Motorola Admits Flickering Droid X Displays

Motorola and its US mobile partner Verizon Wireless have admitted there is a problem with a small number of Motorola Droid X handsets, namely a flickering display.

“Verizon Wireless and Motorola are aware of a very small number of Droid X units that have experienced a flickering or banding display,” Verizon said in an official statement posted by Engadget. “Motorola has resolved the issue and is continuing to ship the phones. Any consumer who experiences a flickering or banding display should contact a Motorola customer support center or Verizon Wireless.”

Good Reviews

As the Droid X’s 15 July launch date approached, the stars appeared to be aligned behind it, nearly guaranteeing a big a win for the Android-running device. First, in a scenario out of a Motorola executive’s dream, the celebrated-even-before-its-arrival Apple iPhone 4 came under heavy criticism for its antenna design and reception issues.

Second, early reviewers praised the device, citing a battery life better than the HTC Evo 4G’s, excellent call quality and a beautiful 4.3-inch display.

Lastly, some of the Droid X’s more serious Android competitors – the HTC Droid Incredible and the HTC Evo 4G – were suddenly in short supply.

Inventory Issues

“At present, we feel that we have done everything possible to ensure we have inventory to meet customer needs around the Droid X,” Verizon spokesperson Brenda Raney told Cnet.com on the eve of the smartphone’s launch, aware of the seemingly sunny forecast.

Quickly, however, the rainclouds rolled in, with news of low inventories coming as soon as 16 July.

In a 19 July research note, Gleacher & Co. analyst Mark McKechnie wrote that a poll of 20 Verizon Wireless Retail stories found the Droid X to be sold out at all locations. McKechnie added that few of the retailers he contacted knew for certain when the Droid X would be back in stock, “but all suggested we purchase online for home delivery by 27 July or 28 July if we ordered today.”

News of some Droid X handsets suffering from flickering displays is a bit more unexpected rain on Verizon and Motorola’s parade.