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Unveiling the Powerhouse Motorola DROID Turbo Review and Specs

Release Date
2014, October
Camera
21MP
Battery
3900mAh
Battery Type
15W5W
Processor
Snapdragon 805
Screen
5.2"
Storage
32GB/64GB
Ram
3GB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.4.4, up to 6.0

Overview

The Motorola DROID Turbo, announced and released in October 2014, quickly became a notable smartphone for its impressive features tailored towards power users. With a robust build, advanced specifications, and a focus on performance, it catered to users looking for reliability and efficiency in a mobile device.

Design and Build

The DROID Turbo was designed with both aesthetics and durability in mind. Its dimensions are 143.5 x 73.3 x 8.3 - 11.2 mm, and it weighs 169 g (5.96 oz). The device offers a solid feel in hand, balanced by a sleek design that is both modern and functional. The back cover is available in different finishes, including Black Ballistic Nylon and Metallic colors, adding to its appeal. Notably, the phone is built with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, ensuring the screen is safeguarded against scratches.

Display

The DROID Turbo features a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 565 ppi. This results in an exceptionally sharp and vibrant display, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The Super AMOLED technology provides deep blacks and vivid colors, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the DROID Turbo is powered by a Qualcomm APQ8084 Snapdragon 805 chipset paired with a Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450 CPU and an Adreno 420 GPU. This combination ensures snappy performance and the ability to handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease. The phone comes with 3GB of RAM and is available with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, though there is no option for storage expansion via microSD card.

Camera

The device is equipped with a 21 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and autofocus, complemented by a dual-LED flash. It supports 4K video recording at 24fps and 1080p at 30fps, offering high-quality imaging capabilities. The camera app includes features such as panorama and HDR, allowing users to capture stunning photos in various conditions. For selfies, a 2 MP front camera is available, capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the DROID Turbo is its massive 3900 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. This large capacity ensures extended usage, with up to 675 hours of standby time on 3G and up to 48 hours of talk time. The device supports 15W wired charging through Quick Charge 2.0 and wireless charging, making it convenient for users to keep the device powered throughout the day.

Operating System and Software

The DROID Turbo initially launched with Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) and is upgradable to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow). Motorola provided a near-stock Android experience, which is known for its smooth performance and user-friendly interface. The updates over time allowed users to benefit from improvements in security, stability, and functionality.

Connectivity

The smartphone supports multiple network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring wide compatibility with various network providers. The device is equipped with a range of connectivity features such as dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, NFC, and microUSB 2.0. Notably, it lacks FM radio.

Additional Features

The DROID Turbo is equipped with accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass sensors, enhancing the overall functionality of the device. The loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack add to the media enjoyment and user convenience. The phone is also noted for its cutting-edge design of the time, available in multiple colors and models like the XT1254.

Market Position and Potential Consumers

The DROID Turbo positioned itself as a flagship device targeting tech enthusiasts and power users looking for a balance between performance, durability, and battery life. Its premium pricing at around 290 EUR was justified by its high-end specifications and reliable build quality.

Conclusion

Despite being discontinued, the Motorola DROID Turbo remains a memorable device in the smartphone industry, acknowledged for its exceptional battery life, powerful performance, and solid design. It represents a period when Motorola strived to deliver competitive high-end smartphones, leaving a lasting impression on its users.

Key Features of Motorola DROID Turbo

  • Supports a wide range of network technologies: GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE
  • Strong and durable with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
  • High-resolution Super AMOLED display with 565 ppi for sharp visuals
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset and Quad-core 2.7 GHz processor for fast performance
  • Internal memory options: 32GB/3GB RAM or 64GB/3GB RAM
  • Powerful 21 MP main camera with 4K video recording capabilities
  • Comes equipped with dual-LED flash, panorama, and HDR camera features
  • Long battery life with a 3900 mAh battery, supporting Quick Charge 2.0 and wireless charging
  • Includes essential sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
  • Comprehensive connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS with GLONASS
  • Sound features include loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack support

Disadvantages of Motorola DROID Turbo

  • No expandable storage via memory card slot.
  • Discontinued model, meaning no further software updates or official support.
  • Heavy weight at 169 g which might not be comfortable for all users.
  • Older Android version (initially released with Android 4.4.4 KitKat, upgradable only to Android 6.0 Marshmallow).
  • Lack of FM Radio feature, which might be a preference for some users.
  • MicroUSB 2.0 instead of the newer USB-C standard found in more current devices.
  • Low-resolution front camera at only 2 MP, which may not satisfy selfie enthusiasts.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 2, 3, 4, 7, 13
Speed HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2014, October. Released 2014, October
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 143.5 x 73.3 x 8.3 - 11.2 mm
Weight 169 g (5.96 oz)
SIM Nano-SIM
Display
Type Super AMOLED
Size 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~565 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Chipset Qualcomm APQ8084 Snapdragon 805 (28 nm)
CPU Quad-core 2.7 GHz Krait 450
GPU Adreno 420
Memory
Card slot No
Internal 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 21 MP, f/2.0, AF
Features Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video 4K@24fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 2 MP
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
Positioning GPS, GLONASS
NFC Yes
Radio No
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 3900 mAh, non-removable
Charging 15W wired, QC2 Wireless (Qi)
Stand-by Up to 675 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 48 h (3G)
Misc
Colors Black Ballistic Nylon, Metallic Black, Metallic Red, Blue
Models XT1254
SAR 1.39 W/kg (head)     0.50 W/kg (body)
Price About 290 EUR
Tests
Performance Basemark X: 18971
Battery (old) Endurance rating 90h

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