Motorola Droid 4 (XT894)

Photo: Eleverse via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Motorola

Motorola Droid 4 (XT894)

February 10, 2012 7/10 Rating
In brief: The Motorola Droid 4 was a landmark smartphone known for its full five-row slide-out QWERTY keyboard and 4G LTE connectivity, offering a powerful option for users who preferred tactile typing. It ran on Android and featured a dual-core processor, making it a strong contender in its era for productivity and fast data speeds.
Display4.0-inch qHD TFT LCD with 540 x 960 resolution.
ChipsetPowered by a TI OMAP 4430 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor.
Main CameraFeatures an 8 MP camera capable of 1080p video recording.
BatteryEquipped with a non-removable 1785 mAh Li-Ion battery.
Starting from $40 in International

💰 Motorola Droid 4 (XT894) Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $40, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent and spacious slide-out QWERTY keyboard with a dedicated number row.
  • Fast 4G LTE connectivity for its time.
  • Solid build quality and durable design.
  • Good call quality.
  • HDMI output for connecting to external displays.

Cons

  • Display resolution and quality were considered average compared to competitors.
  • Non-removable battery, limiting user replacement.
  • Initial Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS was outdated at launch, though upgradable.
  • Relatively thick and heavy due to the sliding keyboard mechanism.
  • Camera performance could be inconsistent, sometimes producing washed-out pictures.
★ Our Verdict

The Motorola Droid 4 received a solid rating primarily due to its best-in-class physical QWERTY keyboard and early adoption of 4G LTE, despite some drawbacks like its average display and non-removable battery.

The Motorola Droid 4, released in 2012, is now a vintage smartphone. While it was highly praised for its physical QWERTY keyboard and 4G LTE capabilities at the time, its specifications are significantly outdated by modern standards. It runs on an older version of Android (up to 4.1 Jelly Bean), meaning many current apps will not be compatible, and security updates are long ceased. The non-removable battery will likely have degraded significantly over time, and finding replacement parts or professional repair services will be challenging. This phone is best suited for collectors, enthusiasts of physical keyboards, or those seeking a nostalgic device rather than a functional daily driver. If you're considering it, ensure you understand its limitations and that it's primarily for historical or niche use. Do not expect modern smartphone performance or app compatibility.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Motorola Droid 4 Handset
  • Wall Charger (USB AC adapter)
  • USB to microUSB Cable
  • Micro-SIM card (pre-installed by carrier)
  • Documentation (manuals, safety guide)
  • SIM ejector tool (or similar key for battery door)

Motorola typically offers a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects for its devices.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the main highlight of the Motorola Droid 4?

The main highlight of the Motorola Droid 4 is its full five-row slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which was highly regarded for its tactile feedback and dedicated number row, combined with 4G LTE connectivity.

When was the Motorola Droid 4 released?

The Motorola Droid 4 was officially released on February 10, 2012, on Verizon Wireless.

Does the Motorola Droid 4 have a physical keyboard?

Yes, the Motorola Droid 4 features a prominent slide-out, five-row physical QWERTY keyboard, which was one of its defining characteristics.

What operating system did the Motorola Droid 4 run?

The Motorola Droid 4 initially launched with Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) and was officially upgradable to Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean).

Is the battery in the Motorola Droid 4 removable?

No, the 1785 mAh Li-Ion battery in the Motorola Droid 4 is non-removable, meaning it cannot be easily replaced by the user.

What kind of network connectivity does the Droid 4 support?

The Motorola Droid 4 supported CDMA, EVDO Rev. A, and 4G LTE networks, primarily on Verizon Wireless, offering fast data speeds for its time.