iPhone 4 and Droid X: Which smartphone is better?
8/09/2010 08:18:00 AM - 0 comments
Apple iPhone 4 and Motorola Droid X are two of the hottest phones released this summer of 2010. Smartphones like these are a businessman’s tool in conducting his day to day work. How good can the iPhone 4 and Droid X cope with this need?Voice Calls
People use their phones to send messages through e-mails, texts, IMs and Tweets. But most mobile professionals still prefer to use phones in conducting a fair amount of business. Therefore, voice calls should function well in business smartphones.
The iPhone 4 and the Droid X have similar features: both allow users to dial calls on software keypads or from contact lists; allow calls to phone numbers embedded in e-mails and Web sites; and, add a third line to an ongoing call. However, there are some features that an iPhone 4 can do but Droid X cannot. The iPhone 4 can surf the Web during phone calls, thanks to its multitasking feature. It can also roam in Europe and Asia which means that employees can use their phone and number during business trips.
Droid X phone call quality is as good as phone calls using the Verizon’s network. Voices are muffled at times but Droid X fared well for the most part. What’s nice is that you can hear your colleagues and clients even when riding a car because the earpiece volume is nice and clear.There have been no reports yet of drooped calls problem for the Droid X and its speakerphone was sufficiently loud enough to be used for small conferences.
iPhone 4 performs better than the iPhone 3Gs in relation to call quality, sound and speakerphone. A recent survey also indicated that it drops lesser calls. iPhone uses 2 microphones – one for noise cancellations. Its earpiece volume is loud enough, and the speakerphone is louder and clearer than iPhone 3Gs.
Battery Life
Talk time for the Droid X is rated at 8 hours up to 220 hours of standby. In fact, Droid X lasted 8 hours and 11 minutes on a test call. In a real-world usage, the Droid X lasted for two full working days. It included voice calls, Gmail (via Exchange), web browsing, and use of camera. The battery life of Droid X is truly impressive.
Apple rates the iPhone 4 talk time at 7 hours, and 300 hours on standby. Apple iPhone 4’s battery life boasts of its being the best quality than any other iPhones to date. In real-world usage, iPhone 4 can last a full 18-hour work day and still have enough charge for the next day’s usage.
Security
Both phones support the Microsoft Exchange features. That’s why both iPhone 4 and Droid X have no problem syncing business e-mail, contacts and calendar information. Although each slightly handles the applications differently, it’s not much of a concern for IT. Security is what really matters.
Business use of smartphones requires that they are able to remotely wipe the device and set complex passwords. Android 2.2 supports these features, but Android 2.1 doesn’t. Currently, Android 2.1 is running Droid X though Verizon Wireless and Motorola have promised to update the device to Android 2.2 soon. Android 2.2 has a device policy manager which allows developers to write ‘device administrator’ app to control security features of the device.
In the category of supporting remote wipe, remote locking, and complex passwords, iPhone 4 is at an advantage over the Droid X.
Apple has created the iPhone Enterprise Developer Program which will let businesses “deploy proprietary, in-house applications to authorized users in your company."
Usability
Both devices have good browsers, messaging applications, displays and cameras. Both can record video at 720p. In syncing and playing back media content, iPhone is better but Droid X has HDMI out and DLNA software on board for easy video sharing.
Droid X’s software is a little chaotic when it’s integrated with Android 2.1. Transitions can be herky-jerky, the applications may pause before opening, and there can also be some app crashes. However, it can still offer flexibility, customization and a 4.3-inch display.
The best platform software available on iPhone so far is the iOS4 from Apple. New multitasking support is a big help when it comes to running apps simultaneously. The newly added unified e-mail inbox is very stable and supports folders.
iPhone 4 is smaller and more pocket friendly in terms of hardware. Droid X’s hardware is huge and despite its thin waist line, it’s still awkward to be stored in a pocket.
Conclusion
iPhone 4 and Droid X are closely matched. Both have advantages over the other. Droid X is better when it comes to phone and call performance, dropped calls, battery life, and enterprise application support. iPhone 4 wins over Droid X when it comes to enterprise security and general usability.
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