Droid Razr or iPhone 4s

Hey guys, so considering that these are both in the system section, I figured that asking this question here was logical. However, if this kind of question doesn't belong here, feel free to close the thread. I just need some advice!

Tomorrow is my 21st birthday, and as a birthday gift, my dad is going to get me a new phone. I have narrowed it down to either the iPhone 4s or the new Droid Razr (16gb models of either, and they are both 200 bucks, so no price or memory considerations to make). However, I am having a TON of trouble deciding! As I am going to have this phone for the next 2 years, I want to make sure I pick a phone that I really like!

Here are my two biggest concern with each device. For the iPhone, I feel like everyone considers it to be a "gimped" device. All I hear about is how it's slower than the Droid (.75 mb/s against 3-7 mb/s was one test I read) on the 3g vs 4g networks, and that's huge! However, I am wondering how often I will really use that function as most of the time I will be using wireless internet access connected to a hub (such as my school network). I love the big pretty screen of the Razr, but I don't like the OS as much, and because of the width of the system (while it is a slim device, it is wide to accomodate the large screen!), I feel like it is bulky and awkward to use as an actual phone, and to fit easily into a pocket.

So please, any advice you guys can give me on these two phones would be much appreciated! Please try to keep this free of personal bias (especially the "I hate apple because I just do" variety) and keep it focused to the specifics of the two phones, particularly dealing with my specific concerns. Thanks guys!

P.S. the main reason I want a smart phone is to manage all of my life from a single device. Keeping track of my schedule, emails, txts/calls, homework assignment due dates, and if there is a quick and easy way to keep track of my debit card spending and stuff, that would be great too! If either phone really isn't great for that (which would surprise the crap out of me) obviously include that in your recommendation! Sorry again if this is in the wrong place.

Hands down iPhone 4s ... I love it with all my < 3

Hands down iPhone 4s ... I love it with all my < 3

W1NGMAN-

Samsung Galaxy SII? Not sure about the Droid.. We don't get them in Norway I believe.

Samsung Galaxy SII? Not sure about the Droid.. We don't get them in Norway I believe.

Mozelleple112

[QUOTE="W1NGMAN-"]

Hands down iPhone 4s ... I love it with all my < 3

Essian

I use Opera Mini which is extremely fast compared to any of the other web browers avalible for it. It has its issues though, theres times when I'll tap "Forums" on gamespot and it'll just keep refreshing the front page so I simply continue selecting it till a mini menu pops up and then select "open in new tab"

If I'm not posting in bold it's cause I'm on my iPhone 4 at work :P

My entire life is literally in this damn phone, from my bank account, to my email, school loan payments, facebook, pics .. EVERYTHING! I don't think I could ever downgrade from my iPhone. Also recently a buddy at work got rid of his Droid for an iPhone4s ... he seemed to be always having troubles with it and feels like he made the right decision.

Hands down iPhone 4s ... I love it with all my < 3

W1NGMAN-

Same, fantastic piece of kit. And the transfer rate is perfectly acceptable for normal web browsing etc.

The only issue with iphone browsing it that there's absolutely no support for flash (none that i've found anyway), not sure if thats the case with Android aswell.

basically the droid razr is the better device, its faster, but the iphone 4s is better for gaming. Not saying the razr is a bad device for gaming, its really good but the iphone 4s is supposedly better. Im not sure how much you care about gaming on a smartphone, if at all. The iphone 4s is mainly a status symbol, I mean everyone and their grandmas have one. If you want to be cool you get that but just remember you'll be locked inside apples OS, you have little to no customization. Droid Razr with ICS, is fully open, you can do whatever you want with it. In the end the choice is up to you, but id take the S-amoled screen over apples display

Best smart phone will have Android and the best Android phone out now is the Galaxy Nexus.

http://news.discovery.com/tech/wosniak-prefers-android-120117.html

what apples co-founder has to say on the subject.

"I have a lower success rate with Siri than I do with the voice built into the Android, and that bothers me," Woz told the Daily Beast. "I'll be saying, over and over again in my car, 'Call the Lark Creek Steak House,' and I can't get it done. Then I pick up my Android, say the same thing, and it's done."

