Samsung's Best HDTV's - Click Here
- Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 43 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
-
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
4.0 stars
"I really like it."
Pros: Camera, screens, keypad, call quality, reception, looks.
Cons: Battery life, access and connections.
Summary: While Verizon recently added a new tower to my home area that greatly improved reception, it has greatly diminished transmission. They're working on the problem...
Using our LG VX8300s (my wife and I had them) became intolerable, but because we wanted to stay with Verizon, we decided to try phones by other manufacturers to see if transmission was any better. The manager at our local Verizon store agreed to swap our 8300s for a Motorola KRZR (wife) and a Motorola Maxx Ve (me). I added $100 to make up the cost difference.
While the transmission problem is not completely gone, call quality on both new phones is significantly better. We're keeping the KRZR and Maxx.
And here is what I have also learned:
Strengths
The LG has better access points for head phones (at the top of the phone), charging (at the bottom of the phone), and MicroSD card (side mount), as well as longer battery life.
The Moto Maxx has a considerably better camera that takes terrific, print-worthy pictures (no way on the LG), has no external antenna, has much better screens, a better keypad, better call quality, better reception, and is better looking.
Specifics
The call quality on the Maxx (and on the KRZR, for that matter) is outstanding. I have had five phones before this, and the reception, transmission and sound quality surpasses them all.
There is one port on the Maxx which doubles as a headphone jack and charger. While the connection is more secure than on the LG, it is at an awkward location on the side.
To access the microSD card slot, you must remove the battery cover. Contrary to some reports, you do not need to turn off the phone or remove the battery in order to access it.
The camera takes outstanding pictures, and the flash makes it very usable indoors. And, like a real camera, you can play with settings and focus and such in order to get the best picture possible. Or, you can simply use automatic. I like it.
The outside and inside screens are superb, the interface is quick, the mp3 player is about the same as the LG (good), if a little louder thru the headphones, but not as loud thru the speaker. I also like the external music controls better on the Maxx than on the LG. I occasionally bumped a button on the LG when in use, but because there is a lock on the Maxx, that doesn't happen.
The speakerphone has excellent sound quality and is significantly better than the LG. I don't know what to say about CNETs comment, other than I strongly disagree. The usability of the keypad is great and easier to use than the LG (it's bigger), and the feel of the phone is somewhat better in my hand. Without faulting the LG (its size makes it a great fit in my palm), the Maxx is very solid and has a sort of rubberized back that provides a great grip.
Battery life is approximately a little better than half that of the LG?it?s the one thing that bothers me. I?m certain the two vibrant screens eat it up. I?ve never had a phone with the battery life of the LG VX8300, so having to be aware of the need to charge the Maxx more often is a new bother. The duration of the battery has noticeably improved after having it for three weeks, and it?s something I?ll get used to.
Summary
If you're looking for value alone, I recommend the LG VX8300. I've had three of them (510, 4400, 8300) and they work well?they?re bullet proof. If you're looking for the features I've listed above and can justify the added expense, the Maxx is terrific.
%20user%20review%20and%20rating%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-razr-maxx-ve/4864-6454_7-32432738-4.html){kind=small}