Hands-On With Motorola's Supercharged Razr Maxx

Windows Phones have been getting all the consideration at this year's CES, but a couple of Android device makers valid they're still able of innovating.

First things first: We similar to what Motorola is carrying out with its hardware. There's been a resurgence on emphasizing industrial pattern in the mobile world, as manufacturers similar to Nokia and Motorola have paid more consideration to materials, flourishes and sum once instead ignored

The Maxx, for instance, is built on an aluminium chassis, burly sufficient to ward off a rough-and-tumble slot ride. Kevlar netting (yes, Kevlar is the element that goes in to bulletproof vests) wraps around the phone's back, feeling well-spoken in hand, roughly similar to heartwarming the cooled aspect of a square of pottery. And the shade is kept protected with a Gorilla Glass facade.

If usually the outsides were critical to you, however, you might as good obtain the Maxx's younger brother, the Droid Razr. Both phones are scarcely same in conditions of specs and materials: 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 8MP rear-facing camera with an HD-capable front-facing camera as well, microSD expandability, and a 4.3-inch super AMOLED shade are all typical on both devices.

So because purchase the new phone, you might ask? This is where the Maxx's namesake comes in: The device comes with a rarely upgraded 3300 mAh battery, that Motorola promises will broach up to 21 hours of speak time. That's rare in gadgets that siphon down this ample power, and arguably a of the greatest problems confronting chic gadgets today.

To boot, it's a 4G LTE device on Verizon's network, that means swift information give speeds, and even faster battery draining. The amount of power compulsory to use 4G radios has been a arch censure with new smartphone owners, as LTE gadgets frequently run out of extract over the march of reduction than a day. And it's difficult to suffer on fire swift downloads if your phone is dead.

Here's the thing: The Maxx has to make a few tradeoffs to fit the large new battery inside. Instead of the thin, recessed subsidy of the Droid Razr, the Maxx' fortitude is filled out in a solid, sweets club shape. It's not a dealbreaker, but doesn't feel really "Razr-y" anymore.

But right away we're nitpicking. In all, it's a wonderful thought joined with a well-designed device. But you won't give it the full sign of consent truly nonetheless - not until you put it by the battery-life contrast rigors.

There's no let go date and no plain price, but Moto says that upon the Maxx's launch, the initial Razr will tumble a C-note in cost to $200, so we're guessing the Maxx will go for someplace in the operation of $300.