what's with all reviews knocking build quality?

[markymark]

Yeah, I'm irked at how biased many reviewers seem to be against the Droid Turbo based on aesthetics - meaning that they focus on this point while heavily downplaying its strengths. I've read every review that I can find, and it appears that the 4 biggest criticisms cited most often are, in order: "ugly", heavy/thick, Verizon Wireless exclusive, and camera. The latter two points have validity, but the first two are so subjective.
.

Actually heavy is not subjective. I own the RMHD which is on the heavy side and the Turbo is a full ounce heavier. One of the several reasons I passed on it. The choice to go with ballistic nylon was odd, as was the fact that the kevlar versions were a different size and there was confusion as to whether the same cases would fit both versions. Verizon's own website had big disclaimers that their cases would not fit the BN versions. The whole thing was just strange. I agree "ugly" is subjective. Honestly, IMO the phone is kind of ugly with the big chin. But that is in the eye of the beholder. Specs wise the Turbo looks like a beast on paper. But there were many red flags like eating people's data plans and poor call quality and no voice and data at release time and poor wifi signal and so forth. Granted advanced calling came later. But many problems have been reported with that as well. If you own the Turbo and you are happy with it then that's what counts. But as an objective observer, some of the criticisms have merit. I will almost surely be upgrading to the HTC One M9.

 

[mpgo4th]

Camera??? I came from a 2 year contract with an iPhone 5. This camera takes clearer, higher def pics than my iPhone ever did. A reviewer can hold a phone and take a pic or two then write whatever they want to. Deal with a phone for two full years and the problems start popping up. I left iPhone for the sole reason that while working I had to charge my battery 2-3 times a day. I walked into vzw to buy an iPhone 6 and while waiting I saw the turbo. When the Verizon guy came over to help me I asked what it was and what it had. He had me at battery life. I've had this phone for two months and even though battery is the only reason I bought it, I totally love it now. NO complaints.

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[88horizon5speed]

I'm not sure what WiFi problems people are having, I've had really no issues. The only problem with my phone is that because of the lifeproof case, when I'm on the phone other people hear feedback.

 

[HappyFunBall24]

Actually heavy is not subjective. I own the RMHD which is on the heavy side and the Turbo is a full ounce heavier. One of the several reasons I passed on it. The choice to go with ballistic nylon was odd, as was the fact that the kevlar versions were a different size and there was confusion as to whether the same cases would fit both versions. Verizon's own website had big disclaimers that their cases would not fit the BN versions. The whole thing was just strange. I agree "ugly" is subjective. Honestly, IMO the phone is kind of ugly with the big chin. But that is in the eye of the beholder. Specs wise the Turbo looks like a beast on paper. But there were many red flags like eating people's data plans and poor call quality and no voice and data at release time and poor wifi signal and so forth. Granted advanced calling came later. But many problems have been reported with that as well. If you own the Turbo and you are happy with it then that's what counts. But as an objective observer, some of the criticisms have merit. I will almost surely be upgrading to the HTC One M9.

I didn't say that the Droid Turbo has not had any problems. I was only harping on written and video reviews that do not give it a fair shake due to some of the reasons stated above. It follows that I am frustrated if people are only choosing to pass on this phone based on such reviews, which those of us on here hopefully are not relying on but casual phone owners may.

It sounds like you took more specific criticisms into account when deciding to pass on it, which I have no problem with because you dug deeper. Although, just about all phones have bugs/quirks upon launch, and the Droid Turbo's early Dec update rectified a number of issues, including the data leakage, as well as adding VoLTE functionality (one of the first).

As for the other things you mentioned, call quality is widely perceived as being good - unless you're referring to earpiece volume, which could be better though partly has to do with the offset speaker. I also don't think that the wifi signal and Advanced Calling issues are widespread and/or significant for most people. The silent majority tends not to create threads on how everything works or how great things are as compared to the numbers of complaint threads.

Finally, "heavy" and "thick" ARE subjective terms if that's what differences of 1-2 oz or mm are being labeled as. Saying that the phone is relatively heavier/thicker than most competitors would be accurate, but my point was that, with some perspective, an ounce here or millimeter there isn't typically seen as being heavy or thick.

