S3 or Razr HD

[Dnomac]

Bruh stay with the Maxx HD. The only thing the S3 has on the Maxx HD is the non screen buttons so you have more screen. The Maxx HD has better battery life, better build quality, same or better screen, and better reception where I live and this is coming from a previous S3 owner of at least 3 months. BTW the JB leak I'm running has improved the camera greatly. Focus and low light is better and before when I would take 5 of the same pic they would come out blurry or dark and 1 would be OK. Now all pics are good and some perfect. Now it still not up to par with the S3 but its pretty dam close lets just say the camera doesn't suck anymore and its a non issue.

Would you mind posting a picture using the new software or share additional experiences with the improved software? This would be all I need to go out and get this phone tomorrow!

 

[galpdawg]

i had the s3 and just got a maxx hd. I can tell you that not having to worry when my phone will die or if i need to bring a charger/spare batter with me was worth it to switch to maxx hd. My s3 seemed to lag at time where as the maxx hd seems smooth to me. only a few stutters here and there. As far as cameras, its a cell phone they take good enough pictures in the moment. Plus the build quality of moto is superb to samsung. The gs3 feels cheap and "plasticy" but maxx hd feels solid and comfy to hold. Hope this helps

 

[rushmore]

As far as performance, same OS and chipset, so barring a custom UI issue, performance will be the same. Factor in another 1GB of ram on the GS3, this suggests if either device were to lag, it would more likely be the HD. A brand new device can seem faster, since less junk accumulation with system cache.

As far as cheap (some give) and plastic, that can be a good thing if you drop it, since there is some give to absorb energy. The rigid design of the Razr is like the iPhone, which both crack displays when dropped a lot easier than the GS3. The energy has to go somehwere when dropped. Next place besides the frame is the weakest point (display).

As far as battery issues, simply get an extended battery for the GS3 and no issue there. This would only be a valid point if the GS3 also had a fixed battery.

Regardless, both are good devices, though perspective should probably be a little more objective (if possible).

 

[syntrix]

As far as performance, same OS and chipset, so barring a custom UI issue, performance will be the same. Factor in another 1GB of ram on the GS3, this suggests if either device were to lag, it would more likely be the HD. A brand new device can seem faster, since less junk accumulation with system cache.

They are not the same, or else you can copy system apk's and they would work flawlessly UI != OS

It's almost analogous to compiling programs dynamically or statically. Sure you might get lucky dynamically if you go portable, but if you run statically on the cpu it was called for, you are going to have a great success rate.

Any device can "lag", why are people fixated on this? More than likely it's not ram. Worst is an IOS device, which can include Cisco and Apple If you have processes on the cpu and there's a line to get into the cpu, there's going to be a slow down, this probably has nothing to do with ram.

I'll leave it to just this, Moto HD is an EXCELLENT platform, not just for battery life! I won't touch an S3, but that's my opine, and I'll leave it to the first 6 words of this paragraph.

 

[jroc]

Regardless, both are good devices, though perspective should probably be a little more objective (if possible).

You have a better chance at winning the lottery than to have every body's opinion be objective....lol.

 

[syntrix]

You have a better chance at winning the lottery than to have every body's opinion be objective....lol.

Fancy seeing you here, awesome!

 

[hansangb]

There would be no question if it were me getting a new phone. I have had the Motorola Droid and Droid X, then I moved to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (first Samsung device for me) and this is the first and last Samsung I will ever own. I absolutely hate this phone. The battery life is horrible...I finally had to purchase the Seidio 3800 mAh battery to be able to have any kind of battery life.

Then the biggest problem of all with Samsung phones is the crappy/horrible reception. This Nexus constantly is either dropping calls or my phone never even rings and just simply goes straight to voice mail. So, Samsung will never be an option for me...ever! Go with the Razr Maxx HD...Motorola makes the best radios.

Clearly, you didn't live through the "will we or won't we?" upgrade saga for Moto Droid Bionic users (ICS debacle).

I switched from S3 to Maxx HD *only* because Verizon didn't unlock the GSM feature of S3. I already purchased the 3500mA battery for the S3 so the length of use was the same (of course, no doubt Maxx HD looks much better!).

S3 camera is EXTREMELY quick. You can take multiple shots like a decent DSLR!.

S3 does not have "Favorites or Smart Actions" So that's a nod to Motorola.

S3 has more functionality for home screen setup. I'm not sure why Moto default to home page being the first page after the shortcuts page. I wish I could make my median page to the my home page.

S3 allows different backgrounds for lock and home screen. Moto doesn't.

Looks...again, it's "to each his own..." but clearly the MAXX HD (to me) looks better. not as "plasticy" Some might say that MAXX HD is very much like I5 in looks.

S3 has its own Swype, but Swype (beta version) is better. Moto comes with full Swype.

Moto doesn't allow you to add the google search bar to only *one* home page. I have no idea why they did that. S3, it's up you.

HW wise, it's about the same.

S3 allows for replaceable batteries. Maxx HD doesn't. But for me, this is a non factor. By the time my battery is about to die (and can't keep a charge) I'm sure I''ll be ready for an upgrade.

