“It is obvious that this contest cannot be decided by our knowledge of the Force… but by our skills with a lightsaber.”

–Count Dooku

One of the best things Verizon Wireless ever did was acquiring the rights to use the word “DROID” to differentiate its Androids from phones from its competitors, and one of the latest phones to carry the DROID name is the DROID Maxx 2, made by Motorola. In our Verizon Motorola DROID Maxx 2 review, we’re taking a close look at this brand new device on Big Red. Motorola made some compromises on this device, but did it keep the DROID Maxx 2 worthy of Verizon’s Android brand. The answers after the jump!

Video Review · Specs & Hardware · Software · Camera · Performance

Pros/Cons · Pricing/Availability · Conclusion

DROID Maxx 2 Video Review

Index

Performance

Overall performance with the Maxx 2 was perfectly acceptable, and on par with what we have experienced with the similarly spec’d Nexus 5X. The Snapdragon 615 processor can get bogged down at times, but only very occasionally in our experience.

 

We weren’t able to try out the advanced calling features (HD voice and video calling) but traditional phone calls were great, with neither party complaining about clarity or call quality. LTE speeds around the Pocketnow Utah offices were pretty decent for our area, with a ping below 70ms and speeds over 18Mbps up and 8 down, and WiFi performed well on both 2.4 and 5GHz, despite the fact that AC isn’t supported.

Index

Pros

+ Great value
+ Above average battery life
+ Motorola software is smart, lightweight
+ Removable back cover offers some customization

Cons

 Only available with 16GB on-board storage (no 32GB or higher options)
 No wireless charging support
Removable backplate has too much “play” in it
 Far too much Verizon bloatware
Only ships with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop – not Marshmallow

Index

Pricing and Availability

Motorola DROID Maxx 2 pricing

The DROID Maxx 2 is a carrier exclusive on the Verizon Wireless network in the States. You can pick one up for US$16/month (for 24 months), or for the full retail price of $384, and is available now from Verizon’s website and select Verizon stores.

Index

Conclusion

DROID Maxx 2 benchmark

The DROID Maxx 2 isn’t a flagship, and it’s not going to win any competitions against them. However, it is a very viable mid-range phone that performs right where we’d expect it to. It feels nice, performs well, and lasts at least all day and all night.

It’s not as high-end as the DROID Turbo 2, doesn’t feature the “Shatter Shield” screen the Turbo 2 has, doesn’t include wireless charging (in any form), and is only available in a 16GB configuration. While these are minor inconveniences, they’re a little disappointing on a new smartphone – especially one under the DROID label.

Nonetheless, if you’re a Verizon Wireless customer and the DROID Turbo 2 isn’t for you, the DROID Maxx 2 is the next in line.