Nextbit Robin Review: Unlimited Storage?

The Nextbit Robin is presented as a bold experiment in smartphone storage, combining a traditional 32 GB of onboard storage with 100 GB of cloud storage to create what the reviewer describes as a cloud-assisted device. The build quality is highlighted as solid and well balanced, with a squared design, soft touch finish, and a fingerprint reader that performs quickly and accurately. On the hardware side, the phone runs Android 6.0 with a Nextbit skin, featuring a Snapdragon 808, 3 GB of RAM, a 2680 mAh battery, and a 5.2 inch 1080p display, paired with front-facing stereo speakers that boost multimedia experiences. The camera is considered decent for a budget device, with colors that are acceptable and detail levels that hold up, though dynamic range can be lackluster and shutter lag is noticeable in the Nextbit camera app. A key aspect of the Robin is how the Nextbit software automatically offloads rarely used apps and media to the cloud, freeing local storage for more immediate needs. Apps can be pinned to stay on-device if users want to prevent archiving, which is pitched as the core feature that enables the claimed unlimited-feel storage. The reviewer notes that while the cloud-based approach is compelling at a $400 price point, it depends on reliable internet access, and without the Nextbit stack, the device is still a solid mid-range Android phone that can be used like a standard launcher with root and ROM options available. Overall, the Robin is portrayed as a respectable all-around device first, with the cloud storage innovations adding a unique selling point that makes the lack of microSD less painful for the right user, though the reviewer acknowledges this may not fit everyone’s needs for continued offline storage. The reviewer concludes that the Nextbit Robin is worth considering for its price due to build quality and performance, and it stands out primarily because of its cloud storage concept rather than traditional expansion options. If someone prioritizes huge offline capacity or a conventional open storage upgrade path, this phone may not be the ideal choice, but for those who want a unique approach to storage with a strong mid-range package, the Robin offers a compelling blend of hardware and cloud-driven capabilities. The video ultimately encourages evaluating the cloud-centric model in context with personal usage, and suggests that the device remains a solid Android option for its price even if the cloud feature is the standout differentiator.

Topics · technology · mobile_devices · hardware_reviews · cloud_storage