By NOTE: the Droid X Forums are open and bumpin!
The Motorola Droid X for Verizon Wireless continues a partnership that helped set the Android Platform on fire. The hot streak continues with the Droid X as Motorola not only proves they can continually churn out industry leading hardware, but improve their custom software experience to provide a bunch of added Android value.
Just how good is the Motorola Droid X? How does it compare to the original Droid, Droid Incredible, or EVO 4G? It’s time to find out – here comes Phandroid’s in-depth review of the Motorola Droid X.
Droid X Hardware
With a 4.3-inch screen, 8MP camera, HD Video Recording, HDMI video out, 1GHz processor, 8GB of internal memory, and a pre-installed 16GB MicroSD card, it’s hard not to admire the Droid X off the bat.
The Motorola Droid X is at the top of the heap along with a select few Android big boys (at the time of this review). The 4.3-inch screen is fantastic (although not the best), the 1GHz processor keeps things running really snappily, the 8MP camera was more than adequate (but still won’t replace that point and shoot), and the device is all around solid.
One interesting aspect of the Droid X is it’s top heavy design. If the G1 had a chin, than the X has a forehead. There are a lot of internal components and manufacturers often have to shift things around and in this case I REALLY like how they shifted them.
Whether it was intended or not I don’t know, but the chunk at the top allows the phone to be extremely thin at the main body, allowing you to wrap your hand around it much more easily than other phones of this size. The Droid X is larger than the EVO 4G but feels smaller and more comfortable, due largely in part to the illusion of removed bulk. It also doesn’t hurt that the Droid X is slightly lighter.
The screen and phone itself might be TOO big if you have small hands, you might not like software keyboards, or maybe you’re stuck on demanding a front-facing camera. Beyond those three, it’s hard to find a reason you shouldn’t love the Droid X.
Software Review
The Droid X ships with Android 2.1 and should receive an upgrade to Android 2.2 by the end of summer 2010. It runs a refined version of Motorola BLUR that is drastically improved; Motorola hasn’t actually committed to calling it Motorola BLUR, probably because many consumers have come to find BLUR annoying rather than helpful.
It’s clear that Motorola heard consumers, worked closely with Verizon Wireless, and delivered a piece of custom software that in many areas greatly improves the user experience.
My excitement for this new whatever-ya-call-it version of Motorola Blur is NOT because it is the best thing since spliced bot – I’d rate the overall software implementation as pretty decent. But listen to this EXACT QUOTE from my Motorola CLIQ Review:
The power of BLUR is in the intelligent assumptions it makes about your communication style, preferences and priorities… but sometimes it assumes too much. For example I want INFORMATION and CONTENT on my home screen but how am I supposed to learn anything of substance when the widgets/boxes are confined to such a small area?Unfortunately you can’t resize the Messages or Happenings widgets along with some of the other BLUR-specific widgets. What if I want an entire panel (BLUR has 5) to be filled with Messages? Or maybe my top half messages and bottom half happenings? In my mind BLUR should offer the option to resize in addition to the ability of relocating/removing.
Another assumption it makes is that content within a given section (Happenings/Messages) are equally important. What if I want to add a MySpace and Twitter profile because I love the contact sync feature but don’t want MySpace updates to appear in my Happenings?
You’re able to drill down to a particular source and view the updates from that source only, but there is no way to select which sources do or don’t make it into your happenings/messages feeds – they’re all included by default.
This might not be a huge issue right now but I think it will be a growing issue and Motorola would be smart to find an early solution. I am assuming that over time, Motorola will add more social networks and websites to the available options and at some point it becomes information overload. BLUR should allow you to customize and prioritize within these settings.
All of the above problems have been solved with the Motorola Droid X. It ain’t the prettiest picture ever painted, but its functionality has been drastically improved. Are you MOTOMEN/MOTOWOMEN reading Phandroid? Me thinks so.
Additional features and settings have been included that attempt to further the user experience and provide additional value. They do provide an incremental increase in usability, but I’m most excited to see Motorola’s original concept taking shape. Whether or not custom UI’s like Blur, Sense and others will prove valuable enough to justify continued development remains to be seen, but if you’re going to give it to us then give us something good. And that’s what Motorola seems committed to doing.