"Plus I get navigation. Android is way ahead on that," he added.

my personalobservation is that i never seem to have to pay for the apps that my buddies with iphones have to pay for.

i have had my droid x2 for 6 months or so and have hundreds of apps and i have never been charged for a one of them.

http://news.discovery.com/tech/wosniak-prefers-android-120117.html

what apples co-founder has to say on the subject.

"I have a lower success rate with Siri than I do with the voice built into the Android, and that bothers me," Woz told the Daily Beast. "I'll be saying, over and over again in my car, 'Call the Lark Creek Steak House,' and I can't get it done. Then I pick up my Android, say the same thing, and it's done."

"Plus I get navigation. Android is way ahead on that," he added.

Riverwolf007

Siri is still in beta though, and not even supported in my country (Ireland), but its still fun to shout abuse at it and have it tell you off :P.

Android, simply because I despise anything Apple or Apple-related.

Get the iPhone. Apple products are vastly superior to PCs and Androids.

Get the iPhone. Apple products are vastly superior to PCs and Androids.

Click_Clock

Android, simply because I despise anything Apple or Apple-related.

ChubbyGuy40

If you're mostly using it with wi-fi, why get a smartphone at all? Why not an iPod Touch? And then a Go Phone or some other prepaid phone instead? LovePotionNo9

Get the iPhone. Apple products are vastly superior to PCs and Androids.

Click_Clock

I think I found a picture of you.

here is some more from the interview with the woz that seems to fit well with sw.

"The people I recommend the iPhone 4S for are the ones who are already in the Mac world, because it's so compatible, and people who are just scared of computers altogether and don't want to use them. The iPhone is the least frightening thing. For that kind of person who is scared of complexity, well, here's a phone that is simple to use and does what you need it to do," he said.

woz says get iphone IF YER SCARED! :lol:

[QUOTE="Click_Clock"]

Get the iPhone. Apple products are vastly superior to PCs and Androids.

R3FURBISHED

I don't think you read my original post, where I wanted to keep that out of here, but thank you for stating it so I know... Essian

I prefer Android for it's simplicity and openess. I'm not bogged down with their own software that's a pain in the ass to use. If I want to add music, I just plug it in and put the music on there. Same for movies. Not to mention it has a lot more codecs for different media, so you don't have to convert movies to a specific format. Also I find the UI to be much better, especially since it has a lot of customization.

As far as speed goes for browsers or games, you'll likely won't notice the difference. I'm guessing the 4s is faster since it's newer I think. It depends mostly on your browser, connection, and what content you're loading. Oh, and it has more than one button. Apple has a bigger selection of games, but I personally find damn near every mobile game to be a waste of a dollar or whatever you spend on it.

As refurb states below, some of them sport Gorilla Glass as well. I know my Captivate does but not sure what other devices so as well. Basically, your phone isn't going to shatter if you drop it. I've dropped it plenty of times and there isn't even a scratch.

Oh, and they come with some decent earbuds instead of that crap Apple keeps giving us. :P

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

Android, simply because I despise anything Apple or Apple-related.

Essian

If you're mostly using it with wi-fi, why get a smartphone at all? Why not an iPod Touch? And then a Go Phone or some other prepaid phone instead? LovePotionNo9

iOS (Apple's operating system) is garbage. I mean complete garbage.

Restrictions out the ass, no Flash support, a generally worse device than Android (not as well constructed - try and find an iPhone that doesn't have a broken screen)

Android is so supiorer its like comparing a SNES to a modern day console or a 1980s computer to a modern day one.

[QUOTE="Riverwolf007"]

http://news.discovery.com/tech/wosniak-prefers-android-120117.html

what apples co-founder has to say on the subject.

"I have a lower success rate with Siri than I do with the voice built into the Android, and that bothers me," Woz told the Daily Beast. "I'll be saying, over and over again in my car, 'Call the Lark Creek Steak House,' and I can't get it done. Then I pick up my Android, say the same thing, and it's done."

