Motorola DROID X vs. Apple iPhone 4
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In one corner, we have the Apple iPhone 4 which was released not too long ago and was able to muster up some impressive sales figures that make it undeniably one of the hottest handsets for the summer. Not only does it offer one of the most simple and straightforward experiences on any handset out there, its stellar track record in the camera department makes it one irresistible device for media buffs out there. On the other side, we have the Motorola DROID X which is supplanting itself already as the next big thing out of both Motorola's and Verizon's camps. Revamped in many ways from the original Motorola DROID, it has cemented itself as a well rounded premier offering that easily stands tall among the current Android offerings. Although there are some known points that make the DROID X superior to the iPhone 4 already, such as the excellent backing of Big Red's network over AT&T, we'll look specially at the hardware and performance to see how they manage to stack up against one another.
Design:
When we first feasted our eyes on the iPhone 4, we were impressed at how streamline it looked – which claimed to be the thinnest smartphone in the market. Not only does this average sized handset manage to captivate people with its redesigned look, but its choice of premium feeling materials and solid construction make it one compelling device that will easily capture the gaze of consumers. However, we'd like to also commend Motorola on the fantastic looking original Motorola DROID – which happily laid claim to be the thinnest smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard. Following the same design principles, the Motorola DROID X follows similarly with its extremely thin (0.39”) profile which is equally impressive when you consider the hefty display it's packing on. Again, we're treated to one solid handset which is constructed from quality materials and doesn't skimp out on durability as we feel that the DROID X would handle better in extreme occasions when it's dropped. It's not to say that the iPhone 4's glass like outer shell can't take a beating as we were surprised to find it quite intact with only a single scratch after accidentally dropping it onto the hard pavement at the height of 4 feet. The soft touch coating on the DROID X does wonders when it comes to repelling dirt and smudges from fingers, as it also manages to make it feel comfortable to grip, but the oleophobic coating on the iPhone 4 does an equally good job. Finally, there is something deceptively pleasing with the DROID X (5.47 oz) as it doesn't feel too heavy in the hand versus holding the iPhone 4 (4.83 oz) – strangely enough, the iPhone 4 is lighter, but somehow still manages to actually feel heavier when being held than the DROID X.
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Both Motorola DROID X and Apple iPhone 4 are well build | ||
Visually both handsets offer something substantial with their displays that will cater to the specific desires of individuals, but one thing can be said about both – they are fantastic and perform exceptional in their own regard. The Motorola DROID X employs a larger sized 4.3” TFT display with a 480x854 pixels resolution to provide ample real estate for just about everything you do with the handset. With the roomy size, typing away is quite comfortable for just about anyone. Conversely, the iPhone 4's 3.5” IPS LCD display might be quaint in comparison, but surely it's one of the most detailed displays with its 640x960 resolution that makes everything you view just pop. It's evident when you open up a web page and look at text from an overview display – they are clear and sharp on the iPhone 4 versus garbled looking on the Motorola DROID X. Colors are lush and vibrant on both displays, however, the iPhone 4 has a leg up when it comes to luminance as it looks brighter when set to the maximum setting. When taking it outdoors though, both displays are quite viewable in the glaring presence of direct sunlight with perfect viewing angles considerably present.
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Apple iPhone 4 - left and Motorola DROID X - right | ||
As for the rest of the handsets, physical hardware buttons are abundant, well sized, and have a good tactile response to fully make you aware that they've been pressed. However, we adore the DROID X tacking on a two-level shutter key to automatically launch the camera app so you can take photos almost instantly. Furthermore, the DROID X does provide for some traditional features such as a microUSB port for charging/data, micro HDMI port for video out, and a microSD card slot to offer you the flexibility of swapping cards at will. On the contrary, it doesn't mean that the iPhone 4 can't accomplish some of the same functions – you can actually get video out by purchasing their proprietary cable. Plus the iPhone 4 also packs on a front-facing camera which can be used for a host of things – like video chat via FaceTime/Fring or basically use it as a mirror. The speaker on the DROID X can be found on its rear while it's located on the bottom edge of the iPhone 4 – we find the placement for the DROID X to be fitting as it's able to disperse tunes a lot better. Finally, the iPhone 4 features a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash while the DROID X has a higher 8-megapixel shooter with a dual-LED flash.
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The sides | |
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61 Comments
1. baldilocks posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:55 0 1
Droid X = Big & Ugly iPhone 4 = Pretty & Fragile Either is a good choice though.
36. Mightymack posted on 16 Jul 2010, 08:19 1 0
whats so good about iphone? personally, 3gs looks better anyway! but droid x is better than both :)
2. rtimi26 posted on 12 Jul 2010, 10:10 0 0
My problem is I don't see a comparison between galaxy S and others. Is it because you are waiting for US versions, if so then fine, but if not then phonearena is really beginning to get on my nerves
4. RonRex posted on 12 Jul 2010, 10:47 0 0
Maybe the X is coming after the IPad? It may seem large, but it is maybe a way for Att users to see even though Verizon does not have the Iphone, they do have a very viable option on a much better network?
