Next to the more svelte Motorola Droid Razr, Maxx is noticibly thicker in some places, but don't call it fat. It's still a RAZR, and that extra bulk packs power.
Like the first Droid Razr, the Razr Maxx comes dressed in Kevlar and stainless steel. It is armed with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, Verizon's 4G-LTE network, and a Super AMOLED 4.3 inch display.
The Maxx is also capable of those clever Smart Actions. A user can set the phone to perform actions triggered by a variety of rules including GPS, battery state, and others. You might use GPS detect when you are at home or work to turn on Wi-Fi or adjust ringer volume. Your media player can be launched by connecting an audio cable. You could automate a text to be sent to certain contacts if you miss their call. There are several sample Smart Action presets to get users started.
It also has shares its sibling's rugged Gorilla Glass and water-repellent nano-coating.
In fact there are just two things new with the Maxx: a larger battery and the case that accomodates. The Maxx's 3300mAh battery gives it nearly double the capacity of the slimmer Droid Razr offering 21 hours of talk time per charge.
The combination of specs and features have made it a bit of a media darling in the gadget-sphere. The buyers' teddy bear Consumer Reports and the oracle for geeks AnandTech.com both praise it.
The extra bulk basically just levels the rear of the device were the thinner Razr tapers. The weight is only about a half an ounce more.
The real world trade off for the extended battery life is one less thing to complain about. Really, the Maxx feels much like the un-Maxxed Razr. Maybe even more secure in the hand. Ok, there is one trade-off -the price. The Razr Maxx costs $299, and the Razr now starts at $199 (with a two-year contract).
Features:
- 1.2GHz dual-core processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 4.3” Super AMOLED display with Gorilla glass
- Android Gingerbread 2.3.6, ICS update to come
- Camera: 8 MP, 1.3 MP P2P Video, LED
- Measuring 5.2x2.7x0.4 inches & weighs 5.1 ounces
- Stainless steel and Kevlar design
- Water-repellent nanocoating
- 4G LTE connectivity
- Able to watch HD Netflix movies
- Government-graded encryption of emails, contacts and calendars
- Compatible with Motorola’s Lapdock 500 Pro/Lapdock 100
- 3300 mAh Battery
- Storage & Memory: 1GB RAM x 16GB ROM, 11.5GB user available internal memory, 16 GB microSD card preinstalled
- WLAN 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n
- Connectivity: 3.5mm, BOTA, Corporate Sync, DLNA, MML, Phone Portal, HDMI, USB 2.0HS
The Motorola Razr Maxx and service was provided at no charge for the purpose of review. This of course would never influence a recommendation.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.