"Plus I get navigation. Android is way ahead on that," he added.

Snugenz

Siri is still in beta though, and not even supported in my country (Ireland), but its still fun to shout abuse at it and have it tell you off :P.

10 mins into using it i was all what the hell is the point of this?

[QUOTE="Essian"][QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"] I don't think you read my original post, where I wanted to keep that out of here, but thank you for stating it so I know... [QUOTE="LovePotionNo9"]If you're mostly using it with wi-fi, why get a smartphone at all? Why not an iPod Touch? And then a Go Phone or some other prepaid phone instead? R3FURBISHED

iOS (Apple's operating system) is garbage. I mean complete garbage.

Restrictions out the ass, no Flash support, a generally worse device than Android (not as well constructed - try and find an iPhone that doesn't have a broken screen)

Android is so supiorer its like comparing a SNES to a modern day console or a 1980s computer to a modern day one.

Out of those two, the iPhone. I have the Galaxy S2 and love it, and would either recommend that or the Nexu but since you want one of the two phones listed, iPhone is probably better. I still say look at the S2 or nexus though, as they're the two best phones out right now.

As a satisfied owner of a macbook pro, I have never had a problem with the Mac iOS, and a lack of flash support has never bogged me down. Although, it is a fair complaint to wager against the device itself. Furthermore, if you watch the "drop test" video on youtube that I will link at the bottom, you will find that neither device fairs well when dropped on concrete, and I plan to buy a case and take good care of it, and screen cracking only really matters to those who don't treat their devices with care. Your last sentence destroys any credibility of your argument. No, apple's device isn't worthless! It is a decent device, and saying it is so far inferior just oozes with bias! It is DIFFERENT, and certainly less customizable, but it isn't nearly as drastically inferior as you make it out to be. I haven't owned either device and I can tell you that much.Essian

Apple users must enjoyed unparalleled simplicity to be able to defend those things that Apple puts out. I don't understand how you could own a smartphone that doesn't even have a back button! Then you have all the restrictions that Apple demands must be in place on all their devices.

If you want a phone that can do it all get the Samsung Galaxy Nexus(the best Android, so the best phone - and its a Google phone (so +1)) if you want a phone that is a bit more anyone friendly get the Razr. And if you don't care about your phone or the overall quality then get whatever Apple is churning out.

-And for a "drop test", the only answer there is Motorola. My Droid 2 has fallen ~8 feet onto concrete and it didn't even phase it. My first Droid 1 has hurled at a cinder block wall and it only was dinged up a little. And don't try to pawn it off onto clumsiness as sh1t happens occasionally.

I would go with an android phone, but IDK about this Razor phone.

Personally, I just got a Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch through Sprint and I freaking LOVE the phone. It is my first smart phone and I have had absolutely no trouble figuring out the interface and have loaded it up with tons of great, free apps and games. It runs on the Android Gingerbread OS and I do believe that is the same OS the Razr runs on.

Personally, I would wholeheartedly recommend getting the Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch as I KNOW that phone is amazing, but I guess I could recommend the Droid Razr if you really are so deadset on those 2 choices because I do think it runs on the same OS as my awesome phone.

I would go with an android phone, but IDK about this Razor phone.

Personally, I just got a Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch through Sprint and I freaking LOVE the phone. It is my first smart phone and I have had absolutely no trouble figuring out the interface and have loaded it up with tons of great, free apps and games. It runs on the Android Gingerbread OS and I do believe that is the same OS the Razr runs on.

Personally, I would wholeheartedly recommend getting the Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch as I KNOW that phone is amazing, but I guess I could recommend the Droid Razr if you really are so deadset on those 2 choices because I do think it runs on the same OS as my awesome phone.

LostProphetFLCL

Gingerbread is an older OS - Ice Cream Sandwitch is the newest one. Most new(ish) Androids are running Honeycomb.

If you use gmail and google calendar already, go with the Droid Razr. There's much deeper integration for the Androids if you already use Google's products.

