Price and specifications of Motorola QUENCH advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Motorola QUENCH

The Motorola QUENCH, also known by its model number MB501, made its debut in the mobile market in February 2010 and was subsequently released in April of the same year. Although it has been discontinued, this device once represented a significant step in smartphone evolution for Motorola, showcasing a diverse range of features for users seeking modern mobile technology.

Design and Build

The Motorola QUENCH presents itself in a sleek and compact form, with dimensions of 116.8 x 60 x 12.4 mm and a weight of 130 grams. The device features a minimalist design with rounded corners and a polished finish. Initially available in an array of colors including Black, White, Licorice, and Purple, the QUENCH caters to various consumer tastes.

The front of the device boasts a 3.1-inch TFT display, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. This display aspect emphasizes both durability and functionality, providing users with a compact yet robust screen for navigating applications and media.

Display

The 3.1-inch display equipped on the Motorola QUENCH offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 186 pixels per inch (PPI). While relatively modest by today’s standards, this resolution allows for adequate sharpness and color display within the 65K color range, suitable for everyday tasks such as viewing photos, browsing the web, and using various apps.

Hardware and Performance

Driving the Motorola QUENCH is the Qualcomm MSM7201A chipset, paired with a 528 MHz ARM 11 CPU and an Adreno 130 GPU. Although the specifications might seem basic now, they were quite competitive in the early 2010s. The device’s hardware was capable of handling the Android OS 1.5 (Cupcake) efficiently, and models in the USA had the capability to upgrade to Android 2.1 (Eclair).

For memory, the device offers 512MB of internal storage which is expandable via a microSDHC card slot, supporting external memory cards for additional storage needs. Alongside, it includes 256MB of RAM, allowing for basic multitasking and app functionality.

Camera Features

The Motorola QUENCH comes with a 5 MP autofocus rear camera accompanied by an LED flash, enabling satisfactory image captures in various lighting conditions. The camera is capable of shooting videos at CIF resolution at 25 frames per second. Despite the lack of a front-facing camera, the main camera serviceability still allowed users to explore creative photography even with the comparatively limited resolution and features of the time.

Battery Life

A notable feature for any smartphone user is battery performance, and the Motorola QUENCH houses a removable Li-Po 1420 mAh battery. This battery allows for a standby time of up to 500 hours on 2G and up to 450 hours on 3G networks. Meanwhile, talk time extends to around 7 hours and 30 minutes on 2G and 6 hours and 40 minutes on 3G. These figures made the device attractive for individuals who required extended usage without frequent recharging.

Connectivity and Communication Features

The communication capabilities of the Motorola QUENCH are marked by support for GSM and HSPA networks, with speeds up to 7.2/0.384 Mbps over 3G. Regarding connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with DLNA, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. Additionally, it features GPS and A-GPS for navigation and location services.

Entertainment and practicality are enhanced with a stereo FM radio with RDS and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy music and radio broadcasts easily.

Additional Features and Sensors

The Motorola QUENCH includes several sensors that enhance its user experience: an accelerometer for motion detection, a proximity sensor to disable the screen during calls, and a compass for orientation. These sensors were integral in supporting applications and features fundamental to the smartphone experience.

Conclusion

While the Motorola QUENCH might appear outdated alongside modern smartphones, it remains a significant representation of the transitional phase in mobile technology during the early 2010s. It combined practical features and design with functional capabilities suitable for the needs of its time, laying groundwork for the more sophisticated smartphones that followed. Its discontinued status does little to diminish its contribution to Motorola's innovative history and the evolving landscape of mobile devices.