The spirit of the original razor-slim phone lives on in the new Motorola Droid RAZR M. It’s a recently released refresh that battles with the rest of the offerings in the mid-range segment using last year’s high-end specs and Google’s open Android software. What exactly sets it apart from every other mid-range model you can get your hands on today? Well, apart from the distinctive Motorola design in a casing that boasts Kevlar on the back and scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass on the front, not much. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, it’s still possible to create something of great value without reinventing the wheel. And that’s exactly what good old Motorola has done here.
Its spec sheet won't match high-end handhelds, but the M manages to carry a useful amount of hardware and software features in a small and very portable body. Up front, it has a qHD touchscreen display that uses a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED panel. At the back, it rocks an 8-megapixel camera that’s capable of recording 1080p video and shooting stills with a remarkably low amount of noise in them. Other features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and support for HSPA+, EV-DO, and LTE. There’s also a provision for wired connections via microUSB. Basically, users are not likely to run out of connectivity options.
The included 2,000 mAh battery can provide nearly an entire day’s worth of talk time per full charge. So the phone should last for at least a full day of heavy use, whether for browsing the Web or running apps. Speaking of which, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is this phone’s default operating system. Although this isn't the latest version of Android, Motorola plans on releasing a 4.1 Jelly Bean update.
You won't be buying the hottest piece of hardware out there if you opt for the RAZR M. But then again, do you need to? Most reviewers feel that this phone is a great value and we tend to agree. The RAZR M hits the “sweet spot” of Android phones.
Need to Know: Motorola Droid RAZR M
1. Supports a wide range of wireless technologies which include NFC, HSPA+, and LTE. (The Good)
2. Standard 2,000 mAh battery offers more than a full day of heavy use. (The Good)
3. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will have to come in the form of a software update. (The Bad)
4. Internal storage is limited to only 8GB and the screen’s native resolution is 540x960—not HD. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Dima Aryeh, DroidDogAll in all, this is a pretty fantastic phone for the price. It’s the first small phone in a while that I can say I really enjoyed using as a power user. It has a decent camera, some great performance, a nice screen, and a great build. There are problems here and there, but nothing you can&rsqu...
- Christopher Meinck, Everything AndroidThis is a surprising entry among the current crop of Android smartphones. While phones continue to get bigger, that’s not always better for some people. The form factor of the Droid RAZR M feels just right and for many you’ll enjoy one-handed use. At the price point of $99 (with contract...
- James Pikover, Gadget ReviewIf there’s one phone that starts at the low end but provides the quality of higher-end devices, it’s the Droid Razr M from Motorola.
- Mike Norris, BitBitByteIf we had to compare it to another device on Big Red, we’d look no further than the HTC Incredible 4G, another similarly sized mid-range device with a 4-inch display. While it too is aimed at the mid-range section of the market, we feel Motorola’s attempts with the M are far more impress...
- Taylor Martin, PhonedogThe Motorola DROID RAZR M for Verizon is a surprisingly nice device. It crams a respectable 4.3-inch display in a chassis not much larger than the 4-inch iPhone 5. It's not the phone for pixel junkies or those seeking a nice camera phone, but for just about anyone else – particularly those wit...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Motorola DROID RAZR M user manual here.
Motorola backs up the DROID RAZR M with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your DROID RAZR M has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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