Nexus Vs Razr

[cereal killer]

I think for me the deciding factor will come down to durability. ICS, locked boot loader, and all the other essentially trivial differences between these two phones come second to will it survive in my pocket? Seriously, some of these spec issues are not worth the panty knotting. My phone has to last a couple years, and if the Razr is at least as snappy as the bionic (with some of the major flaws fixed), then it is essentially the same to me as the Gnex. Yes, there are screen differences, but a great screen that dies in my pocket does me no good. So, if the Razr is the tank we think it is, and doesn't burn up like a road flare, then it will be my next phone.

G Nex looks like it wouldn't survive a drop onto the carpet

It looks like it wont last a year let alone 2. I can't believe Samsung of all company's made such a cheap looking handset. They do plastic better than anyone but they could have at least gave it some appeal and build quality. It looks like something from 2010.

 

[one1speed]

pwork...you noted that you think the Samsung will get updates more quickly. Note that Google now owns Motorola's mobile phone biz, so I'd think the Razr would actually lead in that cat. as we move forward, though I could be mislead.

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility - Google Investor Relations

 

[SmokeNMirrors]

One term people keep tossing around is the "overclocked 4430". I think that is misleading, unless Moto is run by idiots. Assuming they built the phone to survive essentially a two year update cycle, it is unlikely they are running a regular 4430 hot. That would almost certainly lead to a glitchy phone and a BAD user experience, for some, right out of the box.

I think it is reasonable to assume they have, as others have mentioned, a tweaked 4430 that can natively run 1.2 GHz without fritzing out or getting too hot. We'll know for sure in a few days...

Agreed and I don't believe the 4430 in the Razr is 'overclocked' nor do I believe the 4460 in the GNex is 'underclocked'. They are both clocked as per TI's specs for the chips. The reason being that the 4460 has had production delays and to increase yield TI has been producing them at 1.2GHz rather than 1.5.

Likely, in the process of trying to improve 4460 yields they also increased 4430 yields since they're the same chip on the same wafer. The difference is in the clock of the GPU.

Archos has already delayed products due to the 4460 delays:
How does the delay of the 1.5 GHz OMAP4 affect the Nexus Prime launch? | Android and Me

I don't expect the GNex will be easily overclocked to 1.5 without melting any better than a Razr.

 

[huskerkate]

pwork...you noted that you think the Samsung will get updates more quickly. Note that Google now owns Motorola's mobile phone biz, so I'd think the Razr would actually lead in that cat. as we move forward, though I could be mislead.

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility - Google Investor Relations

not all Sammy devices will get updates more quickly (in fact, Sammy has a history of not updating its devices). BUT, the GNex will get updates directly from Google, because it is a Nexus device. Panda tweeted about the fact that allowing Google to update the GNex directly was a "must have" term for the device being released.

as for all of the other OEM's, they have to get the updates from Google, then integrate the changes into their UI's and bloatware, and then the updates have to be tested by the carriers. so, there will be a delay between a new updated OS and release on other devices.

as to whether Moto will get preferential treatment from Google, that is unknown. however, to keep its other licensees happy, Google has vowed that that won't be the case. but, i look at it a little differently: Google may not give Moto preferential treatment; but, because Google owns (or will own) Moto, i would think that Google would pressure Moto to get the updates integrated and out as quickly as possible.

 

[pwork]

husker-

That is what I was thinking...it is nice to know that both should have excellent support in this category.

Smoke-

That makes me feel better about the razr, when you put it like that.

ck-

I've had my head in the sand, other than looks (don't disagree with you)have there been issues with samy durability with smart phones?

pm-

agreed, don't know why an OEM would overclock anything. I had read somewhere that the razr is a 4460, but everything i've seen in the last week points to a 4430. I'm an ME, I don't trust electrons! The MC talk has my head spinning.

Thanks for the replys all!

 

[Sandroidfan]

G Nex looks like it wouldn't survive a drop onto the carpet

It looks like it wont last a year let alone 2. I can't believe Samsung of all company's made such a cheap looking handset. They do plastic better than anyone but they could have at least gave it some appeal and build quality. It looks like something from 2010.

Hmm, have you done drop test on two phones already? Look of phone is subjective and just because you don't like how GNex looks doesn't make it less durable than what it is. It's got metal frame inside the textured plastic for better drop proof. Often perceived build quality is different from actual build quality and phone with metalic body shatters glass worse as seen in drop test of iPhone4S vs SGSII.

