Help Gonna switch to droid next weekend.. batteyr question

JDUB348 said:

Ok so i'm currently an iphone 4 user and will be switching to a droid this next weekend

I'm currently having a hard time deciding if i want to go with the Bionic or the Razr. I'm leaning more towards the Bionic purely because of the external batteries.

My question is how does the battery life of the Razr compare to my Iphone4? My iphone 4's battery life suites me well. If they are around the same, then a Razr would probably be ok for me. I've just read alot of bad/mixed reviews on the battery life of the razrs.

Also, whats so great about the Nexus thats coming out? Been seeing alot of people anticipating it.

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I would say the razr compares closely to the ip4. Definitely choose the razr over the bionic... wayyyyy better phone IMO. Out of all android device, the razr has the best battery life I've experienced.

There are quite a few threads around complaining of battery life on the RAZR. I don't understand - my RAZR has no issues. Battery life is comparable to the IP 4. My wife has one

Most that say this appear to be using 4G, so in that regard (as any 4G phone so far- including Gnex), the battery life is poor. If you set to CDMA only and only use 4G when you really "need" to, or when plugged in, the battery life is very good.

4G chips are not yet ready for battery life prime time. We should see a few hour improvement in battery life with late next year devices.

Gravytrain said:

I would say the razr compares closely to the ip4. Definitely choose the razr over the bionic... wayyyyy better phone IMO. Out of all android device, the razr has the best battery life I've experienced.

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I am sorry to briefly high jack, but I am interested in specifically why you say the Razr is way better than the Bionic? The Bionic seems to have a bad reputation from early on, but seems to finally be starting to live up to it's hardware.

I ask this because if the Sammy GNex doesnt live up to the hype, or it's radios are not up to par with Moto's, I will be needing a Moto. I am considering a Razr, but I have a real issue with the sealed battery. It might be justified or not, I donno. But, I carry a minimum of 2 extra batteries in my pocket for my D2. The D2 get good battery life, but I burn lots of data and battery power as a result. I am not a typical user in this regard. And, I am not an HTC fan so ReZ is a distant 3rd or 4th choice.

Thus, the Bionic is still in consideration. Did you actually own it? So, why is the Bionic so bad, please? This is a serious question. I need to know, please.

Gravytrain said:

I would say the razr compares closely to the ip4. Definitely choose the razr over the bionic... wayyyyy better phone IMO. Out of all android device, the razr has the best battery life I've experienced.

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I have a Bionic and a Razr with me right now. The Razr feels more solid in the hand and is in fact noticeably faster in general use, especially with the web browser, but most of the performance difference is due to the Razr having newer software than the Bionic, this is a difference that won't last.

That said, saying the Razr is wayyyyyyyy better than the Bionic is nonsense. The Razr is minutely better than the Bionic IF you ignore the Bionic's pro of having a replaceable battery, which can be a pretty big pro. The Bionic with an extended battery has battery life that the Razr could never dream of achieving with any amount of tweaking.

To the OP: Get the Razr if you care more about build quality and thinness. Get a Bionic and an extended battery if battery life is your primary concern. No reason to get a Bionic without the extended battery imo.

The differences are small, but noticeable. The RAZR is slightly faster and has a much clearer screen, also IIRC, smart actions is not available on the Bionic YET. Smart actions are pretty cool, I have mine set to auto start Pandora when I get in my truck.

For the specific issue of battery life. I've been sad, but not enough to get rid of the phone. I HAVE to use 3G mode to make it through the day and I cant listen to Pandora all day without being near a power source, but that being said, it does last me a full day if I watch my usage. I can play ~20 min of games, 3 email accounts with push sync, moderate texting and a bit of phone calls. It will make it from 6am to 10pm that way.
If it's on 4G, forget about it. You'll be connected to a wall for most of the day. But that's the price we pay for a thin 4G device.

Overall, I'm very happy with the phone though. It's 90000000000000x better than my Droid Charge. Even though I could use an extended battery on the DC and make it through a day ON 4G (or at least leaving it turned on, connection issue was just appalling), I'm happier to have a RAZR that CAN use 4G when I need/want it.

DSCR said:

I am sorry to briefly high jack, but I am interested in specifically why you say the Razr is way better than the Bionic? The Bionic seems to have a bad reputation from early on, but seems to finally be starting to live up to it's hardware.

I ask this because if the Sammy GNex doesnt live up to the hype, or it's radios are not up to par with Moto's, I will be needing a Moto. I am considering a Razr, but I have a real issue with the sealed battery. It might be justified or not, I donno. But, I carry a minimum of 2 extra batteries in my pocket for my D2. The D2 get good battery life, but I burn lots of data and battery power as a result. I am not a typical user in this regard. And, I am not an HTC fan so ReZ is a distant 3rd or 4th choice.

