Released around the same timeframe, the LG Optimus M+ and Motorola Admiral represent budget-conscious Android offerings from 2011/2012. Both leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, but differ significantly in their chipset generation. This comparison dissects the architectural differences between the Snapdragon S1 and S2, and how those translate into tangible user experience differences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother experience, the Motorola Admiral XT603 is the clear winner. Its 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU, built on a more advanced Snapdragon S2 platform, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the LG Optimus M+'s 800 MHz Cortex-A5, despite both running Android Gingerbread.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Speed | CDMA2000 1x, 153 Kbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | CDMA / EVDO | CDMA / EVDO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, March. Released 2012, April | 2011, October. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 113.8 x 62.7 x 9.9 mm (4.48 x 2.47 x 0.39 in) | 119 x 62 x 12.2 mm (4.69 x 2.44 x 0.48 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 119 g (4.20 oz) | 134 g (4.73 oz) |
| | - | MIL-STD-810F compliant salt, dust, humidity, rain, vibration, solar radiation, transport and thermal shock resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) | 480 x 640 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~258 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~51.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.1 inches, 29.8 cm2 (~40.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 800 MHz Cortex A5 | 1.2 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM7627A Snapdragon S1 | Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | Adreno 200 | Adreno 205 |
| OS | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), not upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p | 480p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | - | MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 250 h | Up to 79 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1860 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 1.11 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) | 1.06 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
LG Optimus M+ MS695
- Potentially lower price point (based on market positioning)
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Compact form factor (likely)
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Motorola Admiral XT603
- Faster 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU
- More responsive user interface
- Improved application launch times
- More efficient processor architecture
- Potentially higher price point
- May not offer a dramatically different feature set beyond performance
Display Comparison
Detailed display specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both devices likely featured similar low-resolution LCD panels. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather how the chipset impacts UI smoothness when rendering the display. The Admiral's faster processor will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even on a similar panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Both devices likely featured basic rear cameras, typical of the era. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Admiral's faster processor could potentially contribute to quicker image processing times, reducing the delay between capturing a photo and viewing it. The image quality itself will be largely determined by the sensor, which is unknown for both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG Optimus M+ utilizes the Qualcomm MSM7627A Snapdragon S1, featuring a single 800 MHz Cortex-A5 CPU core. The Motorola Admiral, conversely, employs the MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 with a 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU. The Scorpion core, while still ARMv6, represents an architectural improvement over the Cortex-A5, offering better instructions per clock cycle. This translates to faster application launch times and a more responsive user interface on the Admiral. The higher clock speed further amplifies this advantage. While both are 32-bit processors, the S2's architecture is more efficient.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is unavailable. Given the similar target market, both devices likely featured batteries in the 1500-2000 mAh range. The Motorola Admiral's more efficient processor, despite the higher clock speed, could potentially lead to slightly better battery life due to completing tasks faster and spending more time in a low-power idle state. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely slow by modern standards for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Optimus M+ MS695 if you are seeking the absolute lowest possible price point for a functional smartphone and are willing to accept compromises in performance. It's suitable for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Motorola Admiral XT603 if you prioritize a more responsive user interface, faster app loading times, and a slightly more future-proof experience, even within the constraints of the Gingerbread operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Admiral XT603 handle basic social media apps like Facebook and Twitter without significant lag?
The Motorola Admiral's 1.2 GHz Scorpion processor is better equipped to handle basic social media apps than the LG Optimus M+. While it won't offer a fluid experience comparable to modern smartphones, it should provide a usable, albeit somewhat sluggish, experience with Facebook and Twitter.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon S1 and S2 noticeable for everyday tasks like making calls and sending texts?
For core functions like calls and texts, the difference is minimal. However, the Snapdragon S2 in the Motorola Admiral will make a noticeable difference when navigating the user interface, opening apps, and switching between tasks. The Optimus M+ will feel noticeably slower in these areas.
❓ Can either of these phones be upgraded beyond Android Gingerbread?
It's highly unlikely. Both devices were released with Android Gingerbread and received limited software support. Official updates beyond Gingerbread are extremely rare, and custom ROM development is limited due to the age and relatively low popularity of these devices.
