Motorola Droid 4 (Verizon Wireless)

Pros: Fast, that's about it.

Cons: Numerous (see review)

Summary: I have to admit I am disappointed in the phone. I am stunned at how bad the screen image is. I had no idea that the criticism of this issue was totally valid. I thought it was perfectionist talk. The screen clarity is bad enough that I would recommend people wait for an improved model to come out before buying this phone. I can't imagine Motorola will do this again with all the justified criticism coming out about this. If I had just upgraded from my Droid2 with no extenuating factors, I would return the Droid4 and wait for the next model. However, my wife broke her Droid2 and it didn't make sense to pay $100 dollars to replace it (insurance costs) when I could upgrade my Droid2 for $150. So that's the only reason I ended up with the 4. Even so, I've been agonizing about keeping it, because every time I look at the screen I get annoyed. I think over time I will get used to it, especially if I avoid looking at higher quality phones. But Motorola really blew it on the screen.

The speed of the phone in 4G is very good, coming from the Droid2. There's no comparison and it's awesome to use. However, we still have unlimited data plan and without that I'm not sure I would want this blazing speed, as I feel I would easily go over the allotted minimal amount of data they are limiting people to these days.

It is much larger and bulkier than the Droid, but with that comes a nice large screen. If it was a crisp clear screen to look at, this would be a huge improvement. With the quality of this screen, I'd prefer the size of the Droid2. As with the Droid2, this phone is slippery and I have already ordered a rubber skin to keep it from slipping out of my hands.

They keyboard is very nice, but it's not so much better than the Droid2 to justify the screen issue. I don't have pudgy fingers, but someone who does would probably greatly appreciate this screen. However, it is backlit way too brightly for night time use and cannot be adjusted. I've already submitted a request (among others) to Motorola to address this in the next update.

The camera I have not noticed to be significantly better or worse than the Droid2. Outdoor pics are just fine for my needs, and that's where I take most of my pics. I don't expect phone cameras to perform great inside. I haven't tested the HD video quality on a screen other than the droid. On the phone it looks good.

Some minor annoyances that I don't understand is the changing of the location and direction of the power charging input. It's reversed position in the lower left corner of the phone is a pain. It's right in the way of where you would hold it if you are right handed, holding it in your left hand to use. I always have to reverse my plug before putting it in. I could see former Droid users accidentally damaging the input port by trying to put the plug in as they're used to. Why make these changes?