Thus, the Bionic is still in consideration. Did you actually own it? So, why is the Bionic so bad, please? This is a serious question. I need to know, please.

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What's more important to you? A removable battery or a far more superior screen and processor?

AeroEngi said:

What's more important to you? A removable battery or a far more superior screen and processor?

Click to expand...

Actually, battery life. If my battery is dead, other features wont do me any good. Thus, my penchant for carrying around extra batteries. If the razr had a replaceable battery, I might already have it. I am trying to come to terms with how I would manage the changes necessary if I were to choose the Razr. It is a beautiful phone.

I am just curious as to why the Bionic is so terrible since it shares so many components in common with the Razr. It's funny how the sum of it's similar parts can make 2 phones so different.

DSCR said:

Actually, battery life. If my battery is dead, other features wont do me any good. Thus, my penchant for carrying around extra batteries. If the razr had a replaceable battery, I might already have it. I am trying to come to terms with how I would manage the changes necessary if I were to choose the Razr. It is a beautiful phone.

I am just curious as to why the Bionic is so terrible since it shares so many components in common with the Razr. It's funny how the sum of it's similar parts can make 2 phones so different.

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I wouldn't call the Bionic a terrible phone. It's a good phone; it's just the RAZR is better. FWIW, the RAZR's battery does last longer than the Bionic's per charge.

AeroEngi said:

I wouldn't call the Bionic a terrible phone. It's a good phone; it's just the RAZR is better. FWIW, the RAZR's battery does last longer than the Bionic's per charge.

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I agree. And I am trying to come to terms with managing the Razr power and charging vs any phone with an extended battery or 2 in my pocket. I am aware of backup battery packs. Just trying to come to terms with it.

Again, sorry for the thread hi jak! Thanks for all the input!

DSCR said:

Actually, battery life. If my battery is dead, other features wont do me any good. Thus, my penchant for carrying around extra batteries. If the razr had a replaceable battery, I might already have it. I am trying to come to terms with how I would manage the changes necessary if I were to choose the Razr. It is a beautiful phone.

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I have seen this being said so many times and still cannot understand it - how carrying 2 batteries (2x1780mAh=3560mAh) better than carrying one battery pack (5000mAh minimum)?

Szadzik said:

I have seen this being said so many times and still cannot understand it - how carrying 2 batteries (2x1780mAh=3560mAh) better than carrying one battery pack (5000mAh minimum)?

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My question is.... who's away from a charger long enough to need 3 batteries??? I'm always near a wall or truck charger... but if I had to choose one, I'd prefer a 5000mAh battery pack.

IMO, much better screen, faster processor, better front and rear camera, much better design >>>>>>> removable battery. Oh, and this bad boy will be getting ics before bionic I'm sure.

Gravytrain said:

My question is.... who's away from a charger long enough to need 3 batteries??? I'm always near a wall or truck charger... but if I had to choose one, I'd prefer a 5000mAh battery pack.

IMO, much better screen, faster processor, better front and rear camera, much better design >>>>>>> removable battery. Oh, and this bad boy will be getting ics before bionic I'm sure.

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Exactamundo!

Szadzik said:

I have seen this being said so many times and still cannot understand it - how carrying 2 batteries (2x1780mAh=3560mAh) better than carrying one battery pack (5000mAh minimum)?

Click to expand...

LOL, I'll play!

Bionic standard Battery = 1785 Mah
Bionic Extended Battery = 2760 Mah
Bionic Extended Battery = 2760 Mah
_________
Total Mah = 7305 Mah

Benefits? Pop another in and keep going vs. tethering a pack all over. I have been doing multiple batteries for years. I never dont use whatever feature I want to, I never compromise the phones abilities just to save power.

Again, I WANT to try to figure out how to duplicate the ease of use of replaceable batteries with a battery pack or 2. I like the Razr a lot!

Gravytrain said:

My question is.... who's away from a charger long enough to need 3 batteries??? I'm always near a wall or truck charger... but if I had to choose one, I'd prefer a 5000mAh battery pack.

IMO, much better screen, faster processor, better front and rear camera, much better design >>>>>>> removable battery. Oh, and this bad boy will be getting ics before bionic I'm sure.

Click to expand...

THIS guy agrees with you, unless you need removal batteries. Bionic hardware is VERY CLOSE to Razr hardware. According to him.

I am a contractor and am in and out of the truck all the time. I am loaded with usb chargers vs cig outlet and a converter that powers my netbook and printer, and phone/batteries as necessary. But, I am out of the truck a lot and dont want to leave my phone behind to charge. Thus, the current status of external chargers and extra batteries.

