Droid Bionic vs Droid X2

[YankeeDudeL]

Looks like engadget has dug up some specs on the DX2 (btw, that's "squared", did not know that). I wasn't aware of the proposed specs, but the rumors were that it was going to be a 3G, qHD display, 1GHz dual core, and even 1GB RAM. But like the Thunderbolt is a "refreshed" EVO, the DX2 is just a refreshed DX. WVGA (854 x 480) display, a 1.2GHz single-core CPU, and 768MB of RAM. Also, will not have a front facing camera (if that's your thing).

Motorola Droid X 2 leaks, more details emerge -- Engadget

I've made it very apparent that I want the Bionic, but I've been curious as to what the DX2 had up it's sleeve. After all, if I HAVE to pay for 4G, but don't have it in my area for another year, what's the point in paying extra when I'm only going to do a 1 year contract, anyway? But after hearing these specs, I'm certainly not as impressed with the DX2 as I am the Bionic. What say you?

 

[BlueIce5249]

The Droid X2 seems to be a joke. It's barely better than the Droid X now, let alone the Bionic. At least the Bionic has dual-core and front facing camera.

 

[YankeeDudeL]

Yeah, it's basically Motorola's Thunderbolt. With the TB coming out soon and no locked bootloader, there isn't much of a reason to get excited about it. Unless you're loyal to Motorola, that is. Would be curious to see what battery it has, though.

 

[Depth Afield]

But like the Thunderbolt is a "refreshed" EVO, the DX2 is just a refreshed DX.

Statements like this are actually beginning to wear on me. I really don't understand what people are expecting when it comes to new phones. If it ain't broke, why are you expecting it to be "fixed"? I am talking about the form of the phones. The function of the phones are constantly being upgraded. Why are folks stuck on what a phone looks like, especially if it is similar to an already proven phone?

Are people wanting new phones to look completely different from old phones, just for the sake of them looking different?

 

[YankeeDudeL]

Statements like this are actually beginning to wear on me. I really don't understand what people are expecting when it comes to new phones. If it ain't broke, why are you expecting it to be "fixed"? I am talking about the form of the phones. The function of the phones are constantly being upgraded. Why are folks stuck on what a phone looks like, especially if it is similar to an already proven phone?

Are people wanting new phones to look completely different from old phones, just for the sake of them looking different?

It was the term used in the article, which is why I quoted it. I wasn't considering form factor in the equation at all. I personally love the look of the DX and wish the Bionic looked more like it. I interpreted that "refreshed" meant that the newer version was a slightly beefed up version of the previous one.

Personally, I don't know why these are two diff phones. They could have taken the Bionic specs, put it in the DX form factor, and then call it the DX2. I suppose the thinking is that they'll make more money offering two phones.

 

[YankeeDudeL]

While we're at it, I'm gonna go ahead and beat a dead horse. The Atrix has 1GB RAM (we all know why), and both the TB and DX2 will have 768MB RAM. Why does the Bionic only have 512MB?

Someone's gotta keep this forum going.

 

[jinwons]

That's just early rumor in my eye. So I wouldn't take it seriously until more sources cross confirm it. If DX2 really launches with that spec in the summer, it's suicide for Motorola.

 

[Depth Afield]

Personally, I don't know why these are two diff phones. They could have taken the Bionic specs, put it in the DX form factor, and then call it the DX2. I suppose the thinking is that they'll make more money offering two phones.

I feel the same way about the Atrix. Why didn't they just shove the Atrix guts into the droid chassis?

 

[Lespaul20]

That's just early rumor in my eye. So I wouldn't take it seriously until more sources cross confirm it. If DX2 really launches with that spec in the summer, it's suicide for Motorola.

How so? Having an expansive product line is hardly suicide. Not everyone is willing to pay $200+ for phone.

 

[jinwons]

Seems like rumor is toggling back and forth between single core and dual core. I hope for dual core in DX2 because by the time DX2 comes out there will be dual core phones from LG, Samsung, HTC around. DX was Verizon's flagship android phone last year, so the specs on new version can't just sit on laurel even if it's a 3G phone again. I wonder why Motorola doesn't put OMAP4 in DX2 after seeing its incredible potential in LG Optimus 3D.

