The Motorola DROID RAZR M, or “DRM” from here on, is a very curious device. At $99 with a two-year contract, Motorola and Verizon have brought a very powerful and versatile device to consumers who don’t wish to spend the $200+ for a smartphone. Usually, “mid-range” Android devices that sell at the $100 price point are mediocre in build quality and specs.
The DRM is packed with the latest and greatest specs including: a 4.3″ Super AMOLED Advanced qHD display, dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 8 GB internal storage (expandable to 32GB) and NFC. You get all of this, in a nice tight package. The size of this device is comparable to the iPhone 5. Not as light or thin, but definitely not the oversized exterior offered by the Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC One X or the DRM’s bigger brothers (RAZR HD and RAZR Maxx HD). A lot of people I speak with about these superphones is that the phones are just too big. The DRM maintains a 4.3″ display, but thanks to the edge-to-edge display, remains extremely portable. Users who like to operate their mobile device with one hand will be stoked.
Those are the specs. As for build quality, the device feels like a premium device. The device has an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and is protected with a water-repellent nanocoating. The rear of the device is made with KEVLAR® fiber. The crisp edge-to-edge display has scratch-resistant Gorilla glass by Corning. The DRM weighs 126 grams which also adds to the “premium” feel. The iPhone 5, weighing in at 112 grams, feels almost too light.
Android 4.0.4 (ICS) comes preloaded on the DRM with Motorola’s “enhancements”. Apparently, Motorola prefers stock Android (as they should being owned by Google and all), but Verizon and other carriers prefer the customized user interface. I too prefer stock Android, but feel that Motorola’s changes are not too invasive and provide a great user experience.
Smart Actions are extremely useful. I love how the device will automatically switch to vibrate and cancel alerts during a meeting, or enter power-save mode when the battery is low. At night, the phone turns off all sounds and screen brightness so I can sleep sound.
Swipe left from the home screen and you have quick access to many settings, including silencing your phone ringtone, managing Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS, mobile data, airplane mode or access the complete settings menu. This is very useful for those who are constantly changing these settings.
Overall, the DRM is a great device. It has pretty much everything you could ask for in a $100 device and more. I wouldn’t be surprised if this device sells more than its siblings as it is clearly aimed for a larger audience. Not everyone wants a huge phone with all of the bells and whistles. This device has everything you need to communicate and entertain yourself on the go, without weighing you down. Those who love Android, a lightweight, yet durable phone and getting a good deal will absolutely love the DRM.
The DRM is currently available from Verizon Wireless in black or white. And if you are upgrading from a Motorola smartphone, you may be eligible for a $100 rebate when you trade in your used phone for a new DROID RAZR M. Keeping it in the family. Gotta love it!