The good: The Motorola Droid Maxx
delivers astonishingly long battery life, a big, colorful screen, and a
durable, attractive design. The camera takes pleasing pictures and
performs inventive tricks such as responding to voice commands, giving
screen-based notifications, and quick-launching the camera.
The bad: The Motorola Droid Maxx is expensive.
The bottom line: If you can get past its steep price, the massive-screened Motorola Droid Maxx is currently Verizon’s best Android smartphone.
Editors' Note: Our early Motorola Droid Maxx test model used
unstable prerelease software. This review was updated based on our
latest experience with a rock-solid production-level Droid Maxx device.
Sitting at the top of Motorola's new Droid lineup, the $299.99 Droid
Maxx is more than just a capable device -- it's also the best smartphone
Verizon has ever sold. It boasts the biggest battery available in a
handset, and a full 32GB of internal storage, not to mention Google's
impressive list of futuristic Android extras. The Maxx's build quality
is also light-years superior to the thinner Motorola
Droid Ultra.
That said, the Maxx's sky-high sticker price might give you second
thoughts, especially compared with its very compelling rivals the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4.
That said, no other smartphone comes close to combining the same level
of longevity, performance, design, and slick features on Big Red or
perhaps anywhere else.
Design
Aesthetically speaking, the differences between the Motorola Droid Maxx and its svelter sibling, the Droid Ultra, are huge, though you won't notice them at first. At 5.4 inches tall by 2.8 inches wide, the Maxx is just as tall and as wide as the Ultra, but also a bit thicker (0.34 inch versus 0.22 inch).
Aesthetically speaking, the differences between the Motorola Droid Maxx and its svelter sibling, the Droid Ultra, are huge, though you won't notice them at first. At 5.4 inches tall by 2.8 inches wide, the Maxx is just as tall and as wide as the Ultra, but also a bit thicker (0.34 inch versus 0.22 inch).
The Maxx's big size makes it a lot of smartphone to hold.
Still, you don't notice the change in girth when the phones are side by
side on a table. It's only when you pick them up that you'll notice that
the Maxx packs some serious heavy hardware. Tipping the scales at
almost 6 ounces (5.9 to be exact), the Droid Maxx has more heft and
feels way more substantial than the Ultra (4.8 ounces). In fact, the
Maxx is about an ounce heavier than the all-metal HTC One (5.04 ounces)
and heavier still than the svelte Samsung Galaxy S4 (4.6 ounces).
Moto gets big points for giving the Maxx a back surface coated in Kevlar
fiber -- similar to the previous generation of Droid handsets. I dug
that treatment then and I dig it now. Smooth to the touch and possessing
a soft matte finish, it repels smudges and streaks while simultaneously
protecting against scratches. I certainly prefer it to the Ultra's
glossy and slippery back, which accumulates greasy fingerprints.
The only physical buttons on the Maxx are located on the phone's right
edge, a power key and a thin volume bar. Both are contoured and
cross-hatched for easy manipulation by feel alone.
The Maxx has its only physical controls on its right side, a volume bar plus a power key.
Above the screen is a 2-megapixel front camera and below it sit three
capacitive buttons for basic Android control. Around back are the Droid
Maxx's 10-megapixel main camera and LED flash. There's a big speaker
here, too, which pumps out a huge amount of volume. Just as I found out
on the Droid Ultra, this speaker serves up bigger audio than the HTC One
and its hyped BoomSound technology.
Display
The Droid Maxx boasts the same exact big, bright 5-inch HD OLED screen as the Droid Ultra. Its 720p resolution (1,280x720 pixels) doesn't pack the same pixel density as the HTC One (4.7-inch, 1080p LCD) or Samsung Galaxy S4 (5-inch, 1080p OLED), its primary competition. That said, the Maxx's high-contrast display has lusciously saturated colors and impressively dark black levels.
The Droid Maxx boasts the same exact big, bright 5-inch HD OLED screen as the Droid Ultra. Its 720p resolution (1,280x720 pixels) doesn't pack the same pixel density as the HTC One (4.7-inch, 1080p LCD) or Samsung Galaxy S4 (5-inch, 1080p OLED), its primary competition. That said, the Maxx's high-contrast display has lusciously saturated colors and impressively dark black levels.
