Unveiling Motorola DROID Ultra Specs Price and Performance Review

Introduction

The Motorola DROID Ultra, released in 2013, marked one of the marquee devices by Motorola in its renowned DROID lineup. Though it was eventually discontinued, the device still holds a place among tech enthusiasts for its unique design, strong build, and reliable performance during its time. This comprehensive review of the Motorola DROID Ultra will delve into its detailed specifications, features, and impact on the market.

Design and Build

The DROID Ultra has a sleek and slim design. With dimensions of 137.5 x 71.2 x 7.2 mm and a weight of only 137g, it was one of the thinnest smartphones available during its release. The device featured a unibody construction with a high-quality finish, contributing to its durability. The use of Kevlar in the back panel added not only sturdiness but also a distinct aesthetic appeal.

The device was available in three color variants: Black, Red, and White, offering options for users to choose based on their style preferences. The front of the device was dominated by the 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display which offered rich and vivid visuals.

Display

The DROID Ultra's 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display provided a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. Although it wasn't Full HD, the screen's color saturation and contrast ratios were quite attractive to the users, making visual content immersive. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass added extra protection against scratches and drops.

Hardware and Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset, the Motorola DROID Ultra had a dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait CPU and an Adreno 320 GPU. This configuration was considered robust at the time, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The device incorporated 2GB of RAM, which allowed for efficient multitasking.

However, the lack of a microSD card slot was a limiting factor as it restricted storage to the internal 16GB, some of which was taken up by the operating system and pre-installed apps. This might have been a significant downside for media-heavy users.

Camera

The Motorola DROID Ultra came with a 10 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. It captured decent photos with the ability to record 1080p videos at 30 fps. The camera was well-equipped for general photography needs. While it did not offer the highest resolution compared to competitors, its performance was satisfactory in good lighting conditions.

The front-facing camera was 2 MP, which was adequate for video calls and basic selfies. This specification was quite standard at the time for front cameras.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a Li-Ion 2130 mAh non-removable battery. It offered a standby time of up to 312 hours and talk time of up to 28 hours, making it reliable for daily use without the need for frequent charging. However, heavy users might have found themselves reaching for the charger by the end of the day.

Network and Connectivity

The DROID Ultra supported a variety of network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, making it versatile for different carriers. It supported LTE Cat3 with speeds of up to 100/50 Mbps.

For connectivity, the phone included Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS with GLONASS. However, it did not have an FM radio, which might have been a limitation for some users.

Software and Features

Running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the DROID Ultra offered a near-stock Android experience which was appreciated by many users for its simplicity and efficiency. Motorola infused its offerings with some unique features such as Moto Display and Moto Voice, which were quite innovative at the time.

The device was equipped with various sensors including accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, enhancing the phone's functionality in different applications and scenarios.

Conclusion

Overall, the Motorola DROID Ultra was a formidable device during its release. It combined sleek design, reliable performance, and a set of robust features. Although storage limitations and a non-expandable battery were points of contention, the DROID Ultra remains a noteworthy mention in the history of Motorola’s smartphone lineup.

Priced at around 250 EUR initially, it presented a balance between cost and performance, appealing to a broad range of smartphone users during its market availability. Its discontinuation marks the end of its era, but its contributions to mobile technology continue to be recognized by tech enthusiasts.