If they don't simultaneously release a 9-10mm thick MAXX version with a significantly larger battery Moto will have failed to produce anything noteworthy for 2012... I mean, the Razr MAXX sold pretty well, I don't see why they would stagger the release of an Atrix MAXX, 'specially when they're already late to the party.
As it is, it doesn't look like this phone will have any redeeming quality compared to the HOX or SGS3. Smaller battery than the latter while not being significantly smaller overall, at 'least it'll have a microSD I guess... The only way it could be worse is if it was coming to Sprint (and competing w/the EVO LTE & SGS3 instead).
It'd be a great 4.5"+ alternative to Samsung on T-Mobile/Verizon, kinda odd that Verizon didn't secure this (it may be called an Atrix but it's basically a Razr HD in spirit).
I've touched the SGS3... and I'm not liking the plastic feel of its cheap body. I could care less about its ultra thinness. As a owner of a galaxy 1... the GPS is problematic (and apparently still to this day with new models).
A thing that bugs me about most Samsung phones is that they love making the top and bottom feel the same. This is more important when you have to hit the home bottom and your holding the phone upside down.
I've been eyeing the HTX ONE S or perhaps its sister model with the kick stand and a dedicated camera shutter button. The HTC feels very good in the hand, but the top-mounted power button throws me. I guess due to Apple patents, a real HOME button can't be on an Android phone.
I love how this Motorola looks... with the camera on TOP creating an obvious thicker area, I know which is TOP if its in my pocket, etc. Also, looking at the face, you can tell which is UP because the bottom has the side-color visible. If the back has an excellent texture... then that is going to be nice. I prefer to have the USB port to be un-covered because with daily charging... those rubber thingies are a pain to pop off... usually.
If its specs are equal to the HTC One S... I may go with my first ever Motorola phone.
PS: why can't they make android phones with SPEAKERS in the front? It'll make them louder.
x2, I have an Atrix 2 and the wife has an Atrix 4G. If this thing has another OMAP 4 I will be very disappointed. It would be like an Atrix 2 with a very slightly larger/higher res screen, which is nice but I am really feeling the need for more cpu power and 2GB of ram. I am really liking the SGS3 with its fast dual core, 2GB of DDR memory, and a micro sd. Having no micro sd would suck!
I wont be upgrading for a while, but I want at LEAST Dual core 1.5+Ghz Cortex A15 (or similar like Krait, etc), 2GB of system ram, 1280x720 res screen that looks decent, micro sd slot (hopefully that supports SDXC), LTE capability, decent performing 3d for the time(this one I am flexible on though), and the latest version of Android at the time. Honestly it seems like that's the spec list that just about everyone is after.
As far as quad cores go, if its an A15 class where it can 'Turbo at least 1-2 cores to ~1.5Ghz, that would be cool, but I would rather not sacrifice clock speed for 4 cores. We just arent to the point yet where the cpu's in phones is not a bottleneck, especially in single threaded stuff.I certainly hope they start implementing turbo like Iintel does in Sandy/Ivy bridge.
The world version has quad core and 1gb ram, but that SOC isnt 4G compatible with the US, so the US versions all 4 carriers have a dual core SOC with 2gb ram.
My current Motorola phone (Droid X2) is stuck on Android 2.3.5 despite being less than 1 year old, and near top-of-the-line when I bought it. It's because Motorola just up and decided to ass-rape its customers by not upgrading most of its newer models to ICS (never mind JB!)
Never again. I will never buy anything with a "skinned" Android on it. Give me pure unadulterated Android, with timely access to the latest software updates. Nothing short of that will suffice.
Same with my Samsung Galaxy S1. Still stuck on the original Android 2.1 (Eclair) with no upgrade in sight. Going to switch to iPhone 5 probably because none of the carriers care about providing any support to Android phones the minute they sell them to you. My phone is extremely slow by now too. I hate itunes, but I've been extremely disappointing with GPS on Android phones, lack of updates and what is inevitably is an OS that slows over time the more you use it, almost like Windows XP on old mechanical drives back int the days ;)
Mine is a SGS1 as well... but its running 2.3, you need to check with Samsung to see if they have the proper update for you. Its not completely Samsungs fault as it is the carriers.