I'm not arguing which phone is more durable. Just pointing out that you're slamming GNex durability purely based on how you feel about its look.

 

[huskerkate]

ck-

I've had my head in the sand, other than looks (don't disagree with you)have there been issues with samy durability with smart phones?

pm-

agreed, don't know why an OEM would overclock anything. I had read somewhere that the razr is a 4460, but everything i've seen in the last week points to a 4430. I'm an ME, I don't trust electrons! The MC talk has my head spinning.

Thanks for the replys all!

i agree with CK that the GNex looks cheap and flimsy. but, at the unveiling, it was claimed that the GNex has an internal aluminum frame to supposedly give added strength and durability. i have my doubts right now, so am gonna wait and hold it in my hand to evaluate. i don't know that Sammy has had any greater problems with durability, but it's my opinion that Moto is unparalleled in build quality - Moto just makes damn fine devices!

the confusion over 4460 vs. 4430 in the RAZR stems from Moto, itself. when the RAZR was announced, the Moto website initially listed it as having a 4460. however, a day later the site was changed to say that it has a 4430, instead. i think everyone is pretty much in agreement, now, that it has the 4430.

 

[cereal killer]

Hmm, have you done drop test on two phones already? Look of phone is subjective and just because you don't like how GNex looks doesn't make it less durable than what it is. It's got metal frame inside the textured plastic for better drop proof. Often perceived build quality is different from actual build quality and phone with metalic body shatters glass worse as seen in drop test of iPhone4S vs SGSII.

I'm not arguing which phone is more durable. Just pointing out that you're slamming GNex durability purely based on how you feel about its look.

I personally feel they went backwards in their design of the phone and i REALLY like Sammys phones. You can look at the SGSII and see although plastic its a pretty solid device. Upon handling it it stands up to that. In all honesty you are correct I should wait to handle it before judging it. Outward appearances can be decieving.

With that said the pics and video dont help first impressions though. Its appears too oblong and skinny as well.

 

[SmokeNMirrors]

Hmm, have you done drop test on two phones already? Look of phone is subjective and just because you don't like how GNex looks doesn't make it less durable than what it is. It's got metal frame inside the textured plastic for better drop proof. Often perceived build quality is different from actual build quality and phone with metalic body shatters glass worse as seen in drop test of iPhone4S vs SGSII.

I'm not arguing which phone is more durable. Just pointing out that you're slamming GNex durability purely based on how you feel about its look.

CK did say it looks like it wouldn't survive... etc. not that it actually wouldn't. However, you're absolutely correct, we have to wait until we can hold it (and drop it ) to be sure.

The GNex strikes me as very similar to the Charge in design. At one point it was actually rumored that the VZW version would be called the Charge2. They may well stop selling the Charge when the GNex arrives. My wife has a Charge and it's pretty decently built, a little creaky, and can be scratched somewhat easily. She put it in a case and issue solved.

 

[nfotiu]

I can't decide between these two. My Dinc is missing pieces and is on life support, so I will get one of these.

Here's what I see as the tale of the tape for what's known


CPU,gpu,ram... No significant difference
Form factor, durability - give the win to Motorola, nexus may look a little better, but the thinness, and durability definitely win.
Os and predicted updates - nexus
Screen - nexus . This one concerns me the most. Will hd apps all scale to qhd, or will the razr only display sd for apps?
Camera - based on demos so far, the nexus wins for its super fast, zero lag camera. Megapixels are meaningless between 5 and 8 to me.
Software. Going to give the slight edge to the razr. Looks like they've added some cool, useful things not available on vanilla android.
Battery - razr. Not a big fan of non removable battery, especially if it wears out and needs replacing. But, all reports say the battery life should be better.

It is a toss up I think. Ideally I'd take the nexus in motorola's case.

 

[socarwolverine]

pwork...you noted that you think the Samsung will get updates more quickly. Note that Google now owns Motorola's mobile phone biz, so I'd think the Razr would actually lead in that cat. as we move forward, though I could be mislead.

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility - Google Investor Relations

I don't believe the Razr will get faster updates than the GNex. It's not about the manufacturer in this case, its about vanilla android vs. skinned. Like husker said, the fact that moto will have to get the code from google, integrate it with ICS then ship it to the carriers for testing will mean that updates will be slower. The GNex will get its updates straight from google, cutting out the middle man and saving a ton of time.

