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Droid Maxx or Moto X

vzwuser76

Android Expert
Apr 6, 2010
1,158
307
So I've been trying to decide between the Maxx and the X. I'm coming from an S3 having issues with burn in, battery life declining, and general quirks (dialing by itself, locking up, homescreens rotating on their own, etc). I'll be buying off contract to keep my unlimited data and my promo discount (5 lines all with data gets a $20 discount per line). I considered their competition (S4, One, &G2) but wasn't impressed. The S4 is more of the same compared to my S3 & ive heard it runs hot, the One is nice but very slippery and I'm not a fan of the new Sense, the G2 has all the bells and whistles but the build quality is the worst of the bunch, the skin is like Touchwiz on steroids, and LG isn't really known for software support. Plus I miss the stellar reception from my older Motorola phones, & while those were flip phones, the general consensus is if you want build quality and reception, go with Moto. Now back to my dilemma.

The points in favor of the X are smaller size while keeping almost the same display size, straight Motorola design (instead of Droid design), possibly more likely to get updates and support (due to being on multiple carriers), 50GB of Drive for 2 years, and somewhat better than average battery life. The cons are (going by reviews on VZW site) lower than average voice quality & and smaller storage capacity (although if I went with it I'd wait for MotoMaker to come to Verizon or go with the Developer Edition).

The Maxx pros are obviously battery life, larger screen but almost the same footprint as my S3, wireless charging, & better voice quality (going by reviews on VZW site). The parts I worry about are mainly updates and having the volume control double as the SIM card tray. The volume control doubling as the SIM card tray worries me that if there are any issues it may render the phone unusable since you need a SIM card for it to work.

Otherwise as you know everything else is basically the same between the two (Touchless Controls, Active Notifications, Assist, Connect, Migrate, camera). I don't see myself using Zap since I know only one other person with a Droid (an OG incredible that won't qualify since it's not on ICS or higher). If I go with a Dev Edition X (or wait for MotoMaker) to get 32GB of storage, the off contract price will be the same or possibly more.

I like the look of the X with it's curved back and it's easier to hold, but the larger battery and wireless charging sway me back in the Maxx's corner. I guess what worries me the most is the volume control/SIM tray, and was wondering if anyone else shared my concern or has seen something on theirs to to make them worry. Thanks in advance.
 
As far as your concern about the SIM card, I think that they are both in the volume tray. So, you're going to get a nano-SIM there either case.

The biggest differences are going to be the battery and customizability. If you forgot to charge your Maxx overnight, no sweat. But if you want a customized phone that looks cool (I hear the wait is a little less than a month away), go with the Moto X.

You're getting the same basic phone so you can't go wrong either way.

Edit: My personal advice, see which one goes on sale. It could be that once Verizon gets MotoMaker, they could have a sale on it. Or maybe BestBuy or Amazon has a great price on one or the other.
 
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As far as your concern about the SIM card, I think that they are both in the volume tray. So, you're going to get a nano-SIM there either case.

The biggest differences are going to be the battery and customizability. If you forgot to charge your Maxx overnight, no sweat. But if you want a customized phone that looks cool (I hear the wait is a little less than a month away), go with the Moto X.

You're getting the same basic phone so you can't go wrong either way.

Edit: My personal advice, see which one goes on sale. It could be that once Verizon gets MotoMaker, they could have a sale on it. Or maybe BestBuy or Amazon has a great price on one or the other.

The Moto X has a dedicated tray on the opposite side from the volume and power buttons. It requires a special tool to open it (included). From what I understand the Maxx you use your fingernail to remove the tray.

As far as customizing it, I want a soft touch back (only available with the standard black rear cover, any color including white is a plastic like texture and pretty slippery) and 32GB of storage. Otherwise I don't need a hot pink & lime green phone, even the wood backs do nothing for me, so basically things I want on the X are already on the Maxx. I wish they also included the 50GB of storage for the Droids as well, but can't have everything.

Since no one has piped up saying the tray is fragile or poorly constructed I'll probably end up with the Maxx. Thanks for your replies, be seeing you in here soon.
 
