Released in 2011, the Motorola ATRIX and LG Optimus 2X represented a pivotal moment in smartphone evolution – the arrival of dual-core processors. Both devices leveraged Nvidia’s Tegra 2 AP20H chipset, but diverged in their approach to features and user experience. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, revealing which phone offered the more compelling package for the early adopter.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking longevity and a consistently viewable display, the LG Optimus 2X emerges as the slightly better choice. Its 76-hour endurance rating significantly surpasses what the ATRIX likely offered, and the 1001:1 contrast ratio provides a more pleasant viewing experience, even if both share the same Tegra 2 core.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, January. Released 2011, April | 2010, December. Released 2011, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 117.8 x 63.5 x 11 mm (4.64 x 2.5 x 0.43 in) | 123.9 x 63.2 x 10.9 mm (4.88 x 2.49 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 139 g (4.90 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~275 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| | Touch sensitive controls
MOTOBLUR UI with Live Widgets | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H | Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H |
| GPU | ULP GeForce | ULP GeForce |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), upgradable to 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.2 (Froyo), 2.3, upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps, 1080p (via SW update) | 1080p@24fps, 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | HDMI port
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264/WMV/Xvid/DivX player
Photo viewer/editor
Organizer
Document editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | HDMI port
DivX/Xvid/MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
Document editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 350 h (3G) | Up to 400 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 50 min (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) | Up to 7 h 50 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1930 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.1dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 76h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1001:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 67dB
|
Motorola ATRIX
- Innovative laptop dock for desktop-like experience
- Early adopter of dual-core processing
- Potential for custom software features
- Battery life likely inferior to Optimus 2X
- Display details are largely unknown
- Camera specifications are undefined
LG Optimus 2X
- Excellent 76-hour endurance rating
- Good contrast ratio for improved visibility
- Reliable performance thanks to Tegra 2
- Lacks the ATRIX’s innovative laptop dock
- Camera details are undefined
- May have suffered from Tegra 2 thermal throttling
Display Comparison
Both the ATRIX and Optimus 2X share a nominal contrast ratio of 1001:1, suggesting similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, without knowing the panel technology (IPS, TFT) or screen size of the ATRIX, it’s difficult to assess its overall display quality. The Optimus 2X’s contrast ratio, while not exceptional by today’s standards, was a notable feature for its time, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions. The ATRIX’s display is largely undefined in the provided data, making a direct comparison challenging beyond the shared contrast ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both the ATRIX and Optimus 2X feature photo and video capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or megapixel count. This makes a meaningful camera comparison impossible. Given the era, image quality was likely similar – adequate for casual snapshots but lacking the sophistication of modern smartphone cameras. The absence of details prevents any assessment of low-light performance or video stabilization.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. This means raw processing power is virtually identical. The Tegra 2 was known for its decent GPU performance, capable of handling early Android games and video playback. However, thermal management was a common concern with the Tegra 2, and without specific data on cooling solutions in either phone, it’s impossible to determine which handled sustained loads better. The ATRIX’s potential for desktop-like usage via the laptop dock suggests Motorola may have considered thermal throttling more carefully, but this remains speculative.
Battery Life
The LG Optimus 2X boasts an endurance rating of 76 hours, a significant advantage over what the ATRIX likely achieved. While the ATRIX’s battery capacity is unknown, the Optimus 2X’s rating suggests efficient power management and a larger battery. This translates to longer usage between charges, a crucial benefit for users who frequently used their phones for calls, browsing, and media consumption. The Optimus 2X’s endurance rating positions it as the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola ATRIX if you prioritized innovation and the potential for a desktop-like experience with its unique laptop dock. This was a phone for those who wanted to push the boundaries of mobile computing. Buy the LG Optimus 2X if you valued battery life and a reliably visible screen, making it ideal for users who heavily relied on their phone throughout the day and wanted a more traditional smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Was the Motorola ATRIX laptop dock truly functional for everyday tasks?
Yes, the ATRIX laptop dock allowed users to connect their phone to a larger screen, keyboard, and mouse, effectively transforming it into a basic desktop computer. While not a replacement for a full-fledged PC, it was capable of handling tasks like web browsing, document editing, and email.
❓ Did the Nvidia Tegra 2 in the Optimus 2X experience significant overheating during demanding games?
The Tegra 2 was known to generate heat under sustained load. While the Optimus 2X’s thermal management capabilities aren’t specifically detailed, users likely experienced some degree of throttling during extended gaming sessions, potentially leading to reduced performance.
❓ How did the Optimus 2X's battery life compare to other smartphones of its time?
With a 76-hour endurance rating, the Optimus 2X offered exceptional battery life for a 2011 smartphone. Most competitors struggled to achieve even 48 hours of moderate usage, making the Optimus 2X a standout choice for power users.
