What to get - Maxx or Galaxy S4?

[bkircher]

There will be an obvious difference in display clarity. 720p on a 5 inch screen is pixelated. That is one thing I hate about my Note 2. It is impossible to go back to 720p after using a 1080p display on the S4, DNA or HTC One. Most of the Droid Ultra reviewers are saying that yhe display is pixelated. The display on the older Razr Maxx HD will be better simply because it is a 4.7 inch display. If the Maxx HD had wireless charging I would buy that instead. The other con is the camera on these new Droids and the Moto X are getting terrible reviews. Motorola cant seem to get a decent camera in any of their phones. There wont be many accessories either.

Where are u reading that the screen is pixelated? I haven't seen that in any of the hands on videos..

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[SteelGator]

Where are u reading that the screen is pixelated? I haven't seen that in any of the hands on videos..

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I think it was in this video that DL mentions it.

 

[benjamminh]

Most of the reviews have been of the Moto X I've seen and they indicate you have to really be looking for something pixel-wise to see a difference. As the Ultra and Maxx are 5" rather than 4.7" there might be a slight difference.

For me I'm likely to get the Maxx because of 1. battery life 2. likely build quality 3. likely better call quality/reception 4. software---like the clean, mostly stock Android UI over Touchwiz.
But for others the S4 would be the choice because of 1. perceived screen quality 2. belief in the need for "flagship" hardware 3. better camera 4. features of Touchwiz. 5. Removable storage and battery.

Chacun a son gout.

 

[Dreamliner330]

There will be an obvious difference in display clarity. 720p on a 5 inch screen is pixelated. That is one thing I hate about my Note 2. It is impossible to go back to 720p after using a 1080p display on the S4, DNA or HTC One. Most of the Droid Ultra reviewers are saying that yhe display is pixelated. The display on the older Razr Maxx HD will be better simply because it is a 4.7 inch display. If the Maxx HD had wireless charging I would buy that instead. The other con is the camera on these new Droids and the Moto X are getting terrible reviews. Motorola cant seem to get a decent camera in any of their phones. There wont be many accessories either.

Screen Clarity: HTC One > Droid DNA > GS4 > Moto X > Droid Maxx >>>>>>>>>> RAZR HD.

The RAZR HD/HD MAXX has a TERRIBLE PenTile display. It is awful and horrendous; it also had severe lag issues due to a 'Motorola Power Saving Script', I wouldn't go back to that phone if it was free. The Droid MAXX screen is loads better than the RAZR MAXX HD.

The DROID MAXX also has offscreen buttons....allowing for the full display to be used for content...not stupid buttons (Onscreen buttons is quite possible the worst thing Google has done to Android).

Moto has never been great on cameras.

Thankfully I'm going from a Note II to a Droid Maxx so I won't notice too much of a difference. As for accessories as long as I have a case and screen protector I'll be fine. It is a bummer that the camera is so bad but I'll live.

The screen clarity will improve going from a Note 2 to a Droid MAXX. Same screen tech, higher PPI on the DROID MAXX.

Where are u reading that the screen is pixelated? I haven't seen that in any of the hands on videos..

It will appear more pixelated than a 1080 screen of the same size. The Droid DNA will 'clearly' have a better screen, but the other benefits of the DROID MAXX easily outweigh it. Personally, I'd prefer Moto drop the whole active display thing and go with a 1080 LCD, but that won't happen. Of the new phones being released, the Mini will have the clearest display (Highest PPI and LCD).

Most of the reviews have been of the Moto X I've seen and they indicate you have to really be looking for something pixel-wise to see a difference. As the Ultra and Maxx are 5" rather than 4.7" there might be a slight difference.

For me I'm likely to get the Maxx because of 1. battery life 2. likely build quality 3. likely better call quality/reception 4. software---like the clean, mostly stock Android UI over Touchwiz.
But for others the S4 would be the choice because of 1. perceived screen quality 2. belief in the need for "flagship" hardware 3. better camera 4. features of Touchwiz. 5. Removable storage and battery.