You of course, can root your phone and put something else on.
The more power versions of Android may require more resources than the old SGS1 can handle
PS: For those who may have capativate or other SGs1 phone. The updater from Samsung (last time) wasn't very good. I had to use an old PC with WindowsXP to do the firmware update to 2.3. It didn't like W7 (how stupid).
Please learn to separate the correct items. Android GPS is fine, my EVO 3D works fine I have no problems. Samsung is the one with GPS problem, I do not know about others but the first galaxy phones have issues.
Apple is still updating it's 3 year old 3GS to iOS 6. You're correct that it doesn't get all the features, but it does get all the API's. In a short amount of time, newer apps and updated versions of existing apps will be written with those new API's in mind. This 3 year old iPhone will still be able to run these apps.
Now flip that to Android and the same applies. Personally I have a Nexus S, so I'll fortunately be getting the latest and greatest within the next week or two.
I still think Google needs to somehow resolve this upgradeability issue. Unfortunately, it's not in the manufacturers best interest to do so. They'd rather sell you a new device instead.
"Apple is still updating it's 3 year old 3GS to iOS 6. You're correct that it doesn't get all the features, but it does get all the API's. In a short amount of time, newer apps and updated versions of existing apps will be written with those new API's in mind. This 3 year old iPhone will still be able to run these apps."
Unfortunately, all iPhones are still with puny 3.5", still locked to iTunes, still not able to play mkv and many other video format, still no LTE, still no micro SD card, still not able to have ringtone and vibrate at the same time, still not able to assign any mp3 as ringtone, still the same boring same iOS interface...
I had the iPhone 3GS. Once you tasted the freedom of Android, you can't go back to iOS, never ever again.
I got the SGS2 with tmobile, it totally replaced my Tomtom gps. Haven't experience any gps related issue, I actually love my phone gps, it picked up my location within 3 to 5 seconds. My old Tomtom needs about 2 minutes, which is the most annoying thing.
After suffering through my wife's ownership of a Motorola Flipside, and then paying a nice chunk of money to upgrade it early, it will be a cold day in hell before I buy another Motorola anything. We never realized during the 30 day return window that the phone had so little memory that it could only download 4 or 5 apps before the Out Of Memory errors came. Sure, it was largely AT&T's fault for crapping up the little memory it had with useless, extra-monthly-charge "features", but it was easier to banish Motorola than AT&T, at least for us.
Now we're both very pleased with our Galaxy S2 and Glide. My S2 just got ICS 4.0.3. Sure, it was slow in arriving, and TouchWiz makes it look more like 2.3.9, but on the whole, they're just great phones. The cameras continue to impress, especially in outdoor, daytime environments.
OK, maybe it won't take hell freezing over to bring me back to Motorola, but the screwed me over with a dial-up modem in the 80s, and it was nearly a decade before I went back.
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24 Comments
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phoenix_rizzen - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
n/tJasonInofuentes - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
FixedImpulses - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
If they don't simultaneously release a 9-10mm thick MAXX version with a significantly larger battery Moto will have failed to produce anything noteworthy for 2012... I mean, the Razr MAXX sold pretty well, I don't see why they would stagger the release of an Atrix MAXX, 'specially when they're already late to the party.As it is, it doesn't look like this phone will have any redeeming quality compared to the HOX or SGS3. Smaller battery than the latter while not being significantly smaller overall, at 'least it'll have a microSD I guess... The only way it could be worse is if it was coming to Sprint (and competing w/the EVO LTE & SGS3 instead).
