Motorola Photon 4G Review
Most potential and current customers of Motorola are waiting for the release of the Motorola Droid Bionic in their regions, while Sprint customers are waiting for some other device, that is the Motorola Photon 4G. This massive handset comes to fulfill the list of high-end devices with the most advanced specs and features.
The specs of the Motorola Photon 4G include:
- Nvidia Tegra 2 1 GHz Dual-core processor
- 4.3 inch qHD display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels
- 16 GB of internal memory
- 1 GB of RAM
- Slot for microSD flash memory cards up to 32GB
- Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread operating system
- 8 megapixel camera with dual LED-flash
- Front-facing VGA-camera
- Wireless Interfaces: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, GPS + A-GPS
- 1700 mAh Lithium-Ion Batter
- Dimensions: 66.9 x 126.9 x 12.2 mm
- Weight: 158 g
Design
The Motorola Photon 4G looks original compared to other devices manufactured by Motorola this year. The corners of the phone are a little rounded, though the overall design is a little sharper. The handset has an octagon shape. The unique design of Motorola PHOTON 4G comes with a great functionality.
The case of the handset is made of two materials — plastic and rubber (they prevent it from slipping and make it comfortable to hold in hand). The weight is only 158 grams regardless of its large dimensions, which are a great plus for a device of its class.
The Photon 4G has both standard touch-sensitive buttons for Android (home, menu, back and search) and hardware buttons. On the right side of the handset you will find the camera and volume regulation buttons. The device has all kinds of typical ports, such as microUSB and microHDMI on the left side and 3.5 mm audio jack on the upper part of the handset.
Display
The handset comes with a 4.3 inch TFT display with a resolution of 540 x 960 and 16M colors, which makes images sharp and clear. The screen of the phone has a slightly bluish tint, which sometimes annoys the customers. Anyway the screen of the handset works perfectly under direct sunlight.
The screen is protected with Gorilla Glass technology, which means there’s no need to buy additional protective screens.
Kickstand
On the reverse side of the phone you will find a kickstand. While the phone is on the kickstand it automatically switches to landscape orientation, and the largest central clock widget appears on the screen. You can change the clock to another widget from the phone settings. The screen constantly displays widgets for the alarm, backlight, music, and your gallery. At any time you can easily switch back to normal home screen.
The kickstand is not something typical for most of the Motorola handsets, but the large display requires a kickstand to watch videos with a landscape mode.
Hardware
The Motorola Photon 4G comes with an amazing mixture of various features. The powerful 1 GHz processor, 8 megapixel camera and interesting docking options allow to get the most out of this smartphone.
Processor and storage
The Motorola Photon 4G comes with a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor. The processor is awesome for this handset as it allows to experience lightning-fast scrolling menu and opening of all the applications. In addition you will get a chance to get quick access to various websites, find movies and watch them on your handset without any problem.
The storage of the handset is up to 16GB memory on board. It can support up to 32GB MicroSD cards, and connect to networks 4G WiMax.
Camera
The Motorola Photon 4G comes with an 8 megapixel camera with flash and autofocus. On your phone, you will find a special camera button (handy item that is missing in most smartphones of this summer). The pictures captured by the high-end camera are quite impressive, sharp and colorful.
Like almost all high-end phones, Photon has also a front-facing camera for video calls. However, it does not have the latest version of Google Talk integrated for video chatting. If you want to use video chat, you will need to download Qik or another application that will allow it. The videos made by the camera are also great, the color is vivid and there is no blockiness.
Media Dock
While connecting Media dock and other docks to WebTop docking station, you can access full browser Firefox. Media Dock is equipped with three USB-ports, so you can connect a keyboard and mouse to the phone. Some applications (such as Angry Birds) can work in full screen mode to display in a larger size. Dock uses Micro HDMI or HDMI version cables to connect to bigger screens. You can play flash games from the Internet on the big screen, as well as run any application on your phone, send text messages and adjust settings. The docking station comes with a remote control, and it charges your phone while it is connected.
In addition to the dock, Motorola Photon 4G comes with a car USB adapter, so that your phone can be charged while driving. You can mount the phone on the windshield of the car. This allows you to quickly perform tasks using voice commands, so you’re not too distracted while driving.
User Interface
Like most of the newest smartphones of this summer based on Android 2.3. Motorola Photon is constantly improving its services and user interface for Android. Now you can update your status on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. This working widget will be on your desktop phone. The customizable user interface of the device will not give you the possibility to update status on your social network accounts but will allow to get connected to the server every few minutes demonstrating updates of your messages, friends, groups, and news.
This version of MotoBlur comes with new music application from Motorola, where you can browse lists of concert events and music news based on your music library. The application also gives you access to a good selection of Internet radio stations. You can buy music directly from the application via Amazon MP3.
Pros
Smartphone Motorola Photon 4G is a really powerful and high-quality device, equipped with all the necessary features for the modern communicators: productive processor, large display, HDMI-output and many others. The sound quality during calls, and other indicators is also on the high level.
Cons
The dimensions of the phone are way too large. The settings for the MotoBlur are also kind of annoying. The quality of photos could be better for a device equipped with an 8 megapixel camera.
Conclusion
The Motorola Photon 4G is a flagship smartphone. American users, of course, have more reason to buy it, if you remember about the services provided by Sprint. But even without its functionality the device shows excellent performance on all fronts. In addition the device is going to be rather affordable coming with a price tag of $199.99 with a two-year contract with Sprint carrier. This is a good exception as in most cases this kind of devices come with higher prices.
Related posts:
- Motorola Photon 4G to be Unveiled on June 9 Event
- Motorola Photon 4G Getting Small OTA Update
- Sprint Motorola Photon 4G Ready for Ordering
- Motorola Photon 4G Unboxing Video
- Motorola Photon 4G Hands-on Video
Category: Reviews
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