Product Reviews Net » Motorola Droid 3 http://www.product-reviews.net Information on the latest gadgets, technology, news and product reviews Sat, 26 May 2012 11:39:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Motorola Droid 3: OTA Update 5.6.890 rolling out, manual download available http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/30/motorola-droid-3-ota-update-5-6-890-rolling-out-manual-download-available/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorola-droid-3-ota-update-5-6-890-rolling-out-manual-download-available http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/30/motorola-droid-3-ota-update-5-6-890-rolling-out-manual-download-available/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:09:07 +0000 Alan Ng http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=141704 We have some good news for those of you with a Motorola Droid 3 handset, as it looks like Verizon are now rolling out an update which adds a considerable amount of new features to the device, the perfect tonic for taking your mind off the upcoming Nexus Prime.

Motorola has announced on their official support forums that the update, identified as build number 5.6.890 will be rolling out in stages starting from September 28th. This means that some of you may have already received a notification to update via OTA, but Motorola has also confirmed that you can update to the new firmware version manually if you don’t want to wait.

When you have your phone in hand, simply go to Menu > Settings > About phone > System updates and you should see the new 5.6.890 update available. Once you’ve installed it, you’ll be able to enjoy new features such as Google Talk with Video support, V CAST media manger, improved camera shutter speed, improved stability and no more flickering on the display screen.

Perhaps more pleasing though is the fact that battery life is meant to be improved too as a result of the update, according to Motorola’s patch notes. Those of you having GPS update problems will find that this is now fixed, while Silent Mode will now do away with the start-up animation which you may find useful.

You can see a run through of the full list of change notes by reading the list over at Phonedog here. If you have already installed this firmware update for the Droid 3, let us know your experiences with the handset after updating. On a side note, is the Droid 3 still a worthy handset to own or not, considering the likes of the Samsung Nexus Prime which is whispering in your ear on a daily basis telling you to upgrade to this phone.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/09/30/motorola-droid-3-ota-update-5-6-890-rolling-out-manual-download-available/feed/ 2 Motorola Droid 3 benchmarks vs. Samsung Galaxy S II/S2 http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/07/09/motorola-droid3-benchmarks-vs-samsung-galaxy-s-iis2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorola-droid3-benchmarks-vs-samsung-galaxy-s-iis2 http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/07/09/motorola-droid3-benchmarks-vs-samsung-galaxy-s-iis2/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:25:59 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=136433 It was inevitable that we were going to compare the Motorola Droid 3 benchmarks against the Samsung Galaxy S II, which to most is known as the S2. Now we have to inform you that the two handsets were not run side-by-side, so we had to pull the benchmark results up separately. So how did the two upcoming handsets fair against each other?

The benchmark for the Droid 3 was a first run, so the results were not that great. Droid Life notes that a dual-core processor handset should be able to achieve at least 2000 on a Quadrant benchmark, and this handset did manage to hit just under 2500. However, we have to point out that because this was a first run things were always going to be low – so we need to wait until the second lot of figures is published.

We know that they are said to be much better, but how will they be able to compare against the impressive results of the Samsung Galaxy S II? In each of the benchmark tests the S II managed from just under 4000 to just over 4,500. This shows to prove that it seems a much faster performing handset on paper when compared to the Droid 3.

However, we should remind you that there is more to come from Motorola’s handset and that the benchmarks cannot count for much. Where the real test begins is in the hands of the user, only then will we get an idea at just how the two compare – although we believe that the Galaxy S II will still have the winning edge.

We expect to hear from readers soon about how the new Droid 3 performs, as they have now started to receive their shipments after being made available on July 7, 2011. There is still a week to go before the device hits stores, and it is only those who pre-ordered theirs early who are now seeing them being sent to them now.

The handset already has one disadvantage going for it, and that is because it will now be tied to the new Verizon tiered data plans. This is expected to hit sales of other upcoming handsets on Big Red, such as the S II and the rumored iPhone 5. However, once customers get used to these new plans then it will not take long for things to get back to normal – although we have no idea as to how long that will take.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/07/09/motorola-droid3-benchmarks-vs-samsung-galaxy-s-iis2/feed/ 1 Motorola Droid 3 gets China release, Droid Bionic still M.I.A http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/17/motorola-droid-3-gets-china-release-droid-bionic-still-m-i-a/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorola-droid-3-gets-china-release-droid-bionic-still-m-i-a http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/17/motorola-droid-3-gets-china-release-droid-bionic-still-m-i-a/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:47:53 +0000 Alan Ng http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=134926 We knew the Motorola Droid 3 was on the way, but we didn’t expect it to come this soon, and via this avenue. It has just been confirmed that the Droid 3 will release in China as the Milestone 3, although as you may have guessed, there is still no official information on the Droid Bionic.