Long Motorcycle rides. I have a usb outlet under my seat that powers an external charger for extra batteries. I leave with 3 or 4 extras in my bag. I use a Uclear Bluetooth helmet communicator for my helmet that pairs with my phone. As long as I have signal, I use the phone for Sirius radio, dedicated sports radio apps, music (pandora, gmusic, whatever), GPS and even take and make calls. I prefer to have my phone in an easily accessible jacket pocket. A razr with a battery pack would fit in that pocket, but it is much easier to handle just the phone going down the road driving with one hand and messing with the phone with the other.

Long days at SEC ballgames with tailgating and such. I watch my tv with slingbox, listen to games around the country with sirius, etc, ALL DAY and may not have access to a charger for 15+ hours.

As you can see, I can burn a lot of data and power. I want LTE to make all this usage even better where ever it is available. Burning Slingbox with LTE will be awesome and expensive, power wise, for example.

So, to match up with how I currently use my phone, I am not sure the Razr can keep up with it's 1780 Mah battery. I WANT it to be able to. I am just not sure it can. I am not sure of GNex till I try it out. If it doesnt live up to hype with radios worse than motos, or GPS that is slow, etc. I have to have a backup plan. That is either Bionic or Razr. It's hard to beat Moto, in spite of typical Moto issues. I have been a Moto guy since the E815.

So, all that is why I am trying to figure out how the Razr would suite me and always wondering why the Boinic would be a bad choice if indeed, battery rotation remains my best option.

Sorry for the length. And, as always, thanks for input from all!

Gravytrain said:

My question is.... who's away from a charger long enough to need 3 batteries??? I'm always near a wall or truck charger... but if I had to choose one, I'd prefer a 5000mAh battery pack.

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Well, those of us who travel a lot, and spend a lot of time on an airplane, and sit on the tarmac or boarded at the gate waiting for weather, mechanicals, crewing issues, whateverthef#*&, and need to call airlines/hotels/rental car agencies to book revised or backup itins, understand. Having said that, I love my Razr, and I do in fact carry, when traveling, a couple small iGo 1540 mAh externals that can hook to the phone if need be, and a thin 5,000 mAh just in case. Doesn't really take up that much more space in the travel brief, and when you need it... . When not traveling, not an issue. On 3G I can easily get get an entire work day with lots of battery to spare from my Razr.

But, sure loving my Razr compared to my Thunderbrick in every way.

tbcpn said:

Well, those of us who travel a lot, and spend a lot of time on an airplane, and sit on the tarmac or boarded at the gate waiting for weather, mechanicals, crewing issues, whateverthef#*&, and need to call airlines/hotels/rental car agencies to book revised or backup itins, understand. Having said that, I love my Razr, and I do in fact carry, when traveling, a couple small iGo 1540 mAh externals that can hook to the phone if need be, and a thin 5,000 mAh just in case. Doesn't really take up that much more space in the travel brief, and when you need it... . When not traveling, not an issue. On 3G I can easily get get an entire work day with lots of battery to spare from my Razr.

But, sure loving my Razr compared to my Thunderbrick in every way.

Click to expand...

WooHoo! Real world experience!

How do you use the battery packs? Top off the Razr frequently? How long does it take to charge the Razr from different levels of discharge. i.e. like how long for a 70% topoff vs charging from 10%.

That kind of stuff. Please explain how this really works.

Thanks!

DSCR said:

LOL, I'll play!

Bionic standard Battery = 1785 Mah
Bionic Extended Battery = 2760 Mah
Bionic Extended Battery = 2760 Mah
_________
Total Mah = 7305 Mah

Benefits? Pop another in and keep going vs. tethering a pack all over. I have been doing multiple batteries for years. I never dont use whatever feature I want to, I never compromise the phones abilities just to save power.

Again, I WANT to try to figure out how to duplicate the ease of use of replaceable batteries with a battery pack or 2. I like the Razr a lot!

Click to expand...

Remember that battery packs come in larger capacities - like XP8000 with 8Ah and there ar ebigger ones - they are bigger in size too, though AND do not count the standard battery in, the Razr has one TOO.

P.S. I am one of those people travelling quite a lot and have always used battery packs, my 5000mAh Sanyo cost me as much as I would have to pay for an extended battery for my Milestone 1. Remember however, that your spare batteries will become useless when you change phones, my battery pack stays with me regardless of what device I need to charge.

There is one from Zagg now, that has high capacity and does not require an additional power adaptor to charge as it has one built in. ZaggSparq 2 I think.