If you would rather enter it in on your phone day after day, go with the iPhone. The iPhone is also a lot more simple, and if you don't want to mess around with settings and hardware all that much to get the most out of your phone, the iPhone is the way to go.

Both are solid choices, they are both great phones.

But I MUST warn you that 4G LTE eats up your battery. I have a Galaxy Nexus but I turn off the 4G all the time, otherwise I'm left with an 8 hour battery, without using the device. It will die just before I get home.

[QUOTE="LostProphetFLCL"]

I would go with an android phone, but IDK about this Razor phone.

Personally, I just got a Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch through Sprint and I freaking LOVE the phone. It is my first smart phone and I have had absolutely no trouble figuring out the interface and have loaded it up with tons of great, free apps and games. It runs on the Android Gingerbread OS and I do believe that is the same OS the Razr runs on.

Personally, I would wholeheartedly recommend getting the Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch as I KNOW that phone is amazing, but I guess I could recommend the Droid Razr if you really are so deadset on those 2 choices because I do think it runs on the same OS as my awesome phone.

R3FURBISHED

Gingerbread is an older OS - Ice Cream Sandwitch is the newest one. Most new(ish) Androids are running Honeycomb.

Only tablets run Honeycomb. Phones are going straight from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich.

[QUOTE="Mozelleple112"]

Samsung Galaxy SII? Not sure about the Droid.. We don't get them in Norway I believe.

Essian

He's giving sound advice though. I want to say the SGS2 is considered the best all around smart phone, especially for games.

P.S. the main reason I want a smart phone is to manage all of my life from a single device. Keeping track of my schedule, emails, txts/calls, homework assignment due dates, and if there is a quick and easy way to keep track of my debit card spending and stuff, that would be great too! If either phone really isn't great for that (which would surprise the crap out of me) obviously include that in your recommendation! Sorry again if this is in the wrong place.

Essian

One thing I really hope you do is look at the screens. Some people are turned off by the quality of the Motorola Razr's screen.

iPhone :

More expensive

More "slick" and glamorous

Gigantic library of stuff made for it

Not as customizable or "open" you do it the Apple way or you don't do it

No flash

Killer App : iTunes

Android :

Generally cheaper

More of a "nerd" device, much less prestigious or fashionable

Lots of stuff available, some of which may not be compatible with your particular phone

Does a few things better than iPhone : GPS navigation, voice recognition, input scheme

Killer App : tight integration with Google stuff like Gmail, scheduler, google maps, etc

Bottom line :

iPhone is better for games and music

Droid is better for getting work done and managing your life

They both can do each others job, just not as well.

I currently own a T-mobile Mytouch 3g Slide, it's indispensible to me for everyday business and keeping in touch, reading emails, etc, I've had to use turn-by-turn GPS navigation a few times and it works superbly, voice recognition is very good, I have my mp3's on it for music, I could watch movies if I want, has a nice camera. IMO the best feature is the pull-out keyboard makes it easy to type. I don't play games on it, only for work and mp3's.

In my opinion if I traded it in for an iPhone I would be less productive but probably spend more time listening to podcasts.

I would say : Droid for work, iPhone for fun.

[QUOTE="R3FURBISHED"]

[QUOTE="LostProphetFLCL"]

I would go with an android phone, but IDK about this Razor phone.

Personally, I just got a Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch through Sprint and I freaking LOVE the phone. It is my first smart phone and I have had absolutely no trouble figuring out the interface and have loaded it up with tons of great, free apps and games. It runs on the Android Gingerbread OS and I do believe that is the same OS the Razr runs on.

Personally, I would wholeheartedly recommend getting the Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch as I KNOW that phone is amazing, but I guess I could recommend the Droid Razr if you really are so deadset on those 2 choices because I do think it runs on the same OS as my awesome phone.

verbtex

Gingerbread is an older OS - Ice Cream Sandwitch is the newest one. Most new(ish) Androids are running Honeycomb.

Only tablets run Honeycomb. Phones are going straight from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich.

stop comparing these bull**** phones with the 4S.

only thing competing with the iphone right now is the Galaxy models.

