Pros/Cons of HTC Rezound vs. Galaxy Nexus

[sean76]

@ Droid AV8R

Peep this video...gives u a good idea in how some of the screens look...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAwf_53FsMg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[EarlyMon]

Also it's not BS to actually feel it in your hand. Just like specs don't necessarily mean a phone will be the best, just having the physical dimensions doesn't necessarily give you a feel for the phone. The slope of the back can make a difference. If the phone's edges are sharp it will make a difference. A lot of reviewers were surprised when they held the Rezound that it didn't feel as thick as they thought it would be, nor as heavy. They already knew the dimensions, but that cannot really replace actually feeling it in the hand. I've had a few phones that I wished I would have held first before I bought them (the Razr V9M springs to mind, very thin and pretty wide).

Plus about 1000 on this one!

Unless you have your heart set on as thin as possible (and that's ok, some people do based on their preferred carry), the dimensions alone are so misleading.

Like many of you, I've owned a previous gen 4.3" HTC (the Evo), so when I got the next gen 4.3" phone, I was surprised at the huge difference in feel.

I know a lot of folks that don't care about this sort of thing (and that's ok too, for some people, it's just something that doesn't hit their radar), but if you're in-between must-have-thinnest and don't-care, then I'll just repeat, +1000 on the advice to hold first and then decide.

With the caveat - if you've not had a large-screen phone before, you will get used to it, more quickly than you may guess.

 

[TxGoat]

This is the big question, I totally agree.

I'm really excited by that early battery report from yesterday (I cross-posted it to the Battery thread, hope that's the right place). Compared to what we know about the Thunderbolt, it sure looks like HTC has upped their game with LTE performance and battery life compared to that phone.

I'm really looking forward to some decent teardowns of both phones (like they do at iFixit.com) so we can get part numbers and trace back the data sheets and manufacturing tech on the chips we care most about, like the radios.

Always nice to know the track record of the makers of the supplied components.

Not sure if you saw the one for the Razr, funny that it's already gone to page 2. I swear that Razr section is just humming along!

http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid-razr/443807-i-fix-tear-down-razr-pretty-cool.html

 

[DroidAV8R]

As far as screens in general...

I like Super Amoled (Plus) Screens the Best out of all current screens.

The Razr doesn't have a plus screen, just a regular Super Amoled.

I don't have anything against the Rezound screen at all. I said on many occasions that some Super LCD screens are on the money. Especially when you talk about true whites, and brightness! I think the Rezound will be awesome with 720p resolution.

However, a Super Amoled Plus screen IMO offers the best of both world's...Better whites then reg Super Amoled, brighter then Super Amoled, better Vividness in colors then LCD or Super LCD, and much deeper Black's then any of the LCD's.

What ever makes ya happy is what I say.

@ Droid AV8R

Peep this video...gives u a good idea in how some of the screens look...

HTC Rezound Review - YouTube

Thanks Sean. You're right about the Razr screen. I thought I read it was SA+, but I guess I thought wrong

I haven't seen an SA+ screen in person yet, but I can certainly understand why people like A/SA/SA+ screens. My DInc is an AMOLED, and the contrast on that phone is unbelievable. Moving to the DInc 2 was an adjustment, and frankly, I didn't like it very much at first. Once I did get used to it though, I didn't look back! I found the resolution better (no pentile matrix), and the colors more true.

As for the video, IMHO it's not necessarily an accurate measure of how the screen on either phone is going to look in person since we're adding the camera and compression into the mix, but I can see some of the obvious differences and do get your point.

Like you said, the look of any given screen is personal preference, and different people will like different things. The truth is, as long as you are happy with your choice, you can't go wrong with any of the new 4G phones out or about to come out on Verizon!

 

[DroidAV8R]

Wasn't aware that there was actually a 2nd generation lte chip now? Or is it just a different one, not necessarily better or worse?

Also, I hate how the Razr feels, partly cause it IS so thin, except for the top part where (i assume) the LTE radio is housed along with the camera.


I quoted a couple other posts but decided not to call anyone out. Let me just say that there will be no name-calling, personal attacks (however mild you think they are), or anyone attacking each other.