Now on to something that IS really, really good.
Droid X Camera & Camcorder
By far my favorite feature of the Droid X Camera is Panorama Assist. I love it unabashedly. I’ve found myself LOOKING for places to try the feature and you’ll see why when you check out the video below along with samples. It’s not perfect… but it’s useful, awesome, and entertaining.
Here are some of those panoramic pics I promised:
(click to enlarge)
The Droid X Cam is 8MP but interestingly enough 6MP is the default setting which they list as optimal for viewing on an HDTV. I guess they’re banking on the fact that you’re more likely to use the HDMI or DLNA than having a poster printed from your photo gallery.
In terms of features, I believe the Droid X Camera tops any Android Phone out there. With the pre-selected picture settings (scenes), different picture modes, effective auto-focus and more – I found the Droid X Camera to not only get great results, but it was a joy to use. The layout of how those features are offered and selected needs a bit of reworking, but I’m not afraid to say I love this camera.
The results were pretty darn good but not overwhelming. The experience is what won me over along with some key features. Take for example this picture of two flowers:
I wanted the focus to be on the closest flower because it had a little ant on it. I dragged the white focus box to the front flower, snapped the picture, and voila:
Here are a couple other photos I really liked:
One thing I wasn’t too happy with was the flash. Below find a picture of movie posters on the wall, first in light and then in dark. Sure it allows me to capture a picture when I otherwise couldn’t have… but the flash is definitely not one of its best qualities.
I found the camcorder to be fantastic. The HD videos taken in 720p were really crisp and the 3 microphones with different audio settings during video recording is a cool twist. The below video is a LITTLE choppy because it was taken while driving (I jiggled the camera, hit bumps, etc…), and of course the scenery was moving rapidly. But still the quality was great.
At the end of the video you can see I get out of my car and pan around a bit – looks good, right? Videos where you’re standing still, taking footage of scenery or people naturally seem more crisp.
I wish I had more time to play with the Slow Motion and Fast Forward recording features. These seem like features that, under the right circumstances, could be equally as fun and useful as panoramic photo mode.
Droid X Multimedia & More
I feel like a grandpa saying “smartphones these days” (kids these days), but it’s true – they do so much that it’s impossible to cover everything. The hardware, main software components, and camera are where I focused but I’m leaving a LOT on the table. So here are some scraps that don’t tell the WHOLE story but should give you a good idea of just how deep the Droid X can go:
Web Browsing
On the 4.3-inch screen how could you NOT like web browsing. Both Wi-Fi and Verizon’s 3G network loaded sites quickly and crisply. Pinch and zoom is always nice and although the device lacks Flash at launch, we should be getting that along with Android 2.2 in the late summer OTA.
Videos & Movies
Although not quite as crisp as the EVO 4G or Galaxy S (in my opinion), the Droid X still has a pretty stunning screen. Saving HD video to your SD card or even playing back the HD video you record with the Droid X itself is rather impressive. Again, at 4.3-inches it’s hard to go wrong, and Motorola definitely does it right. YouTube loaded fast and content saved on the device looked gorgeous.
3G Mobile Hotspot
Ever wish your laptop could get a Wi-Fi signal while on the road? Maybe friends or family with you were thinking the same thing? The 3G Mobile Hotspot app allows you to turn your Droid X into a Wi-Fi router by using Verizon’s 3G signal and you can connect up to FIVE devices using Wi-Fi at one time!
The service costs $20/month and the data transfer is capped at 2GB/month, but if you’re mainly using it for browsing the web, checking e-mails, and other basic stuff you won’t likely approach that amount. More and more phones will be utilizing this feature as mobile convergence continues, most recently thanks to the help of Android and your Droid X!
I tested this vs. Verizon Mi-Fi and the Droid X definitely underperformed compared to Mi-Fi by quiet a bit, but keep in mind that is the Mi-Fi’s only purpose. For only $20/month this isn’t a bad deal… although I wish they would get rid of that 2GB cap for the comfort and ease of mind of consumers.
blockBUSTer App
The Blockbuster App was definitely a disappointment. It worked great when we demoed it in NYC at the Droid X launch party, but for some reason getting it on consumer handsets wasn’t so easy. Initially the app loaded blank, then demanded you download an update, but the update couldn’t be found in Android Market and you were just stuck.
