Remember the days of sleek designs and fierce smartphone competition? The Motorola DROID RAZR HD and Apple iPhone 5c represent a snapshot of that era. Both phones offer a nostalgic experience, but which one holds up best today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPhone 5c edges out the RAZR HD due to its iOS ecosystem, generally better software support (even historically), and slightly more refined camera. While the RAZR HD boasts a larger screen and potentially faster raw CPU speed, the 5c's overall polish makes it the preferable choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - A1532 (GSM), A1532 (CDMA), A1456 |
| 4G bands | 13 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25 - A1532 GSM, A1532 CDMA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1529 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, September. Released 2012, October | 2013, September 10. Released 2013, September 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 131.9 x 67.9 x 8.4 mm (5.19 x 2.67 x 0.33 in) | 124.4 x 59.2 x 9 mm (4.90 x 2.33 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 132 g (4.66 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) | 640 x 1136 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~68.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift (ARM v7-based) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus | Apple A6 (32 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 225 | PowerVR SGX 543MP3 (triple-core graphics) |
| OS | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.4 (KitKat) | iOS 7, upgradable to iOS 10.3.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 16GB (12GB user available), 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 33mm (standard), 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 1.2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 16-bit/44.1kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS, S-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | HDMI port
MP3/AAC+/WAV/WMA player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 286 h | Up to 250 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h | Up to 10 h (3G) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 2530 mAh battery | Li-Po 1510 mAh, non-removable (5.73 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink |
| Models | XT926 | A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529, A1532, iPhone5,3, iPhone5,4 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.46 W/kg (body) | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -80.3dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 52h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1233:1 (nominal) / 3.512:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 66dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 2225 |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -80.3dB |
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 52h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1233:1 (nominal) / 3.512:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 66dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark X: 2225 |
Motorola DROID RAZR HD
- Larger screen
- Classic Motorola design
- Potentially faster raw CPU speed
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Older Android version
- Less refined camera
- Software updates discontinued
- Can feel bulky
Apple iPhone 5c
- iOS ecosystem
- User-friendly interface
- Generally better camera quality
- More consistent software experience (historically)
- Smaller screen
- Non-expandable storage
- Older iOS version
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 4.3-inch display with a respectable 1233:1 contrast ratio and 3.512:1 sunlight readability. However, the RAZR HD's screen is slightly larger, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 5c's display, while smaller, benefits from Apple's color calibration, often resulting in more accurate colors.
Camera Comparison
The iPhone 5c's camera, while basic by today's standards, generally produced better image quality than the RAZR HD's. Apple's image processing algorithms consistently delivered more vibrant and detailed photos. Video recording capabilities were comparable on both devices.
Performance
The RAZR HD's Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus with a 1.5 GHz Krait dual-core CPU initially appeared faster on paper. However, the iPhone 5c's A6 chip, optimized for iOS, often delivered smoother performance in real-world usage. iOS's efficiency and tighter hardware-software integration gave it an advantage, despite the RAZR HD's slightly higher clock speed.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an endurance rating of 52 hours, suggesting comparable battery life. However, real-world usage could vary depending on usage patterns and network conditions. The iPhone 5c's power efficiency often gave it a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The Motorola DROID RAZR HD is ideal for Android enthusiasts seeking a large-screen experience and a taste of classic Motorola design. The Apple iPhone 5c is a better fit for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem or prioritizing a user-friendly interface and a more consistent software experience, even with its age.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. Network compatibility and app support may be restricted due to their age. Both phones will require significant compromises regarding security and functionality.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Historically, the iPhone 5c received longer software support from Apple, although both are now beyond their official update cycles. The RAZR HD's Android updates ceased much earlier.
❓ Can I find replacement parts for these phones?
Finding replacement parts can be challenging due to their age. Availability is limited and often requires searching through third-party sellers.
