Motorola EX122 Comprehensive Review and Price Analysis

Introduction to Motorola EX122

The Motorola EX122 emerged as part of Motorola's lineup in October 2010. At the time, it was designed as a feature phone, targeting users who preferred basic functionality over the burgeoning smartphone trend. The EX122 was notable for balancing cost, performance, and essential features, providing an appealing package for those seeking an inexpensive yet functional device.

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola EX122 showcases a sleek, compact structure with dimensions of 107 x 57 x 12.8 mm, making it effortless to hold and operate with one hand. Weighing in at just 97 grams, the phone feels particularly light, a feature appreciated by users who prefer portability. The EX122 features a minimalist design with a black finish, housed in a durable plastic casing that withstands everyday use, though it might not endure drops like more rugged devices.

Display

The phone sports a 3.2-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, which is a common display type for devices from that period. With a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, the screen boasts a pixel density of approximately 146 ppi. While it may not offer the crispness seen in higher-end smartphones with capacitive displays, it serves the fundamental purposes of navigating through menus and viewing multimedia content adequately. The 256K color depth provides a reasonably vibrant display, though it does not match the vividness of more advanced displays we see today.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Motorola EX122 falls into the 'feature phone' category, which typically means it doesn't host sophisticated processing power like contemporary smartphones. The 64MB of RAM complements the basic usage needs, allowing for straightforward multitasking between phone features. It provides 128MB of ROM storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card slot, allowing users to store more media and data.

Camera

The phone is equipped with a 3.15 MP main camera, which was standard for feature phones around 2010. Although it does not capture the high-resolution images expected nowadays, it suffices for basic photography. Video recording is available at QCIF resolution at 15 frames per second, which highlights the phone's limitation in terms of recording quality. The EX122 does not feature a front-facing camera, reflective of its design purpose towards text and voice communication.

Battery Life

With a removable Li-Ion 910 mAh battery, the EX122 offers decent battery life for its class. It supports up to 350 hours on standby mode and provides talk time of up to 5 hours. Its efficiency is mainly attributed to its feature phone design, which typically expends less power compared to smartphones, making it ideal for users who need a reliable phone without frequent recharging.

Connectivity and Networking

The Motorola EX122 operates on GSM networks and supports 2G bands such as GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. It provides GPRS and EDGE technologies for mobile data, suitable for basic internet browsing and email. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP is available for wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect to compatible headsets or speakers. The device features a microUSB 2.0 port but does not support Wi-Fi or GPS, limiting its modern connectivity options.

Software and Features

The EX122 does not operate on a sophisticated smartphone OS but utilizes a proprietary feature phone operating system. It includes essential communication tools such as SMS, MMS, and email support. The pre-installed WAP 2.0/xHTML browser caters to basic internet needs, while Java MIDP 2.0 compatibility allows for running simple applications and games.

Audio and Media

This device comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling users to listen to music via headphones. The built-in loudspeaker also allows for hands-free conversations or media playback. The EX122 surprises with stereo FM radio and RDS capabilities, appealing to users who appreciate radio as part of their media consumption.

Miscellaneous

Upon its release, the EX122 was offered at around 80 EUR, making it an attractive budget option. The device's affordability combined with its practical features attracted users seeking straightforward communication tools, and possibly a secondary device to accompany their primary gadget.

Concluding Thoughts

The Motorola EX122 represents a snapshot of the pre-smartphone era, where emphasis was placed on simplicity and essential features. In its time, it served its purpose well for users requiring a durable, no-frills phone for communication. While technology has advanced significantly since its release, the EX122 remains a reminder of the transitional phase between basic feature phones and the full-fledged smartphones dominating the market today.