Both are good phones, you probably can't go wrong with either one.

(But keep in mind, stock HD vs stock S3...battery life is not even a fair fight!!)

 

[syntrix]

HD can do the multi pic mode, like 6 of 'em in a split second.

THAT came in handy last Thursday, and all the low light ones came out awesome! (Daughter blowing out birthday candles).

 

[hansangb]

HD can do the multi pic mode, like 6 of 'em in a split second.

THAT came in handy last Thursday, and all the low light ones came out awesome! (Daughter blowing out birthday candles).

Good to know. One thing I forgot to mention. Maxx HD has the panoramic mode as well. Basically, you scroll and it will automatically take pictures and stitch them together.

 

[Dreamliner]

I've always been under the impression that Motorola has the best radios. I have been disappointed in EVERY Samsung I've ever owned...though I've heard the Note 2 is really good on signal. I really wish there was a site that would do a 'scientific' signal strength analysis.

I like my RAZR MAXX HD, but I absolutely hate AMOLED and onscreen buttons.

 

[Sandroidfan]

I like my RAZR MAXX HD, but I absolutely hate AMOLED and onscreen buttons.

It's funny because that's main reason I got Razr HD over the other options. I became fan of on-screen buttons after using Gnex with stock ICS/JB. It seems I'm minority on this one. It feels like using stock OS with Nova launcher, widgetsoid toggles. It's significant step up from Gnex on battery, 4G connection, call quality but not so much on camera. Gnex camera quality was improved a bit with JB update. I hope the same happens to RHD camera with JB.

I guess OP made choice by now. Both GS3 and RHD is great phone but now DNA seems to beat both except battery life.

 

[wedgemoose]

No your not the minority. You are 100% correct. Unlike that quote, I can't stand hard keys. They are gross. I actually said I would never get another phone with them and I did. I have the DNA now and the only thing not making it a great phone is the hard buttons. They never turn on when you want. They don't shut off when you want. Holding phone sidways you look at sideways symbols. It is awful. I'm with you, on-screen is the only way to go. People that say they don't like them probably don't have them.

 

[jroc]

No your not the minority. You are 100% correct. Unlike that quote, I can't stand hard keys. They are gross. I actually said I would never get another phone with them and I did. I have the DNA now and the only thing not making it a great phone is the hard buttons. They never turn on when you want. They don't shut off when you want. Holding phone sidways you look at sideways symbols. It is awful. I'm with you, on-screen is the only way to go. People that say they don't like them probably don't have them.

No, he's not in the minority, its more like a 50/50 split or the majority likes on screen buttons. I also dont like em, and I had them with a G Nex before I got a Maxx HD.

Some of us that dont like them ....just dont like them. I know I'm in the minority when I say I liked the hard buttons on my Droid X the best. Put it like this....out of every feature about ICS.....on screen buttons were probably at the bottom of the list of what I liked.

 

[Dreamliner]

On screen buttons are worthless. Using screen real estate for buttons is absolutely terrible.

Haven't you ever noticed you can physically see more web content on an iPhone 5 then on a RAZR MAXX HD...yeah.

 

[jj2me]

There are three types of buttons, as far as I can tell:
1. hard buttons
2. on-screen capacitive touch buttons (new Moto DROIDs)
3. "off-screen" capacitive touch buttons, i.e., a dedicated space for them. My LG Revolution has them. It has a 4.3" screen, always.

I didn't realize there was such a thing as on-screen buttons until I looked at these DROIDs. It's a way to advertise a bigger screen size (by about 0.3" -0.4"), a size that will only materialize when watching vids (maybe also pics and some other apps, I don't know).

Screen size (est.) most of the time:
DROID RAZR/RAZR MAXX/RAZR HD/RAZR MAXX HD: 4.3"
DROID RAZR M: 4.0"

 

[AMTrombley0924]

Can we evolve this discussion to S3 vs HD vs DNA? I'm having trouble justifying buying an HD with a powerhouse like the DNA, but I love Motorola's UI and build quality.

Also, someone mentioned the Bionic debacle...do you think its worth waiting until CTIA/MWC for any new moto hardware?

 

[Dreamliner]

I've heard DNA owners complaining about light bleed and dust under the display. Dunno how widespread it is, but HTC is notorious for that issue.

I want a MAXX HD with a DNA screen and off screen buttons....

 

[Sandroidfan]

DNA is pretty intriguing phone and battery life seems good enough. But it's still hard for me to get over Sense UI. I think it's too heavy and too much deviation from stock android. I'm baffled that its battery usage page doesn't show any detail of each part like screen on time. Touchwiz has some stock look and UI to it at least, but new Blur is by far the best UI skin. I'm also seeing some complaints on low call volume on DNA too.

I will wait to see other 1080p screen/quad core phones early next year. HTC typically makes the first move like One X, DNA but they are quickly outdone usually by Samsung. Motorola is strong on the basics of phone, but they lack in other specs to be major player. I hope I'm wrong, but I guess they will be the last to come out with 1080p/quad core phone among major brands. Google is trying to turn them around but it's going to take some time.