It'd be a great 4.5"+ alternative to Samsung on T-Mobile/Verizon, kinda odd that Verizon didn't secure this (it may be called an Atrix but it's basically a Razr HD in spirit).
piroroadkill - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
I thought the same thing. Why is Motorola releasing with anything less than MAXX battery life?Belard - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
I've touched the SGS3... and I'm not liking the plastic feel of its cheap body. I could care less about its ultra thinness. As a owner of a galaxy 1... the GPS is problematic (and apparently still to this day with new models).A thing that bugs me about most Samsung phones is that they love making the top and bottom feel the same. This is more important when you have to hit the home bottom and your holding the phone upside down.
I've been eyeing the HTX ONE S or perhaps its sister model with the kick stand and a dedicated camera shutter button. The HTC feels very good in the hand, but the top-mounted power button throws me. I guess due to Apple patents, a real HOME button can't be on an Android phone.
I love how this Motorola looks... with the camera on TOP creating an obvious thicker area, I know which is TOP if its in my pocket, etc. Also, looking at the face, you can tell which is UP because the bottom has the side-color visible. If the back has an excellent texture... then that is going to be nice. I prefer to have the USB port to be un-covered because with daily charging... those rubber thingies are a pain to pop off... usually.
If its specs are equal to the HTC One S... I may go with my first ever Motorola phone.
PS: why can't they make android phones with SPEAKERS in the front? It'll make them louder.
Belard - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
When do we get a full review on this puppy?!This is the top of my list.
extide - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
x2, I have an Atrix 2 and the wife has an Atrix 4G. If this thing has another OMAP 4 I will be very disappointed. It would be like an Atrix 2 with a very slightly larger/higher res screen, which is nice but I am really feeling the need for more cpu power and 2GB of ram. I am really liking the SGS3 with its fast dual core, 2GB of DDR memory, and a micro sd. Having no micro sd would suck!I wont be upgrading for a while, but I want at LEAST Dual core 1.5+Ghz Cortex A15 (or similar like Krait, etc), 2GB of system ram, 1280x720 res screen that looks decent, micro sd slot (hopefully that supports SDXC), LTE capability, decent performing 3d for the time(this one I am flexible on though), and the latest version of Android at the time. Honestly it seems like that's the spec list that just about everyone is after.
As far as quad cores go, if its an A15 class where it can 'Turbo at least 1-2 cores to ~1.5Ghz, that would be cool, but I would rather not sacrifice clock speed for 4 cores. We just arent to the point yet where the cpu's in phones is not a bottleneck, especially in single threaded stuff.I certainly hope they start implementing turbo like Iintel does in Sandy/Ivy bridge.
Spunjji - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
Galaxy S3 has 1GB of RAM, doesn't it?nVidia Tegra 3 does turbo core, if you're interested. :)
retrospooty - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
"Galaxy S3 has 1GB of RAM, doesn't it?"The world version has quad core and 1gb ram, but that SOC isnt 4G compatible with the US, so the US versions all 4 carriers have a dual core SOC with 2gb ram.
boeush - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
My current Motorola phone (Droid X2) is stuck on Android 2.3.5 despite being less than 1 year old, and near top-of-the-line when I bought it. It's because Motorola just up and decided to ass-rape its customers by not upgrading most of its newer models to ICS (never mind JB!)Never again. I will never buy anything with a "skinned" Android on it. Give me pure unadulterated Android, with timely access to the latest software updates. Nothing short of that will suffice.
Belard - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
That would be nobody. You'd need to root your phone or buy an international version.RussianSensation - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
Same with my Samsung Galaxy S1. Still stuck on the original Android 2.1 (Eclair) with no upgrade in sight. Going to switch to iPhone 5 probably because none of the carriers care about providing any support to Android phones the minute they sell them to you. My phone is extremely slow by now too. I hate itunes, but I've been extremely disappointing with GPS on Android phones, lack of updates and what is inevitably is an OS that slows over time the more you use it, almost like Windows XP on old mechanical drives back int the days ;)Belard - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
Mine is a SGS1 as well... but its running 2.3, you need to check with Samsung to see if they have the proper update for you. Its not completely Samsungs fault as it is the carriers.You of course, can root your phone and put something else on.