Motorola DROID X 2 Specs, Pictures | Android Phone Fans

 

[ckochinsky125]

the DX2 isnt even close to the bionic. No 4g, no ffc, even if it has dual core if you want a dual core why not get the 4g bionic anyway im sure they will be around the same prices.

 

[jreed2560]

check the article again boys. seems they tipster thinks the DX2 will have a FFC although you can't really see it in the pictures

 

[VoidedSaint]

my mindset is i dont see the dx2 as being needed or wanted, others say its just to target people who want a brand new phone who wont get 4g yet.

i just dont see the dx2 being a popular device, droid 2 was horrible, how can you go from absolute freedom of og droid (the best android phone imo) to a locked up droid 2? motorola has an agenda that we dont yet know. android is supposed to be open! not locked bootloaders! i hope to god google will inform moto of that again (doubt it) google is making money, as is motorola

we can all hope that moto wont continue to lock all bootloaders, cause moto phones are superior in this android world (IMO)

 

[ckochinsky125]

How so? Having an expansive product line is hardly suicide. Not everyone is willing to pay $200+ for phone.

It will be $200+ no matter what the original droid X was $199 so what is going to be any different with the droid x 2 that has better specs?

 

[Lespaul20]

It will be $200+ no matter what the original droid X was $199 so what is going to be any different with the droid x 2 that has better specs?

Assuming you are right, Verizon needs something updated at the $150-200 price point. If the Bionic and TB are $250 then VZ might be loosing sales because that's kind of steep. I'm sure Motorola probably isn't needing to spend much on R&D to get this out. So maintaining margin probably won't be hard at $150.

 

[xlilazntrung]

New leak on the Droid X2 saying that it has a 1.2 Ghz Tegra 2 core with 768 MB of ram and the same qHD as the Bionic.

[Leak] Droid X 2 Pictures, Benchmark, And Video | Android News, Reviews, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets, Tips, Mods, Videos, Tutorials - Android Police

 

[IamOrion]

With the Bionic release date being pushed back to the fall, or as I have been told by some Verizon employes probably February of 2012, is it worth picking up a Droid X2 since I have a Verizon phone upgrade available?

 

[jfoey22]

With the Bionic release date being pushed back to the fall, or as I have been told by some Verizon employes probably February of 2012, is it worth picking up a Droid X2 since I have a Verizon phone upgrade available?

Would by chance these Verizon employees work behind a desk of a retail store? Because this is the first I have heard Fall. Everything I have heard suggest Summer. Could be later summer (September) but none the less, should be summer and by this time, you should have a few other options. If your concern is dual-core, 4G isn't a concern and you can't wait any longer then yes, pick up a DX2. If you don't mind waiting till this summer, I am sure there will be a few options to pick from (namely SGSII, Sensation, LG G2). I would guess VZW will release another 4G phone by Mid-July this year, hopefully dual-core verity.

 

[YankeeDudeL]

With the Bionic release date being pushed back to the fall, or as I have been told by some Verizon employes probably February of 2012, is it worth picking up a Droid X2 since I have a Verizon phone upgrade available?

Like the above post said, every indication was that the Bionic would be here by September. Not one single rumor ever said fall and definitely not next year. I fear that may have been those employees just trying to sell you the DX2 now, rather than wait for your sale whenever it comes, and def not concerning with actually getting you the phone that YOU want. I'd look to purchase whatever you choose next at another dealer or online.

 

[dmodert66]

I am very happy with my X2 decision. I pulled the trigger for because :

1. LTE is not in my area yet
2. I don't really see myself utilizing a front facing camera much

Overall Rating : 4 out of 5 stars. May have been 3.5 out of 5 if I had come from another more recent high end device like the original X or EVO, but I came from a D1.

