Unveiling Motorola MILESTONE 2 Full Specs Pros & Cons and Pricing

Design and Build

The Motorola MILESTONE 2, known for its robust build, measures 116.3 x 60.5 x 13.7 mm and weighs in at 169 grams. Its design is characterized by a QWERTY keyboard that slides out, making it a popular choice for users who preferred tactile typing experience back in its release epoch in 2010. The phone is sturdy, featuring a mini-SIM slot, and is available in the classic black color. The design further incorporates a minimalist approach typical of Motorola during that period, though it doesn’t shy away from slight bulkiness which adds to the durability of the device.

Display

The MILESTONE 2 is equipped with a 3.7-inch TFT screen, which translates to a screen-to-body ratio of about 53.6%. The display boasts a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, yielding a pixel density of approximately 265 pixels per inch. One notable feature is the Corning Gorilla Glass protection, providing resistance to scratches and minor impacts, a significant selling point for smartphones at the time. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures a pleasant viewing experience, suitable for consuming media and browsing the internet.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Motorola MILESTONE 2 runs on the TI OMAP 3630 chipset, powered by a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU and a PowerVR SGX530 GPU. This hardware configuration, paired with 512MB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, was the standard for mid-range smartphones when it launched. The device also supports microSDHC cards, enhancing storage capabilities crucial for users storing multimedia and apps. Initially running Android 2.2 (Froyo), the device is upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), offering a balance between performance and flexibility for app compatibility. The platform supports a variety of applications, benefiting from Google's growing app ecosystem at the time.

Camera

The camera setup on the MILESTONE 2 features a single 5 MP sensor with autofocus, supported by dual-LED flash. The camera quality, complemented by the dual-LED flash, provides satisfactory low-light performance, which was quite appealing at the time of release. The device is capable of recording videos at a resolution of 720p at 30fps, a noteworthy inclusion that allowed users to capture decent quality video footage. Unfortunately, the device lacks a front-facing camera, which may detract from its appeal to users looking for a comprehensive selfie-capturing experience.

Battery Life

This device is powered by a removable Li-Po 1400 mAh battery, designated as BP6X. In terms of battery performance, users could expect up to 400 hours on standby in both 2G and 3G modes, while talk time reaches up to 7 hours and 40 minutes on 2G and up to 4 hours and 50 minutes on 3G. The removable nature of the battery, contrary to modern smartphone trends, allows users to easily replace the battery, prolonging the longevity of the device over extended periods.

Connectivity and Sensors

The MILESTONE 2 is equipped with several connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. It supports Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR enhancements for improved audio streaming quality. While the absence of a radio might inconvenience some users, the inclusion of GPS and A-GPS ensures reliable navigation capabilities. The microUSB 2.0 provides the necessary connectivity for data transfer and charging. Sensor-wise, the device includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which contribute to a more integrated and dynamic user experience.

Audio and Sound Quality

When it comes to audio performance, the MILESTONE 2 includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm audio jack. In tests, voice, noise, and ring have been measured at 66dB, 63dB, and 74dB respectively. Such audio measurements indicate a reliable performance in terms of sound volume and clarity. The phone supports Adobe Flash in its browser, a significant feature for users intending to access diverse media content through the internet. The device also boasts sound quality metrics of -88.2dB noise and -90.2dB crosstalk, contributing to an overall decent audio output.

Price and Market Impact

Originally priced at about 170 EUR, the Motorola MILESTONE 2 was considered competitively priced, targeting mid-range smartphone users. Its market impact was relatively significant, given its practical design with a physical keyboard and the introduction of Android OS upgradability, which were attractive features for the tech-savvy consumer base. Despite being discontinued, the device remains notable for its accomplishments in setting a standard for smartphones that followed, particularly with regard to offering hardware and software upgradability, bridging the gap between basic phones and more sophisticated devices.