The Palm Pre and Pre Plus represented a bold attempt to redefine the smartphone experience with WebOS. While both devices share a core design philosophy and the convenience of wireless charging, the Pre 2 introduced a significant CPU upgrade. This comparison dissects the differences between the 600 MHz Pre Plus and the 1.0 GHz Pre 2, analyzing whether the performance gains justify the potential price difference.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Palm Pre 2 is the superior choice. The 66% CPU increase from 600 MHz to 1.0 GHz translates to a noticeably snappier experience, particularly when multitasking or running WebOS applications. While both offer wireless charging, the Pre 2’s added processing power provides a more future-proof and responsive user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 - for AT&T | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, March. Released 2010, May | 2010, October. Released 2010, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 100.5 x 59.5 x 16.9 mm (3.96 x 2.34 x 0.67 in) | 100.7 x 59.6 x 16.9 mm (3.96 x 2.35 x 0.67 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 138 g (4.87 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~186 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~186 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.1 inches, 28.6 cm2 (~47.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.1 inches, 28.6 cm2 (~47.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 600 MHz Cortex-A8 | 1.0 GHz |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX | - |
| OS | Palm webOS 1.3.5 | HP webOS 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | - |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0 / HTML | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 350 h (2G) / - (3G) | Up to 350 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 5 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Palm Pre Plus
- More affordable (likely)
- Potentially slightly better battery life due to lower CPU clock speed
- Wireless charging convenience
- Slower performance compared to Pre 2
- Noticeable lag with multitasking
Palm Pre 2
- Faster CPU for smoother performance
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- More responsive user interface
- Wireless charging convenience
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May command a higher price
Display Comparison
Both the Palm Pre Plus and Pre 2 feature a 3.1-inch touchscreen display. However, detailed specifications regarding panel type, resolution, and color accuracy are unavailable. Given the era, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize TFT LCD technology. The focus here isn’t display quality, but rather the impact of the CPU on rendering UI elements and web content on these screens. The Pre 2’s faster processor will contribute to smoother scrolling and faster page loading times.
Camera Comparison
Neither device was known for its camera prowess. Both feature a 3.2MP camera, and detailed sensor size or lens aperture information is scarce. Image quality would have been adequate for casual snapshots but not competitive with contemporary camera phones. The Pre 2’s faster processor *could* marginally improve image processing speed, but the fundamental limitations of the sensor remain unchanged. The camera is not a differentiating factor between these two models.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU: the Pre Plus utilizes a 600 MHz Cortex-A8, while the Pre 2 boasts a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8. This 66% increase in clock speed directly impacts application launch times, multitasking performance, and overall system responsiveness. While both devices likely share similar RAM configurations (details are unavailable), the faster CPU allows the Pre 2 to process data more quickly, reducing lag and improving the user experience. The Cortex-A8 architecture, while dated by today’s standards, was a capable performer in its time, and the Pre 2 leverages it more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for either device. However, both support wireless charging, a premium feature for the time. The Pre 2’s faster processor will inevitably consume more power, potentially offsetting some of the convenience of wireless charging. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but users prioritizing longevity might find the Pre Plus slightly more efficient due to its lower clock speed. The wireless charging capability, however, is a significant convenience factor for both.
Buying Guide
Buy the Palm Pre Plus if you prioritize affordability and are a light user primarily focused on basic communication and simple WebOS features. Its 600 MHz processor is sufficient for calls, texts, and email. Buy the Palm Pre 2 if you demand a smoother, more responsive experience, especially if you plan to utilize WebOS’s multitasking capabilities or anticipate using the device for more demanding applications. The 1.0 GHz CPU offers a tangible performance improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Palm Pre 2 run modern web applications smoothly?
While the Pre 2’s 1.0 GHz processor is an improvement, it’s important to remember these devices are over a decade old. Modern web applications, with their complex JavaScript and heavy reliance on bandwidth, will likely be sluggish or may not render correctly. The Pre 2 will handle simpler web pages better than the Pre Plus, but don’t expect a modern browsing experience.
❓ Is the wireless charging on these devices compatible with modern Qi chargers?
The Palm Pre Plus and Pre 2 utilize the Palm Touchstone wireless charging standard, which is *not* compatible with the widely adopted Qi standard. You will need a Palm Touchstone charging dock or pad to wirelessly charge these devices. Finding compatible chargers may be challenging due to their age and limited availability.
❓ Can I upgrade the WebOS version on either of these devices?
Officially, Palm no longer supports WebOS updates for the Pre Plus or Pre 2. However, the WebOS community has maintained unofficial builds and ports. The feasibility of upgrading depends on the device’s condition and your technical expertise. Proceed with caution, as unofficial updates can potentially brick your device.
