Motorola Backflip

Motorola BackFlip
Codename	Motus
Manufacturer	Motorola Mobility
Model	MB300
Compatible networks	UMTS 900/1900/2100
Type	Flip smartphone
Dimensions	53.00 × 108.00 × 15.30 mm
Mass	133 g (4.7 oz)
CPU	528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A processor (overclockable to 768 MHz via root and overclock kernel)
Memory	RAM: 256MB, ROM: 512MB
Storage	Flash memory: 256 MB, 199 free; microSD slot: supports up to 32 GB
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 1420 mAh, stand-by: up to 320 h, talk time: up to 6 h
Data inputs	Capacitive touchscreen, virtual keyboard, flip QWERTY keyboard
Display	320 × 480 px, 3.1 in (79 mm), TFT LCD, HVGA
Rear camera	5.0 megapixel with auto focus, geotagging
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Micro USB, A-GPS

The Motorola Backflip (also called the Motorola Motus in some regions) is a touchscreen smartphone released to the U.S. for the AT&T Mobility network on March 7, 2010, and for other countries on Telus and Optus networks. It runs the open source Google Android software.

General features[]

The phone is built on the Android platform 1.5. Motorola features Motoblur, which integrates multiple social network service sites on the homescreen. This cannot be uninstalled or disabled unless the phone is modified.
It has a full QWERTY keypad with a "reverse flip" design. When the device is closed and the screen is visible to the user, the reverse side is the keypad itself. Opening the device causes the screen to flip so that it rests above the keypad.

Specifications[]

The specifications according to the Motorola website in June 2010:^[1]

Hardware[]

Model MB300
Screen size: 3.1-in.
Screen resolution: HVGA (320 × 480 pixels)
Weight: 4.7 oz
Size: 53.0 × 108.0 × 15.3 mm
Input devices: QWERTY keyboard, touchscreen, Backtrack navigation pad behind screen
Battery: 1400 mAh Li Ion 3.7v Motorola BN80
Talk time: 350 min, 6 hrs
Standby time: up to 315 hrs, 13.5 days
Processor: 528 mHz (overclockable to 768 MHz via root and overclock kernel)
RAM: 256MB
ROM: 512MB
Memory: up to 32 GB microSD
Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g
Bluetooth: 2.0 + EDR and A2DP
GPS receiver, accelerometer
Dual microphone with noise cancellation
Five megapixels with 4x digital zoom
LED flash and automatic focus
Video capture rate of 24 fps^[1]

Applications[]

Users may customize their phones by installing apps through the Android Market;^[2] however, some carriers (AT&T) do not give users the option to install non-market apps onto the Backflip (a policy they have continued with all of their Android phones).^[3] This has created some controversy with users, as the non-market apps are often seen as a useful way to expand a phone's capabilities.^{[citation needed]} Users can circumvent this limitation by manually installing 3rd party apps using the tools included with the SDK while the handset is connected to a computer.^{[citation needed]}

Reviews[]

Reviews are generally mixed to unfavorable.^{[citation needed]} Michael Oryl, of "Mobileburn.com," likes the "Backtrack" touchpad on the back of the phone, but points out that large hands often activate it accidentally.^[4] Victor Godinez, of The Dallas Morning News, suggests that the phone is aimed towards social networkers, and points out that the price is higher than other options with additional features such as the iPhone.^[5]

System upgrades[]

On November 9, 2010, a downloadable update, Android OS 2.1 (Eclair) and a compatible version of MotoBlur was released by Motorola for AT&T Backflip customers, U.S. only. The update is unavailable over-the-air (OTA). Since then Eclair is available for phones outside U.S. that are rooted with custom recoveries^[6] installed and radio updated. CyanogenMod 7.2 (Android 2.3.7) is available through official releases.^[7] Other custom roms are also available.^[8]

Overclocking[]

Overclocking is possible via overclocking kernels^[8] and direct overclocking.^[9] Overclocking is available up to 768 MHz on the official cyanogenmod 7 rom.

Multitouch[]

Since this phone lacks the multitouch feature, a patch was made available for the froyo rom. However many testers have reported problems with the touchscreen which becomes jerky and eventually ceases to operate.^{[citation needed]}