Motorola RAZR XT910 Review

For viewing HD videos, it's a cinch

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There was one major glitch, though, and we’re hoping it’s the case with just this test piece – after trying to use a handsfree kit of another manufacturer, the handset's audio system went on the fritz. We were unable to use any type of earphone or handsfree, including the bundled kit with the device. It seemed like the socket itself was damaged. The speakerphone was just fine, though, but the handset refused to switch over to wired headsets. Up to that point however, there was no issue. If you already own the device and are facing a similar problem, please let us know.

The RAZR XT910 supports quite a few video formats that include – MOV, WMV and a few AVI files as well. If coded correctly, you’ll very easily be able to watch full HD videos without a hitch on the native player. The good thing about some of the smartphone OS’ is that they feature third party video players that can read pretty much all formats you can throw at them.

Connectivity
Aside from 3G connectivity (14.4 Mbps) the RAZR is also equipped to handle Wi-Fi (with hot spot creation) and comes with DLNA support for media streaming and wireless data transfer as well via MotoCast that also syncs your device. The Social Networking app lets you connect to your FB, Twitter and other SN accounts and view all the latest updates on one screen. There’s also a gallery app that syncs with your FB account and pulls all the latest images off your wall into one space. Flash 11 support makes the browsing experience much better and, like any other smartphone in its range, setting up e-mail is simple and syncing accounts with Active Sync and Microsoft Exchange isn’t a major task, either.

Kevlar coated for maximum damage control

Another feature that’s gravely missed is navigation software like MotoNav that was preloaded onto devices like the MILESTONE. The RAZER, in all its glory, comes with all of Google’s standard offerings, but misses out on this rather crucial feature. MotoNav was a pretty good GPS software and would have truly enhanced the RAZR’s overall value. Social Locations, which just seems like yet another social network/location-based service is however provided.

Misc Features
A couple of preloaded apps Motorola has bundled with the RAZR, include GoToMeeting, which is a software designed for business class users or just those with busy lives who will be able to partake in meetings with other users while on the go. QuickOffice is also on board and so are features like a TaskManager, Voice Command Support built in (it’s no Siri but does a fair enough job), a Sticky Notes widget and Google’s Voice Search. News and Weather apps are also provided along with the basics like a calendar for syncing with Google and Facebook for keeping track of appointments, birthdays and other anniversaries. It even offers MOTOPrint for wireless printing when required.

Ready for business

Camera
The 8MP shooter is capable of full HD video recording i.e. 1080p @30fps. Although video quality is really quite good, as far as its competition is concerned, image capture is just about fair. With features that include touch focus, Geotagging, a few effects, Panorama, Multi shot and a timer, and exposure control you’ll get some pretty decent pictures in outdoor conditions with details retained to quite an extent. But indoor, in low lighting, we expected much more. That being said, the camera doesn’t really hamper the overall performance and manages to perform adequately. The lack of a dedicated shutter release can prove to be an issue for some. The 1.3 megapixel front facing camera can record video at up to 720p.

Image quality is not bad

Battery
The RAZR XT910 has a 1780mAh battery under the hood, which is, unfortunately, not removable. It ran for a total of 7 hours in our stand alone video test, which is above average. In our tech2 Loop Test, we managed to get through 1 loop (2 hours video, 2 hours audio, 2 hours audio streaming via Wi-Fi and 1.5 hours talk time) with Wi-Fi constantly on downloading emails and providing notifications throughout. We began Loop 2 and squeezed a good 1 hour's worth of calls and almost 20 minutes more of video as well. In real time usage we found, with heavy usage, it would be necessary to charge the handset at the end of the day. 3G usage, instead of EDGE drastically reduced battery life, of course and that required us to charge the handset by the end of a work day, if we didn’t want to run out of juice while commuting back home. But you’re pretty much ok with about 9 hours of non-stop usage.

The Bottom Line
With a price tag of Rs.33, 990 (MOP) the RAZR XT910 proves to be every bit as good as the Samsung Galaxy S II with a slightly more refined feel in the looks department and a few extra features that are definitely worth having. Sure it does have a few issues as well, and it’s hard to find a handset, even today, that doesn’t. If you’re looking for that heavy duty device for work or play for the New Year, right now, the RAZR XT should definitely be at the top of your wish list.