Motorola A1890 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Motorola A1890

The Motorola A1890 was introduced as a versatile mobile device in an era when smartphones were beginning to gain momentum. Launched in the late 2008 and made available to consumers in the latter part of 2009, this device sought to offer users both basic and some advanced functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola A1890 supported GSM technologies, including the 2G bands like GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, as well as CDMA 800. It also catered to 3G bands with EV-DO 800 for enhanced data speeds during its time. Although it supported GPRS Class 10, it did not have EDGE capabilities which limited its speed compared to some contemporary devices.

Design and Build

With a compact structure measuring 95.3 x 52.5 x 25 mm and weighing 132 grams, the Motorola A1890 was practical for daily usage. Its design featured a prominent Mini-SIM slot. The choice of materials and overall build quality reflected the robust design principles characteristic of Motorola at that time.

Display Specifications

The device boasted a 2.4-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels (~167 ppi density). While this resolution might not match contemporary standards, it was fairly adequate for displaying essential information and graphics during its time. The screen supported 256K colors, allowing for a decent visual representation given its display technology.

Operating System

The Motorola A1890 operated on a Linux-based system, which was particularly unique in an era dominated by Symbian, Windows Mobile, and the emerging Android platforms. The choice of Linux demonstrated an ambition to offer something different from the mainstream options.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of the Motorola A1890 was limited to 174MB, making it crucial for users to utilize the microSDHC slot for additional storage. The device supported expandable storage, allowing users to store more media and other files as needed.

Camera Capabilities

Photography functionalities were fairly limited with a single 3.15 MP autofocus main camera. The device was capable of recording video, which was a significant feature at the time. Though there was no dedicated selfie camera, the main camera sufficed for most photography needs of that era.

Audio and Multimedia

Multimedia capabilities included a loudspeaker but lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, which might have limited options for personal audio experiences. However, it compensated with Bluetooth 1.2 support enabling wireless audio connectivity. The device also came with a stereo FM radio feature, catering to users wanting entertainment on-the-go.

Battery and Power Management

The device ran on a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery. This allowed for approximately 160 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time, sufficient for moderate usage during its operational period. Battery replacement was straightforward, offering users ease of maintenance.

Communication and Sensors

In terms of communication, the Motorola A1890 supported basic web browsing capabilities via a WAP 2.0/xHTML, and HTML-compatible browser. Unfortunately, the device lacked WLAN capabilities, potentially limiting wireless internet access. However, GPS and A-GPS functionalities were available, ensuring location-based services operated smoothly.

Miscellaneous Features

Released in black, the Motorola A1890 adhered to a utilitarian design philosophy. While not bustling with features, it catered to essentials preferred by its user base, evident from the SAR rating indicating standard levels of exposure. The device was launched at a price of approximately 140 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range option.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Motorola A1890 was a decent handset offering foundational mobile functionalities. While it might not compete with modern smartphones, its robust Linux OS, reliable battery life, and GPS capabilities distinguished it in its time. The device served as an example of Motorola's attempt to diversify their offerings amid growing competition in the mobile marketplace.