 

[Eclipse2K]

I didn't say that the Droid Turbo has not had any problems. I was only harping on written and video reviews that do not give it a fair shake due to some of the reasons stated above. It follows that I am frustrated if people are only choosing to pass on this phone based on such reviews, which those of us on here hopefully are not relying on but casual phone owners may.

It sounds like you took more specific criticisms into account when deciding to pass on it, which I have no problem with because you dug deeper. Although, just about all phones have bugs/quirks upon launch, and the Droid Turbo's early Dec update rectified a number of issues, including the data leakage, as well as adding VoLTE functionality (one of the first).

As for the other things you mentioned, call quality is widely perceived as being good - unless you're referring to earpiece volume, which could be better though partly has to do with the offset speaker. I also don't think that the wifi signal and Advanced Calling issues are widespread and/or significant for most people. The silent majority tends not to create threads on how everything works or how great things are as compared to the numbers of complaint threads.

Finally, "heavy" and "thick" ARE subjective terms if that's what differences of 1-2 oz or mm are being labeled as. Saying that the phone is relatively heavier/thicker than most competitors would be accurate, but my point was that, with some perspective, an ounce here or millimeter there isn't typically seen as being heavy or thick.

The Advanced Calling issues such as hissing noises while on a non-HD call and taking 4 seconds to connect after answering are known issues even Verizon acknowledges.

 

[HappyFunBall24]

The Advanced Calling issues such as hissing noises while on a non-HD call and taking 4 seconds to connect after answering are known issues even Verizon acknowledges.

Yup, I've read about that, and while they are known, they are not universal. We don't know how widespread the hissing is. I don't have it, as well as some others who have posted. The connection delay is not always there for me, and when it is it seems less than 2 seconds.

Not significant for me, but certainly some others are experiencing greater difficulties. I should have been clearer in my previous post about it being just my opinion that it's not a huge problem, as I would've expected many more threads, posts, and news stories on these issues if that were the case.

Don't get me wrong, obviously there needs to be a fix because they're real problems that are affecting enough people to warrant it, when it shouldn't be happening at all. Unfortunately we're VoLTE guinea pigs forced to go through VZW's 'growing pains' since it's early in the VoLTE transition process (hopefully, we'll avoid the 'growing pains' that others are experiencing with Lollipop and go straight to 5.1!).

 

[vzwuser76]

Actually heavy is not subjective. I own the RMHD which is on the heavy side and the Turbo is a full ounce heavier. One of the several reasons I passed on it. The choice to go with ballistic nylon was odd, as was the fact that the kevlar versions were a different size and there was confusion as to whether the same cases would fit both versions. Verizon's own website had big disclaimers that their cases would not fit the BN versions. The whole thing was just strange. I agree "ugly" is subjective. Honestly, IMO the phone is kind of ugly with the big chin. But that is in the eye of the beholder. Specs wise the Turbo looks like a beast on paper. But there were many red flags like eating people's data plans and poor call quality and no voice and data at release time and poor wifi signal and so forth. Granted advanced calling came later. But many problems have been reported with that as well. If you own the Turbo and you are happy with it then that's what counts. But as an objective observer, some of the criticisms have merit. I will almost surely be upgrading to the HTC One M9.

I wouldn't say heavy is not subjective. Yes, it can be weighed and compared scientifically, but what one person describes as heavy, another might think it's just fine. You're comparing the Turbo to a RMHD, I'm comparing it to my first Motorola, a MicroTac 650e. The extended battery by itself on that thing was physically larger and weighed more than the Turbo does. Or I'd also compare it to my cordless phones, and it's about the same weight.

I guess what I'm getting at is, some of these complaints sound like it's the most horrible thing in the world that it's and ounce heavier or a mm thicker.

 

[UnlockedOnly]

Mine does not have this gap you speak of.


I find the build quality to be quite good. Well put together and has a very solid feel to it.
Only thing I'm not fond of is the design of the speakers. Lint does gather there.
Sent from my Ballistic Turbo

i do not have the "gap" either. build date 12-2-2014

 

[Ed Briggs]

They don't know what they're missing.

I know what I'm missing. Verizon.

It's a real shame there is no unlocked version for those of us that don't do 2 yr contracts, or prefer other carriers. I really do like the Turbo. Personally, I refuse to be a part of that contract game. I pay $30 a month for unlimited talk, text, and a little data. I'm always around wifi, so the data part means little to me. Plus, I don't live on my phone like a lot of other people these days.

