Opinions from those that went from Droid Incredible to the Maxx

[prismdroid]

I was waiting and waiting for feb 21st to come for my upgrade discount
and now I'm having second thoughts.
Last week I finally figured out what a launcher is (I read about them this whole time and had no idea what they were or how easy they were to use) and now its like I have a whole new phone and also finally got brave enough to do a factory reset and I'm having so much fun playing with my old phone, I'm getting wishy washy on the upgrade now.

If I get that low on space message one more time, that will push me over the edge, though!

 

[droidmo]

Loved my Incredible. Absolutely loved it but the MAXX is pretty sweet so far. My only complaints are that the speaker isn't as effective as it was on the Dinc. Since the speaker was raised above the surface on the Dinc it projected loudly when you laid it down. The Razr muffles when you lie it down.

Did not realize how much I used the trackball until now. And seriously why is the power button next to the volume rocker? I constantly hit the wrong one.

But the phone is a great improvement. Did a Quadrant test, the Dinc got 897 while the Maxx almost reached 1900.

 

[andy88488]

How did those find not having the track pad/track ball on the Droid Razr Maxx? I find I use it quite a bit on the Incredible?

I very rarely used it. I didn't find it very useful or helpful in selecting text, which is the only time I ever tried it at all.

The Razr Maxx's text selection and correction is really one place where Moto blows HTC out of the water. It is much, much better. So, no, I don't miss the track ball AT ALL.

 

[PeninaD]

How did those find not having the track pad/track ball on the Droid Razr Maxx? I find I use it quite a bit on the Incredible?

Mostly it becomes problematic when I use the camera...I instinctively go for the trackball, and end up hitting Home button. Then I lose my photo op.

 

[PeninaD]

Had the MAXX for 8 days now... still undecided on keeping it.

I miss all the camera settings that the DInc had... in the Maxx, where can I chose megapixels? All I have seen is a choice between 6 and 8 for Widescreen. For some of my uploads, I am required to send small files to companies so with my DInc I actually set it below 1 MP for some shoots. I have not found time/date stamp... I need that for some assignments, and cannot add them later. Also, I keep hitting home button when I look for the trackball shutter (my bad <g>). And today, in attempting to take some photos outdoors in overcast lighting, when I used to zoom slider, the screen winked out. I was able to do this multiple times, so it was not just a fluke.
Watching vids, no, they are sometimes quite pixilated looking.
And in answering calls, I really miss the Accept/Decline buttons at the bottom of the screen...I have little hands, so using the slide to accept sometimes takes me 3-4 times and I have lost calls that way. Is there some way to get passed this? I would think that with accessibility there should be something built in for people with hand injury issues.

To be honest, the more I play with it, I like it overall, but the camera may be a no go for me. Any ideas? Better camera app? HCR Camera+ does not have time/date stamp either. I have very little time to make my 14 day decision.

 

[XxXplicit]

Is it normal for the boot animation volume to be so low? I've been helping my sister set up her phone and I just see it as being very odd. Curious if that is normal for everyone else or not. Her ringtone and the speaker in general sound loud, just not during start up. Moto bug I assume?

 

[thelsdeffect]

I also upgraded from the DINC to the Maxx but have a couple of issues, which from reading the forums don't seem common. I loved being able to be on a call and surf the web for something at the same time and this does not work for me when using 3G. This seems like a really huge flaw so I'm wondering if that is normal for the Maxx? Also my Android Market app is just that, it takes me to the old Android Market (like super old before it had the upgrade to the new layout). I have tried rebooting, looking in the settings and still no upgrade. I believe both these issues are out of the norm (I hope) and can be resolved but I have yet to figure it out. Any help would be appreciated. I think I'm gonna call Verizon in the morning though.

 

[Nateonator]

I really like Swift Key X keyboard for text predictions. It learns from your previous texts and gmail, if you let it, and can almost read your mind. It's $3.99 but they have a free version for 30 days trial... Also like handcent for texting.
Someone else suggested smart keyboard, which I liked, too, but my preference is swift key. I tried Go SMS for texting, and still like handcent, but they are very similar.

I also upgraded from the DINC to the Maxx but have a couple of issues, which from reading the forums don't seem common. I loved being able to be on a call and surf the web for something at the same time and this does not work for me when using 3G. This seems like a really huge flaw so I'm wondering if that is normal for the Maxx? Also my Android Market app is just that, it takes me to the old Android Market (like super old before it had the upgrade to the new layout). I have tried rebooting, looking in the settings and still no upgrade. I believe both these issues are out of the norm (I hope) and can be resolved but I have yet to figure it out. Any help would be appreciated. I think I'm gonna call Verizon in the morning though.

I really love swift key x, but I got it long ago before they started charging.

I couldn't surf the web and talk with my old dinc. I don't know if that was a phone thing or a 3G thing. I haven't tried with the maxx. You also may have to update your Android market app, which should help.

