Motorola DROID 2 Unveiling Features Pricing and Insights

Design and Build

The Motorola DROID 2 is a smartphone that stands out for its classic design and solid build quality. Measuring 116.3 x 60.5 x 13.7 mm, the device fits naturally in the hand while offering a substantial feel due to its weight of 169 grams. This heft gives it a sturdy and durable sense, reassuring those who may be hard on their gadgets. The device is equipped with a sliding QWERTY keyboard, an essential feature for users who prefer typing on physical keys over touchscreen inputs. The black color of the device lends it a professional and sleek appearance, aligning it with Motorola's design philosophy at the time.

Display

The DROID 2 features a 3.7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This screen creates an enjoyable viewing experience, with a pixel density of approximately 265 ppi that provides clarity and detail for both text and images. Although the display occupies only about 53.6% of the screen-to-body ratio, it delivers adequate brightness and color representation for everyday tasks such as browsing, reading, and watching videos.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the Motorola DROID 2 is powered by a 1.0 GHz processor running on Android 2.2 Froyo. This operating system, while now outdated, was an essential update at its time, offering improved performance and new features. The device is responsive to general navigation and apps, suitable for standard tasks and light multitasking.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone comes with an 8 GB internal storage, which was significant at the time of its release. Additionally, the presence of a microSDHC slot, supporting expandable storage, allows users to augment the device's capacity by an additional card, designed to store more media and applications. With the inclusion of an 8 GB microSDHC card, the DROID 2 ensured that its users had ample space to store essential data and media files.

Camera

Equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus, the DROID 2 was capable of capturing casual photographs and videos with a resolution of 480p at 30fps. While it lacks the multiple lenses seen in modern smartphones, this camera sufficed for daily photography needs at the time and could capture clear photos in adequate lighting conditions. The absence of a front-facing camera is notable, reflecting the device's focus on essential functionality over expansive feature sets.

Battery Life

The Motorola DROID 2 is powered by a removable Li-Po 1400 mAh battery. This power source provides up to 315 hours of standby time and about 10 hours of talk time, delivering a reliable lifespan suited to a full day's use with moderate activity. The ability to remove the battery is an advantage for users who prefer swapping out batteries instead of recharging mid-day.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports CDMA/EVDO technology, with 2G bands operating on CDMA 800/1900 and 3G bands on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, offering a speed of EV-DO Rev.A at 3.1 Mbps. This setup ensures consistent connectivity for calls and data usage within areas covered by these bands, as Verizon's network was integral to DROID devices. Additional connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, a Wi-Fi hotspot feature, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and A-GPS for positioning. These features allowed the DROID 2 to support contemporary wireless standards and extended its utility beyond the typical smartphone use cases of the time.

Sound and Multimedia

The Motorola DROID 2 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatility for audio output. This choice assures compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories and systems. The absence of a built-in radio might be a drawback for some, but the device’s multimedia capabilities remain robust, with playback options that utilize the available multimedia features efficiently.

Sensors and Additional Features

Included sensors such as the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass enhance the user experience by enabling auto-rotate and more interactive applications. The browser on the DROID 2 supports HTML and Adobe Flash, allowing for a more comprehensive internet browsing experience that could accommodate various rich media content available at the time.

Market Position and Pricing

When launched in August 2010, the Motorola DROID 2 was priced at approximately 180 EUR, positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-range market segment. It offered a blend of design, performance, and features that catered to users who needed durable and reliable devices without the cost associated with high-end models. Despite being discontinued, the legacy of the DROID 2 is significant, having contributed to the evolution of smartphones by combining effective physical innovation with capable technological features.