A typical pre-launch snag that I’m sure will be worked out. From what I saw, the Blockbuster app could be pretty darn intriguing for both existing and future members, right? From what I saw of the app it had a great browsing system, great information, and decent prices. The limitations of what you can DO with the data you buy is a semi-downer, but this isn’t the time for that debate. If you’re already a Blockbuster customer/fan you’ll definitely enjoy this.
HDMI & DLNA
You’ve taken all these awesome pictures and all these sweet HD videos in 720p and you’re only playing them back on that puny little 4.3-inch screen? To go Google TV-ish on you, why not use the largest screen in your house to view the media you’ve captured?
HDMI out allows you to connect a wire from your phone to your HD capable TV and, if your television/console supports the standard, DLNA will allow you to do this wirelessly. You’re currently limited to playing your own user generated content on other devices because of the obvious copyright issues, but I would expect this to change in coming years.
Don’t forget Google TV is right around the corner, and it’s based on Android, so I would expect a lot of advancement in the mobile device to television communication over the next 6 to 9 months.
MyVerizon, Backup Assistant, CityID, etc…
There are a lot of small apps that can make a big difference. The above 3 are pre-installed on the Droid X and help you deal with your Verizon Wireless account, backup your data and contacts, and see where incoming/outgoing calls are located geographically. In a way this is just a glimpse of the good stuff you’ll find on Android Market.
FM Radio and Music
Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm headset jack and jam away to local FM radio. Or you can dump a whole bunch of MP3s onto your SD card and use the built in media player. Heck, you can also download streaming music apps from Android Market. Your Motorola Droid X can truly be your sole music player… so long as battery life holds up (and I wouldn’t recommend going running with it).
Battery Life – A Quick Note
Initially and accidentally I omitted battery life from my review. I didn’t do any extensive battery life test and my results/experience varied greatly. I had the phone sit on standby for several days, picked it back up, and the battery hadn’t drained. When I had a full battery and used the Droid X extensively, the battery seemed to hold up pretty well. However, the last 25% of battery life seemed to drain MUCH quicker than the first 25% so be careful.
I can confidently say the worst case scenario is the Droid X battery life is decent. Thankfully Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha announced at the launch event that they’ll be offering a 1900mAh extended battery that will only add 1mm of thickness in the coming months. That’s HUGE… and if Jha follows through on his promise you won’t have to worry much about battery life if you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks.
Conclusion
The Motorola Droid X is awesome. Is it better than the EVO 4G? Better than the iPhone 4? Will it be better than the XYZ Superphone that comes out next month? I think we need to stop asking those types of questions in the first place because they don’t usually have answers.
Once you’ve reached that top of the class, cream of the crop status – only personal preference can fairly determine what defines “best”. Is the 4.3-inch screen your multimedia dream or is that too big for your hands? Does the thin frame make you feel delightful or would you prefer heft and a hardware keyboard? See what I’m getting at?
The fact of the matter is that the Droid X sits comfortably amongst the smartphone elite. The combination of pure hardware power, Android awesomeness, and software goodness mean that today it is one of – if not THE – best phone(s) available. We now live in a smartphone age where many “something better” devices eagerly wait in the wings, but here and now the Droid X can successfully claim there isn’t a better phone available. And even when there is… the Droid X will continue to please its owners with its capabilities, especially if the powers at be bless it with continued OTA updates.
In short: the Motorola Droid X for Verizon Wireless comes highly recommended.
Impressive writeup for an impressive phone. Agree with the conclusion.
Release it for Europe please :<
what about the battery life?
I don’t care. I want the iPhone. It does the 3g and the wifis. LOL
Great Review! I love the panoramic pics, haven’t seen anyone demonstrate that yet.
Nice review, thanks Rob. This is looking like it will become my next android phone.
It is the 2nd best phone behind IPhone 4, but ahead of IPhone 3gs.
maybe in 2 or 3 months, we will have an android phone that will beat IPhone 4
A truly great review. thanks.
nice review. thanks!
But how does it function as a phone? As I’m sure you’ve heard, around 20% of the original Moto Droid have issues with the sound quality of outgoing calls; the user sounds quite muffled. This makes me hesitant to get another Motorola.