I love the maxx compared to the dinc. The only thing I really miss is the full screen text message widget I had with the dinc. I haven't been able to find a replacement for that on the maxx and I don't want to use a different launcher yet. Any thoughts?

 

[thelsdeffect]

You couldn't surf and talk with your DINC? That was one of the coolest things about it in my book! As for the Android Market, excuse me, Google Play, lol! How would I go about updating it? I for the life of me can't find out how.

 

[Nateonator]

What build version do you have for the market? I'm showing 3.4.7. You can find the build version under settings while in the market.

 

[arparaspolo]

Love the Maxx but I still try to take it out of sleep mode by pushing the top button, which isn't there on the Maxx.

Lol I still do that as well. I came from the Droid X, the Droid X2, the Droid 3,(which all had the button on top) to the RAZR MAXX. I love this phone. It is similar (imho) to the Droid 3 with an extended battery, other than the keyboard (which I didn't use)

 

[thelsdeffect]

What build version do you have for the market? I'm showing 3.4.7. You can find the build version under settings while in the market.

It doesn't show a build, it shows about content filtering, notifications, and Google AdMob Ad Preferences. IT's the original app store that was in green with just featured apps showing.

 

[DaDeeva]

Love the Maxx but I still try to take it out of sleep mode by pushing the top button, which isn't there on the Maxx.

I thought it was just me pressing up top. Glad to see I'm not the only one.

As far as the move from the DINC to the Maxx, two words...Lovin' It!!!!!

 

[TheXFactor]

I also upgraded from the DINC to the Maxx but have a couple of issues, which from reading the forums don't seem common. I loved being able to be on a call and surf the web for something at the same time and this does not work for me when using 3G. This seems like a really huge flaw so I'm wondering if that is normal for the Maxx? Also my Android Market app is just that, it takes me to the old Android Market (like super old before it had the upgrade to the new layout). I have tried rebooting, looking in the settings and still no upgrade. I believe both these issues are out of the norm (I hope) and can be resolved but I have yet to figure it out. Any help would be appreciated. I think I'm gonna call Verizon in the morning though.

It's not possible to surf and talk at the same time on 3G with the Maxx. You can using 4G. Only certain phones (HTC Rezound, Thunderbolt) have the capability to surf and talk on 3G.

You couldn't surf and talk with your DINC? That was one of the coolest things about it in my book! As for the Android Market, excuse me, Google Play, lol! How would I go about updating it? I for the life of me can't find out how.

Not sure what your smoking there bub, but the Dinc never had the ability to surf and talk at the same time. In fact, none of the 3G only handsets on verizon have that ability.

 

[ehb]

I had the original dinc and a couple of weeks ago up'd to the Maxx.

-loved the dinc big time, BUT mini updates started flaking it..

got tired of the space low crap when the mini updates started several months ago...the "fix" worked just as well as uninstalling the gmail updates and/or facebook updates, all three methods worked equally as bad, which was a couple of days at most.

got tired of the htc contacts service blowing chunks, found install file and reinstalled until next time it blew chunks...

Upgraded to the maxx - love the maxx.

there is a learning curve moving from HTC interface to Moto but it is not unpleasant. I preferred the big clock/date/weather on the dinc home but not a biggie... The toughest change of all is the home touch placement (grrrrr) and the physical buttons...

maxx is fast, reliable, and as easy as the dinc after you get the hang of the interface.

dinc cam is better than the maxx cam....you can edit settings and maxx will take good pics but the dinc is better... not too much of an issue, if I want to take serious pics I'll use my big Oly...

both suck on spkr phone audio in vehicle... such is life with those built-in spkrs....

larger maxx display smokes the dinc on readability... I found that becoming accustomed to the larger phone case/holder on belt was about immediate. I was concerned about the larger size...not an issue...

maxx battery life rocks. I really don't care how many days it can do backflips while watching the fish head video over and over while talking to who knows who... just that in one entire day, I never think about a charger.... couldn't say that about the dinc.... with the dinc, run a game meant get the charger....

just my $.02 worth....ignore at will...

 

[kellygh5]

Great thanks for the comment. I think I might go with the Maxx if HTC doesnt come out with something quick. The Galaxy just seems to have too many problems. My buddy just loves it though...

The G'Nex is the link to my RAZR Maxx (from the DInc). I was on my 4th replacement G'Nex when Verizon offered the RMaxx. I loved the G'Nex when it was working, loved ICS, but ultimately I have to have a reliable phone/reliable call quality. I was worried about going to the RMaxx, but so far, I am very happy!. I miss ICS, but the battery life alone has been a MAJOR upgrade from the G'Nex & DInc. The actual phone has been stable with very good call quality.

 

[itbedave]

Not sure what your smoking there bub, but the Dinc never had the ability to surf and talk at the same time. In fact, none of the 3G only handsets on verizon have that ability.