Szadzik said:

Remember that battery packs come in larger capacities - like XP8000 with 8Ah and there ar ebigger ones - they are bigger in size too, though AND do not count the standard battery in, the Razr has one TOO.

P.S. I am one of those people travelling quite a lot and have always used battery packs, my 5000mAh Sanyo cost me as much as I would have to pay for an extended battery for my Milestone 1. Remember however, that your spare batteries will become useless when you change phones, my battery pack stays with me regardless of what device I need to charge.

There is one from Zagg now, that has high capacity and does not require an additional power adaptor to charge as it has one built in. ZaggSparq 2 I think.

Click to expand...

Agree and thanks for the info! And you are right, when my D2 is retired, all those batteries are toast. Great point!

To avoid typing it again, I quote myself. Can you help me out with real world charge times and how you manage all this, please?

DSCR said:

WooHoo! Real world experience!

How do you use the battery packs? Top off the Razr frequently? How long does it take to charge the Razr from different levels of discharge. i.e. like how long for a 70% topoff vs charging from 10%.

That kind of stuff. Please explain how this really works.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Szadzik said:

Remember that battery packs come in larger capacities - like XP8000 with 8Ah and there ar ebigger ones - they are bigger in size too, though AND do not count the standard battery in, the Razr has one TOO.

P.S. I am one of those people travelling quite a lot and have always used battery packs, my 5000mAh Sanyo cost me as much as I would have to pay for an extended battery for my Milestone 1. Remember however, that your spare batteries will become useless when you change phones, my battery pack stays with me regardless of what device I need to charge.

There is one from Zagg now, that has high capacity and does not require an additional power adaptor to charge as it has one built in. ZaggSparq 2 I think.

Click to expand...

Some dumb questions ...

Doesthe external pack simply power your Razr or does it also charge the internal Razr battery?

If it does charge your internal battery ...

Can you attach it for a while to charge your internal battery and then remove it?
Is it a fast charge like a wall charger or a slow charge like a USB connected to a PC?

... Thom

DSCR said:

Agree and thanks for the info! And you are right, when my D2 is retired, all those batteries are toast. Great point!

To avoid typing it again, I quote myself. Can you help me out with real world charge times and how you manage all this, please?

Click to expand...

I do not record charge times or anything like that. No point as it can all be calculated on the bassis of each devices' specs.

Thom Little said:

Some dumb questions ...

Deos the external pack simply power your Razr or does it also charge the internal Razr battery?

If it does charge your internal battery ...

Can you attach it for a while to charge your internal battery and then remove it?
Is it a fast charge like a wall charger or a slow charge like a USB connected to a PC?

... Thom

Click to expand...

It charges the insternal battery. Attach it, charge up, throw back in the pocket.

Charging speed - it only depends on the device you use. Some battery packs have up to 1Ah output.

Szadzik said:

I do not record charge times or anything like that. No point as it can all be calculated on the bassis of each devices' specs.

It charges the insternal battery. Attach it, charge up, throw back in the pocket.

Charging speed - it only depends on the device you use. Some battery packs have up to 1Ah output.

Click to expand...

I understand. I was just looking for a gut feel thing. something like, going into a 4 hour meeting in 30 minutes. Phone is at 70%. I plan on doing texts and email (and angry birds) in the meeting. i throw the battery pack on and it will be full in 30 minutes or not. That kind of thing.

I buy wall/car/usb chargers. As I said I have them everywhere I pause. I wont buy one less than 1amp. Anything less than .5 amp wont work at all. I have seen some cool, high capacity packs with 2 usb outlets. One at 1 amp and one at 2.1 amps for iPad and tablets. I am guessing that 2.1 amps might be a little hot for a phone...LOL.

Anyway, You have my attention. Thanks for the enlightenment!

DSCR said:

I understand. I was just looking for a gut feel thing. something like, going into a 4 hour meeting in 30 minutes. Phone is at 70%. I plan on doing texts and email (and angry birds) in the meeting. i throw the battery pack on and it will be full in 30 minutes or not. That kind of thing.

I buy wall/car/usb chargers. As I said I have them everywhere I pause. I wont buy one less than 1amp. Anything less than .5 amp wont work at all. I have seen some cool, high capacity packs with 2 usb outlets. One at 1 amp and one at 2.1 amps for iPad and tablets. I am guessing that 2.1 amps might be a little hot for a phone...LOL.

Anyway, You have my attention. Thanks for the enlightenment!

Click to expand...

Razr has some limitations and I would not bother with anything over 1A for the phone itself.

For my Galaxy Tab that needs more power to charge I have a special additional piece of cable that makes the Tab charge from whatever power it gets so that I do not have to have a special charger for it when travelling.