The Good :

* Phone is REALLY snappy (Dual Core)
* Fantastic video performance (non-re-encoded xvid 30 minute TV show plays flawlessly with newest RockPlayer)
* MotoBlur minimal, doesn't distract much from overall Android eperience
* Gaming - I'm not a huge gamer, but the games that came with the phone played smooth and had much detail
* Screen - Clear, High Res - Higher res/screen size allows me to finally use phone for E-Book reader (I didn't feel the D1 was well suited for that)
* HDMI Out - Great feature to show just taken video and or video already on phone (like XVid above). Displays the phones entire UI (new to me, I know DX had it as well)
* Voice quality - Outstanding, but I think Moto has always excelled in this area.
* 720P Video Recording - Fantastic outdoors, wish they could find a way to add image stabilization for phones, but hey, it's a phone not a vid cam!
* Pictures - Much better than my Droid in sunlight and lowlight, but I have still seen better on other phones. Good enough to suit the purpose though (non dedicated camera)
* On screen keyboard - easy to use due to screen size/resolution I suppose. I don't miss the hard keyboard in the least.

The So So :

* Battery Life - Doesn't seem great, but I'm still not on normal usage (alot of playing with it) so I will have to comment more on that later on.
* UI is still not stutter free (when compared to an iPhone or iPad), but MUCH smoother than D1 (stock). (I don't own an Apple device, this is purely on playing with friends devices)
* Games - Saw a few hiccups, but not enough to distract from experience. Just an occasional stutter, but I would think this wouldn't be the case with a Tegra 2 phone.
* Ships with Froyo rather than Honeycomb. An update is promised, but IMO it should have shipped with Honeycomb.
* Video - OK in low light situations, a bit grainy. I wouldn't mention this but I think they touted "Low Light Video Recording" (I think).
* Video - Records 720p while other new phones are recording 1080p. It is thought 1080p recording may be enabled in an update.
* Screen - Fantastic in daylight on a sunny day. Clear and can use the phone with no problem. I couldn't even see my D1 enough to dial a phone number.

The Bad :
* Possible Flash issue. I had the phone crash once when watching a Flash video (in browser). Other users are reporting overheating and performance slowdown.
* MP3 issue with crackling (I have not tested MP3 functionality, but I will find out next week when I start using the phone for podcasts.)
** It is speculated that both issues will be fixed via an update and they are not hardware related, but that remains to be seen.

 

[droidfan1]

I am very happy with my X2 decision. I pulled the trigger for because :

1. LTE is not in my area yet
2. I don't really see myself utilizing a front facing camera much

Overall Rating : 4 out of 5 stars. May have been 3.5 out of 5 if I had come from another more recent high end device like the original X or EVO, but I came from a D1.

The Good :

* Phone is REALLY snappy (Dual Core)
* Fantastic video performance (non-re-encoded xvid 30 minute TV show plays flawlessly with newest RockPlayer)
* MotoBlur minimal, doesn't distract much from overall Android eperience
* Gaming - I'm not a huge gamer, but the games that came with the phone played smooth and had much detail
* Screen - Clear, High Res - Higher res/screen size allows me to finally use phone for E-Book reader (I didn't feel the D1 was well suited for that)
* HDMI Out - Great feature to show just taken video and or video already on phone (like XVid above). Displays the phones entire UI (new to me, I know DX had it as well)
* Voice quality - Outstanding, but I think Moto has always excelled in this area.
* 720P Video Recording - Fantastic outdoors, wish they could find a way to add image stabilization for phones, but hey, it's a phone not a vid cam!
* Pictures - Much better than my Droid in sunlight and lowlight, but I have still seen better on other phones. Good enough to suit the purpose though (non dedicated camera)
* On screen keyboard - easy to use due to screen size/resolution I suppose. I don't miss the hard keyboard in the least.

The So So :

* Battery Life - Doesn't seem great, but I'm still not on normal usage (alot of playing with it) so I will have to comment more on that later on.
* UI is still not stutter free (when compared to an iPhone or iPad), but MUCH smoother than D1 (stock). (I don't own an Apple device, this is purely on playing with friends devices)
* Games - Saw a few hiccups, but not enough to distract from experience. Just an occasional stutter, but I would think this wouldn't be the case with a Tegra 2 phone.
* Ships with Froyo rather than Honeycomb *Gingerbread. An update is promised, but IMO it should have shipped with Honeycomb *Gingerbread.
* Video - OK in low light situations, a bit grainy. I wouldn't mention this but I think they touted "Low Light Video Recording" (I think).
* Video - Records 720p while other new phones are recording 1080p. It is thought 1080p recording may be enabled in an update.
* Screen - Fantastic in daylight on a sunny day. Clear and can use the phone with no problem. I couldn't even see my D1 enough to dial a phone number.

