure. but, the openness of the GNex wins out.

as for hardware? RAZR has the 4430, and GNex the 4460. both are at 1.2 ghz. but, with the 4430, it was designed to be clocked at 1.0, not 1.2. with the 4460, it is designed for 1.5, and is being underclocked to 1.2. that tells me the 4460 will probably perform better, and be more efficient for the battery.

also, Google chose the 4460 for ICS. so, even tho RAZR will get ICS, it may not run as well on the 4430. to me, edge goes to GNex.

on the screen, GNex is HD, and RAZR is a little less. not having seen either one, hard to judge. but, my gut tells me that the differences in the screens won't be significant.

right now, the GNex is my first choice, and the RAZR is second (but not close enough to call it choice 1B). the RAZR is a close enough contender that i'm going to play with both and then decide. but, i think the GNex is going to have to really disappoint before i go with the RAZR.

fwiw....(not much, i know....)

I am waiting for the battery and heat posts in regard to the Razr. Sammy got it right using the 4460. Folks really should test a Droid 3, since the area where the SoC is located is a similar area of thinness as the Razr. Test some Flash in browser and see how hot it gets at just 1ghz and watch the battery drain quickly.

Considering the 4430 is in the D3 at 1ghz, it is deceiving touting a 1.2ghz chip when it really is not. If anything, the 4460 is a 1.2ghz chip and the 4470 is a 1.5ghz chip (for stock speeds). The 4460 has a stable ceiling of 1.5 and the 4460 is about 1.8ghz (well, is supposed to be when released).

Seems best to wait a few weeks and see how the Razr pans out, since people will use the HECK out of the device the first two weeks. The media reviews and first few days by users will have too much new device luv to have much objectivity.

Not seeing how the device does not get real hot, due to form factor, fixed battery and a 4430 doing 1.2ghz.

Medion brings up a point about it maybe being a step between a 4430 and 4460, but we can only go by the knowns- it is a 4430 that is currently running quite hot when sustained at 1ghz in the D3 and the Bionic.

 

[cereal killer]

Hey gents. Just dropping in to say hi and I am leaning towards the RAZR as my next device. Yeah yeah I know big deal

Beautiful piece of hardware that I can't seem to shake off.

 

[Szadzik]

Hey gents. Just dropping in to say hi and I am leaning towards the RAZR as my next device. Yeah yeah I know big deal

Beautiful piece of hardware that I can't seem to shake off.

Same here, really loving the looks and although I never buy phones only based on looks it is an important part in the buying decision.

I just pre-ordered it and hope to be testing it by the 4th of Nov.

 

[pm1066]

If the GNex didn't remind me so much of a 1986 Ford Taurus (jellybean on wheels for you kids), I'd be more interested. The fact is I need the best phone NOW--DX is dying. Since I'm on Big Red, and GNex isn't even fully confirmed yet, Ima leaning heavily towards the Razr--but not as a first wave buyer. Rushmore is right--let it get in the grubby hands of the users first, then let's see if it is DX fabulous, or Bionic disaster.

As for screen resolution, I'd like to see both side by side. For still image viewing it might make a difference, but for video I'm having a hard time buying it will be that big if at all a difference. And yes, I do a tremendous amount of video watching mobile.

 

[rushmore]

If the GNex didn't remind me so much of a 1986 Ford Taurus (jellybean on wheels for you kids), I'd be more interested. The fact is I need the best phone NOW--DX is dying. Since I'm on Big Red, and GNex isn't even fully confirmed yet, Ima leaning heavily towards the Razr--but not as a first wave buyer. Rushmore is right--let it get in the grubby hands of the users first, then let's see if it is DX fabulous, or Bionic disaster.

As for screen resolution, I'd like to see both side by side. For still image viewing it might make a difference, but for video I'm having a hard time buying it will be that big if at all a difference. And yes, I do a tremendous amount of video watching mobile.

Stange, I was thinking Impala

 

[jmt9779]

Hey gents. Just dropping in to say hi and I am leaning towards the RAZR as my next device. Yeah yeah I know big deal

Beautiful piece of hardware that I can't seem to shake off.

Wait, what? Really?? That doesn't sound quite right, CK I've been following the big nexus thread (though, I'll skip 20 pages at a time here and there) and a lot of your posts and I didn't see this coming. lol.

Personally, I'm shocked that no one else is talking about the size of these beasts. Not thinness, but surface area. 4.3" phones are HUGE and while the RAZR and Nexus are only about 0.25" different in length (nexus is longer), that just makes a big phone even bigger! I mean, am I the only one who puts his phone in the front pocket of his jeans? Do you guys all carry man-purses or something for these things? So I'm going with the RAZR for my first choice now and the nexus as my plan B. Of course, if the headphone jack on the RAZR turns out to be junk like many other Motorola headphone jacks, I'm immediately going with a nexus.

Those are my two personal criteria: size and headphone jack reliability.

 

[rushmore]

I think Moto and VZW want this device out ASAP and would not be surprised if the DX2 and Bionic are phased out, post haste. They seem to be rushing to get it out, considering the Moto event looked like a rushed job.

If the 4430 in the Razr is like Medion suggests it could be (a 4430 only in name), then should be a very solid device- functionally too. Had I not owned a D3 and tried out the Bionic, I would be oblivious to my current concerns (heat and battery life).

 

[ylexot]

I mean, am I the only one who puts his phone in the front pocket of his jeans? Do you guys all carry man-purses or something for these things?

No, we just don't wear skin-tight jeans.

 

[rushmore]

I use a belt case with belt loops (to avoid the case coming of the belt). Very common way to lose a phone when getting up from a chair or getting out of a car. Case with belt loops is "cool" I would rather look a tad dorky than risk losing it or have in my pocket and battle lint bunnies.