So, we are quickly approaching the Holiday return window...

[redraptor]

Hey guys,

Well here I am sitting on a brand new Razr I bought right before Christmas. I was drawn to it for a few reasons. One, the camera kinda sucked me in with the 8 mega pickles and awesome sound quality. Second, the hardware is unmatched. I LOVE the feel of the device. The thinness is incredible and it feels solid as a rock. Third, expandable memory. Although I havnt used much more than about 20 of the 32 gigs (around 14 being music) I like the option to actually upgrade to more memory if I need too. And lastly, it comes in white, and Im a sucker for white phones,even if it is more storm trooper looking than Audi R8.

Now im a bit torn on what I should do. I have become VERY attached to the device, yet I still feel like Im missing out significantly with a few things. For one, the 8 mega pickle camera is average at best. I was expecting and hoping for more, but Im sorely disappointed and that is a BIG deal for me. The audio quality is amazing, but I have recently acquired a USB mic to help combat my audio woes, thus making the phone obsolete in that factor.

Next is hardware buttons. I am stoked for ICS and even more for the button less interface, so the touch buttons on the Razr already seem outdated and annoying.

And lastly the screen. I LOVE the screen on the Razr, especially when I switched from an Incredible 2. The colors pop amazingly and the over all fidelity is superb. But I want bigger and HD. I dont want something quite Galaxy Note sized, but 4.5+ would be ideal. And obviously HD plays a BIG part in that. After comparing the screens on the GN and Razr, Im still blown away by the GN even 3 weeks after I bought the damn phone!!

So my big question here, should I return the Razr and grab a Nexus? Return the Razr, go back to the Inc 2 and wait it out a month or two for something more "ice cream sandwich-y" but with beefier specs than the GN? or simply keep the Razr? Im leaning more toward going back to my Inc 2 and hoping for something a little closer to the SGSII but revolved around ICS. Essentially a Galaxy Nexus with a better camera and slightly improved processor.

Im not overly concerned about the 35 restocking fee, I just want to make sure Im in the absolute best for the next 2 years. I just feel like im sitting on the cusp of ICS and Gingerbread and going with a more Gingerbread centric device (Like the Razr) would be more of a mistake than a blessing. Perhaps Im simply putting too much thought into this


PS. I was lazy and just copied this from the Droid Razr forum

 

[speede541]

Your dilemma is anticipating the next device. I was in a similar position to you a year ago, when the Thunderbolt launched. Then the Revolution. Then the Bionic. The next phone on the horizon looked a little better; the current phone wasn't ever "the phone."

If you're happy with the Razr, stick with it. But you're not going to get a "Galaxy Nexus with a better camera" until the next Nexus comes out -- if, in fact, it's the Nexus you want. I suppose the Rezound is completely out of the question, since you didn't mention it? Partially unlocked bootloader plus the promise of ICS down the road, better camera and HD video now -- that seems like a good compromise.

I bounced around on whether to keep the Nexus, too. But the camera is honestly very good (yep, the Rezound's is better) and the signal strength hasn't been an issue in day-to-day use (yep, the Rezound's is better). But with the GNex, I know I can look forward to a good support from Google, a strong community of users, and probably even Android 5.0 down the road, all while the other handsets come and go. THAT is a phone I'm prepared to live with for two years.

 

[speede541]

More...

Just got around to reading BGR's bit covering Sony's new Android phone that's been getting some buzz: Sony Ericsson's 'Nozomi' revealed in hands-on preview ahead of CES debut

Android 2.3? 8GB of no-expandable storage? Yikes! Is this an indicator of what CES and MWC will bring us? (I doubt it, but...)

 

[breadnatty08]

Welcome to cell phone addicts anonymous! I think the Nexus really isn't a TON better than the Razr when it comes to specs. I haven't used one, but if the radio is as good as the Bionic is, then cell reception and audio quality are likely much better than the Nexus. The camera on the Nexus is fine, nothing spectacular (the zero shutter lag is awesome, but you generally don't get a fully focused picture).
I absolutely love the design and screen on the Nexus. I'd have to say, go into a Verizon store and spend at least 10-20min playing with a Nexus. And honestly ask yourself, do you see yourself keeping this phone for 2 years?
There's always going to be something better down the road. And if you like a little bit of hassle, the option of selling your current phone and buying something outright every 6 to 8 months is there.
Keep in mind too, nothing has really been leaked for Verizon right now and anything that's announced at CES likely won't launch for several months.

 

[SeattleYanksFan]

I posted the following in a similar thread:

I had a RAZR for a week before receiving my Galaxy Nexus. I can't even describe how much superior I find the Galaxy Nexus.

