Continuing our periodic spotlight on flip phones or clamshell phones, today, we take a look at two similar mobile phones by Motorola. The first was designed for non-US customers and was introduced in June 2010. Its sister model for the US was introduced a few months later in October. The models in today’s spotlight are the Motorola FlipOut and the Motorola FlipOut US.

Let’s take a look at both models, see what they offer and what the differences are. In the latter specifications on the US model, we’ll list only what’s different. If there’s not an entry line, the data is identical to the first model.

Overview

We chose this older flip phone for its unique design. Most clamshell phones sport the top hinge that opens to the keyboard along a portrait orientation. Both the Motorola FlipOut and the Motorola FlipOut US smartphones open along a landscape orientation.

Yes, there are QWERTY keyboard models that slide from the landscape position, but sliders are not flip phones. Sliders are in, well, the slide phone category.

The unique configuration of the two halves of this model pair stands in the rotation of the keyboard: It rotates into place to use or rotates back up when not in use. The swivel design of equal halves means that in retracted mode, the mobile phone is physically almost square, opposed to the rectangular design of “normal” flip phones and smartphones – very distinctive while protecting the keyboard. Unfortunately, the design leaves the screen open to scratching and cracking unless you get a screen protector. Fortunately, those are very cheap.

Understand as we get into the specifications two things: These were introduced in 2010, so expect some older feature capability, and if you can look beyond the age, these are still really cool and very uniquely designed mobile phones.

Motorola FlipOut Specifications

Dimensions: 67 x 67 x 17 mm / 120 g
Display: 2.80 inches / TFT capacitive, multi-touch screen / 320 x 240 pixels.
Operating System: Android 2.1 Eclair
Speed: 720 MHz, Single core, TI OMAP3410
Memory: 512 MB RAM / 512 MB ROM, expandable to 32 GB via microSD or microSDHC card
Battery: 1170 mAh / Talk: 2G: up to 8 hours; 3G: up to 4.5 hours / Stand-by, 2G: up to 377 hours; 3G: up to 390 hours.
Camera: 3 MP / video at 25 fps. Resolution at 352 x 288 (CIF)
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n / GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 / 3G UMTS: 900, 2100.

Additional comments: Bluetooth 2.1. Slow speed, even for older smartphones. Capable of both computer sync and OTA sync. MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, AMR player. / MPEG4, H.264, WMV player. Has FM radio. On-board support for Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Photobucket and Picasa. No front camera.

Motorola FlipOut US Specifications (Differences Only)

Connectivity: (WiFi and 2G identical) 3G: 850, 1900 MHz / HSDPA / HSUSA / EDGE

Additional comments: What’s the difference? The United States’ model offers different 3G frequency ranges in their networks. That’s all.

So if you live in the United States or in the UK or elsewhere, know that you’re not being “shorted” any feature that someone else gets. You get the unique and rather handy design, the resolution and camera, sound and video capabilities everywhere.

Enjoy!