Hey, I have seen some people mention there is DivX and Xvid support for the Droid X. Is this true?
A unbiased review by a self proclaimed “PHANDROID”. Sorry but thats like letting the guy who shovels up the horse S**T in a parade decide how many horses are going to be in the parade
Oh yeah, the big question… does it get reception when you hold it in your hand?
I sure hope we don’t get a bunch of Apple fanboys in here talking up the iPhone. Oh wait, nevermind.
why wouldn’t you go running with it?
yah most ppl forget that taking pictures takes skill. you wouldnt just whip out a canon snap a pic and expect greatness. take a few seconds to get a great shot. The pics above are stunning for a mobile phone camera! shows how far we have come. well the higher the resolution in quality the more we are going to have to re learn the art of taking pictures. great looking phone. love the panoramic view option!
Thank you for the great review, but I saw nothing addressing the boot loader issues (detailed here: http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid-x/113171-encrypted-bootloader-flashing-roms-abandon-all-hope.html)
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Please at least briefly address this issue. Considering that Android is supposed to be completely free and open, this is a pretty big issue.
This is a great review. You discuss so many features that other reviews do not even mention. Well done!
Let me try that link again:
http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid-x/113171-encrypted-bootloader-flashing-roms-abandon-all-hope.html
Best feature?
Probably the “formula” thats used to “calculate the number of bars displayed” on the status banner :P
@maxwell – thanks for your question about battery life. I added my input near the bottom of the review.
Excellent review. Was that lake photo taken near Jim Thorpe PA?
OMG! the sound is SO horrible on that video clip haha. Really hard to listen to. But the camera is good. Overall great, thorough review. I’m excited for this even though I’m not getting it lol.
Nice phone, hopefully project emerald will at least be on par.
Hey guys, great review! I’m gonna buy this phone but it’s going to be my first Android device. If it turns out that I don’t like the bar that shows up when you swipe through home pages, could I install Launcher Pro right over it? Or would it conflict with the Moto skin?
@Jessica – its in Columbia, MD
@MuzikJay – I had the windows down in my car driving around so that had nothing to do with the phone’s audio
@Rob – there is a misspelled word. You wrote quiet. It should be quite. :) 3G Mobile Hotspot paragraph.
THANK YOU. Thank you for taking the time to set up some nice shots for really beautiful pics. I often notice that sites like Engadget will take time and set up the perfect pics to show off the iPhone and then just take any old random shot with and Android device and then compare…..like they don’t really care to take any time with the device. These pics are VERY beautiful (especially on my AMOLED SCREEN ;) and really show off what the camera is capable of. You guys might also want to start reviewing in detail the kind of reception you get….especially when holding it in you hand ;-)
BEST REVIEW SO FAR THANKS YOU REALLY HIT ON SOME GOOD STUFF
THE CAMERA MODES ARE SUPER SWEET
Oh and that second panorama is creepy like something from The Ring or similar movies if you enlarge it and scroll across. She keeps getting closer lol. Very nice pic.
Whoa, don’t video tape and drive, man!!
Nice write up.
I really don’t like Motorola’s 16:9 screens. I think it’s far less of an issue with the 3.7″ Droid, but on a 4.3″ screen this looks more tall than big. It’s obviously a personal preference, but I much prefer the Evo’s 4.3″ 5:3 screen.
dude i live right around the corner from where you took the panoramic shots!!!!
Why do i still prefer the droid incredible over this one? now that the inc will shoot 720 as well i really dont see a significant reason why i should get this phone. HDMI out? no thank you. Nija blur? no thank you.
Okay, so from your review it sounds like this is the phone for me. Thanks for the thorough review.
But no HDMI-out for stuff other than video/photos you recorded yourself? What the crap!? So if I put some videos I have on my computer onto the memory card (stuff I created, but not with the phone), I can’t play it out to a big screen TV? C’mon Verizon! I thought your days of hamstringing phones were over? What’s the point of the media doc having HDMI if all I can show is stuff I recorded on the phone? Bad move. Fix it with the 2.2 update, please.
Or did I just misunderstand, Phandroid?
Good review and the girl in the panaramic shots is hot. :)
locked bootloader and no custom roms? forget that!
Very detailed review. Couple of quick questions – how is the device for games ?