If you want a phone that can do it all get the Samsung Galaxy Nexus(the best Android, so the best phone - and its a Google phone (so +1)) if you want a phone that is a bit more anyone friendly get the Razr. And if you don't care about your phone or the overall quality then get whatever Apple is churning out.

R3FURBISHED

This is incredibly true. I have a Galaxy Nexus and it is goregous. I don't know if the Razrs have MotoBlur, but if they do, just go with the iPhone. It will be better, because Motoblur is just not worth the hassle.

the iPhone and the Razr I am looking at are the same effing price people. Like three times I have seen people mention that iPhone is more expensive than Razr! NO IT ISNT! The 16gb models are BOTH $199!!!!!Essian

in that case get 3ds and $20 phone

Samsung Galaxy S 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elKxgsrJFhw

stop comparing these bull**** phones with the 4S.

only thing competing with the iphone right now is the Galaxy models.

rasengan2552

I'd put most Android phones against an iPhone 4S any day and they'd come out on top.

Not because of hardware speed or processor.

But because of VARIETY.

With a droid you could buy 100 different models, whatever is unique to your personal quirks, such as wanting a super-loud speaker, pullout keyboard, muscle-phone, super thin, budget, etc etc. Whatever YOU personally need you can find.

With iPhone there is only 1, take it or leave it.

Also none of these phones "cost $199" that's the subsidized price with a service contract.

Galaxy Nexus is $899 and iPhone is like $650 or so, Razr is approximately the same price.

The real "cost" of the phone is the service.

Difference between $150/month and $50/month.

[QUOTE="rasengan2552"]

stop comparing these bull**** phones with the 4S.

only thing competing with the iphone right now is the Galaxy models.

ZombieKiller7

I'd put most Android phones against an iPhone 4S any day and they'd come out on top.

Not because of hardware speed or processor.

But because of VARIETY.

With a droid you could buy 100 different models, whatever is unique to your personal quirks, such as wanting a super-loud speaker, pullout keyboard, muscle-phone, super thin, budget, etc etc. Whatever YOU personally need you can find.

With iPhone there is only 1, take it or leave it.

Also none of these phones "cost $199" that's the subsidized price with a service contract.

Galaxy Nexus is $899 and iPhone is like $650 or so, Razr is approximately the same price.

The real "cost" of the phone is the service.

Difference between $150/month and $50/month.

[QUOTE="Essian"]the iPhone and the Razr I am looking at are the same effing price people. Like three times I have seen people mention that iPhone is more expensive than Razr! NO IT ISNT! The 16gb models are BOTH $199!!!!!Heirren

in that case get 3ds and $20 phone

sigh... okay, whatever, I'm done telling you guys that the price of the devices will be budget neutral, so let me put it this way: money is not a consideration in this argument for me. Please leave it out. Also, your argument about variety both is, and is not accurate. The thing is that while the iPhone only has the one option, for many people that option is exactly what they want, thus nullifying the need for customization and variety. If people don't want variety in their options, then it isn't a downside that it is lacking. Part of what is making this argument so tough for me is that I like the iPhone overall more, but can't help the feeling that the Razr is a more powerful device...Essian

It /is/ a more powerful device.

But so what.

It's a goddamn phone.

Does it make a difference as long as the interface is smooth?

Basically this forum is one big e-peen contest. Nobody cares about what's useful or fun, they just care about "my device has higher clockspeed than your device."

My cheapo droid bones iPhone from monday to sunday in actual productivity. I can do everything faster and better, and its only a 600Mhz processor.

If you're not gonna game on it then it doesn't matter.

bro just get what you want. Remember though, you won't be able to watch any flash videos on iphone

I prefer the Android OS on the superior phone hardware but iOS devices just work. I'd take the Droid just because that's what I like and if I were upgrading today I would be all over 4.0/ICS. Go for the RAZR, you can install the Amazon Appstore which gives you a premium app each day for free and your phone will fill up with cool apps in no time.