Motorola ATRIX Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Motorola ATRIX

The Motorola ATRIX, announced in January 2011 and released in April 2011, was a revolutionary smartphone that shaped the market with its high-end features and unique docking capabilities. It was known for its impressive performance combined with the ability to transform into a laptop replacement through its innovative docking station, a feature that set it apart from the competition and marked a new era in smartphone technology.

Design and Build

The Motorola ATRIX sported a design that was sleek and modern for its time, with dimensions of 117.8 x 63.5 x 11 mm and a weight of 135 grams. It was equipped with a mini-SIM slot and was encased in a sturdy body that could withstand daily handling. One of the most appealing features was its 4.0 inches TFT display, which boasted a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, offering vibrant colors and sharp images. The screen was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches.

Hardware Specifications

The ATRIX was powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor on an Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H chipset, which allowed it to deliver high performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. The device was equipped with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDHC card slot, providing ample space for apps, media, and other files.

The phone also featured a robust removable Li-Po 1930 mAh battery, capable of providing up to 400 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 350 hours on 3G, with a talk time of up to 8 hours and 50 minutes on 2G and up to 9 hours on 3G.

Camera

For photography enthusiasts, the Motorola ATRIX was equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing quality images and recording videos at 720p@30fps, upgradeable to 1080p via a software update. The phone also included a VGA front-facing camera, suitable for video calls and basic selfies.

Operating System and Software

Initially running on Android 2.2 Froyo, the ATRIX was upgradeable to Android 2.3 Gingerbread, offering users a more refined user experience, better performance, and access to a wider range of applications from the Google Play Store. The device supported Adobe Flash, enhancing web browsing capabilities, and making it a versatile tool for consuming content.

Connectivity and Sensors

In terms of connectivity, the ATRIX was well-equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, and a hotspot for internet connectivity. It featured Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless data exchanges and GPS with A-GPS capability for navigation.

The phone included a range of sensors, such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, adding to its functionality and security.

Unique Features: The Docking System

One of the standout features of the Motorola ATRIX was its docking system, which allowed it to connect to an optional laptop dock or HD multimedia dock. This transformed the ATRIX into a full-fledged computer, providing users with a larger display, keyboard, and extended battery life, thereby broadening the scope of its utility beyond just that of a smartphone. This capability highlighted Motorola's innovative approach, making the ATRIX particularly appealing to tech enthusiasts and mobile professionals.

Network and Communication

The Motorola ATRIX supported GSM/HSPA technology, providing coverage across multiple bands, including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G and HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 for 3G. It offered speeds up to HSPA 14.4/2 Mbps, allowing for smooth browsing and data usage.

Sound and Multimedia

Multimedia capabilities included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing decent audio output for media consumption. Although it did not feature a radio, the inclusion of versatile media playback options and connectivity made up for this omission.

Conclusion

The Motorola ATRIX was a smartphone ahead of its time, combining powerful hardware with innovative features like the docking system. Despite its eventual discontinuance, the ATRIX remains a significant chapter in mobile technology history. Its legacy can be seen in today's continued push towards making smartphones integral to our digital ecosystem, showcasing Motorola's forward-thinking vision at the time.