4 days of ownership - observations and thoughts on whether or not to keep it

[smrdroid]

I upgraded my Razr Maxx HD with a new 2014 32 GB X, black face, cordovan leather back. I purchased it from Moto with the Cyber Monday sale price and it arrived Monday of this week.

Generally, I am very pleased with the new device. The screen size is perfect for me, and the overall dimensions are still small enough for it to fit comfortably in my pocket and I can use it with one hand (although not as easily as I could with the Razr Maxx).
The display is beautiful and everything works fast, no lags at all.
Lollipop is running well.
I found the metal sides to be a bit too slippery to use the phone naked, so I ordered a bumper and in the meantime purchased the clear back TPU case from Verizon, which works quite well and feels very good in hand.

The camera is fine in good light, and not too bad in lower light, but certainly not as good as the better camera phones out there.

However....while battery life seems okay for day to day use, I am concerned about traveling, and longer screen on times (with GPS active), etc. My thought is to get some sort of a backup battery pack that's not too large, and keep it in my pocket when I know I will be away from a power outlet for an extended period of time. That would give me the best of both worlds - a thin, relatively light, good looking device for most days, and a backup battery for traveling. (Has anyone purchased a backup battery recently and if so, what do you suggest?) I also ordered the turbo charger (from Tenergy) which should help with quick recharges while traveling.

But, with a week left before I have to decide whether to return the phone to Moto, I am not convinced that I should have to compromise on a new "flagship" phone. Do I return it, and instead get the bulkier, heavier Turbo, a Galaxy S5 or maybe even an iPhone 6?

Decisions decisions.....

 

[natehoy]

Tough call. My wife has an S5, so I've used both (though the S5 a lot less). When I upgraded from my X2013, I was tempted by the S5. I actually pre-ordered a Nexus 6 and then canceled the pre-order.

In the end, despite the camera, the non-expandable memory, and the non-replaceable battery, I went with a X2014 because there are things about the X that just appeal to me too much. Active notifications, "twist and shoot" camera, and oddly enough the seasonal startup screens and Spotlight player are not individually enough to sway me, but as a package it makes the phone my top choice.

I can't give you good advice on your decision, though. The S5 is going to lag behind on OS updates, but then again Samsung adds a lot (some good, some bad) to Android. I don't know a lot about the Turbo. And I have a lot invested in the Android ecosystem so switching to iPhone wouldn't be worth it for me.

 

[Robisan]

But, with a week left before I have to decide whether to return the phone to Moto, I am not convinced that I should have to compromise on a new "flagship" phone. Do I return it, and instead get the bulkier, heavier Turbo, a Galaxy S5 or maybe even an iPhone 6?

Decisions decisions.....

Seems like all of these choices will require compromise. Having to carrying around the bulk and ugliness of the Turbo all the time for the few times you really need the extra battery life. Giving up nearly pure Android and the Moto apps for Touchwiz. Having to accept a non-customizable, one-size-fits-all jail cell OS and walled prison that is Apple/iOS. The question is are you going to need the extra battery life often enough that these other compromises are less annoying than having to carry a battery pack when needed?

 

[mrjspeed]

When I made my choice, it was between the iPhone 6 and the Moto X. As far as Android phones go, I really think the X is the clear winner. I knew battery would be shakey, but all the other features plus the solid build quality and Pure Android would put it on top. I have a S4 for work and I hate using it. Touchwiz is just gross IMO.

I didn't get the iPhone because the X was about $200 cheaper. Now that I've been using it for a few months, I've found myself really come to like Android and don't desire iOS so much anymore.

If you travel a lot, it can be a tougher choice. Otherwise, taking a battery pack is worth having a sleek device all the other times.

 

[dsneedmd]

You could try the Sony Z3. Same size, larger battery, better camera, probably not as tough.

 

[benhaube]

Don't worry about SOT. Yesterday I got 4.25 hours. Generally I have averaged 3.5.

 

[smrdroid]

Don't worry about SOT. Yesterday I got 4.25 hours. Generally I have averaged 3.5.

Did your SOT include any navigation/GPS usage? GPS in a car isn't an issue as I will have it plugged in to a charger, but what about when walking around and using GPS. I would think that would dramatically reduce battery life?

 

[smrdroid]

Re: UPDATE -4 days of ownership - observations and thoughts on whether or not to keep it

Now on day 6 and liking this device more each day. Plus, recieved the Tenergy turbo charger today. Plugged it in at 18% battery remaining and 12 minutes later, almost 60%. Between the new charger and a planned purchase of a small backup battery pack, I think this phone is a keeper.