The benefit I see from this aquisition comes from the fact that many of you believe (whether it's accurate or not is a debate for someone else) that moto has better build quality than sammy. With google now owning moto we might harken back to the days of the OG droid. Google may decided to combine vanilla android and speedy updates with Moto's perceived build quality and make the next round of Nexus phones with Motorola.

 

[Sandroidfan]

I can't decide between these two. My Dinc is missing pieces and is on life support, so I will get one of these.

Here's what I see as the tale of the tape for what's known


CPU,gpu,ram... No significant difference
Form factor, durability - give the win to Motorola, nexus may look a little better, but the thinness, and durability definitely win.
Os and predicted updates - nexus
Screen - nexus . This one concerns me the most. Will hd apps all scale to qhd, or will the razr only display sd for apps?
Camera - based on demos so far, the nexus wins for its super fast, zero lag camera. Megapixels are meaningless between 5 and 8 to me.
Software. Going to give the slight edge to the razr. Looks like they've added some cool, useful things not available on vanilla android.
Battery - razr. Not a big fan of non removable battery, especially if it wears out and needs replacing. But, all reports say the battery life should be better.

It is a toss up I think. Ideally I'd take the nexus in motorola's case.

The GPU on Nexus is clocked faster. Regarding battery, LTE Nexus is rumored to have battery bigger than 1750mAh on GSM one. And the latest report from tester is saying both is similar and there is no clear edge on either one.

 

[Martimus]

I don't believe the Razr will get faster updates than the GNex. It's not about the manufacturer in this case, its about vanilla android vs. skinned. Like husker said, the fact that moto will have to get the code from google, integrate it with ICS then ship it to the carriers for testing will mean that updates will be slower. The GNex will get its updates straight from google, cutting out the middle man and saving a ton of time.

Part of the theory regarding immediate updates from Google is to an extent smoke and mirrors. While the update may come from Google, it still needs to be interfaced and tested against the phone hardware by Samsung. The Android firmware has to sit on a hardware abstraction layer of sorts that's provided by Samsung. This layer allows the OS to interface with the specific hardware configuration provided by Samsung. Otherwise the OS itself would need to be significantly larger to include specific code designed to function with each and every hardware permutation.

 

[Sandroidfan]

Part of the theory regarding immediate updates from Google is to an extent smoke and mirrors. While the update may come from Google, it still needs to be interfaced and tested against the phone hardware by Samsung. The Android firmware has to sit on a hardware abstraction layer of sorts that's provided by Samsung. This layer allows the OS to interface with the specific hardware configuration provided by Samsung. Otherwise the OS itself would need to be significantly larger to include specific code designed to function with each and every hardware permutation.

Technically that is correct. But the absence of manufacturer UI and carrier bloats in Nexus phone would make that process way faster than others. Both Nexus One and S always got OS updates several months ahead of others as far as I can see.

 

[Martimus]

Technically that is correct. But the absence of manufacturer UI and carrier bloats in Nexus phone would make that process way faster than others. Both Nexus One and S always got OS updates several months ahead of others as far as I can see.

Until we get to the actual release there's no 100% guarantee that Verizon won't try to add bloatware to the Nexus Prime...

To date Verizon has not had a Nexus device on it's network. The Nexus One got shot down at the last minute. So there's not a tremendous amount of history with Verizon and Nexus phones...

 

[novemberwhiskey]

Before anyone kills me for posting this, please know that I have owned the original RAZR, a DX and a DX2.

Why anyone still buys moto handsets is beyond me. Granted they have exceptional call quality (perhaps better than any other handset I have had), but their software (e.g. BLUR) is exceptionally terrible. I had to root, ROM and modify so many parts of my phone just to get it up to the level of experience that I am getting with my Droid Charge. It's those little things that count, and software-wise moto is lacking big time. The only way I could tolerate the phone was to flash third-party ROMs and tweaks, and even then it was still lacking.

While I understand complaining about the cheap plastic Samsung uses (it is cheap), I have to say that my Droid Charge is much more solid than my DX and DX2. No creaks or rattles of any kind. Both the DX and DX2 suffered from a loose backplate and instability at the seam between the superior and inferior halves of the phone. No one on the forums acknowledges those things, but they made the phone feel extremely cheap to me. Furthermore, the buttons on both the DX and DX2 were a joke, and got very sloppy as time went by.

