Motorola Tundra VA76r Specs Pricing & Review

Overview of Motorola Tundra VA76r

The Motorola Tundra VA76r is a rugged mobile phone that was released in January 2009. Designed to withstand tough conditions, this device gained popularity among users who required a durable phone capable of enduring the elements. It was initially introduced as a solution for users in challenging environments such as construction sites or remote outdoor locations. Despite its robust build, the Tundra VA76r also provided some advanced features for its time, making it a versatile option for both professional and personal use.

Design and Build

One of the standout features of the Motorola Tundra VA76r is its robust and rugged design. The phone's dimensions are 98 x 53.8 x 24 mm, and it has a sturdy build that is capable of withstanding drops and harsh environmental conditions. Weighing in at 107 grams, it strikes a balance between durability and portability. The phone accommodates a Mini-SIM and is designed to offer a strong grip to prevent accidental drops, an essential feature for those who work in demanding environments.

Display

The Motorola Tundra VA76r features a 2.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Though it may not compete with modern smartphones in terms of screen size or resolution, for its time, the clarity was sufficient for performing essential tasks. The screen supports 256K colors, making it quite vibrant for displays from that era. Its compact display size makes it an easy fit for pockets, even in rugged attire.

Camera Capabilities

Featuring a 2 MP main camera, the Motorola Tundra VA76r provides basic photography capabilities. While modern devices offer significantly higher resolutions, the inclusion of a camera in a rugged phone from 2009 was a plus, particularly for documenting conditions or scenarios in the field. The phone also supports video recording, though it's primarily intended for quick snapshots rather than professional photography.

Performance and Software

The Tundra VA76r operates on the Linux-based MOTOMAGX platform. This operating system was known for its stability and efficiency, providing a reliable user experience for basic phone operations such as calling, messaging, and scheduling. The phone's internal storage is 100MB, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card, thus offering flexibility in terms of data storage. Despite its basic performance specs by today's standards, the phone was equipped to handle the necessary workload of communication and basic productivity.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM/HSPA technology, including 2G and 3G bands, allowing for reliable connectivity in various global regions. The 3G support with HSPA 3.6 Mbps speed was particularly important for users needing more reliable data and voice services in remote areas. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, GPS and A-GPS for navigation, and USB 2.0 for data transfer and charging. It, however, lacks WLAN and radio capabilities, which might be considered a drawback to some users.

Battery Life

The device comes with a removable Li-Ion 1130 mAh battery known for ensuring long-lasting talk time and standby mode. The phone boasts a standby time of up to 480 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours and 16 minutes, proving it to be a reliable companion for users far from convenient charging outlets.

Sound and Additional Features

The Motorola Tundra VA76r features a loudspeaker but lacks a 3.5mm jack, which means users would need to use Bluetooth headphones or proprietary solutions. The device comes with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, offering basic internet browsing capability. While these specs might seem minimal, in the context of a rugged phone needed for essential communication, these functionalities were adequate.

Market Position and Price

At the time of its release, the Motorola Tundra VA76r was priced at approximately 150 EUR. This was a reasonable cost for a rugged phone, making it accessible for professionals in need of a durable device without reaching the expense of more advanced smartphones. Its niche market was well-received by those in sectors needing reliability over aesthetics or multimedia feature sets.

Conclusion

In summary, the Motorola Tundra VA76r is a testament to durable phone design with resilience as its core selling point. It strikes a balance between necessary cellular functions and the robustness required for more demanding environments. As technology has evolved, later iterations or different models have included more advanced features, but the Tundra remains a notable example of purpose-driven design, emphasizing endurance over technological flair.