RAZR Reviewed in Store

[shadrap]

Well I decided to pop in to my local Verizon and guess what they had the RAZR on display and activated. So I ran it through it paces and below is what I found.

Camera: The camera is unfortunately about the same as the Bionic. Maybe a touch better but not noticeably. It will pass but is not in the top tier. I sent the photos by text to my iPhone hence the second was a screenshot to show the package they are offering.

Build: I love the way it feels. You are really taken aback when you hold it the first time. It's slimmer and lighter than I imagined. Strength feels excellent. The only negative thing I saw was the Kevlar back is kinda easy to scratch.

Screen: The screen looks great. Dark and rich colors really pop. It is improved over the Bionic. If you look really really hard you can see the pentile. But most will not notice.

Other Stuff: OS is pretty much the same. Speedy with great reception. I did try out Smartcast. It is awesome and very customizable. You can pretty much set anything to start or stop based on triggers.

 

[redraider1]

Not even a picture of the phone? lol

 

[shadrap]

I figured everyone had seen the phone enough lol. If anyone is doubtful call the number in the screenshot. Someone at Verizon can tell you what phone they are answering. Lol

 

[TheSuper]

Well I decided to pop in to my local Verizon and guess what they had the RAZR on display and activated. So I ran it through it paces and below is what I found.

Build: I love the way it feels. You are really taken aback when you hold it the first time. It's slimmer and lighter than I imagined. Strength feels excellent. The only negative thing I saw was the Kevlar back is kinda easy to scratch.

One of the reviews i read from Australia mentioned the Kevlar back is great, but easy to scratch. Oh oh! Think a protector for the back will be required!!!

 

[sean76]

To the OP....

In all seriousness, how long did it take to Focus when u went to take a picture. Was it long like the Bionic? Or was it quick to Focus?

 

[redraider1]

How did it feel in hand? Some of the reviews complain about how wide it is. Any comment?

 

[milkshed27]

To the OP....

In all seriousness, how long did it take to Focus when u went to take a picture. Was it long like the Bionic? Or was it quick to Focus?

+1

A couple of reviews reported the only gripe with the camera was washed out colors but from the samples that were posted they looked pretty natural to me. I'm not really into over saturated colors.

I'm mostly concerned about the focus and shutter speed.

 

[SamMax]

I stopped by a Verizon store tonight and looked at one as well.

The phone feels quite sturdy considering how thin it is, it doesn't feel to wide (I have large hands). The screen looks really good, the screen obviously isn't as sharp as the iPhone 4, but as you would expect the Amoled colors really pop out at you.

I tried watching a you tube video in HD over 3G it looked pretty good really close to that of any Samsung Amoled screen. The video did cause the phone to freeze for a few seconds when I attempted to skip ahead.

The camera seemed just fine, the auto focus was fast and there wasn't much shutter lag. It's kinda tough taking an image with the security cord attached though. The keyboard looked really good it was all black with white lettering which looks way better especially on an Amoled screen. The keyboard seemed to be very accurate more precise than the previous 4.3 " moto devices.

I scrolled from screen to screen trying to get the phone to lag and it wouldn't. It's very snappy.

I guess the two things I felt that could have been a little better were the volume rocker seemed a little loose should have been the diamond cut and the screen could have used an ever so slight resolution bump that would have made video images appear sharper like the iPhone 4 and like the Nexus.

 

[redraider1]

I stopped by a Verizon store tonight and looked at one as well.

The phone feels quite sturdy considering how thin it is, it doesn't feel to wide (I have large hands). The screen looks really good, the screen obviously isn't as sharp as the iPhone 4, but as you would expect the Amoled colors really pop out at you.

I tried watching a you tube video in HD over 3G it looked pretty good really close to that of any Samsung Amoled screen. The video did cause the phone to freeze for a few seconds when I attempted to skip ahead.

The camera seemed just fine, the auto focus was fast and there wasn't much shutter lag. It's kinda tough taking an image with the security cord attached though. The keyboard looked really good it was all black with white lettering which looks way better especially on an Amoled screen. The keyboard seemed to be very accurate more precise than the previous 4.3 " moto devices.

I scrolled from screen to screen trying to get the phone to lag and it wouldn't. It's very snappy.

I guess the two things I felt that could have been a little better were the volume rocker seemed a little loose should have been the diamond cut and the screen could have used an ever so slight resolution bump that would have made video images appear sharper like the iPhone 4 and like the Nexus.

Well that is what you get with qhd on a 4.3 inch phone.

 

[SamMax]

I guess your right but if they would have went with the Nexus res on the Razr I would've been considerably happier. It's still a VERY nice phone that I will enjoy.

 

[shadrap]

To the OP....

In all seriousness, how long did it take to Focus when u went to take a picture. Was it long like the Bionic? Or was it quick to Focus?

