OUR VERDICT
The Nextbit Robin's cloud storage feature isn't persuasive, but even without that it's a great value handset that stands out from the crowd. It's just a shame the battery doesn't last a bit longer.
FOR
- Distinctive design
- Decent value
- Solid fingerprint scanner
AGAINST
- No app drawer
- Disappointing battery
- Iffy USP
- Update: The Nextbit Robin is a smartphone that promises something different from the standard smartphone offering. Just looking at it is enough to tell you that.
- While our reviewer wasn't exactly sold on its marquee feature, the dynamic onboard-to-cloud storage solution, you can't argue that Nextbit's debut isn't an all-around attractive package. And there might be a slick, red version of the Robin on the way, too.
- See all Nextbit Robin deals (5 found)
The specs are solid, its feature set and build quality are each up their with the best Android phones available today. And now, it's more affordable than ever.
Down from the already-decent asking price of $399 (around £270, AU$560) for a totally unlocked device, you can now nab the Robin for $299 (about £226 and AU$400).
And, before you ask, the Robin has been confirmed to support Android Nougat when it releases in just a few months. According to a forum post by an Nextbit employee, the incoming update will hone in on improving battery life, which was another key area that we felt the Robin didn't nail completely.
While it's unfortunate that a CDMA version of the phone was cancelled around the time of the phone's launch, the Robin is shaping up to be one of the most alluring (and more affordable) Android N-compatible phones out there.
We're standing by for the Nougat update and will update this review with all of the fresh details when it arrives in the autumn.
Original review follows below.
There are thousands of smartphone models out there, and for the most part they all look much the same, and operate in much the same way.
The Nextbit Robin is different – it looks different, and with cloud storage baked into its very OS it works differently too.
Even the way in which the phone came into being is different, with the fledgling company taking to Kickstarter to fund it. And seemingly there's a market for 'different', as Nextbit raised $1.36 million, despite only asking for $500,000.
Design
There's some serious talent behind the design of the Nextbit Robin: it was dreamt up by the man who created the HTC One M7 and HTC One M8. To my mind those are two of the most beautiful phones ever made – so when I first laid eyes on the Robin I have to admit to being a bit disappointed.
There's none of the premium metal or comfortable curves found on HTC's masterpieces; instead the Nextbit Robin is a slab of polycarbonate – or rather several slabs joined together.
My review unit came in a mint colour, although that only applies to the buttons and panels of plastic above and below the 5.2-inch screen, while the bulk of the back and sides are white.
My review unit came in a mint colour, although that only applies to the buttons and panels of plastic above and below the 5.2-inch screen, while the bulk of the back and sides are white.
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