 

[pegs520]

I thought about getting the DNA, but I just can't get over the battery life and storage.

It's nice being worry-free with the Maxx HD.

 

[marky2mark]

DNA is pretty intriguing phone and battery life seems good enough. But it's still hard for me to get over Sense UI. I think it's too heavy and too much deviation from stock android. I'm baffled that its battery usage page doesn't show any detail of each part like screen on time. Touchwiz has some stock look and UI to it at least, but new Blur is by far the best UI skin. I'm also seeing some complaints on low call volume on DNA too.

I will wait to see other 1080p screen/quad core phones early next year. HTC typically makes the first move like One X, DNA but they are quickly outdone usually by Samsung. Motorola is strong on the basics of phone, but they lack in other specs to be major player. I hope I'm wrong, but I guess they will be the last to come out with 1080p/quad core phone among major brands. Google is trying to turn them around but it's going to take some time.

Seriously...who cares about 720p vs 1080p? You can barely tell the difference on a 52" LCD TV, how are you gonna tell the difference on a 5" screen? Same with quad core vs dual core. If I put one next to the other, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

 

[007shark]

Seriously...who cares about 720p vs 1080p? You can barely tell the difference on a 52" LCD TV, how are you gonna tell the difference on a 5" screen? Same with quad core vs dual core. If I put one next to the other, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Exactly, specs all look good on paper, but personal performance is the most important feature. Whenever I upgrade a phone, I first determine the features that are important to me ie: screen size, LTE, battery, performance. This usually only leaves me with a few choices. I then hop over to XDA to make sure there is some development going on and if I will be able to root and have a recovery option. Then I hop over to the local Verizon store and play around with each phone for awhile, feeling its weight and form factor in my hands. Testing the UI, speed, and fluidness, and also testing its touted features. I then always ask the salespeople on their personal perference and experience, return rate, common complaints.

To me, smartphones are major purchases. I always weigh the pros and cons of each model to how I will use it. The only real choices for me at the time of upgrade was the SGIII or the Razr HD/Razr Maxx HD. The Razr Maxx HD met my personal criteria and how I use a smartphone. Now that I have it customized to how I use it with apps for launcher, car mode, tasker, etc., I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and it should last me past my next upgrade. It is the first android smartphone that I am not worried about installing custom roms to get rid of the manufacturer's UI or to gain missing features.

On a side note, there will always be a new, "better" smartphone on the horizon as each manufacturer is releasing a new flagship phone at least once a year.

 

[Sandroidfan]

Seriously...who cares about 720p vs 1080p? You can barely tell the difference on a 52" LCD TV, how are you gonna tell the difference on a 5" screen? Same with quad core vs dual core. If I put one next to the other, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

I had the same thought on screen resolution until I saw DNA in person. It wouldn't matter for the most part. But when looking at small texts, small details in pictures/videos, its better clarity is easily noticeable.

Downside is that some apps don't play nicely with 1080p resolution and it puts a lot of strain on GPU. That's why it needs quad core processor with more powerful GPU which is Adreno 320 in case of DNA. I think that's the main reason why it needs the quad core processor rather than more cores. And pretty soon apps will begin supporting full HD screen. So that's where smartphone technology is going like it has been so far whether we like it or not.

 

[Dreamliner]

I had the same thought on screen resolution until I saw DNA in person. It wouldn't matter for the most part. But when looking at small texts, small details in pictures/videos, its better clarity is easily noticeable.

Interestingly enough, whats more prevalent than the higher resolution is looking at nice uniform sub-pixels on the DNA. AMOLED is incapable of high clarity because of the sub-pixel arrangement.

I have hated every AMOLED screen phone I've ever used, but the other features of the phone outweigh the drawbacks of other phones with better screens.

I wish Motorola would move away from AMOLED, the Motorola Atrix HD uses LCD and is beautiful.

 

[rushmore]

I am on the no like side. I like having the extra 19% or so of usable space with apps.

GS3 is the better choice for me as a result.

 

[Sandroidfan]

Interestingly enough, whats more prevalent than the higher resolution is looking at nice uniform sub-pixels on the DNA. AMOLED is incapable of high clarity because of the sub-pixel arrangement.

I have hated every AMOLED screen phone I've ever used, but the other features of the phone outweigh the drawbacks of other phones with better screens.

I wish Motorola would move away from AMOLED, the Motorola Atrix HD uses LCD and is beautiful.

Yeah, pentile pixel layout is hurting the sharpness on AMOLED screen. So that's another advantage going for DNA's full HD S-LCD3 screen with high ppi. But practically it's ok for most people. I don't think a lot of GS3, Razr HD owners are complaining on it.

But on the positive side, AMOLED has deeper black and contrast that LCD can't match. LCD is bound to bleeding light too. Also it's thinner because it doesn't need extra layers for light source, polarizer, etc. This probably allows for more room to put bigger battery like Maxx HD and allows thin GS3 body with removable battery.