Lets keep things kosher and remember, as my friend Earlymon says, attack issues - not each other

This is the big question, I totally agree.

I'm really excited by that early battery report from yesterday (I cross-posted it to the Battery thread, hope that's the right place). Compared to what we know about the Thunderbolt, it sure looks like HTC has upped their game with LTE performance and battery life compared to that phone.

I'm really looking forward to some decent teardowns of both phones (like they do at iFixit.com) so we can get part numbers and trace back the data sheets and manufacturing tech on the chips we care most about, like the radios.

Always nice to know the track record of the makers of the supplied components.

I don't think the LTE chips in the other phones are "2nd Gen," just first gen chips that are a bit later to the party, and a bit smaller in size. As I understand it, true second gen chips will be built on a smaller process and/or incorporated in the SoC.

The Qualcomm MDM9600 was first, and although it's a bit larger in size, IMHO it appears to be more than holding its own against the Moto chip in the Razr...

 

[rushmore]

As far as LTE, second generation does not exist until the 28nm fabs are released. Based on the tear down of the Razr, all they did was spread the radio out and made it less thick (same total volume size).

As far as displays, tech schmeck- Compare devices next to each other and then make a decision. The Droid 3 as example is pentile, but nice & bright and the 4" size offsets the pentile effect (nice display IMO).

As far as the Razr & Rezound- compare them next to each other and try reading text in different colors, etc. Some prefer saturated color over a clear more natural color display (sans grain) and some go the other way.

Sadly, neither display looks very good out in the sunlight. In that regard, the Bionic and Droid 3 best them both.


Added:

Full disclosure: If the Nexus had a microsd slot- I would probably go for the Nexus. High res display that helps offset pentil effect and apparently nice color. It will be REAL interesting to compare the Nexus and Rezound, but I still hear the Nexus may be on-line orders only from VZW. Also do not know about the LTE performance.

 

[GalaxyNexus]

I have recently put up a thread like this over at the Droid Razr area, and now have headed over to the Rezound area. For the most part people seem to like their new phone. So now I'm wondering what problems you have, if any. As you can probably tell, I'm deciding between the Rezound, Razr, and my personal favorite (judging from my name) the Galaxy Nexus.

So,what are the pros?

What are the cons?

And lastly, do you at all regret buying this phone? (I know this is very early)


For some reason in the Razr thread people took this offensively. I am asking for research purposes only!

Thanks for the help!

 

[misan23]

Not really, pure ICS has its strong points but A) I was unwilling to wait, B) the Nexus just is going to be too big I believe, and C) I wanted something with built in buttons, not on-screen ones that gobble up valuable screen real estate.
I put my wall o' text thoughts on this phone in the hands-on sticky but quick pros/cons.
Pros: Form factor, screen, Sense, screen, nice camera, screen
Cons: Bit portly, call quality for those hearing me could be a bit better, bit better battery life (to be fixed for me by a extended life battery in my future)
Again, I don't regret buying this phone for a moment.

 

[TxGoat]

I wish I had the "pure google experience"....

 

[trophynuts]

It's officially Day 1 of release...i doubt anyone is regretting it at the moment.

 

[NightAngel79]

no regrets, and I dont expect to have any for a while. though coming from the incredible it has been feeling a little big in my hand... oddly enough i think a case will help me out with that. Natural finger grooves cases have make it feel better in hand.

Taking into consideration that I have been charging it since i got home due to fact that I cant leave it alone long enough for it to charge all the way

 

[EarlyMon]

I have recently put up a thread like this over at the Droid Razr area, and now have headed over to the Rezound area. For the most part people seem to like their new phone. So now I'm wondering what problems you have, if any. As you can probably tell, I'm deciding between the Rezound, Razr, and my personal favorite (judging from my name) the Galaxy Nexus.

So,what are the pros?

What are the cons?

And lastly, do you at all regret buying this phone? (I know this is very early)


For some reason in the Razr thread people took this offensively. I am asking for research purposes only!

Thanks for the help!

And the reason was that it degraded into petty arguments with a title like - Droid Razr Already Outdated? - and Steven58 locked the thread.