Personally, I can't say moto has better build quality overall just based on my past experience; and I don't think anyone can make any calls on these future phones unless they have used them personally for several months. Just based on my past experiences, I can guess the Nexus will use cheap plastic but will still be solid while moto may use metal, kevlar, etc. and still feel "loose" Although, since they won't have a removable battery this time, maybe it will be better this time around.

This is just a fair recount for those that have never used moto products before: don't buy into the hype of Samsung having cheap hardware and moto being solid. See for yourself, and please consider how things may change over time (buttons getting loose, halves loosening at the seam). Also make sure you like the firmware/software on the phone.

 

[ylexot]

Have you tried the latest Blur? It's actually very good. RAZR Blur looks even better. I'm hoping we can get some elements of it on the DX.

 

[cereal killer]

Before anyone kills me for posting this, please know that I have owned the original RAZR, a DX and a DX2.

Why anyone still buys moto handsets is beyond me. Granted they have exceptional call quality (perhaps better than any other handset I have had), but their software (e.g. BLUR) is exceptionally terrible. I had to root, ROM and modify so many parts of my phone just to get it up to the level of experience that I am getting with my Droid Charge. It's those little things that count, and software-wise moto is lacking big time. The only way I could tolerate the phone was to flash third-party ROMs and tweaks, and even then it was still lacking.

While I understand complaining about the cheap plastic Samsung uses (it is cheap), I have to say that my Droid Charge is much more solid than my DX and DX2. No creaks or rattles of any kind. Both the DX and DX2 suffered from a loose backplate and instability at the seam between the superior and inferior halves of the phone. No one on the forums acknowledges those things, but they made the phone feel extremely cheap to me. Furthermore, the buttons on both the DX and DX2 were a joke, and got very sloppy as time went by.

Personally, I can't say moto has better build quality overall just based on my past experience; and I don't think anyone can make any calls on these future phones unless they have used them personally for several months. Just based on my past experiences, I can guess the Nexus will use cheap plastic but will still be solid while moto may use metal, kevlar, etc. and still feel "loose" Although, since they won't have a removable battery this time, maybe it will be better this time around.

This is just a fair recount for those that have never used moto products before: don't buy into the hype of Samsung having cheap hardware and moto being solid. See for yourself, and please consider how things may change over time (buttons getting loose, halves loosening at the seam). Also make sure you like the firmware/software on the phone.

I would normally agree with you a month a go. The RAZR is a whole other animal. It truly is. To compare it to any phones in their previous line-up is not even an accurate assesment. They have redone just about everything. From accessories to build quality to Blur I think this is by far the best product Moto has ever shipped out.

The Droid RAZR just raised the bar.

Nexus while great hardware is housed in a terrible looking package. It looks like a cheap iPhone. They dropped the ball on it. You can't come out with the SGSII (plastic but well built) and then expect people to like the Nexus. Just by looking at video and pics you can see how flimsy it looks. Conversely video and pics of the SGSII showed a pretty nice build quality.

I will guarantee the 2nd biggest complaint about the Nexus will be it's cheap feel.

 

[Martimus]

Both the DX and DX2 suffered from a loose backplate and instability at the seam between the superior and inferior halves of the phone. No one on the forums acknowledges those things, but they made the phone feel extremely cheap to me. Furthermore, the buttons on both the DX and DX2 were a joke, and got very sloppy as time went by.

I've had my DX since release day and I have none of the issues you described... and to be honest I don't recall seeing frequent posts from others complaining of these specific issues. The only frequent button issue I've seen posted has been LED brightness... but in my case I resolved that simply and efficiently by putting the phone in a Trident case. While I recognize that your phone may have suffered from these issues, I'm skeptical that this is a frequent problem with Droid X's. I would have suggested that you cite examples of your complaints but your "No one on the forums acknowledges these things" comments leads me to think that there may not be a lot of examples to cite.

My better half had issues with the back cover of her OG Droid but then again she tends to drop/throw/kick her phones when she gets angry or frustrated. So I don't blame the back cover issues on design as much as her needing to chill out.

This is just a fair recount for those that have never used moto products before: don't buy into the hype of Samsung having cheap hardware and moto being solid. See for yourself, and please consider how things may change over time (buttons getting loose, halves loosening at the seam). Also make sure you like the firmware/software on the phone.

I'm sorry but what you posted was a personal opinion! And my personal opinion is that what you describe may be isolated issues that are being blown up based on personal frustration over a product.

