Motorola Razr XT910: Ice Cream Sandwich?

The Motorola Razr XT910 (also known as the Droid Razr in the US) does run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). Motorola began rolling out the official ICS update to the XT910 in the second half of 2012, and it remained the final major OS version for this device, as it never received an official Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. This article explains the update history, how to check your device, and what to do if you are still stuck on an older version.

Background: The XT910 and Its Android Life

The Motorola Razr XT910 launched in late 2011 with Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread. It was a flagship device famous for its 7.1mm thickness and Kevlar back. At the time, Motorola promised an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich, and that promise was fulfilled in 2012. The update brought the Holo interface, improved notification bar, and better multitasking. For many users, the XT910 was their first experience with ICS, as the phone skipped Android 3.x Honeycomb entirely (a tablet-only version).

How to Check Your Current Android Version

If you have an XT910 and are unsure which Android version it runs, follow these steps:

1. Go to the App Drawer (the grid icon on the home screen).
2. Open Settings (the gear icon).
3. Scroll down to About phone (sometimes listed as “About device”).
4. Look for Android version. If it says 4.0.x, you are running Ice Cream Sandwich. If it says 2.3.x, you are still on Gingerbread.

You can also check Build number and Kernel version to see if a specific maintenance release is installed.

The Official ICS Update: Versions and Carriers

The official ICS update for the XT910 was version 4.0.4 (build numbers like 6.7.2-180 or 6.7.2-188, depending on region). It was rolled out in phases across different countries and carriers. Some users received it via Over-The-Air (OTA) notification, while others had to manually check in Settings > About phone > System updates. The update was not simultaneous worldwide; some regions waited several months. If you bought a carrier-locked XT910, the update depended on that carrier’s testing and approval. Unlocked international models usually received it earlier.

What If You Never Got the Update?

If your XT910 is still on Gingerbread and the System Updates menu says “Your device is up to date,” it may be because the update servers for this old device have been shut down, or your phone has a modified firmware. In that case, you have a few options:

• Check for a manual update package: Motorola released full ICS firmware files (often called “SBF” files) that can be flashed using tools like RSD Lite. This requires a PC and some technical knowledge.
• Use a custom ROM: The XT910 has an active modding community. Custom ROMs based on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean or even 4.4 KitKat exist, but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader (which Motorola allowed for this device) and replacing the stock recovery.
• Accept the limitation: If you are not comfortable with flashing, you can continue using Gingerbread, but many modern apps will no longer support it.

Common Problems After Upgrading to ICS

Users who did upgrade to ICS on the XT910 often reported a few recurring issues:

• Battery drain: ICS was heavier on the battery than Gingerbread. The fix was often to disable unused sync accounts and turn off Google Now (if enabled).
• Lag and stutter: The XT910’s 1.2GHz dual-core processor was capable, but the UI could occasionally stutter. A factory reset after the upgrade usually helped.
• App compatibility: Some older apps that were built for Gingerbread had display glitches on ICS. Most were updated over time.
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth dropouts: A few users reported connectivity issues. Resetting network settings or re-pairing devices often resolved these.

Comparing ICS to Gingerbread on the XT910

The jump from Gingerbread to ICS was significant. Here is what changed on the XT910:

• Interface: ICS introduced the Holo theme, with a darker, cleaner look and virtual buttons (Back, Home, Recent Apps) instead of the old physical buttons. However, the XT910 kept its physical capacitive buttons, so the on-screen buttons were not used.
• Notifications: ICS added swipe-to-dismiss notifications and a dedicated notifications panel with quick settings toggles.
• Multitasking: The Recent Apps button (a dedicated capacitive key on the XT910) showed a list of app thumbnails, making switching easier.
• Performance: ICS had better graphics acceleration and smoother scrolling than Gingerbread.
• Browser: The stock browser got a new look and better HTML5 support.

Is It Worth Upgrading Today?

If you are using an XT910 as a daily phone in 2024, the answer is likely no—the hardware is too old for modern apps. However, if you are a collector or want to experience ICS as it was, the official update is fine. If you are looking for a more usable device, consider installing a lightweight custom ROM like LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) if you can find a stable build, but be aware that even that will be limited by the 1GB of RAM and the aging processor. For most people, the XT910 is best kept as a nostalgic piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the XT910 run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean?

Officially, no. Motorola never released a Jelly Bean update for the XT910. However, the hardware is technically capable, and custom ROMs based on Jelly Bean (like CyanogenMod 10) exist. These are not official and may have bugs, but they do bring the newer OS to the device.

How do I manually update my XT910 to ICS?

You need to download the official ICS SBF file for your specific model (XT910 or XT910K) and region, then flash it using RSD Lite on a Windows PC. This will wipe your data, so back up first. Detailed guides are available on Android forums, but the process involves putting the phone into fastboot mode and running the flashing software.

Will ICS make my XT910 faster?

In most cases, ICS felt smoother than Gingerbread due to GPU acceleration and better multitasking. However, if you have many apps installed, the 1GB RAM may still feel tight. A factory reset after the update is recommended to clear out old data.

Why did my XT910 never get the ICS update?

If you bought the phone after the update had already rolled out, it should have come with ICS pre-installed. If not, the previous owner may have flashed a custom ROM or the phone was carrier-locked to a network that delayed or cancelled the update. In some regions, the update was pulled due to bugs and never re-released.

Can I downgrade back to Gingerbread?

Yes, you can flash the original Gingerbread SBF file using the same RSD Lite method. However, this will wipe your data and may cause issues if your bootloader has been updated. Downgrading is generally not recommended unless you have a specific reason, as ICS is more stable and secure.

Is it safe to use a custom ROM on the XT910?

Custom ROMs are not official and can introduce security risks or instability. They also void any warranty (long expired for this device). If you do install one, only download from reputable XDA Developers threads and follow instructions carefully. The bootloader on the XT910 is unlockable, which makes the process easier, but you can still brick the phone if you make a mistake.

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