Unveiling Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE XT897 Specs Pricing & Performance Insights

Overview of Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE XT897

The Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE XT897, introduced in August 2012, was a standout device in its time, known for its physical QWERTY keyboard and support for 4G LTE networks. Despite being discontinued, it remains a device of interest for those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard combined with relatively robust smartphone functionalities.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 126.5 x 66 x 13.7 mm and a weight of 170.1 grams, the Motorola Photon Q feels solid in hand. It features a non-removable QWERTY keyboard, making it one of the few smartphones of its era to offer a full physical keyboard. The device is encased in a robust body with a scratch-resistant glass, aiming to provide a durable experience for everyday use.

Display

The Photon Q boasts a 4.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 256 ppi. While not groundbreaking by today's standards, the screen delivers adequate sharpness and color fidelity for the time of its release. The display occupies around 61.1% of the front panel, providing a decent viewing area for browsing and media consumption.

Performance and Platform

Powered by a dual-core 1.5 GHz CPU, the Motorola Photon Q operates on Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. Although the device's RAM is limited to 1GB, it offers sufficient performance for basic multitasking and running most apps available at the time. The interface is responsive, though users may notice lag during more demanding tasks.

Storage

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, a portion of which is occupied by system files. However, it includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand the storage to meet their needs. This capacity enables users to store apps, media, and files without concerns of running out of space quickly.

Camera Capabilities

On the back, the device features an 8MP autofocus camera capable of capturing 1080p video at 30fps. Accompanied by an LED flash, the camera performs adequately in well-lit conditions, though it struggles in low-light scenarios—a common limitation in smartphones of that era. The front-facing camera provides basic functionality for video calls and selfies.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 1785 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, the Motorola Photon Q offers a standby time of up to 220 hours on 3G and a talk time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The battery life is fairly standard for its class, designed to last a full working day with moderate usage.

Connectivity and Communications

The Photon Q supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, making it versatile in terms of connectivity. It also comes equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, A-GPS, and NFC. However, it lacks a radio feature, which might be a drawback for some users.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to the overall functionality and user experience. Although additional smart features and sensor integrations are minimal compared to modern devices, it laid the groundwork for basic sensor-based applications.

Market Position and Legacy

At its release, the Motorola Photon Q was priced around 220 EUR, targeting users who valued the physical keyboard and required robust connectivity options. While its production has been discontinued, it is remembered as a unique piece for enthusiasts who prefer tactile typing over virtual keyboards.

Conclusion

The Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE XT897 is a noteworthy device in the history of smartphones, especially for those who reminisce about the era of physical keyboards. It exemplifies a transitional phase in mobile technology, combining traditional typing methods with emerging smart features. While not suitable for today's high-demand users, it remains a classic for niche collectors and enthusiasts.