Unveiling Motorola Fire Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Motorola Fire, released in the second quarter of 2012, was a distinctive device of its time especially known for its dual SIM capabilities and the QWERTY keyboard. At a time when touchscreen smartphones were rapidly evolving, the Fire combined traditional and modern features to cater to a unique segment of the market that still valued physical keyboards alongside touchscreen functionalities.

Design and Build

With dimensions measuring 116.5 x 58 x 13.5 mm and weighing just 110 grams, the Motorola Fire was easy to handle and carry. It sported a sturdy plastic body available in both black and white colors, which appealed to a wide range of users. The front of the device housed a 2.8-inch TFT display, facilitating a user-friendly interface in conjunction with the 4-row QWERTY keyboard.

Display

The TFT display presented 256K colors and had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Although the display size of 2.8 inches might seem small by today’s standards, it was sufficient for the applications and functionalities the mobile phone supported back then. The screen-to-body ratio was around 35.9%, which reflects the emphasis on the physical keyboard.

Operating System and Performance

The Motorola Fire ran on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an operating system platform that was quite popular at its launch. Android 2.3 provided users with access to a broad set of applications and customization options. However, the detailed performance aspects like CPU and RAM, which significantly affect multitasking and processing speed, were not prominently highlighted during its release.

Camera

The device was equipped with a single 3.15 MP rear camera capable of shooting videos. While the camera technology was basic, it enabled users to capture decent photos and record videos at that time. No front-facing selfie camera was included, which was common in entry-level smartphones of that era.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola Fire supported GSM and HSPA network technologies. Dual SIM capability was a standout feature, providing users with the convenience of managing two numbers within a single device. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and EDR, ensuring seamless data transfer and internet connectivity. The device also featured GPS with A-GPS for location services and a stereo FM radio with RDS for entertainment purposes.

Storage and Expansion

While the built-in storage specifications weren’t particularly highlighted, the presence of a microSDHC slot offered users the flexibility to expand storage as necessary. This option was crucial for users who required additional space for apps, photos, music, and more.

Battery Life

Powering the device was a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. Even though it might appear modest, the battery was capable of providing a stand-by time of up to 260 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, making it reliable for daily use without frequent charging interruptions.

Additional Features

The Motorola Fire included basic sensors such as the accelerometer, proximity, and compass that enhanced its utility and user experience. These sensors enabled better app integration and device functionality, which were aligned with the Android 2.3 OS ecosystem of that time.

Price and Market Position

At the time of its release, the Motorola Fire was competitively priced at around 100 EUR, making it an engaging option for users looking for an affordable device with dual SIM functionality and a physical keyboard. The economic pricing, combined with the unique hardware features, made the Motorola Fire a compelling choice in the budget smartphone market.

Conclusion

Although production of the Motorola Fire has since been discontinued, its contribution to the mobile phone market in its time remains substantial. It presented an ideal blend of traditional QWERTY keyboard functionality and contemporary touchscreen interaction, catering to users who appreciated both styles. The dual SIM capability, Android operating system, practical design, and affordable price made it a memorable entry in Motorola's smartphone lineup.