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Can the background (big red eye) be easily changed
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can you go into more details comparing evo and droid x screen. Most of the reviews suggest the droid is higher resolution; brighter; more vivid; is the evo sharper or more crisp ?
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In the picture there is a slot at the top of the screen; what is that ?
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thanks !
I want the white one with the more GeeBees.
Why are people so stuck on comparing everything to the iPhone? We are past that now, people. You have options, so just pick one and run with it… and don’t be a douche.
Bye T-Mobile 8 years and we have to separate…If your line up didnt look like the cleveland browns we would be in business….Now its off to bigger and better things “Droid X”
Locked down bootloader == sad geeks
Sweet phone == happy public?
At least the app store is more open than the bootloader…
@ Amir
Yes i agree, from now on all review pics should have her in them.. lol
Seriously, best review yet on the Droid X. Lot’s of features I haven’t heard about until now. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Nice review. Maybe reshoot the HD video sample. The wind noise and jarring movement really didn’t demonstrate the video quality. To the contrary, it kind of made me sick to my stomach.
I really appreciate your conclusion. The back-and-forth about what’s best becomes very subjective (if not purely emotional).
@Matt, I think what’s most aggravating at this point is the way most people seem to be ignoring the bootloader issue. The most ground I’ve made with anyone who has access to the phone or info about the phone is here: http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid-x/111888-best-buy-mobile-employee-here-feel-free-ask-me-questions-4.html#post1057929
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This BestBuy rep seems to be the only one who isn’t avoiding the issue. It’s just very frustrating not to know one way or another, since it’s a very serious problem if the bootloader is encrypted. You’d think something like this would at least be mentioned in more reviews…
That was great! I’m concidering bying the droid x, this was just what i was looking for, a full great review! GJ
very good review Rob. I would hop on this if I wanted to have Verizon(never again).
@ Dre…….. You might want to wait buddy. The new and improve sidekick twist is around the corner. I cant imagine its far off after today being the last day of Sidekicks.
Rob I just want to say you do the best phone reviews and the camcorder you use to take the videos make the videos look very clear and crisp, Thanks for another great review. Can’t wait to pick my X up in 2 weeks.
@kwest12
Does signed bootloader mean no root access too? Or just no custom ROMs?
I loved Sense, But what he’s demonstrating has far more customizations & I like that.
Wow you got a beautiful model to pose for some pictures ;) It was a great review now all I’m waiting for is to find out if the “Nexus Two” will top this on T-mobile.
Damn good review man. I was sold on purchasing the phone and this review only enhances my decision. I figure in the next 2-3 years I can have the best of both worlds a droid phone and a Apple IPad-I’ll wait for second generation one though.
@Dogsby,
Good question. The if the boot loader is encrypted, means that we won’t be able to flash custom ROMs or have access to the backup partition. Root access can still be gained though.
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All those posts you see about “new version of Froyo released, try it out for yourself!” are referring to installing custom ROMs. The absence of that capability means we only get updates via OTA.
woah… big time typo, lemme try that again. “If the boot loader is encrypted, that means we won’t be able to…”
Nice review! I really like the panoramic photo mode, that’s just awesome! :D
Great review, great phone!!!!
Does anyone know if the droid x is using gorilla glass?
Samsung galaxy Fascinate have best:
-Best display: 4 inch Super AMOLED
-Best Grapich procesor: PowerVR SGX540 (samsung fascinate) VS PowerVR SGX530 (Droid X)
-bluethood 3.0
-internal 8gb + 16 gb micro sd = 24gb
-best batery life
-best dimensions
but worse Camera.
Yes, I totally agree with the comments about the encrypted bootloader. If this is true (and to my understanding this hasn’t been verified yet), this really needs to be noted in the review…especially from a source such as Phandroid.
Great review though, guys…thanks for all the great info. Just start getting the word out on the possibility of an encrypted bootloader…that’s all I ask.
@kwest12- My guess is the majority who buy the phone won’t care. Users like us are unfortunately the minority.
I just know I don’t want to be stuck on a carrier ROM. I suppose root will let you remove apps but I would like to do more than that.
thankfully it didn’t copy the iphone’s antenna LOL
@jthacker, your understand is correct; no one has verified that the boot loader is encrypted yet. That said, it almost certainly will be. Motorola seems to be pretty set on locking it down based on their their response to public outcry surrounding the Milestone.