To help prevent you having this problem, I'm going to rename your thread into something a bit more neutral, in keeping with your research theme.

I'm sure you agree an inflamatory title about buyer's remorse on launch day (!!!!!!) won't be as effective as the one I've selected.

And at the first sign of bickering in this thread, the consequences will be definite and swift.

NA, myself and the other mods are in full agreement on this.

 

[TxGoat]

And the reason was that it degraded into petty arguments with a title like - Droid Razr Already Outdated? - and Steven58 locked the thread.

To help prevent you having this problem, I'm going to rename your thread into something a bit more neutral, in keeping with your research theme.

I'm sure you agree an inflamatory title about buyer's remorse on launch day (!!!!!!) won't be as effective as the one I've selected.

And at the first sign of bickering in this thread, the consequences will be definite and swift.

NA, myself and the other mods are in full agreement on this.

Awe c'mon...err wait is that considered bickering?!?! Nothing to see here.....

 

[to serve man]

After roughly 2 weeks, is there anything more that can be said about this phone? Does anyone regret getting it? I am seriously considering this phone in place of my Blackberry with AT&T and jumping to VZ. At least I will have 14 days to play with since there is $0 activation now. It looks like this is the most advanced Android device with best specs in VZ now. (I don't really care for RaZR's sharp looks).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[gloriousnumber1]

I played with the Rezound and Razr today for a while at the store. I do like the color depth of the Razr, and the displays are hard to tell apart as far as resolution, by only looking at pictures alone. They both seem fast and responsive, but I have to say I'm leaning toward the Rezound. I enjoyed seeing how sense works, and never having a UI before, it's easy to tell for me what it adds to the experience of Gingerbread. I wouldn't mind a thicker phone that is streamline in the back so it has no "hump" and it's not too slick. Case aside, I like the Rezound in my hand better, but that's just my opinion.

I know both will be ancient history by my mid April upgrade date, but I can dream....

 

[zazan]

Take a look at the other owner threads about this phone. I think you will find that it is actually a "sleeper". By that I mean it is technologically and operationally awesome but under marketed. I also was considering the razr and nexus. But after actually owning and using the rezound there is no way I would part with this phone. I'm not a fan-boy type. I am actually pretty hard ass-ed critical about technology and about useful vs. hyped tech tools. I would not trade this phone for the nexus if they gave one to me for very practical reasons:

1. the rezound performs beyond what was promised, I have found no bugs
2. the nexus as a new phone type will have phone bugs and initial o/s bugs
3. the nexus is bigger and therefore for me less ergonomic
4. if useful I can upgrade to ICS when its proven, gingerbread already is

The rezound got everything right as far as I can tell. I have not found any problems and have been surprised by the technology and the UI. This is a very powerful, fast, accurate, and refined phone.

 

[you2]

Its hard to judge performance metrics as to whether the nexus will be better or worse (things like audio for calls (not speaker phone); reception; batter life...). These things are just unknown.

The form factor will be different; taller, wider (but not as wide as the razr), thinner and lighter.
-
The screen will have deeper contrast and saturation (neither a negative or positive). Unsure if the screen is more matte like the razr or glossy like the rezound.

It will not have an sd slot and it will have ICS (for better or worse).
-
Will it be better or worse? Well for the areas that matter to me the most (reception, battery life, reliability, max volume (for phone calls and such), fidelity) shrug I have no clue. The big plus (for me) is that it will have better visiblity outside and it will be thinner/lighter.
-
Will I wait for the nexus or bite on the rezound - unsure - will decide by monday night

 

[CaptainObvious]

My biggest pro in favor of the rezound: It's not a nexus

 

[rushmore]

Down with Android devices with no micosd! .... Unless they give 64gb options like Apple does in their non sd slot system.

 

[Icyman]

Down with Android devices with no micosd! .... Unless they give 64gb options like Apple does in their non sd slot system.

+1

After the pain and suffering of no sdhc card with my iPhone 4, never again. I don't care if it does have 32 or 64 internal. the ability to preload a sd card is priceless. Is it needed or a regular basis? NO, but the times it saves your ass, it's worth it.

