Motorola XT806 Unveiling Features Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Motorola XT806

The Motorola XT806 was a smartphone released in the fourth quarter of 2010. It operated on the Android 2.1 (Eclair) operating system and was one of the devices that marked Motorola’s efforts to capture the mid-range smartphone market. Though it has since been discontinued, the XT806 attracted consumers who were looking for a reliable device with decent features during its time.

Design and Build

With dimensions measuring 109.9 x 57 x 18.6 mm and weighing 165g, the Motorola XT806 had a sturdily built chassis that felt solid in the hand. The device sported a mini-SIM slot and was available in a classic gray color. The front of the phone was dominated by a 3.2-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, offering a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 306 ppi. The 45% screen-to-body ratio was typical for smartphones released during that period.

Display

The TFT resistive touchscreen of the XT806 supported 16 million colors, offering vivid imagery and decent clarity for its time. However, the resistive nature of the touchscreen meant that it lacked the responsiveness of the capacitive touchscreens that began becoming standard. This required more pressure during touch inputs, which some users found less convenient compared to the newer technology.

Performance

Running on a TI OMAP 3430 chipset coupled with a 600 MHz Cortex-A8 processor and a PowerVR SGX530 GPU, the performance of the XT806 was adequate for the basic tasks that were expected from smartphones at the time. With 512MB of RAM, the device could handle multitasking, albeit with limitations when compared to more modern devices.

Storage

The device offered 512MB of internal storage space, which was quite limited by today’s standards, but it was possible to expand storage using a microSDHC card via a dedicated slot. This expansion capability was crucial for users wanting to store more media or applications beyond the pre-installed ones.

Camera

The Motorola XT806 featured a 5 MP single rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, which was competent for taking photos in well-lit conditions. It could also record videos at 720p resolution and 20 frames per second. However, the lack of a front-facing camera was a limitation for users interested in video calls or selfies.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1380 mAh battery, the XT806 provided a talk time of up to 5 hours and 40 minutes and a standby time of up to 100 hours. Its battery life was typical for smartphones of that era, offering users a full day of use under moderate usage conditions. The removable nature of the battery allowed users to carry a spare for extended usage, which was a common practice at the time.

Network and Connectivity

The XT806 supported GSM, CDMA, and EVDO networks, making it versatile in terms of connectivity, especially for a device released in 2010. It could connect to the internet at speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps using EV-DO technology. Additional connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS, and A-GPS for location services. Moreover, the phone included stereo FM radio with RDS functionality.

Sound

The XT806 included a loudspeaker but lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a drawback for users who preferred private listening experiences. Wireless listening through Bluetooth was the alternative offered by the device, making it somewhat less convenient for traditional headphone users.

Sensors and Additional Features

This smartphone came with an accelerometer and a compass, which were used for various applications including navigation and orientation-based functions. Additionally, the device featured a basic HTML browser, allowing users to browse the web. These features, albeit basic, were integral to providing a satisfactory user experience.

Final Thoughts

The Motorola XT806 was a reliable and practical device during its time. While it might not match the specifications and performance of today’s smartphones, it provided a well-rounded and competent experience for users in the early days of Android. Its design, connectivity features, and expandable storage capabilities positioned it as a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone market of its era.