The more power versions of Android may require more resources than the old SGS1 can handle
- Yes GPS on Samsungs seem to suck.
Zoomer - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
My Desire got a OTA update to froyo, and was flashable to gingerbread. There are 3rd party roms for ICS.Get a phone that's more likely to be supported long term. :)
Spunjji - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
What's wrong with GPS on "Android phones"? Mine works fine... :/Belard - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
Its crap... still seeing posts from SGs2 owners.Constant "GPS SIGNAL LOST"
PS: For those who may have capativate or other SGs1 phone. The updater from Samsung (last time) wasn't very good. I had to use an old PC with WindowsXP to do the firmware update to 2.3. It didn't like W7 (how stupid).
It did improve GPS... but still crap.
PubFiction - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
Please learn to separate the correct items. Android GPS is fine, my EVO 3D works fine I have no problems. Samsung is the one with GPS problem, I do not know about others but the first galaxy phones have issues.PubFiction - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
Also to people complaining about updates, now that Motorola is owned by google I would expect that to change.But there has to be a point where you stop updating a phone. Want updates get windows phone 7.
AFAIK apple stops updating phones too. Lots of features are not added to older phones. So not sure how going apple changes that.
Google maps is good and the GPS works fine on many android phones.
raulr - Sunday, July 8, 2012 - link
Apple is still updating it's 3 year old 3GS to iOS 6. You're correct that it doesn't get all the features, but it does get all the API's. In a short amount of time, newer apps and updated versions of existing apps will be written with those new API's in mind. This 3 year old iPhone will still be able to run these apps.Now flip that to Android and the same applies. Personally I have a Nexus S, so I'll fortunately be getting the latest and greatest within the next week or two.
I still think Google needs to somehow resolve this upgradeability issue. Unfortunately, it's not in the manufacturers best interest to do so. They'd rather sell you a new device instead.
amdwilliam1985 - Monday, July 9, 2012 - link
"Apple is still updating it's 3 year old 3GS to iOS 6. You're correct that it doesn't get all the features, but it does get all the API's. In a short amount of time, newer apps and updated versions of existing apps will be written with those new API's in mind. This 3 year old iPhone will still be able to run these apps."Unfortunately, all iPhones are still with puny 3.5", still locked to iTunes, still not able to play mkv and many other video format, still no LTE, still no micro SD card, still not able to have ringtone and vibrate at the same time, still not able to assign any mp3 as ringtone, still the same boring same iOS interface...
I had the iPhone 3GS.
Once you tasted the freedom of Android, you can't go back to iOS, never ever again.
Belard - Sunday, July 8, 2012 - link
I did say that: "Yes GPS on Samsungs seem to suck."I did NOT say Android GPS suck.
amdwilliam1985 - Monday, July 9, 2012 - link
I got the SGS2 with tmobile, it totally replaced my Tomtom gps.Haven't experience any gps related issue, I actually love my phone gps, it picked up my location within 3 to 5 seconds. My old Tomtom needs about 2 minutes, which is the most annoying thing.
Zoomer - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
It's called the Nexus.bmgoodman - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
After suffering through my wife's ownership of a Motorola Flipside, and then paying a nice chunk of money to upgrade it early, it will be a cold day in hell before I buy another Motorola anything. We never realized during the 30 day return window that the phone had so little memory that it could only download 4 or 5 apps before the Out Of Memory errors came. Sure, it was largely AT&T's fault for crapping up the little memory it had with useless, extra-monthly-charge "features", but it was easier to banish Motorola than AT&T, at least for us.Now we're both very pleased with our Galaxy S2 and Glide. My S2 just got ICS 4.0.3. Sure, it was slow in arriving, and TouchWiz makes it look more like 2.3.9, but on the whole, they're just great phones. The cameras continue to impress, especially in outdoor, daytime environments.
OK, maybe it won't take hell freezing over to bring me back to Motorola, but the screwed me over with a dial-up modem in the 80s, and it was nearly a decade before I went back.