Mobile News

Release Date: March 7, 2010

$350 Retail
$99 with a 2-year AT&T contract + Online Discount

Battery

This QWERTY keyboard, Android 1.5 flip phone by Motorola starts off with a disappointing battery charge life. Daily Motorola Backflip users will find the need to charge their new gadget once a day and if they use the internet, take a couple of pictures, use apps, talk for an extended amount of time, or basically do what most cell phone users do, the Backflip will need to be charged more than once per day. This means the Motorola Backflip might not be the best choice for busy people who are constantly on the go.

Memory and Processor Speed

The Backflip includes a 528MHz processor. Although the processor speed is disappointing, the phone makes up for it with its 2GB of memory and 32GB Micro SD card, which can be added to expand the Backflip’s internal memory. These specs make the Motorola Backflip run much like the Motorola Cliq, although each have different looks.

Screen

While the Backflip features a 480 x 320 resolution on a 3.1″ screen, some users have complaints of an overall “pixelated” look whether viewing photos or text. And when used outdoors, the user will need to shade the phone’s screen; otherwise, they will not be able to see the display.

Form

What makes the Motorola Backflip distinctive is its reverse-flip design, or ability to whip out the screen that is located behind the keyboard, giving users quick keyboard access. It also features a scrolling touchpad that while although fun to use, runs slower than physical keyboard’s arrow keys. This phone is tall, narrow, and thick, making it too large to comfortable fit into a pocket.

Controls

Motorola got it right when it made the Backflip’s keyboard. This backlit keyboard with large, easy-to-read keys make it a delight to use. Despite the slight separation between individual keys, typing can be accomplished accurately and quickly. The headphone jack and power button are located on the top of the Backflip while the camera shutter and volume are located on the right, leaving the left side clear for the keyboard hinge.

Camera

This phone boasts a 5.0 megapixel camera with a 4X zoom. The lens and flash can be found on the back of the Backflip’s keyboard. While it is known to take decent pictures, there have been reports of slow capture times, making the user more likely to move the phone before getting the shot. This in turn causes blurry pictures.

Other Features

•    Bluetooth 2.0 complete with stereo
•    Wi-Fi, the new cell phone standard that will come in handy with AT&T’s lackluster 3G broadband network
•    Qualcomm MSM 7200A processor
•    The social networking connector exclusive to Motorola–MotoBlur
•    The Backflip is due for an Android upgrade from 1.5 to 2.1 in the fall of 2010
•    AT&TQuickoffice
•    AT&T Navigator and Google Maps
•    Mp3 and ACC supported playback
•    Underpowered external speaker
•    Three music app selections–AT&T Radio, MusicID, and Music Player