Motorola Atrix vs Nexus S?

[doubleblack#AC]

Greetings everyone, another migrant from CrackBerry here. I've had enough of the RIM koolaid, and just plain old feel behind. I got a BlackBerry because I felt behind not having a smartphone, and now I have a smartphone that's behind. Anyway, enough of my story...I need some help!

I really, really like the Nexus S...however the $550 price tag on one isn't sitting pretty with me, and it may be worth a contract extension (haven't extended my contract in over 4 years) to get a subsidized price. Problem is, I can't get the Nexus S subsidized...well, because you all know why. Then there is the horrible Android selection with AT&T. The Inspire isn't bad, but the screen is just too big. I don't want a huge brick in my pocket, I was something nimble and quick.

I'm slightly interested in the Atrix, as it has a similar form factor to the Nexus S, but I don't know how I feel about the encrypted bootloader, Blur UI, and the AT&T sideloading. In addition, it's already running outdated firmware, and I don't like how I would be locked into whatever software version Samsung/AT&T decides to release. Anyway, I need some experts opinions on this matter since I keep getting conflicting reviews and comparisons. I need some real life experience!

Nexus S
+ Always latest Android OS; can also load non-market apps
+ NFC support
+ Stock google experience phone; no GUI overlay
- Costs an arm and a leg
- Only available from Negri

Moto Atrix
+ Much better price, with contract renewal
+ Better hardware; better battery life
- Blur UI; delayed OS updates
- Can't root and install newer OS or ROM without sideloading/restrictions
- AT&T sideloading, restricted to approved market apps

I know n00bs come on here all the time and ask the same question, I assure you I'm not a n00b at all...just keep seeing conflicting reviews of each, and was wanting to put them head-to-head so I can make the best informed decision possible. I look forward to your valuable input, thanks!

 

[jsntrenkler]

I say get the Atrix. I was at best buy tonight and had the opportunity to try out their demo Nexus S side by side with my Atrix. My Atrix felt more responsive.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

 

[Johnly]

Dejavu.....motorola makes premium radios, and the nexus S lack of SD card blows, but I still vote nexus S.

 

[doubleblack#AC]

Dejavu.....motorola makes premium radios, and the nexus S lack of SD card blows, but I still vote nexus S.

haha, just wanted to cover my bases...I know in a large forum like this, people tend to only browse certain forums

I appreciate your input x2!

 

[attweco]

I'm seriously considering the Nexus S, as a replacement for my Atrix. I like the specs for the Nexus S, and I've heard so many good things about it.

I like my Atrix, but I don't like the muffled sound defect and the intermittent screen defect, none of which Motorola will even acknowledge exists. This will definitely be my LAST Motorola product.

The Nexus S for ATT bands has not been officially released by Samsung, and I'm not gonna lay down that kind of money for a phone I can't try out, in person. I've already got one defective phone! As soon as I can get Nexus S at Best Buy, or some other brick-and-mortar storefront, I'll have a hands-on, and then make my decision.

I hope the official release of Nexus S for ATT bands is soon, because I wanna be able to get at least a few dollars for my Atrix on eBay. At the rate the price is dropping for a new Atrix, they are gonna be giving them away, soon!

 

[LavallavaL]

My two cents

My vote goes to the Atrix, and I chose it myself for the following reasons:

HDMI: Media playback on a TV/AVR is the best feature you could ever hope for on a smart phone. Trust me, you'll use it.
Storage: SD card slot adds storage, and gives flexibility to choose how much you put in and pay for.
Display: Better resolution makes it possible to read smaller fonts, so less zooming is required to read a text. qHD is really nice to have.
Power: Battery has great specs, and it "delivers".
Hardware: "Gorilla glass". Responsive touch screen. Speaker plays loud and well.

Generally speaking, Motorola sells good, tough, and lasting gear. My last Moto was still alive and well after 7 years of punishing treatment. I switched to the Atrix because of the HDMI hookup, and have discovered a phone so good at portable computing, that I sold my Netbook. Motorola's main caveat is it's sync software, which, personally, I do not care for.


I can't speak to the problems of rooting, as nothing compels me do so. Also, I can't really comment on the AT&T related issues, because I am not in the 'States.