1. While I admittedly live in a rather major metro area, the signal strength has been great for me both in and out of the city.
2. The volume on the phone is more than adequate, and this is coming from someone who is often called deaf because of how loud I listen to music/TV.
3. While the build of the RAZR is unique, it's very awkward to hold in portrait mode. I admit, my hands are not "big," but the Galaxy Nexus feels much, much more comfortable in the hand in portrait. That said, in landscape mode, the RAZR is awesome.
4. 4.0 simply blows away 2.3, IMO. I know Moto has promised 4.0 for RAZR owners, but who knows when that will be. I had an Incredible prior to this phone and always waited several extra months for promised updates.
5. The Galaxy Nexus will be supported by Google for a longer time than the RAZR will be by Moto.
6. Look at the amount of interest in the RAZR vs. the Galaxy Nexus, even by number of posts on this forum. I realize it's a small sample size, but the RAZR does not appear to be doing all that great. This only means it will see less and shorter lived support from Verizon and Moto.

With all that said, both are fantastic phones. I just don't know why you'd spend the same amount of money for an inferior phone. Just my two cents though.

 

[OliMic]

All the above + it will come in white in UK.
White Galaxy Nexus coming to UK February 6th from Handtec | The Verge

 

[trophynuts]

I bounced around on whether to keep the Nexus, too. But the camera is honestly very good (yep, the Rezound's is better) and the signal strength hasn't been an issue in day-to-day use (yep, the Rezound's is better). But with the GNex, I know I can look forward to a good support from Google, a strong community of users, and probably even Android 5.0 down the road, all while the other handsets come and go. THAT is a phone I'm prepared to live with for two years.

i could not have worded that better myself. I'm keeping my G Nex.

 

[Mr. Poppalopolis]

The one and only reason many people will ever need to get the Nexus is software support. It gets updates directly from Google very quickly and will be supported for a very long time. On top of that it gets crazy developer support and gets those updates much faster through custom ROMs. There are already probably 4 or 5 good CM9 alpha builds for it and at least 4 or 5 very solid other custom roms already. Basically all of the big name developers are working on this phone and that means you have sooo many options (sometimes too many).

As for the Razr, it will probably get ICS in a few months. Any new phones announced at CES will most likely not be available for at least 3 or 4 more months. The Nexus is currently, hands down, THE Android phone to get and only because of ICS. People with Nexus Ones are still up to date software wise, while phones like the Incredible have been almost abandoned completely. Any Nexus will be very future-proof.

Hardware wise, the Razr is definitely a very good phone. I do like the look and feel of the Nexus though and would say the two phones have very similar specs. The biggest hardware feature of the Nexus for me is the screen which is just amazing, especially when watching videos in landscape mode. It does have some banding at low brightness settings but it's not unbearable.

So my advice is to go with the Nexus if you want to stay up to date as long as possible.

 

[chrisexv6]

To me there is no doubt Im sticking with the Nexus.

My only question is if I should try and get a 2nd from Wirefly to compare screens (slight banding and warm color temp on mine).

 

[teddyearp]

So basically this thread is equal to or less than this thread:

http://androidforums.com/verizon-galaxy-nexus/474762-january-15th-deadline-mass-exodus.html

Or is it equal to and more so. Or is it not equal to it at all? What would the proper mathematical term be?

 

[nj02vette]

So basically this thread is equal to or less than this thread:

http://androidforums.com/verizon-galaxy-nexus/474762-january-15th-deadline-mass-exodus.html

Or is it equal to and more so. Or is it not equal to it at all? What would the proper mathematical term be?

I debated merging these threads, but the other is mostly about people who have the GNex and defecting from it.

This is somewhat different as someone is asking for a reason to switch to the GNex from the RAZR. Think merging it would be a disservice and get them a little too mixed up.

For the OP,
It's hard to say since the RARZ, Rezound and GNex are all great phones. Each with it's own set of features that may stand out for each user. Personally, I went with open platform and hardware that was slightly better (4460 vs 4430 SoC, Larger screen that's also HD, zero lag camera, and most importantly.......ICS with updates from Google).

 

[redraptor]

Hmmm I'm getting a lot of mixed responses. Its helping and not but its all appreciated. I have another question: if I return the razr and get the gnex, do I have another 14 day return policy? And can I go back to the razr if the gnex or whatever else doesn't resonate with me?

 

[jkc120]

Hmmm I'm getting a lot of mixed responses. Its helping and not but its all appreciated. I have another question: if I return the razr and get the gnex, do I have another 14 day return policy? And can I go back to the razr if the gnex or whatever else doesn't resonate with me?

No, unfortunately you have one return. So if you return the razr and get the nexus, you are stuck with it I'm afraid.

 

[BubbaNexus]

razr is a decent phone, but is gimmicky more than anything. it's not in the same league as the GN.

 

[jkc120]

No, unfortunately you have one return. So if you return the razr and get the nexus, you are stuck with it I'm afraid.