5. Stoli89 posted on 12 Jul 2010, 11:22 0 0
You have the audacity to call this a review and not once do you mention the iPhone's purported issues regarding antenna performance. Not once. What you failed to mention are a multitude of reports suggesting the iPhone 4 has a faulty antenna design and how this might relate to the significant drop in signal caused by capacitive interference (human touch) at the junction between the two antennas that comprise its antenna system. Although the external antenna system used in the iPhone 4 may be prone to said interference, it is the particular design whereby this gap or junction is in close proximity to the heaviest part of the left palm during normal use. Some test have shown this to result in a -24dB drop in signal strength (http://www.anandtech.com/show/3794/the-iphone-4-review/2 ). In my opinion, this capacitive interference couples the antenna system thereby detuning the 2G/3G portion. In parallel, energy is also lost into the hand given the proximity of the EXTERNAL antenna system during normal use (gripping by hand) If you happen to live in an area where the signal strength is less than -94dB and you then hold the phone normally in the left hand, the call can be dropped as the signal drops below -113dB. This was reported by Anandtech, which observed a -20dB impact due to hand interference [-24dB when held tightly]. Whether -94dB resides within the fourth bar (currently) or is "programmed" down to the 3rd (or 2nd or even 1st) bar is a moot point. The only likely way around this for the iPhone 4, IMO, is with the rubber case/bumper. This serves to further separate the hand from the phone during normal use. Just my opinion.
7. testman22 posted on 12 Jul 2010, 11:49 1 0
not to mention the errors in the signal presentation, yellow spots on the screen, yellow tinted pictures, and melting ports. lol
37. Mightymack posted on 16 Jul 2010, 08:20 1 0
YES! i say the same thing after every iphone comparison!
54. The iPad` (unregistered) posted on 12 Aug 2010, 02:04 0 0
Not once did you mention that Apple held a conference and showed that only .5% of the users called in or had it reported in. That is probably all the users that had it to. Not once did you mention that the problem can be easily handled by slipping a case on the phone. Not once did you mention you can send the phone back to Apple, get another for free and get a case for free. Not once did you mention that most of the owners of an iPhone 4 don't experience this problem, only the people searching for it and even those that do don't experience most of the time.
6. denmcdon posted on 12 Jul 2010, 11:32 0 0
The Droid x shoots video at 30 fps not 23 fps. Specs at motorola.com
11. PhoneArena Team posted on 12 Jul 2010, 12:39 0 0
http://developer.motorola.com/products/droidx/ At HD 1280x720 the DROID X records at 24fps. You have to drop it down to 720x480 resolution to record at 30fps.
53. unregistered user (unregistered) posted on 10 Aug 2010, 03:29 0 0
Blurays also play at 24 fps.... only a fanboy would tell you that 30 fps is "better".
8. narley posted on 12 Jul 2010, 12:16 1 0
-Funny how you can do flash, swype keyboard, hd recording, hdmi output.. but none of those things are seen as a benefit. -But every review some moron talks about a front facing camera that is probably never used... and needs WIFI. -And as above stated no mention of the fact that iphone has faulty antenna and signal glitches. -Also no benefit in how much larger the screen is on the DROIDX. -No benefit in the double microphone noise cancellation setup that works flawlessly on the DROIDX. *Phone arena, keeping the trendy trendy, and the uneducated making ignorant decisions since the orig iphone.
9. cc16177 posted on 12 Jul 2010, 12:20 1 0
I agree, I was excited for an iPhone4 vs. Droid X review and after reading the review all I can say is I want those five minutes of my life back.
27. applesr4eating posted on 14 Jul 2010, 18:46 1 0
Just like most other phone bloggers PA is afraid to go against "common wisdom" and report the truth.
33. E.N. posted on 15 Jul 2010, 22:04 0 0
You guys are babies. Flash is not available until 2.2 and swype is not going to be a dealbreaker for anyone. HD recording is better on iPhone, and HDMI was mentioned in the review. Maybe it's just me but I didn't know that the iphone could do hdmi with proprietary cable. And in the end, I still don't care about HDMI. -FaceTime is only available on wifi but fring can be used on 3G. -they did mention many benefits of having a larger screen (did you even read the review or watch the video?) -the iphone has noise cancellation also -How many times do you guys have to read about the issues. It's been on every phone website, on the front page of websites like Yahoo/MSN, newspapers, TV, etc. On the HTC Evo review I don't remember there being talks about the light leakage issue. You guys just cry and cry and cry. If you look in other websites, I'm pretty sure the review is going to be almost the same. I guess every phone website just freaking hates the Droid X, right? Haha
34. BlackSirius16 posted on 15 Jul 2010, 22:48 0 0
really? thats funny, I found much better reviews on youtube, and as for the light leakage issue on the evo, are your fucking seriously comparing that the the grip of death on the iPhone 4? holy shit omg I'm sure that when people got their brand new evo they started screaming, "Oh god jesus in heaven, theirs a small amount of light from the buttons leaking onto the bottom of my screen, its really a fucking deal breaker" holy smokey cinimon shit I;ve never heard something more stupid in my entire life christ your stupid. and as for flash, whens your iPhone gunna get it? yeah thought so retard. And I'd say that the hd recording on the iPhone has slightly better color capture but thats it, while the audio is so superior that its unbelievable. go fuck yourself fanboy troll bitch
38. Mightymack posted on 16 Jul 2010, 08:22 0 0
i dont think that i can agree any more strongly! front facing camera is not all that! and if it is, then the evo can definatly beat the iphone!