Our guesses are that the Droid Bionic may even be put off until a Fall release rather than Summer, because you can imagine that now the Milestone 3 has been outed in China, Motorola and Verizon will be keen to release it as the Droid 3 in the U.S as soon as possible.

It seems odd that the official details on the handset have appeared first for the Chinese market before a U.S announcement, so perhaps Motorola will be making the handset official in the States next week.

Key details for the Droid 3 include a 1Ghz dual-core processor, an 8MP camera with LED flash, 1080p video recording, a 4-inch qHD display, 16MB of internal memory and wait for it – Android 2.3 Gingerbread as the installed software, as reported from Droid-Life.

Judging by the official press shots, it looks like a very nice device, one which Chinese consumers will be rushing out to buy at the first opportunity no doubt.

But if our predictions are right and Motorola will now shift their attention on getting the Droid 3 out in the US, where does this leave the status of the elusive Droid Bionic? In an ideal scenario, Motorola will come out in full force next week and announce both the Droid 3 and Droid Bionic as part of their Summer onslaught, if that happens then consumers will seemingly forgive and forget all the shenanigans that have gone on lately.

If you’re interested in hearing more on the Milestone 3 / Droid 3, you can view Motorola’s official press release here. You can also view detailed technical specs and take a look at a few press pictures in high quality.

Any of you interested in getting one, or is the Droid Bionic still your number one target?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/17/motorola-droid-3-gets-china-release-droid-bionic-still-m-i-a/feed/ 0 8 upcoming Verizon phones to watch in 2011/2012 http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/15/8-upcoming-verizon-phones-to-watch-in-20112012/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-upcoming-verizon-phones-to-watch-in-20112012 http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/15/8-upcoming-verizon-phones-to-watch-in-20112012/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:54:52 +0000 Gary Johnson http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=134614 We recently gave you a list of some due to be released handsets for customers of the Sprint network. It featured some featured packed devices due for release. Today we have 8 upcoming Verizon phones to watch in 2011/2012.

This year the big news cell phone wise on the Verizon network was the release of the iPhone 4. Presently there are no official details when the next iPhone will be made available, but it is rumored to be around September. Handsets we do know about include the Motorola Droid Bionic, which is LTE compatible and may be available soon.

The Motorola Droid 3 is expected to become available early next month, and has a 4-inch display with an 8-megapixel camera and dual-core processor. The BlackBerry Monaco is expected sometime during Q3, and is basically a CDMA version of the BlackBerry Storm. It runs on a 1.2GHz processor with a 5-megapixel camera, which is capable of 720p video recording.

A CDMA version of the Samsung Galaxy S2 is rumored to be coming and called the Function. It will have Android Gingerbread with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. Another BlackBerry the Bold 9930 is set for release during Q3, and features a 1.2 GHz processor and 5-megapixel camera. It is also thought to be running BlackBerry OS 7 when it is released.

Other handsets coming to the network include the Motorola Droid Targa, HTC Merge and Bliss. Obviously there could also be the iPhone 5 available towards the end of the year but do any of these handsets interest you?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/15/8-upcoming-verizon-phones-to-watch-in-20112012/feed/ 0 Samsung Galaxy S 2 (II) still beats Droid 3, and anything else http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/14/samsung-galaxy-s-2-ii-still-beats-droid-3-and-anything-else/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=samsung-galaxy-s-2-ii-still-beats-droid-3-and-anything-else http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/14/samsung-galaxy-s-2-ii-still-beats-droid-3-and-anything-else/#comments Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:44:23 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=134413 When Samsung has a handset like the Galaxy S 2 (II) you can understand why they are about to overtake Nokia to become the biggest selling handset maker, as reported by iPhone Rumors. The likes of Motorola has been working at cell phones for much longer, but just cannot seem to get a break. However, when you consider that the new S2 still beats the Droid 3 and anything else Android for that matter, you have to wonder if they are making it a little too easy for the Korean company?

There are still some Android handsets coming to market that only have a single-core processor, and you have to wonder why this is. Droid-Life has been looking at a recent Galaxy S 2 ad that explains just why you need a dual-core processor, and this could be the very reason why the handset is now selling more than the iPhone 4 in the UK?

