Search
  • Videos
  • 5G Guide
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • AI
  • Security
  • TR Premium
  • more
    • Build a Website
    • Enterprise Software
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • 5G Guide
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • AI
    • Security
    • TR Premium
    • Build a Website
    • Enterprise Software
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Cracking Open the Motorola Droid Bionic

21 of 58 NEXT PREV
  • 6320098.jpg

    In September 2011, Verizon added a fourth device to its growing lineup of 4G LTE smartphones--the Motorola Droid Bionic. Like Verizon's other 4G phones (the HTC ThunderBolt, LG Revolution, and Samsung Droid Charge), the Bionic runs Google's Android operating system.

    In May, I cracked open the HTC ThunderBolt, and was excited to get my hands on another 4G device. Follow along as I go inside the Motorola Droid Bionic.

    For a more in-depth review of the Bionic's internal hardware, check out my article, "Droid Bionic Teardown: Motorola switches processors, upgrades RAM in final version."

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320099.jpg

    The Motorola Droid Bionic is available from Verizon for $299.99 (US) with a two-year contract. I bought our Bionic test device (sans contract) from a local Best Buy Mobile location for $699.99 (plus tax). Interestingly, Verizon's Web site lists the full retail price as $589.99.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320100.jpg

    Our the Droid Bionic has a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 16GB of storage, 8MP rear-facing camera, VGA-quality front-facing camera, and 4.3" display (960x540 pixels).

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320101.jpg

    Inside the Droid Bionic's box, you'll find the device itself (includes removable back panel, battery, and microSD card), USB cable, power adapter, and product documentation.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320102.jpg

    The Droid Bionic measures 5" (H) x 2.6" (W) x 0.5" (D). It weighs 5.6 ounces.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320103.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320104.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320105.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320106.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320107.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320108.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320109.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320110.jpg

    Removing the Droid Bionic's back cover grants you access to the user-replaceable battery, microSD card slot, and SIM card slot.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320111.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320112.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320113.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320114.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320115.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320116.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320117.jpg

    The Droid Bionic's rear case is held in place with 11 Torx T5 screws.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320118.jpg

    Before removing the rear case, I had to peel off a sticker that lined the back of the battery compartment.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320119.jpg

    With the rear case screws and battery compartment sticker removed, you can remove the rear case.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320120.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320121.jpg

    The internal loudspeaker, headphone jack, and LED flash are mounted to the rear case.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320122.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320123.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320124.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320125.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320126.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320127.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320128.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320129.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320130.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320131.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320132.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320133.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320134.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320135.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320136.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320137.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320138.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320139.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320140.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320141.jpg

    Unfortunately, the EMI shields on the Motorola Droid Bionic's main PCB are soldered in place. To avoid damaging the components on the PCB, I decided to leave the shields in place. There are still a few components we can remove from the main PCB.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320142.jpg

    One of the only removable shields on the Droid Bionic's main PCB is the one covering the processor. It also covers the rear-facing camera's connector.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320143.jpg

    Using a thin metal blade, I detached the 8MP rear-facing camera's connector from the main PCB.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320144.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320145.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320146.jpg

    Several rubber "cushions" surround various components on the main PCB. I removed them using a pair of tweezers.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320147.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320148.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320149.jpg

    When announced at CES 2011, Motorola indcated that the Droid Bionic would use a dual-core Nvidia TEgra 2 processor. But the final version of the phone uses this Elpida B8064B2PB-8D-F chip, which contains 8 Gb DRAM and the Texas Instruments OMAP4430 Application Processor.

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320150.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320151.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320152.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320153.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320154.jpg

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6320155.jpg

    The Motorola Droid Bionic was remarkabley easy to disassemble. It uses standard screws, has a user-replaceable battery, and readily-accessible components. Only the rear-facing camera was a pain to remove.

    For a more in-depth review of the Bionic's internal hardware, check out my article, "Droid Bionic Teardown: Motorola switches processors, upgrades RAM in final version."

    Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

21 of 58 NEXT PREV
Bill Detwiler

By Bill Detwiler | October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • 6320098.jpg
  • 6320099.jpg
  • 6320100.jpg
  • 6320101.jpg
  • 6320102.jpg
  • 6320103.jpg
  • 6320104.jpg
  • 6320105.jpg
  • 6320106.jpg
  • 6320107.jpg
  • 6320108.jpg
  • 6320109.jpg
  • 6320110.jpg
  • 6320111.jpg
  • 6320112.jpg
  • 6320113.jpg
  • 6320114.jpg
  • 6320115.jpg
  • 6320116.jpg
  • 6320117.jpg
  • 6320118.jpg
  • 6320119.jpg
  • 6320120.jpg
  • 6320121.jpg
  • 6320122.jpg
  • 6320123.jpg
  • 6320124.jpg
  • 6320125.jpg
  • 6320126.jpg
  • 6320127.jpg
  • 6320128.jpg
  • 6320129.jpg
  • 6320130.jpg
  • 6320131.jpg
  • 6320132.jpg
  • 6320133.jpg
  • 6320134.jpg
  • 6320135.jpg
  • 6320136.jpg
  • 6320137.jpg
  • 6320138.jpg
  • 6320139.jpg
  • 6320140.jpg
  • 6320141.jpg
  • 6320142.jpg
  • 6320143.jpg
  • 6320144.jpg
  • 6320145.jpg
  • 6320146.jpg
  • 6320147.jpg
  • 6320148.jpg
  • 6320149.jpg
  • 6320150.jpg
  • 6320151.jpg
  • 6320152.jpg
  • 6320153.jpg
  • 6320154.jpg
  • 6320155.jpg

TechRepublic's Bill Detwiler cracks open Motorola's Droid Bionic. Inside the Verizon 4G LTE smartphone he found hardware from Elpida, Atmel, and Qualcomm.

Read More Read Less

Before removing the rear case, I had to peel off a sticker that lined the back of the battery compartment.

Published: October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

21 of 58 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware Reviews
Bill Detwiler

By Bill Detwiler | October 25, 2011 -- 06:23 GMT (23:23 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • UAG straps for Samsung Galaxy Watch models: Nylon and leather stylish options

    Samsung's line of Galaxy Watches support quick release band options and the excellent case maker, UAG, just released three strap options for several models. ...

  • Tech21 Studio Colour case and screen protector for Pixel 4: Thin protection for Google's small phone

    The Google Pixel 4 is the latest small flagship that boasts one of the best cameras on a phone. Tech21 has a few products available to help protect your investment. ...

  • Totallee thin cases for the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 Pro: Attractive minimalist cases protect from scratches

    It seems just about everyone uses a case on their phone today, but sometimes you don't want to be bothered by the bulk, Totallee makes some of the thinnest minimalist cases today and ...

  • UAG Civilian series for Apple iPhone 11 Pro: Stylish drop protection for your expensive smartphone

    UAG has been making rugged smartphone cases for years, but this season launched its new Civilian series. The iPhone 11 Pro case is attractive while offering solid drop protection ...

  • These 7 top wireless earbuds deliver scarily superb sound

    Happy Podoween! All the major Bluetooth earbuds from your favorite manufacturers - including the new AirPod Pro -- have been updated for Fall 2019.

  • Nomad Rugged Case for Google Pixel 4: Elegant Horween leather with 6 foot drop protection

    The Google Pixel 4 is a small, powerful Android smartphone and with Nomad's new Rugged Case you can wrap it in TPU and leather. Over time the leather will patina and develop some custom ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums