Sorry for a noob question - I have to buy off-contract to preserve my unlimited data. That means either $499 for the standard Droid Maxx, $649 for the DE version (currently out of stock), or $699 if I go for a Samsung Note 3 instead, to get the huge screen.
As I understand it, the only difference between the $499 standard phone vs the $649 DE version from Moto is that the DE has an unlocked bootloader. My OG Droid and Bionic are both rooted, primarily so that I can use Foxfi and freeze Verizon bloatware apps to keep the phone from getting really bogged down. I intend to do the same with a new phone.
Net: Does the DE version's unlocked bootloader make rooting easier or better somehow? I'm not a Dev...just want to be able to root for FoxFi tethering and freezing bloatware. Do I need the unlocked bootloader for the extra $150?
Lee
To leckert123 ... I can relate to your inquiries regarding the developer edition maxx and note 3. My plan with VZW is unlimited data so I also have to pay full price for my phones. I have had both phones in hand for almost two weeks. I was pulled into the Note3 by size and beauty of the screen AND I am a small business owner that processes credit cards. None of my credit card readers work with the Maxx so I have to fat finger all the transactions. It has been a back and forth struggle that must come to an end by this Friday (BestBuy return policy almost up). I fired up the Note3 and i was impressed by the performance despite the heavy TouchWiz. Just when I thought Note3 could replace or "plus 1" the Maxx, differences began to appear that I didn't expect like:
1. NFC secure element. I was a heavy ISIS user, but this feature doesn't work on the Note3. This will probably be fixed with KK whenever it is rolled out, but who knows when that will be released.
2. Email client for POP servers has limits. I can only download a max of 100KB in background. Yes, I can always hit the Load Message button or buy another POP client, but Maxx allows unlimited message size downloads with the built-in client. Since, I travel a lot, I found myself double checking emails with attachments to make sure i hit the "load message" button to ensure the entire email was downloaded.
3. I prefer dark background in my messaging apps (primarily email) and phone. Again, the VZW Note3 doesn't offer this option. You'll have to download a 3rd party app, but the maxx has it built-in.
Despite these unwanted character traits of the Note3 ... it's hard to put it down because the screen is simply gorgeous. Because of the flaws, i brought the maxx back to an online status and the IT geek in me just loves the mint beauty performance of the near stock android on the maxx. Everything just pops. To answer your questions about FoxFi, it does not work on the stock Note3. I've been monitoring the blogs to see if anyone post a work around. I haven't tried it on the maxx yet.
Good luck with your decision ... Let me know what you decide.