Motorola Droid X PDA Review
Smart phones just cannot stop getting better. The Droid X is the latest super-phone to hit the markets. Developed by Motorola and Verizon Wireless, the phone packs enough to woo a potential customer with enough features embedded for him to take on the world: speed, response and style. These three are synonymous to what this piece of technology has to offer. Whilst not a successor to the previous original Droid and the Droid 2, it has seemingly replaced them as the flagship of Verizon Wireless in this segment and has become the most popular Android device. Released on the 15th of July, this phone is definitely here to stay and can hold it’s own with respect to its competitors.
Design:
Build and Display:
Encased in a matte black candy bar design, Motorola Droid X Smartphone comes with a 4.3-inch 854 x 480 pixels capacitive touch screen LCD display, a significant leap from the 3.7-inch screen of the Droid, is big and expansive by current standards and is bound to captivate the media geeks for being benevolent for multimedia purposes, with playing movies, viewing photos and so on. It has got great color saturation, contrast and functions well when used outdoors. For those who just need to text and mail, the screen can really catch the eye due it’s expansiveness and also reduces eye strain.
Swype Keyboard:
With a big screen comes a big keyboard, and it makes it easier to send those long texts, e-mails and keep it error free with less mistypes, dial or interact with the Android OS. The Swype keyboard enables the user to type faster without taking the finger off the screen. The user merely needs to drag the finger from one character to another.
This helps in efficient typing of texts and mails. It can also be turned off for those users who prefer the traditional input method.
Ports and Connectivity:
It provides DLNA compatibility and HDMI Micro out pins which enhances its connectivity. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is used to share content wirelessly with other DLNA equipped devices. It provides inter-operatability and helps the user to share, transfer, send and receive data with another phone. The 3.5 mm headset jack is located on the right side of the phone, and the ports for micro USB and HDMI features on the left.
Interface:
The Droid X operates on Android 2.1 operating system, with an upgrade to 2.2 coming later this year. The new software is expected to enhance the speed of the already fast Droid X and also the JavaScript integrated into the browser of the phone. The advantages of 2.1 are that it includes a good keyboard interface, HTML 5 support, and Microsoft Exchange support. There are multiple customizable home screens (up to nine) available.
There are dedicated keys for controlling the volume, Camera, Back, Home, Power/ Lock, Menu. There is also a hepatic feedback feature which makes the phone vibrate each time a button is pressed. With a pinch-to-zoom feature, the browsing experience is enhanced.
The system supports a wide array of applications and this enables the Motorola Droid X Android OS phone to be customized and tweaked according to the user’s demands. It is Flash supportive and this in turn helps in the performance of many applications and games. Free maps are available with turn-by-turn directions, and a lot of Google applications such as Google Maps, Google Maps Street View, Google Talk, etc can be integrated into the system. Widget capability, Social Networking sites integrated via ninjablur are other features likely to turn heads.
Features:
Processor:
Fitted with a 1GHz TI OMAP processor and a 512MB RAM, one can only expect the Droid X to be fast. And fast it is. The Texas Instruments OMAP processor helps the phone to be fast, efficient and responsive and helps to run things super smooth. It makes everything ranging from browsing to moving between panels fast.
Memory:
24GB storage! Enough said. With an in-built 8 GB storage and a 16 GB microSD card included, and that’s plenty of room for multimedia and everything else. And if you feel the 24 GB storage is not enough, here comes the catch. The microSD card slot supports up to 32 GB cards, which can increase the storage capacity from 24 to a solid 40 GB.
Camera:
While the previous Droid version came with a 5.0 mega-pixel camera, the Droid X is coming out with an impressive 8.0 mega-pixel camera, so the user can take photos up to an incredulous 3266 by 2450 pixel resolution. That is not all. It also shoots a good solid 720p HD video, with also a noise canceling feature enabled by the mics for video recording.
Cameras have become a vital component in any phone. With it, people can share what they witness and with a good camera, this experience is enhanced. The 8.0 mega-pixel camera produces images of superior quality and with in-built features of image stabilization, flash and zoom, and supportive features like scene functions, color effects, and editing functions and Geo tagging, taking pictures will definitely be a pastime, this phone means much more when in the hands of someone who clicks images on the go.
The camcorder can record high-definition videos at 720p or 1280 by 720 pixel resolution, at 24 frames per second. This results in good detailed video quality and also with high definition audio along with editing features like resizing, audio editing and so on.
Noise Reduction:
With three built in mics, the phone provides apt noise cancellation improving call quality by reducing static. This also helps in getting good audio while recording videos with the camera.
MotoBlur:
MotoBlur is a push-based service that focuses on social networking. With social networking playing a big role in daily life of every tech savvy consumers this is one feature which most cannot do without. It includes a wide variety of widgets for this purpose by combining various social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and a whole of other services all in one place with regular feeds and data coming into your hands through these widgets. One can connect to their friends, keep up with important events and know what is happening around them, and in a secure environment all thanks to the MotoBlur.
Multimedia:
Motorola Droid X PDA Smartphone packs enough in terms of entertainment factor would be an understatement. The phone is loaded with features like Android Media player, Android Market, the popular game Need For Speed Shift and that is just saying a few. The Android Media player makes listening to music a pleasurable experience. The headphones are sold separately. Radio lovers can tune into the FM Radio, songs can be bought and downloaded from Amazon’s MP3 store or merely by transferring from the computer. The Android Market is an innovative idea which enables users to create and develop programs for use in the phone which are put up in Google’s store and can be purchased online. A wide range of applications are therefore at the user’s disposal.
