Introduction to Motorola Photon 4G MB855
The Motorola Photon 4G MB855 is a smartphone that was announced in June 2011 and released in August 2011. Though it has been discontinued, it remains a fascinating piece of technology from the early 2010s, renowned for its robust build and competitive specifications during its time. Aimed at offering a premium portable experience, this device incorporated various features that were appealing to tech enthusiasts when it first launched.
Design and Build
The Motorola Photon 4G MB855 sports a sleek and sturdy design, measuring 126.9 x 66.9 x 12.2 mm and weighing 158 grams. With its compact dimensions, it fit comfortably in the hand, and the solid build contributed to its premium feel. The phone was designed with a mini-SIM slot which was the standard for phones at that time. With a black color finish, the Photon 4G had a professional and elegant appearance.
Display
Featuring a 4.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, the Motorola Photon 4G delivered a decent visual experience with a pixel density of approximately 256 ppi. The screen was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, offering resistance to scratches and minor drops. This durability made the phone a reliable choice for users needing a device that could withstand daily usage.
Performance
Powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H chipset with a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and ULP GeForce GPU, the Motorola Photon 4G provided a respectable performance during its era. The phone was equipped with 1GB of RAM, which was adequate for handling basic multitasking and running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). However, it did not support upgrades to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), limiting its ability to access newer applications over time.
Camera Capabilities
The phone came equipped with a primary 8 MP autofocus camera accompanied by a dual-LED flash, allowing users to capture quality images even in low-light conditions. The main camera could also record videos at 720p resolution at 30fps. On the front, the device featured a VGA camera suitable for basic selfies and video calls.
Storage
Offered with 16GB of internal storage, the Photon 4G provided ample room for storing apps, photos, and media. The device also supported microSDHC cards, allowing users to expand storage capacity for additional media and applications, making it versatile for users who needed more storage space.
Battery
The device included a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, offering a standby time of up to 288 hours on 2G and up to 312 hours on 3G networks. Talk time was decent, with up to 10 hours and 40 minutes on 2G and up to 9 hours and 10 minutes on 3G networks. The capacity and performance of the battery matched standard expectations for smartphones of its time.
Connectivity
The Motorola Photon 4G supported a wide range of connectivity options. It operated on GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and EVDO networks, supporting 2G and 3G bands alongside broadband internet via WiMAX and hotspot capabilities. The device included Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, alongside A-GPS for precise location tracking. For wired connections, it offered a microUSB 2.0 port.
Additional Features
This smartphone featured several sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to its navigational and motion sensing capabilities. It supported HTML and Adobe Flash browser technologies, enabling users to have a functional web browsing experience. Sound features included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Conclusion
The Motorola Photon 4G MB855 was a robust and capable device for its time, offering decent specifications that attracted many users. Its blend of design, display, and performance made it a notable competitor in the market during its release. Although it is now considered a relic of a past era in smartphone development, it stands as a testament to Motorola's innovative spirit in the early 2010s. The phone offered reliable performance to those who owned it while being available at a price point of around 270 EUR, which was appealing for a smartphone of its caliber during its release.
Main Features of Motorola Photon 4G MB855
- Network Technology: Supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and EVDO for versatile connectivity options
- Display Protection: Equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass for enhanced durability
- Processor: Powered by a Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU with Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H chipset
- Memory: Offers 16GB internal storage along with 1GB RAM and expandable storage via microSDHC
- Main Camera: 8 MP camera with autofocus and Dual-LED flash, capable of 720p video recording
- Battery: Removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery with substantial talk time and standby duration
- Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS/A-GPS, and stereo FM radio
- Design: Compact design with a 4.3-inch display size and total weight of 158g
Disadvantages of Motorola Photon 4G MB855
- Discontinued status, making it difficult to find new units or replacements.
- Older Android version (2.3 Gingerbread) with no official upgrade path to newer versions like 4.1 Jelly Bean, leading to potential app compatibility issues and lack of security updates.
- VGA front camera may not meet modern video call or selfie quality standards.
- Average battery performance with a 1700 mAh removable battery, which may not last a full day with heavy usage.
- Limited 1GB RAM which may affect multitasking capabilities and overall device performance.
- Low screen-to-body ratio (~60%), leading to bulkier design compared to newer smartphones.
- Bluetooth version 2.1 is outdated, missing out on improvements brought by later versions like energy efficiency and better connectivity.
- MicroUSB 2.0 port instead of the more modern USB-C, affecting data transfer speeds and charging options.
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