Unveiling the Motorola Cliq 2 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Motorola Cliq 2

The Motorola Cliq 2, released in March 2011, was a smartphone that embodied some of the key design and functional trends of its time. Positioned as a mid-range device, it targeted users who needed a solid communication device with decent multimedia features. Some of its unique selling propositions included a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, integration with Google's Android operating system, and the Motorola MOTOBLUR interface, which offered a personalized experience for users who relied heavily on social networking and live updates.

Design and Build

The Motorola Cliq 2 boasted a robust build with dimensions of 116 x 59.6 x 14.5 mm, making it relatively compact yet solid in hand. Weighing in at 175 grams, the device felt substantial, which could be seen as both an advantage and a downside depending on user preference. The slide-out QWERTY keyboard was a standout feature, offering tactile feedback and making it easier for those who preferred physical keys over touchscreen typing. The device was built with a Mini-SIM card slot and was available primarily in black.

Display Characteristics

Featuring a 3.7-inch TFT display, the Motorola Cliq 2 had a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This amounted to an approximate pixel density of 265 ppi, which was relatively decent for the time, offering clear and sharp images. The display supported 256K colors, which provided a satisfactory viewing experience for browsing, media, and apps. The size also facilitated comfortable operation, striking a balance between visibility and portability.

Performance and Operating System

Powered by a 1.0 GHz processor, the Cliq 2 delivered adequate performance for general use cases, including browsing, messaging, and light app usage. It ran on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), a popular version of Android during its release. However, the OS was not upgradable to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or later versions, potentially limiting its longevity in terms of software support and app compatibility.

Memory and Storage

The Cliq 2 came with 1GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM, which was standard for mid-range devices during its launch period. The storage could be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot, with a 2GB card included in the package. This allowed users to store additional multimedia or apps, though the overall internal storage was limited by modern standards.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera, the Cliq 2 could capture images with autofocus and was supported by a dual-LED flash, enhancing its performance in low-light conditions. While it could record video, the camera's specifications were basic, aligning with its market position as a mid-tier device. Notably, the device did not feature a front-facing camera, which restricted its utility for video calls and selfies.

Connectivity Options

The Motorola Cliq 2 supported GSM and HSPA networks, offering connectivity on 2G and 3G bands. It provided HSPA speeds of up to 10.2 Mbps, which was reasonable for the time. The device included a range of connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS support, and stereo FM radio with RDS. A microUSB 2.0 port was available for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Multimedia

For audio, the Cliq 2 included stereo speakers and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who preferred listening to music or watching videos. The inclusion of stereo speakers was a positive aspect, enhancing the multimedia experience by delivering clearer sound.

Sensor and Browser Capabilities

The device was equipped with a range of sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass. These sensors enabled functionalities such as auto-rotation, location-based services, and navigational support. The browser supported HTML and Adobe Flash, enabling users to access a wide range of web content, although some limitations were inherent due to the hardware and software capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging

Fitted with a removable Li-Ion 1420 mAh battery, the Cliq 2 offered a standby time of up to 312 hours and talk time of up to 7 hours and 50 minutes. The battery capacity was decent for regular usage, and its removable design allowed users to swap batteries if needed, a feature appreciated by those who frequently traveled or were on the move.

Market Position and Pricing

At launch, the Motorola Cliq 2 was priced around 200 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option in the smartphone market. Its feature set catered well to users who needed a blend of communication, social networking, and basic multimedia use. However, its lack of upgradability in terms of the operating system and modest specifications meant that it was soon overshadowed by more advanced devices.

Legacy and Discontinuation

Although the Motorola Cliq 2 was eventually discontinued, it represented an important phase in smartphone development, where physical keyboards were still valued by certain market segments. The device's integration with Motorola's MOTOBLUR interface and Android OS highlighted a period when manufacturers competed to create unique user experiences based on software overlay on Android.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Motorola Cliq 2 was fitting for its time, offering a reasonable balance of features, performance, and pricing for mid-range smartphone users. Its characteristic slide-out keyboard and MOTOBLUR integration were its standout features, garnering a specific user base that appreciated these aspects. Although it ultimately faced limitations in adaptability and performance scalability, it remains a notable example of early 2010s smartphone design and engineering.