Sean, it might be a tad quicker but in all honesty the quality of the exposure is not much better than the Bionic. If it was on par with the GS2 or iphone it would be a darn near perfect phone.

To answer how it feels. The phone in hand feels awesome. It is so thin that the width is negligible. The quality of materials is definitely noticeable.

 

[sean76]

Sean, it might be a tad quicker but in all honesty the quality of the exposure is not much better than the Bionic. If it was on par with the GS2 or iphone it would be a darn near perfect phone.

To answer how it feels. The phone in hand feels awesome. It is so thin that the width is negligible. The quality of materials is definitely noticeable.

Thanks for the feedback!

I must say, I'm a little disappointed! Well alot disappointed to be honest! Alot of Forum members have stated that its to be expected with moto phones. I was just hoping that moto would have listened to the enormous amount of complaints that mounted when the Bionic released, and would put a quality shooter with a snappy auto focus in the Razr.

For this reason, I most likely will skip the Razr and just go with the Nexus...I need a fairly good camera on my phone that doesn't take 10 seconds or better to focus on a shot...Damm, bummer!

 

[Chi-TownTx]

LoL Sean who are you kidding. You know damn well you will buy the RAZR and the Nexus either way. It's just not in you to skip on a new top model phone. Your not built that way.

P.S. Side note, you really should start your own phone review site with the various models you have owned. And no i am not kidding.

 

[volcom1216]

I went to my local Verizon store also, they didn't have any on display but the sales rep had it in his pocket.

He let me play with it and load a netflix movie. To me the screen looks way better than my Incredible. The phone really felt sturdy and tight. No creaks when trying to flex it.

From the pictures I thought that hump on the top was going to be bad, but it wasn't bad at all. Looks thicker on the pictures than seeing it in person.

This was my first time playing with an LTE phone and wow the movie I tried on Netflix loads fast. Never cared for it before, but now my Inc seems very slow.

Overall, I like it. BTW, I went to the Verizon on Knott and Katella in Cypress CA.

 

[sean76]

LoL Sean who are you kidding. You know damn well you will buy the RAZR and the Nexus either way. It's just not in you to skip on a new top model phone. Your not built that way.

P.S. Side note, you really should start your own phone review site with the various models you have owned. And no i am not kidding.

Lol...u and some of the forum members know me all too well!
I will of course do a hands on and go from there next Friday...We shall see if I leave with a Red and White bag...hehehe

And about the reviews ...I've been thinking about it man, deff been thinking about it!

 

[DukeL]

Thanks for the feedback!

I must say, I'm a little disappointed! Well alot disappointed to be honest! Alot of Forum members have stated that its to be expected with moto phones. I was just hoping that moto would have listened to the enormous amount of complaints that mounted when the Bionic released, and would put a quality shooter with a snappy auto focus in the Razr.

For this reason, I most likely will skip the Razr and just go with the Nexus...I need a fairly good camera on my phone that doesn't take 10 seconds or better to focus on a shot...Damm, bummer!

On all the nexus forums people have also been voicing their disappointment with the Galaxy Nexus camera. Not that it is still just a 5MP but also that the camera is considerably worse than the S2 and even going as far as saying pic quality reminded people of their original Galaxy device/ In other words Nexus does not have a good camera.

 

[Sandroidfan]

On all the nexus forums people have also been voicing their disappointment with the Galaxy Nexus camera. Not that it is still just a 5MP but also that the camera is considerably worse than the S2 and even going as far as saying pic quality reminded people of their original Galaxy device/ In other words Nexus does not have a good camera.

Well, that's too premature call on Nexus camera. They are just ranting on some bad shots taken by some reporters on hands-on reviews. Anyone can take bad shots with great camera by pointing and shooting roughly. Even iPhone4 can easily make crappy photos. We should go by good photos of each camera to compare photo quality.

I wouldn't judge on either of these phone cameras until I get my hands on them and see pro reviews on both nexus and razr.

 

[shadrap]

Sean and everyone else. I just want to clear up a little bit of the info. I went back to Verizon last night. I took photos with both the Bionic and the RAZR. The RAZR does have a faster shutter speed, no doubt. Not instant, but faster than the Bionic. The green box definitely locks on quicker. With that said. The resulting photos were not much different.

If you look at the photos I posted above, you will see what I mean. The lack of sharpness and the hazy look are common with both cameras.

Remember I am coming from an iPhone 4 and 4s. The RAZR is not in the same league and for that matter neither is the Nexus from the photos I have seen.

It is one of those things where you have to pick your poison. Below is how I believe the top 4 phones on Verizon stack up. If you hate iOs just drop the iPhone from the stack. Some of this is based on speculation and some is based on my experience. Again this is just my take and some is subjective.