Detail in photos, Web sites, or documents with lots of text wasn't any
less sharp to my eyes on the Maxx than the same content viewed on phones
with full 1080p screens. For instance, the Maxx's 720p display didn't
negatively affect my serious mobile Netflix-streaming habit. The same
goes for losing myself in a random HD YouTube movie trailer. Yes, I'm
still strangely drawn to that "Riddick" flick since I checked it out on
the Droid Ultra.
Core components
For internal electronics, Motorola has made a very unconventional move with its 2013 smartphone lineup. Instead of engaging in the brutal processor arms race like practically every other handset maker, the company decided to sidestep the issue completely. All the new Droids, including the Droid Maxx, are powered by a proprietary processing solution Motorola calls the X8 Mobile Computing System.
For internal electronics, Motorola has made a very unconventional move with its 2013 smartphone lineup. Instead of engaging in the brutal processor arms race like practically every other handset maker, the company decided to sidestep the issue completely. All the new Droids, including the Droid Maxx, are powered by a proprietary processing solution Motorola calls the X8 Mobile Computing System.
You'll find the same collection of cores and specialized processors in the new Motorola flagship, the Moto X.
To be blunt, the X8 is a dual-core 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro
CPU and doesn't have the raw horsepower of true quad-core processors,
which drive the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 (Snapdragon 600).
As it turns out, however, this is less of a factor than you might think.
Designed to be efficient rather than blazingly fast, the X8's main
dual-core application CPU is backed by muscular quad-core Adreno
graphics, plus two additional "cores": a natural language processor and
one for contextual computing.
Helping this hardware is a healthy 2GB allotment of RAM. Also, unlike
the Droid Ultra, which has only 16GB of internal memory, the Droid Maxx
comes with 32GB to play with. That said, there's no SD card slot for
increasing storage.
The Maxx runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
Software and interface
Thankfully, Motorola didn't mess with the Droid Maxx's software that much, a similar tactic to what it did with the Moto X and Droid Ultra. Running the same Android operating system (version 4.2.2) as both devices, the Ultra's OS is practically stock Jelly Bean. I have a feeling the fact that Google now owns Motorola has something to do with this.
Thankfully, Motorola didn't mess with the Droid Maxx's software that much, a similar tactic to what it did with the Moto X and Droid Ultra. Running the same Android operating system (version 4.2.2) as both devices, the Ultra's OS is practically stock Jelly Bean. I have a feeling the fact that Google now owns Motorola has something to do with this.
You unlock the Maxx by sliding a padlock icon outside of a virtual ring
on the phone's screen. After that, you're greeted by the central home
screen plus four other panels to populate with app shortcuts and widgets
as you see fit.
If you're familiar with Motorola smartphones of the last few
generations, you'll recognize the Circles settings widget. Sitting at
the center of the main home screen, it's left over from the company's
previous Droid Razr and Atrix
handsets. Personally, I'm glad this tool is here since besides being a
quick way to check the time, it also displays weather, and is a shortcut
for system settings.
The widget flaunts a few new tricks, too. For instance, swiping the
largest clock circle uncovers fresh functions such as Droid Zap and
Wireless Display. Droid Zap lets you share images and video with other
Android phone users nearby; Wireless Display will duplicate the Ultra's
screen to compatible HDTVs and monitors.
As an Android device, the Maxx comes preloaded with all the major Google
apps and services. Of course you can delve into the vast Google Play
online store for more to download. Unfortunately, because this is a
Verizon-branded Droid device, the carrier couldn't resist filling the
Max with unremovable bloatware. Highlights include NFL Mobile, VZ
Navigator, Verizon Mobile Security, and Verizon Tones, to list a few.
Active Display lets you view alerts without waking up the screen.