Stuck with it was probably not the right phrase. If you like the Nexus better then obviously keeping it is a no brainer. But if you prefer the razr then you'd be unable to return the nexus to get the razr back.

 

[BubbaNexus]

No, unfortunately you have one return. So if you return the razr and get the nexus, you are stuck with it I'm afraid.

thought it was three returns, or maybe i'm thinking of exchanges....

 

[jkc120]

thought it was three returns, or maybe i'm thinking of exchanges....

Dunno about exchanges, but I was told when I returned my nexus for the rezound I specifically asked if I could go back to the nexus and was told no. :/

 

[BubbaNexus]

Dunno about exchanges, but I was told when I returned my nexus for the rezound I specifically asked if I could go back to the nexus and was told no. :/

if you really want to, i would try a different store. i've noticed the quality of service you get from one VZW store to another varies greatly.

unfortunately, the one closest to me has the most obnoxious people working there, they've tried charging me a $35 restock fee for one exchange within my 14 days so i make a drive to a better one.

 

[jkc120]

if you really want to, i would try a different store. i've noticed the quality of service you get from one VZW store to another varies greatly.

unfortunately, the one closest to me has the most obnoxious people working there, they've tried charging me a $35 restock fee for one exchange within my 14 days so i make a drive to a better one.

Hmm. Interesting. I didn't know the 14 day "one return" thing was kind of a negotiable thing? Argh, why did you have to tell me this?

Here's my conundrum:

- Really love the feel and look of the nexus, the bigger screen, ICS, open and often updated software, etc
- But...really have no qualms with the Rezound, other than I miss ICS and I dislike the sense notifications. Time will tell how bastardized the ICS sense is, but I'm not hopeful of it being much different from the current sense.
- If I go back to a Nexus (supposing they will let me), I may not get a Nexus without the video problems that prompted me to get the Rezound in the first place. It seems there is a lot of variance in the screen, so what I'm worried about is getting a Nexus that has the same problems the original ones I had did that prompted my returns, only to be told I can't exchange it for a new Nexus. You know what I mean?
- The radio thing is a variable here. I honestly believe there will be improvements in the coming weeks/months and that folks in fringe areas will see a good improvement. But it's no guarantee. Unfortunately, some of my anticipated locations will be in fringe areas or areas in buildings where the penetration issues were apparent on the Nexuses I had. If for some reason these things are not fixable via software, I may wind up with a phone that I can't use in some places reliably. If I knew outright that the Nexus would eventually (within a month or even two) get to the point where the Rezound is now radio wise, it would definitely entice me to come back.

Hmm, perhaps a visit to the local VZW store tomorrow (on my 14th day with the Rezound, so tomorrow would be the day), to see if they are willing to work with me, is in order. If not, I guess I know there's nothing I can do and I should make the best of it with the Rezound. If they will work with me, I need to weigh the options and see if they are willing to work with me on exchanges until I get a "sweet spot" on the video thing. Argh, decisions decisions. But (and I know you in particular will hate this hehehe) to be honest, I'm leaning towards just enjoying the Rezound which I currently have no major qualms with and then if the Nexus things are addressed in the coming months, I'll be willing to swappa/sell/craigslist/etc my unlocked+rooted rezound (hey, people are willing to pay a premium for this stuff) and then buy a Nexus (hopefully on sale! ).

Anyway, thanks for that. I honestly had no idea the "one return" thing could be negotiable!

 

[Premium1]

if you really want to, i would try a different store. i've noticed the quality of service you get from one VZW store to another varies greatly.

unfortunately, the one closest to me has the most obnoxious people working there, they've tried charging me a $35 restock fee for one exchange within my 14 days so i make a drive to a better one.

That's because that fee is in their terms.Return Policy - Verizon Wireless

 

[BubbaNexus]

That's because that fee is in their terms.Return Policy - Verizon Wireless

thanks, i know, but everything is negotiable


just go to a "cool" store. i've returned phones and never been charged that fee.

 

[Premium1]

thanks, i know, but everything is negotiable


just go to a "cool" store. i've returned phones and never been charged that fee.

I just never cared enough. If I was that unsure of a purchase I would not have made it in the first place. I like to do my research first.

 

[syntrix]

That's because that fee is in their terms.Return Policy - Verizon Wireless

Do they truly "restock them"? I don't think they do.

 

[BubbaNexus]

I just never cared enough.

then why are you arguing the point?


If I was that unsure of a purchase I would not have made it in the first place. I like to do my research first.

WOW! we can't all be as awesome as you!

 

[jkc120]

I just never cared enough. If I was that unsure of a purchase I would not have made it in the first place. I like to do my research first.

Research is well and good, but there are some things you need to experience for yourself with a phone before you can be sure it's the one for you that you're willing to happily use for the better part of 2 years.