With a giant 4.3-inch touchscreen, the high-end Motorola DROID X is a much needed form factor in Verizon's DROID lineup. The device ships in a small box with the device, battery, USB cable, AC adapter, 16 GB microSD card (installed in the phone), and instruction manuals. With a 4.3-inch display, the device is slightly longer than the HTC EVO 4G, though the EVO is a bit wider. Measuring in at 5.0 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide by 0.4 inch thick, and weighing 5.47 ounces, it's a bit on the large side. Still, it fits perfectly in my pocket, and the camera lip gives me something to grab when reaching into my pocket.
Like most of today's devices, the exterior design is minimalistic. The left side of the device sports the microUSB charging port and HDMI port, while the right side offers the volume rocker and camera shortcut key. The top has the power button and 3.5mm headphone jack, and the bottom (front) of the device offers four physical buttons: Menu, Home, Back, and Search. I'm a fan of haptic buttons (DROID, Incredible) in lieu of physical ones, but I've had no problems during my testing. The DROID X offers Android 2.1 with a toned down version of Motorola's MOTOBLUR skin. It's a huge improvement over the full version, but I continue to prefer HTC's Sense UI in the skin department.
The DROID X offers an 8.0-megapixel camera, and I've been pleased thus far with the picture quality. Complete with autofocus and a dual flash, the pictures were surprisingly good in both natural light and low-lit areas. Editing options include picture resolution, video resolution, review time, face detection, ISO, exposure, shutter animation, and more. The device can snap videos at 720p resolution, though I haven't had a chance to test just yet.
I've made calls all day in the Charlotte metro area, and callers have been pleased with the sound quality. Call volume on my end is loud and clear (no pun intended). This afternoon, I took the phone to a Verizon dead spot in Northeast Charlotte, and while the audio was choppy, I was able to complete two separate calls without dropping them. Speakerphone worked well in a local coffee shop, and I paired a Bluetooth headset without any major issue.
Battery life has been on par with other high-end Android devices. With moderate use including calling, text messaging, internet use, e-mailing, and use of apps, I've dropped 40 percent in about three hours. As expected, the DROID X is an EVDO Rev. A device, so browsing has been relatively speedy. The mobile CNN homepage loaded in about 5 seconds, and PhoneDog's mobile page loaded in about 12 seconds. It's not WiMAX or HSPA+, but the DROID X performs admirably in the data department.
From a build perspective, the DROID X is my favorite Android device to date. The device feels durable and well-made, and I like the unique design. The 4.3-inch screen is beautiful, and I like the way the DROID X fits into my hand. It's longer and narrower than the EVO 4G, making it easier to grip. At $199.99 (after rebate at Verizon retail stores), it's priced to compete with the iPhone 4, EVO 4G, and other high-end smartphones.
