The Motorola DROID series was a powerhouse in the early smartphone era. Today, we're revisiting two popular models: the DROID 2 Global and the DROID 4 XT894. Both offered a unique blend of features, but significant hardware differences set them apart. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which phone holds up better.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The DROID 4 XT894 is the clear winner. Its dual-core processor and improved chipset offer a noticeable performance boost over the DROID 2's single-core design. While both are dated, the DROID 4 provides a slightly smoother experience and better multimedia capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | - | 13 |
| Speed | HSPA 10.2/5.76 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, LTE, HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, November. Released 2010, November | 2012, January. Released 2012, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 116.3 x 60.5 x 13.7 mm (4.58 x 2.38 x 0.54 in) | 127 x 67.3 x 12.7 mm (5.0 x 2.65 x 0.5 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 178.9 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~275 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~53.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~51.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.2 GHz Cortex-A8 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 3640 | TI OMAP 4430 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX530 | PowerVR SGX540 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), upgradable to 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| 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/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) | HDMI port
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 230 h | Up to 204 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | Up to 12 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1420 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1785 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Black |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | 1.58 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
Motorola DROID 2 Global
- Compact and pocketable
- Durable build quality
- Classic DROID design
- Outdated processor
- Slow performance
- Lower resolution camera
- Limited app compatibility
Motorola DROID 4 XT894
- Faster dual-core processor
- Better camera quality
- Slightly improved battery life
- More responsive user interface
- Still dated hardware
- Limited app compatibility
- Larger size compared to DROID 2
- Screen quality is basic by modern standards
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 3.7-inch display, but the DROID 4 likely has slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to its newer hardware. Resolution is likely similar, around 480x854 pixels. Viewing angles and overall image quality are acceptable for their time, but don't expect modern smartphone display performance.
Camera Comparison
The DROID 4 boasts an 8MP camera, while the DROID 2 has a 5MP camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the DROID 4's newer sensor and image processing likely result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both cameras are capable of recording 720p video.
Performance
This is where the DROID 4 shines. The OMAP 4430 with its dual-core Cortex-A9 processor is significantly faster than the DROID 2's single-core Cortex-A8. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the DROID 4. The DROID 2 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
The DROID 4 has a slightly larger battery capacity (1900 mAh) compared to the DROID 2 (1500 mAh). This, combined with the more efficient dual-core processor, should translate to slightly better battery life on the DROID 4, though both will struggle to last a full day with heavy use.
Buying Guide
The DROID 2 Global might appeal to collectors or those seeking a very basic, functional smartphone for simple tasks. The DROID 4 XT894 is a better choice for anyone wanting a slightly more responsive experience, especially if they value a better camera and faster web browsing, understanding both are legacy devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. Network compatibility and app support are the biggest concerns. They may not work on all modern networks and many newer apps may not be compatible.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The DROID 4 is significantly better for gaming due to its dual-core processor and improved graphics capabilities. However, don't expect to play modern games smoothly.