The new handset from Sammy has so much going for it, but it’s that lighting fast CPU that has to be the best feature. This is the one-piece of hardware that is so important, as its speed and performance will dictate how well other features perform, such as games, videos etc.

We all know how fast technology can change, and there is already talk of a quad-core processor but for now the Samsung Galaxy S II is king – well that’s what we are being told. A sneak peak at the Droid 3 shows that it will come with a dual-core processor, but not much else is known. However, if we are to believe the images, then Samsung will still have it beat in the design department.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/14/samsung-galaxy-s-2-ii-still-beats-droid-3-and-anything-else/feed/ 3 Does the Droid Bionic make the Droid 3 a worthless release http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/14/does-the-droid-bionic-make-the-droid-3-a-worthless-release/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=does-the-droid-bionic-make-the-droid-3-a-worthless-release http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/14/does-the-droid-bionic-make-the-droid-3-a-worthless-release/#comments Tue, 14 Jun 2011 07:13:51 +0000 Alan Ng http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=134414 It remains a rather interesting period for Verizon users at the moment. Many are coming towards the end of their current contract deals and the obvious question to ask yourselves is ‘what handset should I go for next’? For most, it’s an easy decision, but there are a few other candidates.

Verizon has been busy churning out handsets every few weeks it seems, but the one handset that everyone wants, but unsuprisingly do not know very much about is the 4G LTE supported Droid Bionic by Motorola.

Instead of leaks appearing for this handset as we build up to it’s ‘apparent’ Summer release, one other contender has emerged onto the scene – the Motorola Droid 3. It has remarkably gone under the radar for the past few months, despite it’s juggernaut name tag – but why is that?

Is it the fact the the specs are just not that desirable in today’s dual-core smartphone market, or have Verizon customers simply had enough of slide-out keyboards and were left unimpressed with the Droid 2 and Droid 2 Global combo.

Your answer is probably going to be one of the two mentioned above, and it’s likely to be a factor which turns your attention to the elusive Droid Bionic, despite the fact that we haven’t had a hint of news on it from Verizon or Motorola. The device could have been delayed again for all we know, as if the Droid Bionic is indeed coming out this Summer like everyone says, then that only leaves a month for Verizon to start their promotional bandwagon – they are leaving it a little late, don’t you think?

What we want to know though, is what your thoughts are on Verizon and Motorola’s motives for releasing the Droid 3, so close to the release window for the Droid Bionic. Is the Droid 3 a worthless release in your opinion, or is it a handset that you are badly after?

[poll id="373"]

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/14/does-the-droid-bionic-make-the-droid-3-a-worthless-release/feed/ 2 Motorola Droid 3 extensive look, low RAM affects benchmarks http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/13/motorola-droid-3-extensive-look-low-ram-affects-benchmarks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorola-droid-3-extensive-look-low-ram-affects-benchmarks http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/13/motorola-droid-3-extensive-look-low-ram-affects-benchmarks/#comments Mon, 13 Jun 2011 22:14:31 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=134389 The Motorola Droid 3 requires an extensive look, as the handset is Verizon bound on July 7th. However, do not get too excited, as it seems as though the low RAM has a few affects on the recent benchmarks carried out. The handset will be known as the Milestone 3 for the international version, and that too is expected to carry the same hardware.

Just over a week ago we supplied details that the Droid Bionic is a handset that is more desired, but the proof will come in the sales. The specs, which include hardware such as a 4-inch screen, 8-megapixel camera and a dual-core processor seems to be pretty impressive. However, it is that 512MB of RAM that will be its Achilles heel.

Another feature that could go against Motorola’s upcoming handset is the lack of 4G LTE, which many of the new smartphones coming to market will have. Although, the most anticipated handset of 2011 will not, and that is the iPhone 5 or 4S – still uncertain what Apple will decide to call it yet.

Droid Life has learned from XDA.cn that the Droid 3/Milstone 3 will share something in common with a couple of other Motorola handsets, and that is a pentile screen. Overall it seems as though the Droid 3 will disappoint many, and you do not have too long to help prove us wrong.