Another fruit of Motorola and Google's union is Active Display, a useful feature that all the new Droid phones have. Also integrated into the Moto X, Active Display serves in place of a separate physical notification light. Essentially, the Droid Maxx's screen will flash softly with alerts for incoming e-mail, text messages, and calls. Touching and holding your finger on the associated icon in the center of the screen causes the device to display additional information. Pulling the icon upward to the top of the screen wakes up the phone and opens the linked application.
The Droid Maxx also makes use of the X8 computing platform, like the Droid Ultra and Moto X, to perform nifty voice control tricks. Motorola calls the capability Touchless Control, and as its name implies, speaking a magic phrase will cause the Maxx to drop what it's doing and await your vocal commands. Specifically, saying "OK, Google Now" and following up with phrases like, "Where am I?" or, "Remind me to pick up milk today" will tell the Maxx to leap into action.
Train the Maxx to respond to your voice commands.
Performance
Motorola's X8 platform may not have the sheer horsepower to stand up to full-blown quad-core processors toe-to-toe. It does have plenty of oomph, though, and I observed that on the Droid Maxx firsthand. The phone was very responsive, opening applications without hesitation. Navigating through settings menus and home screen was also silky-smooth.
Motorola's X8 platform may not have the sheer horsepower to stand up to full-blown quad-core processors toe-to-toe. It does have plenty of oomph, though, and I observed that on the Droid Maxx firsthand. The phone was very responsive, opening applications without hesitation. Navigating through settings menus and home screen was also silky-smooth.
Lab tests backed up the experience I had with the Droid Maxx, and the
phone garnered a respectable Quadrant score of 8,804. Oddly enough this
showing wasn't quite as high as the Droid Ultra achieved on the same
test (9,056). And that's nowhere near as impressive as the numbers
turned in by the HTC One (12,194) and Samsung Galaxy S4 (11,381).
| Performance: Motorola Droid Maxx | |
|---|---|
| Average LTE download speeds (Verizon) | 10.5Mbps |
| Average LTE upload speed (Verizon) | 6Mbps |
| App download (CNET) | 3.72MB in 14 seconds |
| CNET mobile site load | 5.8 seconds |
| CNET desktop site load | 12.1 seconds |
| Boot time | 15 seconds |
| Camera boot time | 1.6 seconds |
Call quality
I tested the Droid Maxx on Verizon's CDMA network both in New York City and Harpswell, Maine. Unlike my experience with the Droid Ultra, I found the Maxx delivered very clean call quality. In fact, callers I spoke to couldn't tell that I was chatting on a cellular connection. On my end, voices sounded rich, warm, and loud through the Maxx's earpiece.
Additionally, thanks to the phone's large rear speaker, the Maxx's
speakerphone can reach a high maximum volume. People I rang reported
that there wasn't much difference in quality between speakerphone and
standard calls except that my voice sounded slightly more distant over
the speakerphone.I tested the Droid Maxx on Verizon's CDMA network both in New York City and Harpswell, Maine. Unlike my experience with the Droid Ultra, I found the Maxx delivered very clean call quality. In fact, callers I spoke to couldn't tell that I was chatting on a cellular connection. On my end, voices sounded rich, warm, and loud through the Maxx's earpiece.
To say that I've been let down by Motorola smartphone cameras in the past would be an understatement. Indeed, I found that not only did previous generations of Droid Razrs take photos much too slowly, but they lacked key shooting modes found on Samsung and HTC devices.
The Droid Maxx's camera app is simple to master.
Fortunately, Motorola, and its Google master, changed history completely
on the Moto X and its new Droid handsets by revamping the imaging
system and camera app. As a result, the Droid Maxx's 10-megapixel sensor
is capable of capturing pleasing photos both inside and in the great
outdoors. Indoor shots of my studio still life were crisp, had accurate
colors, and were exposed well.
Inside images were clear and sharp.
Outdoors in daylight, verdant hues of trees and other foliage were
lifelike and details were clear. I found the same true of blue skies,
white clouds, and ocean waves. As with the Droid Ultra, though, the
Maxx's autofocus wasn't as lightning-fast as the HTC One's or the Galaxy
S4's. Shot-to-shot time using those gadgets is practically instant,
whereas the Droid Maxx took about half a second.
