The Smartphone sensation has produced mobile technology options that are smarter, faster, and stronger than ever. Apple’s iPhone is stable at the top of sales charts, but discontented consumers have called attention to the unstable reception of the newest model - or at least they have tried.
Amid disappointment at the iPhone 4’s receptivity, Motorola’s Droid X, announced just 24 hours before the iPhone hit the shelves, is looking dapper. AVT reports why the iPhone could be a passing iFad - and why even loyal iPhoners are considering switching to the Droid X on July 15th.
Bigger
The 4.3” WVGA (854x480 pixels) capacitative touch screen with a multi-touch display boasts a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen’s lower resolution, compared to the iPhone 4, is balanced by its single, 8 megapixel camera (the iPhone offers 5 megapixels), which records 720p HD footage. It also comes with HDMI output (type D - you’ll need a micro-HDMI cable) and DLNA support, so you can stream your HD films to HD and DLNA-supported devices with negligible set-up.
At 5 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide by 0.4 inch thick and 5.47 ounces, it’s bigger than an iPhone, but smaller than an iPad. Complemented by the proximity sensor and onboard accelerometer, users can operate the device single-handedly.
Users can even type without lifting a finger with the Swype keyboard, which is faster and more accurate than the standard capacitative touch keyboard, though that is also included.
Faster
The Droid X has a 1GHz TI OMAP processor, which is fast, but not lightning speed. So while the camera boasts high-quality photo and video capture via the cam widget or a dedicated camera key, the shutter-button lags.
Considered alongside the dual-LED flash, autofocus, digi-zoom, face detection features, f2.8 lens, and the three mics, which are individually designed to capture crisp audio in varied settings, we forgive the languidness.
Stay tuned for the integration of Android 2.2 Froyo, an update over Android 2.1, which comes on the Droid X in the meantime. Android 2.2 is expected to come to the Droid X later this Summer, and will bring faster processing speeds, improved camera software, Flash 10 capabilities, and Adobe Flash Player 10.1.
For now, mobiDEOS’ MobileCamViewer is compatible with the Droid X, which means users can connect with all Microsoft-compatible webcams, IP cameras, and DVR/NVRs (including Axis, Canon, Dedicated Micros, JVC, Milestone, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Vivotek, etc). Paired with Blockbuster’s On Demand App, Droid X-users are ready for a rainy day.
The updated version of Motoblur is vastly improved, if shy of perfect. The UI is customizable, so while all you’ll do is touch a screen, Motoblur will work for you.
The 1,540mAh lithium ion battery supports 8 hours of talk time, and up to 9 days of standby.
Stronger
You get more memory for your money with the Droid X, which comes equipped with 8GB and an additional 16GB microSD card. You can buy a separate 32GB microSD card and insert it in the same expansion slot, for a whopping 40GB of memory (the iPhone 4 offers a 32GB device, if you’re willing to pay for it).
With seven home screens to house your Motorola and Android widgets, the Droid X’s shortcuts, folders, and easy navigation toolbar that doubles as a quick-launch, are clever inclusions.
Priced to Impress
The $199.99 device (with two-year contract, after $100 mail-in rebate) is designed for Verizon. While the Droid X’s $30 data plan is inflexible, the stable receptivity renders it a bargain compared to its higher-priced competitor (the iPhone is between $199 and $599). While the iPhone has flexible data plans ($15 to $35), AT&T’s receptivity is just as flex. Existing Verizon customers with contracts ending in 2010 upgrade free.