The Bad :
* Possible Flash issue. I had the phone crash once when watching a Flash video (in browser). Other users are reporting overheating and performance slowdown.
* MP3 issue with crackling (I have not tested MP3 functionality, but I will find out next week when I start using the phone for podcasts.)
** It is speculated that both issues will be fixed via an update and they are not hardware related, but that remains to be seen.

/Fixed

 

[redraider1]

How so? Having an expansive product line is hardly suicide. Not everyone is willing to pay $200+ for phone.

Not to mention not everyone is in a 4g area or whats the battery drain. Personally for me I have the thunderbolt and 4g isn't all that great when you can't even make it a full day on one charge.

 

[rushmore]

I am very happy with my X2 decision. I pulled the trigger for because :

1. LTE is not in my area yet
2. I don't really see myself utilizing a front facing camera much

Overall Rating : 4 out of 5 stars. May have been 3.5 out of 5 if I had come from another more recent high end device like the original X or EVO, but I came from a D1.

The Good :

* Phone is REALLY snappy (Dual Core)
* Fantastic video performance (non-re-encoded xvid 30 minute TV show plays flawlessly with newest RockPlayer)
* MotoBlur minimal, doesn't distract much from overall Android eperience
* Gaming - I'm not a huge gamer, but the games that came with the phone played smooth and had much detail
* Screen - Clear, High Res - Higher res/screen size allows me to finally use phone for E-Book reader (I didn't feel the D1 was well suited for that)
* HDMI Out - Great feature to show just taken video and or video already on phone (like XVid above). Displays the phones entire UI (new to me, I know DX had it as well)
* Voice quality - Outstanding, but I think Moto has always excelled in this area.
* 720P Video Recording - Fantastic outdoors, wish they could find a way to add image stabilization for phones, but hey, it's a phone not a vid cam!
* Pictures - Much better than my Droid in sunlight and lowlight, but I have still seen better on other phones. Good enough to suit the purpose though (non dedicated camera)
* On screen keyboard - easy to use due to screen size/resolution I suppose. I don't miss the hard keyboard in the least.

The So So :

* Battery Life - Doesn't seem great, but I'm still not on normal usage (alot of playing with it) so I will have to comment more on that later on.
* UI is still not stutter free (when compared to an iPhone or iPad), but MUCH smoother than D1 (stock). (I don't own an Apple device, this is purely on playing with friends devices)
* Games - Saw a few hiccups, but not enough to distract from experience. Just an occasional stutter, but I would think this wouldn't be the case with a Tegra 2 phone.
* Ships with Froyo rather than Honeycomb. An update is promised, but IMO it should have shipped with Honeycomb.
* Video - OK in low light situations, a bit grainy. I wouldn't mention this but I think they touted "Low Light Video Recording" (I think).
* Video - Records 720p while other new phones are recording 1080p. It is thought 1080p recording may be enabled in an update.
* Screen - Fantastic in daylight on a sunny day. Clear and can use the phone with no problem. I couldn't even see my D1 enough to dial a phone number.

The Bad :
* Possible Flash issue. I had the phone crash once when watching a Flash video (in browser). Other users are reporting overheating and performance slowdown.
* MP3 issue with crackling (I have not tested MP3 functionality, but I will find out next week when I start using the phone for podcasts.)
** It is speculated that both issues will be fixed via an update and they are not hardware related, but that remains to be seen.

The missing memory is probably root cause to most of the DX2 issues and is choking an otherwise superb device..... I hope the same folks that screwed the memory allocation in the DX2 were not part of the Bionic firmware team.....

Sadly returned my DX2 today, since Moto tech level 2 support did not even hint that the issues would be addressed.

Added: So close, but yet so far. If Gingerbread update fixes the issues, I would get the DX2 again, but REFUSE to nurse the RAM like it is a G1 or Droid 1, like it needs now.