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The Ultra/Maxx and the X are the same hardware in different form factors. I cannot believe that voice quality is any different. Perhaps the people reporting bad quality on the X are covering the noise reduction microphones while they are talking? Voice quality on my Maxx has been fine. Nobody I have talked to has mentioned anything about not hearing me well, and I have heard others just fine, except one call with my daughter when she was riding on a bus and probably going through varied cell coverage.

As for updates, who knows, but - again - the hardware and software is the same, with the exception of the Droid garbage on the Droids, the different ringtones, and some minor differences (Droid Zapp and the Droid control center widget on the Droids, unlock with NFC on the X; bloatware is different, but that has little to do with updates). If you are waiting for Moto Maker, by the time you're ready to buy, you'll see if the X has had the update on Verizon that all of the other carriers have had already (ahem) before the Droids get it, or if the updates are delivered reasonably close together.

If I were to venture a guess, the X will probably get updates earlier - it is Motorola's flagship phone, while the Droids are made under contract exclusively for Verizon. It'll be interesting to see.

I'm not sure why you are worried about the SIM tray. Are you planning to switch SIM cards often? And, both have SIM trays... are you worried about the volume buttons having issues? So far, mine are fine. (I've had my phone seven weeks tomorrow morning.)
 
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The Ultra/Maxx and the X are the same hardware in different form factors. I cannot believe that voice quality is any different. Perhaps the people reporting bad quality on the X are covering the noise reduction microphones while they are talking? Voice quality on my Maxx has been fine. Nobody I have talked to has mentioned anything about not hearing me well, and I have heard others just fine, except one call with my daughter when she was riding on a bus and probably going through varied cell coverage.

As for updates, who knows, but - again - the hardware and software is the same, with the exception of the Droid garbage on the Droids, the different ringtones, and some minor differences (Droid Zapp and the Droid control center widget on the Droids, unlock with NFC on the X; bloatware is different, but that has little to do with updates). If you are waiting for Moto Maker, by the time you're ready to buy, you'll see if the X has had the update on Verizon that all of the other carriers have had already (ahem) before the Droids get it, or if the updates are delivered reasonably close together.

If I were to venture a guess, the X will probably get updates earlier - it is Motorola's flagship phone, while the Droids are made under contract exclusively for Verizon. It'll be interesting to see.

I'm not sure why you are worried about the SIM tray. Are you planning to switch SIM cards often? And, both have SIM trays... are you worried about the volume buttons having issues? So far, mine are fine. (I've had my phone seven weeks tomorrow morning.)

I know they both have sim trays, but the one on the X (and any other phone with a sim tray) are a sim tray only. The one on the Maxx is part of the volume buttons. The main worries for me is (if the material is weak) breaking, and when pressing the volume buttons if the sim card will move (if the tray has some wiggle room). Probably just being overly cautious, but I did repair electronics for years so that's why.
Ordering it tonight, thanks for your help!
 
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I went through the same comparison about a month ago when I got my Maxx. Between the two, there's not much to differentiate them strongly from each other. A spec here, a removable battery there. Even the size difference didn't seem as significant in my hand as I expected.

The killer feature for me turned out to be the huge battery in the Maxx. It is massively powerful. I no longer plug in my phone when I'm using navigation for less than an hour. I don't nurse the battery all day as I used to. For the first time yesterday I managed to run the thing below 20% -- because I had the screen on doing web browsing in a low-signal area nearly all day. (And 20% is still several hours ...)
 
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vzwuser76,
Glad you posted this, as I had the same question. I can upgrade anytime, using my dumb phone line's upgrade and plan to keep my unlimited. I went to the store to look at both and compare to my Razr Maxx. The Maxx is nice, and barely larger than my phone, but with a much bigger screen. The X was slick, smaller overall, yet same screen size as mine. I need the 32GB, so which to go with? I just can't decide. The price difference is a big factor too, so I am waiting to see what happens as we get closer to the holidays. The more feedback here, the better, but so far, it seems that the MAXX is heavily favored.
 
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I have had the Maxx since release date after a lot of research between it and the moto X. Identical in function with the Maxx having a slightly larger screen and a monster battery. I chose the Maxx and very happy with the choice. Contrary to a couple of naysayers it is rugged and I have the bumper case on it that only adds slightly to the size on the edges. Also allows charging on my TYLT-VU wireless charger. Battery life is excellent, after 16 hours of moderate to heavy use I put it on charge at night with about 65-75% left. Assist and Google Now voice function are amazing. I do not think you will go wrong with either the Moto X or the Maxx. I personally like the bigger screen and battery.
 