Maybe he was on a WiFi signal instead of 3G data?

 

[Jim Chapman]

Today is my first full day with the RAZR Maxx after 2 years of using the HTC Incredible. The most significant difference I'm noticing is that, in and and around my office building where I have been accustomed to getting a weak 3G signal, I now get a good 3-bar 4G signal. SpeedTest reports 6.7 Mbps download speed compared to less than 1 Mbps formerly.

Feature-wise, it's a wash. The HTC Sense UI stills seems more natural to me than the Moto, but I suppose it's just a matter of getting used to it.

 

[Markus729]

I was very satisfied with the Incredible, and am definitely getting used to the new Motorola interface on the Maxx. To me, it is significantly different, it may as well have been the jump to ICS. But, it's cool getting used it.

I still have the muscle memory of going for the power button on the top.

I don't like the keyboard where I have to click the numbers key to get punctuation, instead of long holding the original letter keys. I also don't like the black keys, I wish they were white again.

I've noticed a HUGE improvement with the voice commands and understanding. It is much better and getting the words right the first time.

For some reason, I'm noticing a much weaker wifi connection...with my Incredible, the strength was super solid and strong at home and work, but now, on the Maxx, the signal seems to come and go, and appears to be weaker?

Also, I've tried everything, and can't seem to get my Gmail to push new mail. I have to manually refresh all the time. Any suggestions?

Nothing major, I'm a gadget geek, so like playing around with everything because it's new.

 

[Gatman]

For some reason, I'm noticing a much weaker wifi connection...with my Incredible, the strength was super solid and strong at home and work, but now, on the Maxx, the signal seems to come and go, and appears to be weaker?

I just upgraded from a DInc to a DRM yesterday, and I am also noticing what I thought was weaker wifi. I just ran WiFi Analyzer on the DInc and the DRM right next to each other, and the signal on the DRM was consitently about -10db weaker no matter where I went (right next to the access point or on the other side of the house). In addition, I could see all my neighbors' wifi networks, and they were all stronger in the DInc than in the DRM....some of them didn't even show up on the DRM.

I am curious if others have noticed this, or if it's isolated. I have also noticed the 4G signal dropping out like others have reported here, but mine seems to come back without resetting or rebooting the phone.

~Gary

 

[Gatman]

Wish the screen was higher resolution vs. just larger icons and widgets than I had on the Dinc

I was surprised when I read this, because I was pretty sure the DRM had a higher resolution. I just Googled it and found the following specs:

DInc: 3.7-inch touch-sensitive screen with 480 X 800 WVGA resolution
DRM: 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Advanced display with qHD resolution (960 x 540 pixels)

I had loaded up an app I had on my DInc that was made to only display at 480x800, so when I loaded it up on my DRM it had black space on the sides and bottom (bummer).

So there are a few more pixels in there for ya.

~Gary

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The Maxx does indeed have a weak WiFi antenna...very weak.

I love the phone...but facts is facts.

 

[mauiblue]

Awesome thread as I am in the position of upgrading from my HTC Droid Incredible. I want the battery life and the bigger screen of the Maxx but it seems like the HTC Sense UI is a tad better than Motoblur UI? I can live with that since the Maxx is faster, has a long battery life, and has a larger screen.

 

[cdf3]

I've had the Incredible, Thunderbolt, and now the Maxx. My daily driver, as far as keyboards, has been Smart Keyboard. I love the custom auto text shortcuts I can add. I tried Swift Key X, but it seems to lag for me.
I also like Thumb Keyboard. I purchased it for my tablet. I've been using it on the Maxx lately.

 

[Gatman]

I went from the DInc to the DRM a week ago. So far I am loving this phone. My observations/thoughts:

1. Battery life - SCHWING!!! - I am a light user and can get two days out of the phone pretty easily. I just set up a smart action to not sync from 11pm to 7am to see what that gets me.
2. Reversed home/menu buttons - this has to be the most frustrating thing for me. I am forever hitting home when I want to hit menu. Interestingly enough, the power button moving to the right from the top hasn't given me much trouble.
3. Haptic feedback - it's a little to intense to suit me, and I don't see a way to tone it down at all. I did get an Otterbox Commuter case yesterday and that seems to have helped take the edge off of it, but it would be nice to be able to adjust it down rather than just shutting it off. I've left it on to see if I can get used to it. (side note - the Otterbox definitely added more weight to it than I expected, but I'm liking the case; I was forever worried I was going to drop the phone when it was nekkid).
4. Haven't really got to try out a lot of the bloatware that's on it, so I can't comment on that other than I'm sure I'd probably rather have the space than some of the programs. I don't think I'll root it, so it will stay.
5. Dual core processor is great - things are much quicker and smoother than my DInc (which was no slouch).
6. I thought I would miss Sense more than I do, which is a pleasant surprise.

That's about it. All in all I am really pleased with the upgrade.


~Gary