Unveiling Motorola MOTOSMART MIX XT550 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Motorola MOTOSMART MIX XT550

The Motorola MOTOSMART MIX XT550 is a mobile phone that was launched in May 2012, offering consumers a balanced set of features for its time. The device became available to the public in October 2012 and has since been discontinued. It is best known for its affordability and basic functionalities catering to a specific segment of smartphone users who look for essential features without compromising much on quality.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM and HSPA technologies, allowing users to connect to various network types for smooth communication. The supported 2G bands include GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, while the 3G band supports HSDPA 2100. The phone allows for HSPA speed, enabling relatively fast internet connections suitable for standard browsing and multimedia usage.

Design and Build

The Motorola MOTOSMART MIX XT550 features a compact design with dimensions of 118 x 67.3 x 11.9 mm, making it an easy-to-handle device. It weighs 131.5 grams, which strikes a balance between heft and portability. The phone uses a Mini-SIM and is built to be robust enough for everyday use, although it might lack the premium feel of higher-end devices.

Display

The device includes a 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, offering 256K colors. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 60.0%, providing a moderate display area for viewing content. With a pixel density of around 144 ppi, the display is adequate for basic usage, although it may not provide the sharpness seen in modern devices.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread), the MOTOSMART MIX XT550 is driven by the Qualcomm MSM7225A Snapdragon S1 chipset and an 800 MHz Cortex-A5 CPU. The device also includes an Adreno 200 GPU for handling graphics. While these specifications were modest even at the time of its release, the performance is sufficient for users interested in essential smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light app usage.

Memory and Storage

The phone provides 512MB of RAM, with internal storage also capped at 512MB. However, it supports microSDHC cards through a dedicated slot, which allows users to expand its storage capability considerably. This feature is important for users who wish to store media and apps beyond the limited internal memory.

Camera System

The rear camera comes with a 3.15 MP sensor, capable of capturing basic photos and video recording. Additionally, the phone includes a VGA front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. While these camera capabilities are basic, they offer functionality for users seeking primary photography tools without advanced features.

Sound and Communication Features

The device features a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to audio consumption needs. In terms of communications, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, enhancing its internet connectivity range. Bluetooth is also supported, allowing users to connect to other devices wirelessly. For positioning services, the phone includes GPS and A-GPS functionalities. However, it lacks FM radio support, which may be a downside for radio enthusiasts. The device is equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, and a compass. These sensors contribute to the overall user experience by enhancing the phone's functionality in different scenarios, like when switching between portrait and landscape modes or automating screen brightness adjustments.

Battery and Longevity

The Motorola MOTOSMART MIX XT550 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1735 mAh battery, offering decent battery life. The standby time is up to 300 hours, while the talk time can extend up to 10 hours. For music enthusiasts, the phone can support up to 30 hours of continuous music play, a feature that complements its budget-friendly nature and accessibility for entertainment use.

Miscellaneous Details

Available in black or white, the phone's aesthetic is simple yet functional. At its release, the device was priced around 80 EUR, positioning it as an affordable choice in the smartphone market. Despite being discontinued, its feature set reflects a balance of cost and utility, appealing especially to budget-conscious consumers or those needing a secondary device.

Conclusion

The Motorola MOTOSMART MIX XT550 serves as a practical example of entry-level smartphones from the early 2010s. While its specifications may be modest by today's standards, its affordability and basic functional offerings make it a noteworthy mention in the timeline of mobile technology evolution. Though the phone is no longer in production, it remains a testament to Motorola's effort to cater to diverse consumer needs by blending essential smartphone features with cost-effectiveness.