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vzwuser76,
Glad you posted this, as I had the same question. I can upgrade anytime, using my dumb phone line's upgrade and plan to keep my unlimited. I went to the store to look at both and compare to my Razr Maxx. The Maxx is nice, and barely larger than my phone, but with a much bigger screen. The X was slick, smaller overall, yet same screen size as mine. I need the 32GB, so which to go with? I just can't decide. The price difference is a big factor too, so I am waiting to see what happens as we get closer to the holidays. The more feedback here, the better, but so far, it seems that the MAXX is heavily favored.

Condsidering the 16GB Moto X is going for $600 currently, if they offer a 32GB variant thru MotoMaker for Verizon, the difference will be at least $50 putting it right with the Maxx. Verizon seems to use Apple's pricing plan in regards to storage. Pretty much all of the 16GB phones are the same price, as are the 32GB models, with the exception of the G2, but I believe that's due them being considered as a lower tier OEM.
 
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Since you asked the question in the Maxx forum I assumed you had already made up your mind and were waiting for "go for it". Let me be the first to say "go for it".

They are both great devices. I think the serve slightly different audiences. My suggestion is to always go into the Verizon store and handle them both. I think when you pick up the one that is right for you you will immediately know what to do. If you don't then I suggest you wait.

I want a black phone (I dress like Willie Nelson). I do not like the curved back of the Mot X when it is resting on a tabletop (that my phone does a lot).

Big differences if you are doing it today is 32GB, astonishing battery, curved back, wireless charging, much larger screen.

The SIM drawer ... take a look at it in the store. It is just a couple of plastic arms that stick out over the actual switches.

I like the larger screen of the Maxx.

The one thing that was not mentioned was the three buttons at the bottom of the screen. They are not part of the screen on the Maxx. They actually take some of the real estate on the Moto X.

... Thom
 
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Love the wireless charging on maxx, have the TYLT wireless charger which sits on my desk at work and also on my night stand at home, very slick as sits at 45 degree angle and I just put the phone on it at night and at work, the charger also wirelessly charges my nexus 7 tablet, charges both as fast as my plug in wall charger....
 
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Love the wireless charging on maxx, have the TYLT wireless charger which sits on my desk at work and also on my night stand at home, very slick as sits at 45 degree angle and I just put the phone on it at night and at work, the charger also wirelessly charges my nexus 7 tablet, charges both as fast as my plug in wall charger....

I'm picking up one of those Energizer triple charger (2 qi positions and 1 USB port for a third device). That way I can charge my Maxx & N7 at the same time.

On another note I wish they had a better car dock than the Griffin one. Looks pretty flimsy, and from the reviews it's nowhere near the same quality & functionality as the Motorola one from past years. I'll probably end up using one of my old universal docks.
 
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I'm picking up one of those Energizer triple charger (2 qi positions and 1 USB port for a third device). That way I can charge my Maxx & N7 at the same time.

On another note I wish they had a better car dock than the Griffin one. Looks pretty flimsy, and from the reviews it's nowhere near the same quality & functionality as the Motorola one from past years. I'll probably end up using one of my old universal docks.

Here's another option for a car dock that's custom made for the Droid Maxx. They also make one that fits with a case. Found this via the Droid Maxx Google Plus group, haven't tried it myself but am considering it.
 
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Here's another option for a car dock that's custom made for the Droid Maxx. They also make one that fits with a case. Found this via the Droid Maxx Google Plus group, haven't tried it myself but am considering it.

I bought one of these Kenu Airframe docks. The Maxx *just* fits with the bumper case on. I haven't used it yet, but I may be using it this weekend. The only think I'm worried about is the weight of the Maxx in a dock attached to the vents for a long trip...

Amazon.com: AIRFRAME Portable Car Mount Phone Holder: Automotive

By the way, I was just using Amazon for the convenient link - I wouldn't order from Amazon if you have an Apple Store nearby - they definitely have them there, for about $25. Maybe Brookstone in malls has them too?
 
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