The way i see it, this phone will replace my laptop 90% of the time now that I can use it for presentations too.

 

[to serve man]

+1

After the pain and suffering of no sdhc card with my iPhone 4, never again. I don't care if it does have 32 or 64 internal. the ability to preload a sd card is priceless. Is it needed or a regular basis? NO, but the times it saves your ass, it's worth it.

The way i see it, this phone will replace my laptop 90% of the time now that I can use it for presentations too.

Simply put, your phone dies and all your music, pictures, etc goes with it. Unless your phone burns or falls into deep end of ocean, almost always you can recover data from MicroSD. Most of the time your phone can break into pieces or be run over by a truck, microSD is so small that it will survive. At least it will based on the way it is inserted in most devices.

 

[bradm77]

I already spoke about this in the Nexus pre-release thread, but what the heck - it wont get buried under tens of thousands of posts here!

I have been with VZW for over 10 years. The worst experience I ever had with VZW was the Bionic. I waited and waited for an absolute LEMON of a phone.

I was SOLD on the Nexus, I wanted the Nexus, I HAD TO HAVE the Nexus. Then the rumored date got pushed back. and pushed back. and pushed back. I know some folks say that VZW never released a date, so technically it was never pushed back, but they have had accessoriesin store for quite a while now, and they generally do NOT ship accessories weeks and weeks before the phone.

Without even getting into the ReZound, I can tell you to beware the Nexus, I fear it may be another Bionic fiasco.

Having said that, the ReZound is the most awesome phone I have ever owned! I have had mine for over a week now, and it is lightning fast, no lag, the new version of Sense is pretty sweet, and this screen must be SEEN to be BELIEVED!!

Honestly, this phone has no downside that I can see. The grooved back and shape is VERY comfortable in the hand. dont believe those reports that it is too thick, etc - go hold one in your hand and decide for yourself.

I was utterly determined that my next phone would be a Nexus and nothing BUT a Nexus. I "rented" a ReZound and I am KEEPING IT!!!!!!

Brad

PS - The Beats audio is AWESOME!! I use my phone for music every day and it's not just the bass, it's the clarity too.

 

[CaptainObvious]

I already spoke about this in the Nexus pre-release thread, but what the heck - it wont get buried under tens of thousands of posts here!

I have been with VZW for over 10 years. The worst experience I ever had with VZW was the Bionic. I waited and waited for an absolute LEMON of a phone.

I was SOLD on the Nexus, I wanted the Nexus, I HAD TO HAVE the Nexus. Then the rumored date got pushed back. and pushed back. and pushed back. I know some folks say that VZW never released a date, so technically it was never pushed back, but they have had accessoriesin store for quite a while now, and they generally do NOT ship accessories weeks and weeks before the phone.

Without even getting into the ReZound, I can tell you to beware the Nexus, I fear it may be another Bionic fiasco.

Having said that, the ReZound is the most awesome phone I have ever owned! I have had mine for over a week now, and it is lightning fast, no lag, the new version of Sense is pretty sweet, and this screen must be SEEN to be BELIEVED!!

Honestly, this phone has no downside that I can see. The grooved back and shape is VERY comfortable in the hand. dont believe those reports that it is too thick, etc - go hold one in your hand and decide for yourself.

I was utterly determined that my next phone would be a Nexus and nothing BUT a Nexus. I "rented" a ReZound and I am KEEPING IT!!!!!!

Brad

PS - The Beats audio is AWESOME!! I use my phone for music every day and it's not just the bass, it's the clarity too.

I wish i could thank your post twice. Instead, all i can do is repost it as a quote in my post and thank you for putting this out there. I'm really getting sick of people assuming the nexus is the be all end all of phones when it hasn't even hit the market yet. Going to the "nexus vs rezound" threads are even worse with blatant...and i hate to use the term but it's amazingly appropriate here... "Fanboys" that will go out of their way to trash every other phone that ISN'T the nexus. Reminds me a little too much of iPhone cultism.