 

[I800C0LLECT]

I hate reading so many opinions about this phone. It makes me hesitant to keep it through the return period. Honestly, it didn't have neatO features like some others might but it's a great. If the note 4 had the same screen size I might be in that forum right now.

I don't understand all the talk about size, looks, and build quality though. I saw a tear down video where the battery was almost the exact size of the Moto x. I assume it's the same technology used in the lg g2. I'm not sure what makes the phone thicker but it wasn't the battery. My only gripe about the size is lack of one handed kb options for landscape mode.

I'm tempted to go screen protector only with my 64gig bn. The added weight conveys the idea of it being tough. But there's nothing I know that protects a screen from landing flat.

It'd be nice if it became more popular so that the xda forum had more traffic. The stability is a little boring since I'm used to heading over there for tips and tweaks...otherwise, no complaints I guess...especially related to build quality.

Maybe the guy who wrote the amazing third party camera app for g2 will end up with one

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[smooth3006]

overrated device and locked down tighter than a virgin on prom night, no thanks.

 

[BBSeattle]

I spend zero time worrying about what others think about the items I like and/or purchase.
I buy things based on my needs and likes, not theirs.
Needing others to validate your choices is a losing battle.......

 

[1Coopgt]

I spend zero time worrying about what others think about the items I like and/or purchase.
I buy things based on my needs and likes, not theirs.
Needing others to validate your choices is a losing battle.......

This is the best comment in this thread . Cheers

 

[bergys]

I agree, basically when you're looking for a phone what's important to you isn't as important to someone else. Just look at the ballistic vs. Kevlar arguments on here.

 

[88horizon5speed]

If overrated is 3 day battery life without trying, a premium build quality (for me at least no gap or bump or anything) then dont get the turbo. Personally I believe there is nothing over rated about motorola droid series phones. If you want over rated get an iphone or samsung phone. Samsung phones suck. They are ll cheap crappy plastic and feel cheap. The turbo feels like a premium device if I have ever seen one

 

[I800C0LLECT]

I agree, basically when you're looking for a phone what's important to you isn't as important to someone else. Just look at the ballistic vs. Kevlar arguments on here.

I do think objective opinions are helpful prior to purchase. I was almost scared off with all the camera conversations. But he's right...gotta be careful about where you get advice and getting one in your hands will be the ultimate test.

It'd be nice if we could remove unnecessary bias or complaints. I.e. The guy a few posts above making bold statements

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[Snareman]

If overrated is 3 day battery life without trying, a premium build quality (for me at least no gap or bump or anything) then dont get the turbo. Personally I believe there is nothing over rated about motorola droid series phones. If you want over rated get an iphone or samsung phone. Samsung phones suck. They are ll cheap crappy plastic and feel cheap. The turbo feels like a premium device if I have ever seen one

Your battery lasts 3 days?

 

[bergys]

There's only a small subset of people who want to super-user their phones. I personally don't have the time to keep fiddleing with it. Also Verizon has a bad name in the industry but IMO they are all shady corporations after our money, I just want a carrier where I don't have to stand in my front yard to make a phone call. The camera could be more responsive but for me the stuff I'm taking pics of is sitting still so that doesn't effect me. The battery alone though does it for me. I have to charge it every day but I use the heck out of it and I don't worry about killing apps or turning features off to save juice. The build is premium and if I do have any problems with it in the 1st year its not a problem to get a new one next-day shipped to me.

 

[88horizon5speed]

Yea I do get good battery life. And thats running it down to only 25-30% before charging. If I ran down to 0 (which you shouldnt do) then Id have even better than I already do. My attachments are a snapshot of my excel file where I keep track of all my battery states. Then I run it through a statistical program, some may say well your only looking at screen on time/ percent, battery on time/ percent, cell standby % and time with no signal % and voicecall percent and time, BUT this accounts for nearly 85% of battery use. So for my purposes it is fine. I have all the data recorded for every charge since I bought my phone. Im doing a small study on how the battery lasts over time and see how many charge cycles it lasts etc.

 

[smokie11]

I like the Turbo because is solid not pretty, if you like pretty buy some flowers. When I buy something the only opinion that matters is mine.