Remember the early days of Android? The LG Optimus Mach and Motorola Photon Q were contenders in a crowded market. Today, these devices are relics, but which one holds up better? We're diving deep into a comparison of these two older smartphones to see which offers the most compelling experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE edges out the LG Optimus Mach thanks to its faster dual-core processor and slightly better overall feature set. While both are dated, the Photon Q's performance advantage makes it the preferable choice for those seeking a functional, albeit old, Android device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | - | 25 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, December. Released 2010, December | 2012, July. Released 2012, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 112.5 x 57.9 x 12.9 mm (4.43 x 2.28 x 0.51 in) | 126.5 x 66 x 13.7 mm (4.98 x 2.60 x 0.54 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Non-removable |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 170.1 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~246 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.8 inches, 41.1 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~61.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| | - | ColorBoost technology |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 | Dual-core 1.5 GHz |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 3630 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX530 | - |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo) | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | Yes |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | DMB Mobile TV
HDMI port
DivX/MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
Document viewer
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | HDMI port
MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 200 h | Up to 220 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | Up to 7 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1785 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, white | Black |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
LG Optimus Mach LU3000
- Compact size
- Decent build quality
- Relatively lightweight
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Limited storage
- Outdated software
Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE XT897
- Faster processor
- Higher resolution display
- Larger battery
- Slightly better camera
- Bulky design
- Outdated software
- Limited storage
- Potential 4G connectivity issues
Display Comparison
The Motorola Photon Q boasts a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, offering a sharper image than the Optimus Mach's 3.8-inch WVGA (800 x 480) screen. While both displays are adequate for their time, the Photon Q's higher resolution provides a noticeably better viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for devices of this era.
Camera Comparison
The Motorola Photon Q features an 8MP camera with flash, while the Optimus Mach has a 5MP camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Photon Q generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is poor on both devices. Video recording capabilities are limited to 720p on both.
Performance
Here's where the Photon Q truly shines. Its dual-core 1.5 GHz processor significantly outperforms the Optimus Mach's single-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the Photon Q. Both phones will struggle with modern apps and games.
Battery Life
The Motorola Photon Q has a larger 1880 mAh battery compared to the Optimus Mach's 1500 mAh. This translates to slightly longer battery life on the Photon Q, though both devices will require daily charging with moderate use. Battery degradation is likely significant given their age.
Buying Guide
The LG Optimus Mach might appeal to collectors or those seeking a very basic, compact Android experience. The Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE is a better option for anyone needing slightly more power and a larger screen, though both are best suited for light usage and nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. They won't receive software updates and will struggle with modern apps. They're best suited for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing.
❓ Can I get 4G LTE on either of these phones?
The Motorola Photon Q was designed for 4G LTE, but carrier support may be discontinued. The LG Optimus Mach was primarily a 3G device. Connectivity is not guaranteed.