Most other groups of us that like the rezound or razr or anything else can at least sit back and admit "i love my phone, but i'm sure yours is cool too". This attitude is needed more

 

[bradm77]

I wish i could thank your post twice. Instead, all i can do is repost it as a quote in my post and thank you for putting this out there. I'm really getting sick of people assuming the nexus is the be all end all of phones when it hasn't even hit the market yet. Going to the "nexus vs rezound" threads are even worse with blatant...and i hate to use the term but it's amazingly appropriate here... "Fanboys" that will go out of their way to trash every other phone that ISN'T the nexus. Reminds me a little too much of iPhone cultism.

Most other groups of us that like the rezound or razr or anything else can at least sit back and admit "i love my phone, but i'm sure yours is cool too". This attitude is needed more

I "get" the whole ICS love thing. I "get" the whole "Pure Google Experience" thing (although VZW is already chipping away at THAT on the Nexus). Those were two of the big factors that had ME lusting for a Nexus. But as I said before, I was a "Bionic Victim". I've been down this road before. I HOPE, for the sake of the "Give me NEXUS or give me DEATH" crowd, that I am WRONG.

Having said that, I am friends with multiple employees at our local VZW corporate store. They are excited to see the Nexus, but they are also expecting Bionic level issues, bugs and problems. It's a new OS. It's a phone that is an entirely new form factor (no physical OR capacative buttons).

I think the Nexus lovers who understand that and know it going in wil be fine, will wait for their patches, fixes, etc and know it is part and parcel of buying a phone like that (I knew it but kept telling myself it wouldnt be like the Bionic - DENIAL - not just a river in Egypt!).

The ones I fear for are the general, non -techy, mass majority users who have bought the hype and expect that they can buy a Nexus and have it wax their car, walk their dog, and get them that big promotion at work - they will NOT be expecting and will not ACCEPT the issues that this phone will very likely have, and that, my friend, could get UGLY.

As I said, I HOPE I am wrong, but time will tell the tale.

 

[Dagr]

Just wanted to throw my 2 cents out there...

I too was anxiously awaiting the Nexus as my next phone, but had already moved my wife's line to VZW and needed to get out of double contracts (and just couldn't wait on the never-ending rumors of Nexus launch dates).

So... I purchased a Rezound, with slight thoughts of it being a "rental". I can definitely say now after having this phone for almost two weeks that it will take a hell of a lot for me to switch this phone out. I just like it that much more than I ever thought I would.

Pluses: The screen. OMG the screen! Did I mention the screen? True 720 HD resolution on a screen done right is a beautiful thing... and given what I've read of the Nexus screen, it sounds very good but won't match the ppi / clarity of the Rezound (which in my estimation is the very best screen in mobile right now of ANY phone).

Sense actually is very good. I thought I wouldn't like it... having my only experience with Moto blur (ick)... BUT, I have to say that it seems to just work very well with this phone. A preference thing for sure, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Form: It seems like every non-Rezound'er likes to poke fun at the "chunky" rezound. I'm continually suprised at how much I actually LIKE it that way though... it just seems to fit well in hand. The back taper works for me and puts the girth in the palm of your hand, not on the edges where you hold it.

Software: Yep, its not ICS. I want ICS as much as anyone else... but as people have mentioned here, it seems really bug free & is a great gingerbread experience. I havn't had ANY problems with this phone (in contrast to my poor wife struggling with her Bionic... I was too tempted by the first Amazon penny sale and went ahead and got one for her... meh).

Overall, I'm just very satisfied. Its running 3d games superbly (shadowgun, etc). (The only possible negative here is that it does run very very hot it seems... really gets hot in your hand... but I don't imagine the Rezound is unique in this behavior when taxing the cpu/gpu hard).

Beats: Forget how you feel about the software portion, having a really nice set of earbuds included in my expensive phone was just a nice touch. I find myself loading my entire music library into google music, and just syncing in local files of the music I want to listen to with Beats. A little annoying, but I get the best of both worlds and it works great. (And btw, I reccomend ISyncr for those that have a large investment in iTunes. As an iphone convert, this was a HUGE help for me to move over!!).

All in all, its just a really nice package. I would not hesitate on recommending the Rezound. Will there be faster and better phones out and about soon? Sure, there always are... but this phone is here now and is awesome.