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It would be nice to see this appear in the review so that everyone is made aware up front that this is probably an issue. Also, it would be great to see it verified one way or another.
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@Matt, unfortunately I think you’re right. I’m glad to hear your part of the ‘minority’ with me. :)
Yes, Gorilla glass is used on the Droid X, according to Motorola’s response to another blog site.
Thanks for the review, real review, not like engadget mini review.
Excelent phone, but Im waiting for GSM version
@Matt
Im with you in that i dont want to be stuck with only one version of an OS. Its far too close to a certain companies policy that i wont reference by name. Cough* APPLE *Cough Its the one and only reason that I wont be getting a DX.
You should definatly outline this issue in your review so people are made aware of it. Im sure someone is going to read your review and think the DX is going go be like a normal android phone that allows custom roms, and they will be sorely disappointed. It would be a grave disservice to the readers who use your reviews to decide on what phone they wish to purchase next!
Screen is not as good as EVO’s ?? Since I think the Inc’s screen is far better than the EVO’s pinkish and slightly washed out look, compared to the Inc, that means this will look even less good?
I think the Sammy may be a better option, in regards to display and potential root options.
@Spencer as far as I know yes it does. I think it stayed on launch day in a review somewhere
Rob, a couple of questions re the Droid X’s camera:
1) Did you shoot the still pictures in default 6MP, or in the 8MP mode? Did you notice much of a difference between the two MP modes in terms of picture quality?
2) I hear that the FroYo 2.2 software update will provide a number of way improved camera options/corrections for Droid X camera shooting. In what ways do you think it may improve the present camera’s ability to take better pictures? And, do you think those differences will be significant?
P.S., I really appreciated the camera demo, yes especially the panorama shots. What fun! Thanks!
Great review of a multimedia device. But can I make a simple phone call with the Droid X without dropping the call or not being heard when I speak normally or not being able to hear the person on the other end?
Battery life: how easy is it to adjust settings to get the most out of the stock battery?
Encrypted bootloader: Not a deal breaker for me as long as Motorola and Verizon support the Droid X. Eventually, as newer devices hit the market, that support will cease. How will we be able to get latest Android OS if we can’t flash custom ROMs?
Thanks for such a comprehensive review Rob. I like the look of the resizeable widgets. Me and my HTC Desire are a little jealous!
Nice writeup, thank you!
Dude, your usage of all-caps to express emphasis drives me NUTS.
dammm i just wish i had that phone right now but i stupid 2year contract and i got the droid!!
@sheba611
you just buy a new phone, lol
Its about fricken time an Android phone came with a panaramic option. A Samsung phone I owned a couple years ago took amazing panaramic photos and I really miss it. I may have to trade in my Droid now…
Probably one of the best, most in-depth, reviews I’ve seen so far. Job well done! Oh and you should have totally called Catnip during the one video.
Very nice write up along with video reviews.
Nice to see a fair & realistic review.
Nothing like the Engadget review! (Boooo)
@72
If you have the money, just see how much you can get for the original Droid on eBay and then buy the X outright. Of course, that’s still kind of expensive.
Great review. Did I miss something on the video player itself? Does it play other formats besides what is on the current Droid, like Xvid or Divx?
Outstanding review Rob, very in depth. You get a great feel for the capabilities in customization. I am impressed with the work Motorola has done with this phone. I am impressed at how well the Panoramic feature works, very very cool.
Rob thanks. I have the Incredible and Moto Droid and will replace Moto Droid with the X on launch day (already reserved it with local store). I have seen a lot of reviews on software but really appreciated your review on the hardware, best I have see on that issue to date. Actually best review all around I have see on the X. GREAT REVIEW!
@Sheba611 You won’t get unlimited support for new Android releases, but I don’t expect you’d see no support at all. Cliq was an exception because of Blur. I don’t think the original Blur was portable. They won’t make that mistake again, since fixing that problem likely cost them a lot of money. But as for locked bootloaders, those are the rule, not the exception. And it’s not just the manufacturers. Carriers insist on them in order to control access to their networks. With the WiFi hotspot and tethering capability, I’m guessing it’s going to be locked so users can’t bypass the pay-gate.