You can load the Google Edition ROM onto the Galaxy S4...but you can't fix those crappy radios

 

[conan1071]

Came from a MAXX HD and got CS to give me an S4. First Samsung I have owned. Loved the Maxx HD and CS gave me the s4 because of constant wifi issues with several HD;'s. The s4 is awesome except for a few things; battery and signal. Battery life is horrible compared to the HD, as expected. I bought the 5200mah from Amazon with back cover and case and that puts the phone at close to the HD for battery life. However, the signal isnt good. I go to 3g or voice only often and I am in the Chicago area. The wifi blows away the HD though. Now if they could make an S4 with battery and signal like the HD, I would be there...DROID MAXX????

Any questions, ask away.

 

[Honestabebread]

Maxx all day. Wireless charging, great build quality,amazing battery life, 32GB, stock Android + a few amazing features and, not to start an RGB vs Pentile debate, the screen is just as good as the S4s until you start splitting hairs.

As for battery percentage, the "Droid Command Center" shows that. And there's about a billion cases launching for the phone from VZW. Might not get a Mophie case but what purpose would that serve?

That being said my wife has an S4 and thinks I'm dumb for ordering the Ultra.

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[STARGATE]

Many people believe that most wives happen to be right most of the time!
Careful...

Sent From a Galaxy S4 Away!

 

[Aquila]

for ordering the Ultra.

The Ultra or the Maxx? The great review of the Maxx and then last word was Ultra, so confused.

 

[Honestabebread]

The Ultra or the Maxx? The great review of the Maxx and then last word was Ultra, so confused.

I personally went for the Ultra because I get it for $100 + a ton of freebies. If that weren't the case I'd be all over the Maxx. I should've just put Droid at the end. She's a big Samsung fan girl.

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[phathands]

Maxx all day. Wireless charging, great build quality,amazing battery life, 32GB, stock Android + a few amazing features and, not to start an RGB vs Pentile debate, the screen is just as good as the S4s until you start splitting hairs.

As for battery percentage, the "Droid Command Center" shows that. And there's about a billion cases launching for the phone from VZW. Might not get a Mophie case but what purpose would that serve?

That being said my wife has an S4 and thinks I'm dumb for ordering the Ultra.

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I feel the same way about the Maxx but the flagship nature of the S4 means more third party support. My MAXX should be here soon but the S4 and the note 3 are definitely my radar if I am disappoint.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using AC Forums mobile app

 

[min_is_3]

Thankfully I'm going from a Note II to a Droid Maxx so I won't notice too much of a difference. As for accessories as long as I have a case and screen protector I'll be fine. It is a bummer that the camera is so bad but I'll live.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

that's funny. I'm considering a Galaxy Note 2 or the Maxx and I'm leaning towards the Note 2.

What are your reasons for leaving the Note 2 for the Maxx?

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 4

 

[Mr.Miagi]

This debate has been on my mind for a while now. I have even gone as far as making a spreadsheet with values assigned to qualities such as battery, camera, screen, smoothness etc. The S4 won in my chart by 3 points (76-73 out of 90) but I think I'm still leaning towards the MAXX. My Gnex has suffered from signal issues for a whole and probably the cause of bad battery life.

I figure because of my long work days battery is important especially when tethering and nav may be used for a while. The display on the MAXX isn't as good as the S4 but still an improvement over my Gnex (and I think my Gnex display is nice). I hate having a great phone but poor signal so unless Samsung stepped it up with the S4, Motorola should win there. 32 gig storage was enough on my Gnex. Thankfully the MAXX is not supper shiny. Hopefully the camera will be an improvement over the Gnex. And lastly, I'm using a S3 right now as a loaner from Best Buy and I do like it, and the battery lasted all day BUT it just seems like some of the UI or the way the UI works just gets in the way a bit.

Conclusion: Both are great phones and I will be happy with either one. Someone saying one is horrible is ignorant. But I think I may come home with a MAXX tomorrow and see what Samsung does with the GS5 in 8 months.