With the high quality screen bound to enthrall the user, watching movies will be easy. Movies can be downloaded from a Blockbuster application, and video playback is simply too good to ignore. For gaming aficionados, the built in ‘Need For Speed Shift’ is definitely a must have. Flash capability enhances the performances of other games as well.
Connectivity:
Droid X stands out for its connectivity features. With Bluetooth technology, WiFi, 3G, WLAN and DLNA capabilities and the Android HTML Webkit, one can be assured to be connected wherever they are. The device can act as a 3G hotspot for up to 5 other devices, definitely advantageous to connect other mobile devices and laptops and computers. A valuable service when faced with a Wifi less environment. This smart phone can be used as a modem to access the Internet on a system. It is also provided with GPS and Location services. Google Maps and a whole other applications being available, the Droid X provides also turn-by-turn instructions, which means getting places will never be a tedious task. The device can also be hooked up in a car to aid navigation. Impressive.
Performance:
Interface:
The interface is a smooth and quick Android 2.1 operating system powered by the OMAP processor. It is customizable and delightful to the eye, though it can be cluttered with meaningless widgets. Occasional chances of sluggishness and slow responses are encountered. Still, the Droid X does not leave it to be found wanting. With a whole lot of custom widgets available, the user can tweak it to his needs. With the coming upgrade the current performance is predicted to be improved.
Call Quality:
The phone has good audio quality, though it could be a little louder. With the Verizon’s network providing service, the frequency of dropped calls is very low. The 3G network provides strong reception, and with good clarity even when signal strength is low. With 8 hours of talk time, one can simply chat away!
Camera:
The 8.0 mega-pixel camera provides high quality images, however stumbles in low light conditions and when in high zoom. The camera application is a tad slow and can be quite slow in response. Still it manages to dish out quality photos and with a lot of editing features. The video recording at 720p is worth looking into. With an 8.0 mega-pixel camera one cannot ignore the quality of video it provides. The device demands a steady hand for non-wobbly footage. Also the three mics can be switched between, depending on the shooting style and the subject. It also provides noise cancellation.
Connectivity:
The Droid X runs on Verizon’s 3G network and calling, texting and other features are fast as fast can be. There are significantly less number of dropped calls and with three microphones and a quality speaker, the call quality does not disappoint. The WiFi connectivity enables the device to be latched on to a WiFi service when available and has been excellent in that account. Surfing is speedy as well. The device serves efficiently as a 3G hub and can be connected to up to 5 devices.
Battery Life:
Considering the magnanimity the developers have provided in the number of features, the Droid X would have been assumed to be a heavy consumer when it comes to power. However, the 1,540 mAh Li-Ion battery provides an 8 hour window for talk time and 9.2 days on standby. This is good enough considering the utilities that come with the device. Motorola has added a performance toggle between three modes of CPU throttling, Performance, Smart and Battery Saver. The 3G hotspot feature can guzzle a chunk out of the battery though.
Warranty:
Motorola Droid X PDA comes with one year warranty from the date of purchase.
Verdict:
With technology moving at a pace seemingly faster that light, the market is flooded with a plethora of smart phones, each one encompassing new features to knock the fluff out of its competition. The Droid X’s arrival has already indicated the shift that can be witnessed in this scenario henceforth. With a device packed with a whole lot of user friendly features the Droid X is one phone that cannot be missed out on. With a responsive and expansive screen, a smart keyboard, the fast interface and extended connectivity, the Droid X announces its arrival in style.
Check HTC PDA Phones Reviews, Samsung Smartphone Reviews in this website.
Motorola Droid X PDA Smartphone – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Model Name | Motorola Droid X |
| Series | Droid |
| Product type | Android based smart phone with camera |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) mm | 127.5 x 65.5 x 9.9 |
| Weight | 155 g/5.47 oz |
| Phone Design | Candy Bar |
| Display Technology | TFT, FWVGA (240 dpi) |
| Size | 4.3″ |
| Resolution | 854×480 |
| Vibrating Alert | Yes |
| Phone Navigation | Full Touch, Dedicated Keys for Volume Control, Back, Home, Search, Menu, Power/Lock |
| Wireless Interface | 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, DLNA |
| OS | Android 2.1 (update to 2.2 available in September) |
| CPU | 1Ghz TI OMAP3630-1000 |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM/2GB ROM / 8 GB Flash |
| Storage | 8GB Flash Rom; microSDHC, Class 6; Max Memory Card Supported: 32GB; Total memory expandable up to 40GB |
| Camera | 8.0 Mp |
| Features of camera | Dual LED flash, image stabilization, 4x zoom, HD 720p quality (1280x720p resolution) up to 24 fps capture; up to 30 fps playback |
| Format support | AAC, H.263, H.264, MP3, MPEG-4, WAV, eAAC+, > WMA v10, MIDI, AAC+ |
| Ringtones | Preloaded and downloadable ringtones; RINGTONE FORMATS AAC, AAC+, eAAC, eAAC+, MP3, OGG |
| Connectivity | CDMA 800/1900 MHz EVDO Rev. A,WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Stereo Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR with A2DP and AVRCP, 3.5mm TRRS audio jack, USB 2.0 HS, OTA, HDMI, Over the Air Sync, PC Sync, DLNA |
| Mobile Email | Yes |
| Internet Browser | Yes |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM |
| Highlight Features | 8.0MP Digital Camera, Video Camera Capabilities 720p, Wi-Fi® enabled, Google Maps, Built-in GPS capabilities, 3G network access, Bluetooth® enabled, Multimedia Player, Wireless Email, Phone and SMS/MMS |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium Ion |
| Capacity | 1540 mAH |
| Talktime | 8 hrs |
| Warranty | One year |
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