One thing we do know, this is no way going to put up much of a fight against the Samsung Galaxy S II, which still looks to be the best Android handset on the market.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/13/motorola-droid-3-extensive-look-low-ram-affects-benchmarks/feed/ 4 Motorola Droid 3 videos provide new intel, Droid Bionic still more desirable http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/06/motorola-droid-3-videos-provide-new-intel-droid-bionic-still-more-desirable/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorola-droid-3-videos-provide-new-intel-droid-bionic-still-more-desirable http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/06/motorola-droid-3-videos-provide-new-intel-droid-bionic-still-more-desirable/#comments Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:44:15 +0000 Alan Ng http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=133291 If you are a Verizon customer or looking to join the network at some point this year, most of the talk is reserved for the highly anticipated Droid Bionic. One handset that has seemingly slipped under the radar is the upcoming Motorola Droid 3, but you’ll be pleased to hear that we have some excellent new information for you.

That information comes in the form of three brand new official videos for the unannounced handset that have been leaked online by PhonePads. The videos appear to be upcoming tutorial videos showing users how to navigate around certain aspects of the device.

We’re not sure how PhonePads managed to get their hands on these, but we’re thankful they did. It looks like the videos will be released by Motorola at some point, but strangely – we still have no indication when the handset will be out.

The videos show guides on the slide-out QWERTY keyboard and also using the virtual keyboard, while another video shows how to access your contacts and groups more effectively. Additional details reveal the handset will be equipped with a 8MP rear camera with LED flash, 1080p video recording and also an HDMI-out port.

It looks like it will also run on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but we still can’t help but feel that the Droid 3 is going to less popular with consumers compared to other handsets on Verizon. If consumers had to choose between the Droid 3 and Droid Bionic, we think the Bionic would be the standout favorite everytime.

Perhaps some more solid details on the Droid 3 such as a full tech specs sheet would change a few users minds about picking one up, but at the moment the Droid Bionic remains the top handset to buy this Summer. Apple may have a thing to say about that with a possible iPhone 5 reveal, Android purists will disagree.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/06/motorola-droid-3-videos-provide-new-intel-droid-bionic-still-more-desirable/feed/ 0 Motorola Droid 3 details leaked, June release but no LTE http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/23/motorola-droid-3-details-leaked-june-release-but-no-lte/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorola-droid-3-details-leaked-june-release-but-no-lte http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/23/motorola-droid-3-details-leaked-june-release-but-no-lte/#comments Mon, 23 May 2011 07:58:11 +0000 Gary Johnson http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=131725 We have had talk of the Motorola Droid 3 for a while now, but specifications have been sketchy. But now we have news of more Motorola Droid 3 details being leaked, and with a possible June release but no LTE support.

Sean P. Aune from TechnoBuffalo is reporting that a reliable source has given them information on the Droid 3. It has been confirmed the handset will have a 4-inch qHD screen, and the keyboard has now got a fifth row of keys which will provide more dedicated buttons that users have been wanting.

The device will be using a dual-core processor which is currently thought to be the NVIDIA Tegra 2, but may be an OMAP. There will be an HDMI output to allow for HD video viewing. The main camera will be of the 8-megapixel variety, but the front facing camera details are not yet known.

It is thought the Droid 3 could be released sometime next month, but one feature the phone won’t be having is LTE capability. This will be of some surprise to many considering Verizon are expanding their LTE service.

More details will surely become available in the coming weeks if it is coming out next month, and will give Verizon users another handset to choose from.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/23/motorola-droid-3-details-leaked-june-release-but-no-lte/feed/ 0 Motorola Mixup: Droid Bionic or Solana aka Droid 3 http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/02/motorola-mixup-droid-bionic-or-solana-aka-droid-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorola-mixup-droid-bionic-or-solana-aka-droid-3 http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/02/motorola-mixup-droid-bionic-or-solana-aka-droid-3/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 11:51:09 +0000 Jamie Pert http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=129265 Recently a photo showed up on NewsDen which has caused a little confusion regarding Motorola‘s upcoming smartphone releases, this is because it appeared to show the Motorola Droid 3 aka Motorola Solana, but the retailer who leaked the photo called it the Motorola Targa aka the Droid Bionic.

Hopefully the retailer simply got mixed up and called the new device the wrong codename, if not the Motorola Droid Bionic’s form-factor change and further enhancements were a bit more drastic than we first thought.

We think that the retailer got things wrong and the device we are seeing is in fact the Motorola Droid 3 (codenamed Solana), the photo appears to show a smartphone with a 4-inch touchscreen display, a front-facing camera and a smaller bezel below the Android buttons than the Droid 2.

The photo in question can be seen below, it shows the original Motorola Droid on the left, the Motorola Droid 2 in the middle and the Droid 3 on the right, the massive display almost make this look like a miniature Xoom tablet, which I guess in some ways it is.

Check out the photo for yourself, do you like the look of this upcoming smartphone?

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