Motorola DROID X Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola DROID X, released in July 2010, marked a significant era in smartphone design. Its dimensions were 127.5 x 65.5 x 9.9 mm, and it weighed in at 155 grams, making it relatively light for its size. The device sported a robust design, featuring a predominantly black color scheme that exuded professionalism and durability. It housed a removable Li-Po 1540 mAh battery, nestled into its sleek profile, indicating an emphasis on user convenience.

Display

Adorning the front of the DROID X was a 4.3-inch TFT display, which had an admirable resolution of 480 x 854 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 228 ppi. Although by modern standards this might not seem like much, at the time, it provided sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio stood at around 61.0%, offering adequate real estate for browsing and multimedia consumption.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Motorola DROID X was equipped with the TI OMAP3630 chipset and was powered by a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU. Accompanying the processor was the PowerVR SGX530 GPU, which collectively ensured that the device could handle everyday tasks with relative ease, despite being limited by the 512MB RAM. This combination provided a satisfactory user experience for apps and games of that time. The internal storage of 6.5GB was modest, though, it could be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot, with a 16GB card included, giving users flexibility for more media and apps.

Camera

The rear of the DROID X was equipped with an 8 MP autofocus camera capable of shooting 720p video at 24fps. The inclusion of a dual-LED flash meant that the device could handle low-light photography better than many competitors. Although it lacked a front-facing camera, an acceptable compromise for the period, the main shooter was more than capable of capturing quality photos and video for social media and personal albums.

Operating System and Features

Originally shipped with Android 2.1 (Eclair), the DROID X could be upgraded to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). This version of Android brought several improvements, including better app management and enhanced multimedia support. Users enjoyed a myriad of preloaded apps and services, and the device supported Adobe Flash, something that had become a rarity. An impressive set of sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, facilitated a more interactive and immersive user experience.

Network and Connectivity

The DROID X supported CDMA/EVDO for mobile network connectivity, with specific support for 2G bands and 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. The device could achieve speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps on the EV-DO Rev.A network. Connectivity was further augmented with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS for positioning, and a microUSB 2.0 port for wired data transfer and charging. Audio enthusiasts could take advantage of the 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo FM radio with RDS.

Battery Life

The DROID X included a removable 1540 mAh battery, a feature that added to its user-friendliness, allowing users to carry spare batteries for extended use. Its stand-by time lasted up to 220 hours, and it could deliver up to 8 hours of talk time, ensuring it was reliable for all-day usage without frequent charging.

Market Position and Legacy

Upon release, the DROID X was priced around 150 EUR, making it competitive in the mid to upper range of the smartphone market at the time. While it has since been discontinued, the device set a precedent for large-screen smartphones and established a strong foothold for Motorola in the Android ecosystem. Its combination of capable hardware and feature-rich software created a loyal following and provided users a glimpse into the potential of Android smartphones.

Conclusion

The Motorola DROID X was a cornerstone device in its era, blending cutting-edge features with practical design. It reflected a transitional phase in the smartphone industry towards larger displays and a richer mobile experience. While technology has since moved on, the DROID X remains a memorable flagship that paved the way for the advancements in design and functionality we see in today's mobile devices.