Camera: iPhone 4s>Rezound>GN>RAZR
Durability: RAZR>GN>Rezound>iPhone 4s
Screen: Rezound>iPhone 4s>GN> RAZR
Feel/ Materials: RAZR>iPhone 4s>GN>Rezound
OS: GN>RAZR>Rezound>iPhone 4s
Battery Life: RAZR>iPhone 4s>GN>Rezound
Accessories: iPhone 4s>RAZR>Rezound>GN
Radio/ LTE: RAZR>Rezound>GN>iPhone 4s
Storage/ Cloud: iPhone 4s>RAZR>Rezound>GN
Processor/ GPU/ Speed: iPhone 4s>GN>RAZR>Rezound

It all boils down to what you want the phone to do and what you will be using it for.

Rooting/ Roming: GN
Media/ Music: iPhone 4s or Rezound
Work: RAZR


Will I still be getting the RAZR? Yes I probably will. The photos taken with the RAZR will pass for most things like Facebook or quick remember this shots.

The build quality is awesome and besides a back that will probably scratch. I have held nothing in my hand that feels this solid.

The screen is gorgeous and though it's not as great as Rezound, Nexus, or iPhone. The trade off will be worth the durability factor. I really don't think the average user will notice.

Battery life on the RAZR should be superior to the Nexus and Rezound. It is the same type of battery used in the iPhone and when you add in Smartcast. The device should have a battery life that tops any other LTE device.

Motocast/ Smartcast for me are a really big. My phone will be used for work, exercise, and media in that order. With these built in apps. You can really stream line what you want your phone to do. Could you do this with other apps? Yes, but Moto has streamlined it into the OS as well as anyone could have including Apple.

I buy phones like most people go to dinner. Kinda like Sean, lol. To be honest if the camera was better and the screen had a few more dpi. It would be as close to perfect as I have seen. Especially once the upgrade to ICS comes. Again all of this is subjective opinion and one persons thoughts. So take it with a grain of salt.

 

[sean76]

Sean and everyone else. I just want to clear up a little bit of the info. I went back to Verizon last night. I took photos with both the Bionic and the RAZR. The RAZR does have a faster shutter speed, no doubt. Not instant, but faster than the Bionic. The green box definitely locks on quicker. With that said. The resulting photos were not much different.

If you look at the photos I posted above, you will see what I mean. The lack of sharpness and the hazy look are common with both cameras.

Remember I am coming from an iPhone 4 and 4s. The RAZR is not in the same league and for that matter neither is the Nexus from the photos I have seen.

It is one of those things where you have to pick your poison. Below is how I believe the top 4 phones on Verizon stack up. If you hate iOs just drop the iPhone from the stack. Some of this is based on speculation and some is based on my experience. Again this is just my take and some is subjective.

Camera: iPhone 4s>Rezound>GN>RAZR
Durability: RAZR>GN>Rezound>iPhone 4s
Screen: Rezound>iPhone 4s>GN> RAZR
Feel/ Materials: RAZR>iPhone 4s>GN>Rezound
OS: GN>RAZR>Rezound>iPhone 4s
Battery Life: RAZR>iPhone 4s>GN>Rezound
Accessories: iPhone 4s>RAZR>Rezound>GN
Radio/ LTE: RAZR>Rezound>GN>iPhone 4s
Storage/ Cloud: iPhone 4s>RAZR>Rezound>GN
Processor/ GPU/ Speed: iPhone 4s>GN>RAZR>Rezound

It all boils down to what you want the phone to do and what you will be using it for.

Rooting/ Roming: GN
Media/ Music: iPhone 4s or Rezound
Work: RAZR


Will I still be getting the RAZR? Yes I probably will. The photos taken with the RAZR will pass for most things like Facebook or quick remember this shots.

The build quality is awesome and besides a back that will probably scratch. I have held nothing in my hand that feels this solid.

The screen is gorgeous and though it's not as great as Rezound, Nexus, or iPhone. The trade off will be worth the durability factor. I really don't think the average user will notice.

Battery life on the RAZR should be superior to the Nexus and Rezound. It is the same type of battery used in the iPhone and when you add in Smartcast. The device should have a battery life that tops any other LTE device.

Motocast/ Smartcast for me are a really big. My phone will be used for work, exercise, and media in that order. With these built in apps. You can really stream line what you want your phone to do. Could you do this with other apps? Yes, but Moto has streamlined it into the OS as well as anyone could have including Apple.

I buy phones like most people go to dinner. Kinda like Sean, lol. To be honest if the camera was better and the screen had a few more dpi. It would be as close to perfect as I have seen. Especially once the upgrade to ICS comes. Again all of this is subjective opinion and one persons thoughts. So take it with a grain of salt.

Thank you very much for your feedback man, all very helpful and appreciated.