The Maxx's camera could capture those precious kiddie moments.
Helping to speed up shooting is Motorola's Quick Capture feature. It
fires up the camera app, even when asleep, when you twist the phone
twice in your wrist. Honestly it's one of the most valuable capabilities
I've seen on a smartphone in a while -- likely because I'm often
juggling multiple objects (from sippy cups and toys to other gadgets and
coffee mugs).
The HDR mode kicks in under tough lighting conditions.
As with the Moto X and Droid Ultra, the Maxx's bare-bones camera app is
astonishingly simple to operate. Settings are as basic as possible, so
there's no way to select image or video size (the Maxx defaults to the
largest available). Swiping from left to right opens a virtual wheel
with various settings such as HDR and Panorama modes. Dragging your
finger up and down zooms in and out, while sliding from right to left
launches the gallery.Data speeds
The Motorola Droid Maxx can access Verizon's 4G LTE network for fast data access. My tests in New York were similar to those I ran on the Droid Ultra, with results varying widely by my location. Average overall download speed came in at a respectable 10.5Mbps, while out in quiet sections of Queens, N.Y., the phone sucked down information as swiftly as 17.8Mbps. Upload speeds spanned anywhere from 0.6Mbps to 14.7Mbps; average upload throughput, however, came in at 6Mbps.
Battery life
Toting a state-of-the-art high-capacity 3,500mAh battery, the main selling point for the Motorola Droid Maxx is its promised longevity. Indeed my initial tests with the handset vouch for the Maxx's considerable staying power.
The phone was able to push through the CNET Labs Video Playback battery
drain benchmark for 15 hours and 50 minutes. While far from the 48 hours
of "mixed" use Motorola claims the Maxx is capable of, this showing is
well ahead of the Droid Razr Maxx HD (14 hours, 53 minutes) and
substantially longer than both the HTC One (9 hours, 37 minutes) and
Samsung Galaxy S4 (10 hours, 30 minutes: average).
With such a remarkable battery, however, I suppose I shouldn't be
surprised that the Maxx demonstrated some quirky behavior regarding its
mobile power source. For instance, my early test model refused to charge
when the device was powered down, even though the phone said it was
receiving a steady flow of electrons.
Additionally, it wouldn't charge properly unless I first changed the USB
computer connection mode to Camera and then unplugged and reconnected
the USB cable. A recent Maxx replacement unit though exhibited no such
problems, and in fact worked flawlessly. Motorola explained that some of
the preproduction Maxx units used wonky software but shipping models
shouldn't be affected.
Indeed, this latest device consistently demonstrated the same
ludicrously long run time, well over 14.5 hours playing HD video. It
also charged swiftly, reaching full power from zero charge in under an
hour. Another nice extra is the Droid Maxx's (and all the new Droids for
that matter) support for wireless charging via the Qi standard.
Conclusion
When you lay it all out on paper, the Motorola Droid Maxx should crush many smartphone challengers into dust. It flaunts the biggest, baddest battery available on a cellular handset, which results in fabulously long run time. The Maxx's screen, while not as pixel-dense as its rivals, is big and vibrant. The phone's speaker gets mighty loud, too, and the device even makes crystal-clear calls.
When you lay it all out on paper, the Motorola Droid Maxx should crush many smartphone challengers into dust. It flaunts the biggest, baddest battery available on a cellular handset, which results in fabulously long run time. The Maxx's screen, while not as pixel-dense as its rivals, is big and vibrant. The phone's speaker gets mighty loud, too, and the device even makes crystal-clear calls.
After spending quality time with the Droid Maxx, especially a Maxx
running solid retail software, I can say that the phone lives up to its
sizable ambition. I can't argue that the Maxx's $299.99 price is
anything but luxurious. That said, for all the Droid Maxx can do and for
how good it looks getting it done, it earns my seal of approval and our
CNET Editors' Choice award. Of course if the Maxx is too rich for your
blood, there's always the more affordable $199.99 HTC One and $199.99 Samsung Galaxy S4, two larger-than-life Android handsets that are still excellent buys.
