Remember the days of thin Android phones? The Motorola Electrify 2 and DROID RAZR were iconic devices. While both share a similar chipset, subtle differences set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The DROID RAZR edges out the Electrify 2 thanks to its superior build quality, slightly better camera, and more refined software experience. Both offer a taste of classic Motorola, but the RAZR's premium feel gives it the advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 13 - Verizon |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, LTE, HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, July. Released 2012, July | 2011, October. Released 2011, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 128.5 x 65.8 x 8.4 mm (5.06 x 2.59 x 0.33 in) | 130.7 x 68.9 x 7.1 mm (5.15 x 2.71 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) | 127 g (4.48 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~56.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | Super AMOLED |
| | ColorBoost technology | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4430 | TI OMAP 4430 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | PowerVR SGX540 |
| OS | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 16 GB included |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 480p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.0, EDR, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, 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 | 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 264 h (3G) | Up to 204 h |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (3G) | Up to 12 h 30 min |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Ion 1780 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1780 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Purple |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 1.45 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
Motorola Electrify 2 XT881
- More compact design
- Slightly larger battery capacity (on paper)
- Generally more affordable (if found)
- Weaker camera
- LCD display
- No front-facing camera
- Slower performance
Motorola DROID RAZR XT912
- Super AMOLED display
- Better camera quality
- Slightly faster performance
- Premium build quality
- Front-facing camera
- Smaller battery capacity (in practice)
- Can be harder to find in good condition
- Older software
Display Comparison
Both phones feature 4.3-inch displays, but the RAZR's Super AMOLED panel offers richer colors and deeper blacks compared to the Electrify 2's LCD. Viewing angles are also slightly better on the RAZR. Resolution is similar, around 540 x 960 pixels, so sharpness isn't a major differentiator.
Camera Comparison
The DROID RAZR boasts an 8MP rear camera with better image processing and slightly improved low-light performance compared to the Electrify 2's 5MP camera. Both cameras record 1080p video, but the RAZR's video quality is noticeably better. The RAZR also has a front-facing camera, a feature absent on the Electrify 2.
Performance
While both utilize the TI OMAP 4430 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, the RAZR's Cortex-A9 architecture provides a marginal performance boost. Expect slightly faster app loading and smoother multitasking on the RAZR. However, both will struggle with modern, demanding games.
Battery Life
The DROID RAZR generally offers better battery life due to its slightly larger battery capacity (1780 mAh vs. 1900 mAh on the Electrify 2). While the Electrify 2 has a larger capacity, the RAZR's more efficient display and software contribute to longer usage times.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Electrify 2 is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic Android experience and nostalgia for older Motorola designs. The DROID RAZR is for users who appreciate a premium design, slightly better performance, and a more polished software experience, even within the constraints of older hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
For basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing, they can be. However, don't expect them to handle modern apps or games well. Consider them for nostalgia or as secondary devices.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both originally shipped with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While custom ROMs might exist, official updates are long gone.