PS. Don't mention GS4 Google Play edition or I'll never be able to decide and then the Nexus 5 will come out and I'll go back to a flip phone and live in North Dakota

 

[STARGATE]

PS. Don't mention GS4 Google Play edition or I'll never be able to decide and then the Nexus 5 will come out and I'll go back to a flip phone and live in North Dakota

Lol! :thumbup:

Sent From a Galaxy S4 Away!

 

[psychoD33x]

If you're on Verizon the Google Edition and Nexus 5 won't be an issue unless you are switching carriers. I doubt Verizon will get either

 

[Snareman]

Screen Clarity: HTC One > Droid DNA > GS4 > Moto X > Droid Maxx >>>>>>>>>> RAZR HD.

The RAZR HD/HD MAXX has a TERRIBLE PenTile display. It is awful and horrendous; it also had severe lag issues due to a 'Motorola Power Saving Script', I wouldn't go back to that phone if it was free. The Droid MAXX screen is loads better than the RAZR MAXX HD.

Holding it here in my hand that's a bit (or a lot) of a stretch. Lag issues I won't argue with. The the screen is fine though. Are there better ones? Sure, but its far from a horrendous screen.

Where do you put the LG G2 in your screen hierarchy?

 

[rnd0209]

I have both phones since the 19th and the DM blows the GS4 out of the water. Speed, fluidity, build quality, camera (even in low light) and overall usefulness of notifications and active listening (or whatever its called). Yes these two "gimmicks" are useful in day to day activities.

The GS4 has the best calendar app/widget. The build quality leaves a lot to be desired and the issues with SD card interaction with the phone are a hassle.

I'm putting them through their paces and the maxx is just one kick *** rig!

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[like2angle]

Today I went to to Verizon store where a rep from Motorola was there and I was able to spend some time comparing the 2 phones.
I am not a cell phone expert but here are my observations...
The S4 has a brighter screen, expandable memory, does cool stuff that know one uses after first week of ownership is made from cheap materials and the call volume is slightly louder. Samsung phones have a reputation for poor reception
The Maxx, has battery life that every smart phone should have, is built from quality materials, does cool stuff that know one uses after first week of ownership, has only 25 Gig available for user files, has better phone sound quality, has loud rings and speaker phone. Motorola phones have a reputation for good reception.

What put theDroid Maxx over the top for me was one reason not yet mentioned here. The phone has to last 24 months, 4 months longer than previous phone purchases so Verizon can squeeze even more out of us. My Galaxy Nexus would not have made 24 months. I am confident the Motorola Maxx can.

 

[guesswhat_567]

What maxx has feature that no one would use? are you serious about it ? Active display notifications changed the way I use my phone in single day this feature is awesome, I cant think of going to a phone which doesnt have this feature, i dont have to wakeup my phone and display to check my email/text messaged peek view is awesome it save both time and battery. And bluetooth trusted devices
and assist in car coupled with voice activation are most usefull features in android world. All these features are extremely useful in day 2 day usage.

Today I went to to Verizon store where a rep from Motorola was there and I was able to spend some time comparing the 2 phones.
I am not a cell phone expert but here are my observations...
The S4 has a brighter screen, expandable memory, does cool stuff that know one uses after first week of ownership is made from cheap materials and the call volume is slightly louder. Samsung phones have a reputation for poor reception
The Maxx, has battery life that every smart phone should have, is built from quality materials, does cool stuff that know one uses after first week of ownership, has only 25 Gig available for user files, has better phone sound quality, has loud rings and speaker phone. Motorola phones have a reputation for good reception.

What put theDroid Maxx over the top for me was one reason not yet mentioned here. The phone has to last 24 months, 4 months longer than previous phone purchases so Verizon can squeeze even more out of us. My Galaxy Nexus would not have made 24 months. I am confident the Motorola Maxx can.

 

[JoeyyNY]

Get what you think is best, Don't listen to most of these people the reason one will have a Maxx and diss the S4 or the otherway around...

Beasty S4

 

[rmjones2006]

I have both phones, and I have to say that I really enjoy the DM much more than the GS4; however, I've never been much for the Samsung theme, and the DM just feels MUCH more like my Nexus 7 (which I love). The Samsung does have a great looking screen... but thats about the only plus it has over the maxx in my opinion