 

[Sandroidfan]

I see no reason that build quality of Nexus will be inferior to SGSII. It's just shaped differently outside that might be not appealing to some folks. And metalic body doesn't guarantee phone is better drop proof than plastic ones. At least let's wait until these phones get to hands of reviewers and real users rather than bashing it based on just looks.

 

[tylerdurdin]

I have to kind of agree that although this is a new MOTO.....it is a MOTO.....and almost everyone I know with one.... has had a lot of complaints. Its just my opinion but I have actually tried out the Atrix and that thing is a abomination in both UI and construction.....feels like every other phone they ever made. The OG Droid wasn't too bad I guess.....but its kind of rough to be griping about the build quality of the Nexus when being compared to Moto phones. They are definitely not the beacon of build and if this new razor turns out not to live up to everyone's expectations lets just hope its before you are not eligible to exchange it for the Nexus.

 

[jroc]

I've had my DX since release day and I have none of the issues you described... and to be honest I don't recall seeing frequent posts from others complaining of these specific issues. The only frequent button issue I've seen posted has been LED brightness... but in my case I resolved that simply and efficiently by putting the phone in a Trident case. While I recognize that your phone may have suffered from these issues, I'm skeptical that this is a frequent problem with Droid X's. I would have suggested that you cite examples of your complaints but your "No one on the forums acknowledges these things" comments leads me to think that there may not be a lot of examples to cite.

My better half had issues with the back cover of her OG Droid but then again she tends to drop/throw/kick her phones when she gets angry or frustrated. So I don't blame the back cover issues on design as much as her needing to chill out.



I'm sorry but what you posted was a personal opinion! And my personal opinion is that what you describe may be isolated issues that are being blown up based on personal frustration over a product.

I agree 100% with this post. My Droid X1 has a HUGE crack in the corner of the screen....2 black spots on the screen....the piece covering the mic you talk into is gone...I need to upload a pic for yall to see...lol And it got that way after I let my girlfriend borrowed my phone for a few months...I will NEVER make that mistake again.

But....the backplate isnt the problem. Neither is instability between the 2 halves of the phone. Of the few things I know in this world is that the Droid X1 is far from feeling cheap..lol Cant speak on the DX2 since I never owned it or touched it. I seriously need to upload a pic of what it looks like now. Might I add that it still works fine...the 2 spots do get in the way of watching Netflix tho...

I agree about dont believe that Samsung phones feel cheap or are cheaply made. But....from personal experience for durability and reception...Samsung has let me down, before Android even came out, their regular cellphones and the old Win Mo....and Moto hasnt. I found a Droid 1 in the grass after the snow melted from the big snow storm of this year or last year and it works to this day. And the Motorola E815 is a beast of a cellphone.

 

[SamMax]

I have owned the Samsung Focus,Omnia,Fascinate, and the Charge. I have also owned the Razr 1 & 2 the Original Droid, DroidX 1 & 2 and I can definitely attest that the Motorola's feel way sturdier and are overall better made than Samsungs. I love (some) of Samsungs phones but IMHO the Droid Razr looks from the videos I have seen so much better built than the SG2 or the Nexus.

The main reasons I went with the Razr over the Nexus was...

1. I'm impatient as hell
2. The Kevlar, the micro sd, Gorrilla glass, thinness, call quality of past moto's, the splash resistant, over look and build quality.

 

[pm1066]

pwork...you noted that you think the Samsung will get updates more quickly. Note that Google now owns Motorola's mobile phone biz, so I'd think the Razr would actually lead in that cat. as we move forward, though I could be mislead.

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility - Google Investor Relations

Note Google does not own Mototrola--yet.
Motorola shareholders will vote on Google acquisition on November 17th | Android Community

Also, even if the acquisition goes through it should), I don't expect Moto phones in the current generation to get better treatment, since Google is more concerned about their flagship. Flat out, the GNex will be the leader for updates, likely by months. Besides, the Razr update cycle will be dorked by Big Red, as they always were.

 

[you2]

My biggest concern with samsung is the antennae which has been weak(er) than the moto top phones. If they addresst his issue I would likely go with the nexus else a moto phone (probalby razr).
-
There are a few other quirks (motoblur which i dislike, locked boot loader). But nexus has its own issues (no sd slot). Anyways I'll let you good folks report the issues then pick the better of the two