Price and specifications of Motorola MOTO XT316 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Motorola MOTO XT316

The Motorola MOTO XT316, announced in June 2011 and released in July the same year, is a compact smartphone that offers a blend of both traditional and modern mobile features. Designed for individuals who favor a physical QWERTY keyboard alongside a touch screen, this device serves as an intermediate between feature phones and fully-fledged smartphones of its time.

Design and Build

The XT316 measures 116.5 x 58 x 13.5 mm and weighs 110 grams. This ensures a comfortable grip, making one-handed operation feasible. The robust build reflects Motorola's focus on durability while the physical QWERTY keyboard provides tactile feedback for text input, making it ideal for users transitioning from older keypad models.

Display

The smartphone features a 2.8-inch TFT display with 256K colors and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi. Though not aimed at heavy media consumption, this display suffices for basic smartphone operations such as email, messaging, and browsing.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM7227-1 Snapdragon S1 chipset, a 600 MHz ARM 11 CPU, and an Adreno 200 GPU, the XT316 delivers reliable performance for its specifications. It runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box, upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which was a significant operating system update during its release period, providing enhancements in UI and functionality.

Memory and Storage

With 512MB of internal storage and 256MB of RAM, the memory appears limited by today's standards but was typical for budget smartphones of that era. It supports microSDHC cards, allowing users to expand storage for applications, photos, and media files, enhancing overall usability.

Camera Capabilities

The phone's 3.15 MP rear camera is equipped to capture images at a resolution suitable for casual photography. It also supports video recording at 480p@24fps, although the quality aligns with the entry-level status of the device.

Connectivity Options

The XT316 covers the basic connectivity needs with support for GSM and HSPA networks, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS including A-GPS for accurate location services, and a stereo FM radio with RDS for entertainment on-the-go. MicroUSB 2.0 facilitates charging and data transfer.

Audio Features

The device includes a loudspeaker for hands-free calling and multimedia playback, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening experiences, maintaining compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1420 mAh battery, the MOTO XT316 offers a standby time of up to 648 hours on 3G networks. Talk time is approximately 8 hours, allowing day-to-day usage without frequent recharges. The convenience of a removable battery adds flexibility for users to replace or carry spares.

Miscellaneous Features

Sensors like the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass enhance the phone’s functionality, contributing to an improved user experience. Available in black, the device adhered to a traditional aesthetic with a sturdy appeal.

Market Position and Legacy

Initially priced around 50 EUR, the XT316 was targeted at budget-conscious consumers and emerging markets, offering a cost-effective gateway into the world of Android smartphones. As of today, while discontinued, it stands as a hallmark of Motorola's commitment to providing affordable, value-driven technology that bridges the gap between basic mobile phones and modern smartphones.