Motorola A1800 Complete Specs Price & Features Review

Introduction

The Motorola A1800, also known as the Motorola MING A1800, is a smartphone that was released during a time when the mobile phone market was beginning to see significant advancements in technology. Announced in June 2008, and released in May 2009, the Motorola A1800 attracted consumers with its unique design and features. In this article, we will delve into the specifications and capabilities of the Motorola A1800, discussing its impact, features, and what made it a noteworthy device during its time.

Design and Build

The Motorola A1800 was recognized for its stylish design that combined form with functionality. With dimensions of 95.3 x 52.5 x 25 mm and weighing 132 grams, it was relatively compact and lightweight for devices from that period. The black color added a sleek and professional appearance, suitable for both personal and professional environments. The phone utilized a mini-SIM and had a body with rounded corners that made it comfortable to hold.

Display

The smartphone featured a 2.4-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with 256,000 colors, offering decent clarity and vibrancy for displaying content. The resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with a ~167 PPI density was standard for its time, allowing users to navigate through the phone’s functions with relative ease. The screen-to-body ratio of ~35.7% indicated more bezel compared to modern smartphones but was typical for devices of that era.

Platform and Performance

The Motorola A1800 was powered by a Linux-based operating system, which was uncommon compared to the more prevalent Symbian and early iterations of Android OS in smartphones at the time. This choice of operating system reflected Motorola's inclination towards offering something distinct from mainstream smartphone platforms. While detailed information about the RAM and processor is not specified, the phone was adequately capable of handling basic tasks like calling, messaging, and simple application navigation.

Camera

The device came equipped with a single 3.15 MP autofocus main camera. This allowed for basic photography, enough to capture everyday moments with reasonable clarity. Video recording was also supported, although the quality was not on par with current standards. Notably, the phone did not feature a front-facing camera, as selfies and front-cam features were not widely implemented in phones at that time.

Memory and Storage

The Motorola A1800 supported microSDHC cards through its dedicated slot, allowing users to expand storage capacity beyond its internal limits. This was particularly advantageous for users who needed more space for multimedia files, documents, and additional applications.

Network and Connectivity

The phone supported GSM technology and was compatible with GSM 900/1800/1900 and CDMA 800 networks. It offered GPRS Class 10 for data connectivity but lacked EDGE technology, resulting in slower data transmission speeds. While WLAN and high-speed internet were absent, it included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and connectivity, as well as GPS with A-GPS for location services. A stereo FM radio provided entertainment options for users on-the-go.

Audio

The device offered a robust loudspeaker and supported vibration alert, MP3, and downloadable polyphonic ringtones for notifications. However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack meant users had limited audio accessory options, a notable downside for audiophiles.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery powered the Motorola A1800. It provided up to 110 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time, suitable for moderate daily usage. The removable nature of the battery was a convenience for users, allowing them to replace the battery easily when needed.

Additional Features

While the Motorola A1800 lacked sophisticated features like sensors found in modern smartphones, it had a basic WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser to access the internet and browse web pages. The retail price of about 120 EUR made it an accessible option for consumers looking for a mid-range smartphone with essential features.

Market Impact and Legacy

Although the Motorola A1800 did not achieve significant commercial success, it contributed to the diversification of mobile phones available during the late 2000s. It showcased Motorola's willingness to innovate and test boundaries by incorporating a Linux-based OS, a decision that demonstrated the potential for alternative operating systems in the mobile sector. Additionally, its dual network compatibility served as a forward-thinking feature, allowing users from different regions and network types to utilize the same device.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Motorola A1800 was a reflection of its era— a transitional period for mobile phones as manufacturers experimented with design, functionality, and operating systems. While it may not stand out as one of the most iconic devices of its time, its contribution to the evolution of smartphones is undeniable. The introduction of a Linux OS and the focus on dual-network capability were significant steps in the progression towards more flexible and versatile smartphones that we benefit from today.