Great Review. Love the 1080p videos. Thanks!
I hope to find a way to use that HDMI to its full potential!!!
Thanks for your review. I bought a Moto ‘droid and returned it becuase no one could hear me. Every one I spoke to complained about how I sounded muffled. Hopefully, this has been addressed. Sounds like it. Keeping my fingers crossed. Can I remind Motorola that a smart phone is still a PHONE! and people occasionall might actually want to talk to someone on the device. If I can’t perform that most basic of tasks, then how smart is it really? Willing and excited to give the X a chance.
why not?
Ross- Motorola is the only manufacturer i know who uses a locked bootloader.
The EVO,Aria,Incredible,Galaxy S all don’t have a locked bootloader..I could name many more..
@whynot?
I have two droids and they both work fine, people hear me just fine. Every product has its bad apples, just get another one and it would probably have been fine.
Samsung is notorious for this in our case, we always have to swap phones because of poor signal with those.
@Chris 720P Videos?
Very thorough review, Rob. Nice work.
But…did you mean to give your ph # out at the end of the review?
I have a Droid Eris. I accidentally got it wet and is officially dead now :(.
I’m looking at either the Incredible or the X down the road. I’m liking the X and leaning more towards it. I love the resizing of the widgets. That is a feature I would love to have on my next android phone.
@Matt
As does sony on their devices. The x10 was just rooted and they cannot access the bootloader. They are now working on a kexec module just like the milestone
Pleeeaaaaase Motorola, don’t forget Europe !!
I hope he answers some of the questions (including mine) in this thread !
(Again very detailed review).
BUT WHAT ABOUT HOW IT FUNCTIONS AS A PHONE????
@Ben
Did you have Dildroid installed on the phone and actually used it?
I know that the Radio function requires a headset, what about playing saved songs? can I use the phone’s speaker to hear music?
Any news on the Phandroid Review Contest? This whole thing is beginning to sound like a scam. And according to law, this particular scam is illegal. I hope this is not what you’re doing.
Sorry for the double post. :(
Haha what’s up with phandroid they havent updated there page since like two days ago I just see this sexyass Droid x all thee time
Lol
Does email work well on Android? I’m using Blackberry and i love blackberry email features. Email and text is the most important so hope android has good feature of email then it would be PERFECT!
email acount…especailly hotmail and other email account like school or work email…
Review Motorola’s Droid X smartphone which aims to compete with the HTC EVO 4G and the Apple iPhone 4. http://stylishfirst.com/motorola-droid-x/
Thanks for the overall review since I’ve seen a few reviews and they have missed a lot of the stuff that you pointed out.
Still I’m not sure if I should get it, not because it not a great phone but with nowadays phones dropping like crazy, I think I’ll wait until Verizon rolls out LTE and see what HTC, MOTO and Samsung have to offer…however I’m tempted.
I wish the HDMI out would work while just using the phone…would like to hook up HID and a monitor to my phone and just do my email while at work and simply disconnect it when I got to lunch or some crap. No HDTV Rob? Really? Where is your donate button…need to fix that :D
Just got the phone and whats not to like?
Well, YouTube does not load fast: it takes half a minute or more. What’s worse, all the videos videos I’ve tried so far freeze and the sound track is off.
I own the new Motorola Droid. I also own a Lexus. I notice the alarm on my vehicle goes off when my phone goes into roaming mode. Is anyone else having this issue?
i cant wait i am getting it tomorrow
The I phone 4 has already proved to be a failure I do not know how one of the commente can say that some day an Android will be better ist already is. Not because it has all the whisltes and bells like an Iphone, but because it actually works. I have been in a group needing to make a call and they all had I phones and I was the only one able to make a call. The new Iphone 4 has only gone own hill from there. You cal have all the apps but if you can’t communicate to use then it is useless.
THanks!
Ordered my Droid X last Thursday. Should have it in about 10 days. Can’t wait!
Since Upgrading my DriodX to Froyo 2.2 My music player is useless. It freezes the phone to the point that I have to remove the battery and power cycle.
I have experienced this issue specially when using the car mount or when connecting to an stereo system.
Motorola & Verizon please fix ASAP.
Thanks