Going down to my local vzw to see if i'll have any luck...I doubted, my friend who's the Manager most likely didn't get them in yet. I would have got that xmas morning like call....Guess what I got buddy...lol

Going down there to check anyway, keep ya all posted.

 

[jroc]

Thanks for the feedback!

I must say, I'm a little disappointed! Well alot disappointed to be honest! Alot of Forum members have stated that its to be expected with moto phones.

Sean and everyone else. I just want to clear up a little bit of the info. I went back to Verizon last night. I took photos with both the Bionic and the RAZR. The RAZR does have a faster shutter speed, no doubt. Not instant, but faster than the Bionic. The green box definitely locks on quicker. With that said. The resulting photos were not much different.

If you look at the photos I posted above, you will see what I mean. The lack of sharpness and the hazy look are common with both cameras.

Remember I am coming from an iPhone 4 and 4s. The RAZR is not in the same league and for that matter neither is the Nexus from the photos I have seen.

It is one of those things where you have to pick your poison. Below is how I believe the top 4 phones on Verizon stack up. If you hate iOs just drop the iPhone from the stack. Some of this is based on speculation and some is based on my experience. Again this is just my take and some is subjective.

Camera: iPhone 4s>Rezound>GN>RAZR
Durability: RAZR>GN>Rezound>iPhone 4s
Screen: Rezound>iPhone 4s>GN> RAZR
Feel/ Materials: RAZR>iPhone 4s>GN>Rezound
OS: GN>RAZR>Rezound>iPhone 4s
Battery Life: RAZR>iPhone 4s>GN>Rezound
Accessories: iPhone 4s>RAZR>Rezound>GN
Radio/ LTE: RAZR>Rezound>GN>iPhone 4s
Storage/ Cloud: iPhone 4s>RAZR>Rezound>GN
Processor/ GPU/ Speed: iPhone 4s>GN>RAZR>Rezound

It all boils down to what you want the phone to do and what you will be using it for.

Rooting/ Roming: GN
Media/ Music: iPhone 4s or Rezound
Work: RAZR

Yea....its one of those things were you gotta know the pros n cons of the devices, manufactures. Samsung and HTC has always been a lil better in the multi media dept than Moto. Especially the camera. Seems like it wont be changing anytime soon. I'm actually surprised Moto went with an Amoled screen.

 

[giper54]

I got a chance to play with it this morning. It is a very nice phone, but I can't get past the display. I do not like pentile and seeing pixels and I could see them on the phone. The text is fine it is the colors around the text that makes the pentile visible to me. I could see the screen door effect and because of that i will not be getting the Razr. Too bad I really wanted to like the phone. If you can get past the display and the pentile set up give it a chance.

 

[jroc]

Wow some ppl can see Pentile on the RAZR? Interesting. Cant wait to see this phone in person and will also try to see the Bionic in person for the first time...and compare the 2.

I wonder is the Pentile issue in specific areas or across the board. It could be a design thing if its only in something like the notification area.

 

[ne0lyfeism]

I literally just got back from my local Verizon store and couldn't DISAGREE more with the OP on the camera and on the screen

The camera is speedy as can be, but what shocked me was the image quality. I took a few stills (didn't think to text them to myself, doh!) and was absolutely floored by the quality. The pics I took were neither hazy nor blurry - in fact they were sharp and captured some pretty impressive details. I took one of my watch (silver ESQ) and it looked PHENOMENAL on the screen. Same for a few stills of some saps in the store looking at less feature packed phones, lol! To the OP, not trying to start a fight but the demo RAZR I used was also connected via security cable, but the pics I took were A LOT better than what you posted.

Which brings me to the screen - for all the crap I've been reading about how the RAZR screen is supposed to suck, it looks LEAPS AND BOUNDS better than the Bionic. It isn't even close, it whoops the Bionic screen handily!

I completely agree with the OP on build quality, feel in hand (I'm 6'3" with massive hands, lol) and phone speed.

 

[shadrap]

To the OP, not trying to start a fight but the demo RAZR I used was also connected via security cable, but the pics I took were A LOT better than what you posted.

Which brings me to the screen - for all the crap I've been reading about how the RAZR screen is supposed to suck, it looks LEAPS AND BOUNDS better than the Bionic. It isn't even close, it whoops the Bionic screen handily!

I completely agree with the OP on build quality, feel in hand (I'm 6'3" with massive hands, lol) and phone speed.

The ones I posted above is what I got. Believe me I want the camera to be great(3 kids). If someone gets a chance to play with one again. Message the photos to yourself and then post them. Maybe I had a bad one? They actually had 3 on display but I do not remember if I tried the camera on the others.

The screen is great and is LEAPs and BOUNDS better than the Bionic. Closest comparison on the market to it is the GS2.

 

[Szadzik]

RE photos: It is the photographer that takes them not the camera.