Motorola Atrix vs Apple iPhone 4: Smartphone showdown
- — 07 April, 2011 08:50
The Motorola Atrix is one of the first Android smartphones to come equipped with a 1GHz dual-core processor. Running Google's Android 'Froyo' 2.2 operating system, the Atrix has an HDMI-out port, records HD video, and can be transformed into more than just a smartphone thanks to Motorola's powerful HD Multimedia Dock and Laptop Dock accessories.
Read our comprehensive Motorola Atrix review and check out our roundup of the best upcoming smartphones in 2011.
Motorola may be banking on its optional accessories to give the Atrix an edge over the competition — particularly the Apple iPhone 4 — but the Atrix is a fast and powerful mobile device in its own right and is a worthy choice for anyone looking for an excellent Android phone.
With this in mind, how does the Motorola Atrix stack up against the iPhone 4 when it comes to specifications?
Motorola Atrix vs. Apple iPhone 4: Specifications
| Feature | Apple iPhone 4 | Motorola Atrix | Verdict? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating system (OS) | Apple iOS | Google Android 2.2 'Froyo' (upgradeable to 2.3) | Draw |
| Display size | 3.5in | 4in | Motorola Atrix |
| Display technology | Capacitive retina IPS | Capacitive TFT | iPhone 4 |
| Display resolution | 640x960 pixels | 540x960 pixels | iPhone 4 |
| Multitouch | Yes | Yes | Draw |
| Camera | 5 megapixels, LED flash, autofocus, geotagging | 5 megapixels, LED flash, autofocus, geotagging, image stabilisation | Draw |
| FM radio | No | Yes | Motorola Atrix |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Draw |
| Internal memory | 16GB or 32GB | 16GB | iPhone 4 |
| Expandable memory | No | microSD card slot | Motorola Atrix |
| Dimensions | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3mm | 117.8 x 63.5 x 10.1mm | iPhone 4 |
| Weight | 137g | 135g | Motorola Atrix |
| Application store | Apple App Store | Google Android Market | iPhone 4 |
| Processor | Apple A4 | ARM Cortex A9 dual-core (1GHz) | Motorola Atrix |
| 3G networks | HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 | HSDPA 850/1900/2100 | iPhone 4 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11b/g/n | Draw |
| Bluetooth | 2.1 with A2DP | 2.1 with A2DP | Draw |
| HDMI-out | No | Yes | Motorola Atrix |
| Quoted talk time | Up to 7 hours | Up to 9 hours | Motorola Atrix |
| Quoted standby time | Up to 300 hours | Up to 250 hours | iPhone 4 |
| Adobe Flash support | No | Yes | Motorola Atrix |
Motorola Atrix vs. iPhone 4: Design and display
The Motorola Atrix Android phone may lack the unibody design of competitors like the HTC Desire HD, but its plastic frame feels relatively well constructed. The Motorola Atrix is also less than 11mm thick, which is a nice surprise given it comes with a large 4in capacitive touchscreen.
Motorola has used 'Gorilla Glass' for the Atrix's display, which the company claims is difficult to scratch or crack. The screen is bright and clear and has excellent resolution but it doesn't fare too well in bright sunlight. The Motorola Atrix's display has a resolution of 540x960, making it a full 16:9 screen that is great for video playback.
Apple's iPhone 4 screen uses IPS technology (the same used on the iPad, and thanks to its high 640x960 pixel resolution it has been described as a Retina display, due to the human eye being unable to distinguish individual pixels. The iPhone 4 has a unique design that Apple claims to be more durable — it is constructed from a combination of aluminosilcate glass and is just 9.3 millimetres thick.
The Motorola Atrix is less than 11mm thick; a nice surprise given it has a 4in display.
Comments
JCNYC
1
This article is pointless. You're comparing two different generation phones. Aside from the operating systems which just depend on your preference for android or apple, there's no comparison between the two phones. The Atrix is clearly ahead of the iphone in any hardware battle as it is a dual-core 1GB ram phone. Also, iPhone gets the edge in internal memory??? They have the same amount of storage but you have to pay another 100$ for the extra 16gb on the iphone and that warrants iphone the edge? I've had both phones and the Atrix is a clear clear superior phone. There is no comparison.
ky
2
This article its not even close to the truth. GPS a draw are you joking? There is no contest on GPS, atrix GPS gives you turn by turn directions. While the iPhone doesn't and it sucks too. App store there are all the best apps on both app stores. and there is very little difference on screen display but by the zize of the attic makes up for the little more display the iPhone have. 3g network? They both have the same and on the tip the attic has way better reception. And there are a bunch of others things you don't mentioned here.
Mike
3
why are we even comparing a 4G phone vs. a 3G phone?? Am I missing something here? Give me the 4G, and I'm sure it has all the functionality of the 3G plus more!!!
Mike
4
This is the beginning of the end of the IPhone. They will call it the 4 to fool people into thinking they have a 4G phone. Then the 5 will pretend that they are ahead of everyone only to reveal that it is just a 4G phone. Apple will continue top over charge and over price and take advantage of the uneducated. I'm still amazed they are still in business charging 4 thousand dollars for a laptop. I can buy 8 MS laptops at that price.
Todd
5
If you wish to comment on this, please educate yourselves. These posts contradict themselves. I actually tested the inspire,atrix and a 3gs. Side by side the 3gs was the only one to not glitch and the 3gs was faster retrieving web pages (with all phones pulling from a 3g + tower). Apple software is far superior and that IMOP is the biggest difference. Android has third party apps that are un-secure and that alone presents problems. All of Apple's apps are legit. You can throw all the numbers you want at a phone but it comes down to functionality.