Motorola Droid Turbo revealed: Snapdragon 805, Quad HD and two-day battery

By Alex Dobie
last updated

We've got full details on the upcoming Droid hardware from Verizon — and it's a beast

Last week a manual leak gave us a tantalizing look at what's coming in Verizon and Motorola's latest Droid handset, and today we can reveal even more information on what's looking like a super-high-end Moto phone for the U.S.'s biggest carrier. Meet the Motorola Droid Turbo.

Read on for the full details.

Motorola Droid Turbo

Thanks to leaked marketing materials sent our way by an anonymous source, we're able to show you the Droid Turbo in all its glory.

The Droid Turbo's chassis shows some similarities with last year's Droid MAXX, and red and black versions will be available, apparently with 32GB of internal storage. The Turbo's body is said to be furnished in scratch-resistant "metallized glass fiber" with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display, and basic splash-repellent properties. The phone can withstand "everyday spills and 20 minutes in a downpour," the marketing docs state. The back panel is reinforced with Kevlar, "offering a smooth finish."

Snapdragon 805, 3GB of RAM, 3,900mAh battery and wireless charging...

On the inside, the Droid Turbo boasts some beastly specs — a 2.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM and a 5.2-inch Quad HD (2560x1440) resolution display (that's an insane 565 pixels per inch). Around the back there's a 21-megapixel camera with 4K video recording capabilities and Dual LED flash. That's in addition to Motorola camera features like Quick Capture and video highlights that we've seen on the Moto X.

That's all powered by a 3,900mAh battery, which is claimed will keep the Turbo humming for 48 hours of use. As it's done with the Moto X, Motorola continues to push charging time as a differentiator, and the Droid Turbo will get 8 hours of use from a charge of just 15 minutes from the bundled Motorola Turbo Charger, it's claimed. What's more, a wireless charging back is included for hassle-free charging.

In terms of networking, expect the Turbo to support Verizon's 4G LTE/XLTE network — and within 30-90 days of launch it'll be updated to take advantage of Big Red's Wireless Calling 1.0, the carrier's VoLTE implementation.

New Droid-specific 'Zap' features are coming too.

On the software side, the device appears to be running Android 4.4 KitKat, though no OS version is specifically mentioned in the materials we've seen. In addition to Moto X features like Moto Voice, Moto Actions, Moto Assist and Moto Display, the Turbo sports a handful of new Droid-specific "Zap" features. "Zap Zone" allows Droid Turbo owners to set up their own local sharing group with those around them, and share pictures "with the flick of a finger." Zap to TV uses your Chromecast to set up an instant slideshow of your photos. And "Zap with Voice" lets you share a screenshot to your Zap Zone by saying "OK Droid Turbo, Zap my screen." (If you're so inclined.)

So what we have here is the very highest of high-end phones for Verizon, incorporating some of our favorite bits from earlier Droids (battery life from the MAXX series) as well as a bit of the extraneous fluff ("OK Droid Turbo, Zap my screen").

Anyone on Verizon tempted by this monster? Shout out in the comments!

Thanks, Anon!

More: Motorola Droid Turbo forums

Alex Dobie
Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.

373 Comments
  • Wow, pretty dope. Hope the camera is better than the X 2nd gen lol
  • Don't get your hopes up. To my knowledge, Moto has NEVER had a good camera in one of their phones. Hardware, yes. The 2014 X has a Sony sensor, but they always screw up the software processing somehow.
  • So true, the hardware is meaningless without the supporting software. They need to step up their camera software. It's great that they made the camera app self sufficient and can update through the play store, now they need to update the processing.
  • Also always had noticeably better picture quality on my old Razr running CM compared to Stock :/
  • While I do think people do get overly excited about mid spec Moto and Nexus (which never have anything special), this Moto has my interest. Not sure why people will pay $350 for a phone that does nothing good, instead of paying $400 on ebay for a flagship phone that is a few months old
  • what about this phone is "mid-spec"? I am with you though... moto usually doesnt wow me. But this is anything but mid spec'd.
  • To my understanding, he wasn't talking about the Turbo being mid-spec.
  • The X is not mid spec. Posted via Android Central App
  • My midspec MotoX is pretty must faster than any other phone in the market rightnow except the OnePlus.
  • +1 Posted via Android Central App on the Moto X
  • I'm not so sure that "nothing good" is an appropriate analysis of mid-end phones. And that's for brand new, where the $400 for flagship is going to be used. Considering my use case, I'll take mid-end new any day.
  • Will this have world phone support?
  • Locked on Verizon as far as I know Posted via the Android Central App
  • Yes it will, Verizon phones are GSM unlocked.
  • Sure, but they only work for any GSM that's not American.
  • I've seen VZW phones run with T-Mobile SIMs. They just typically won't run LTE from other US carriers. Posted via Android Central App on my Droid Maxx
  • Typing this on a Verizon LG G3 with t-mobile SIM. It's on LTE Band 4 connected to TMobile with ~40Mb/s downloads. Posted via the Android Central App, but only because this site is almost unusable on Android Chrome browsers.
  • Done this with my moto X. I get blazing LTE on tmo with my Verizon Moto X Posted via Android Central App on the Moto X
  • I am typing this on a Verizon LG G3 with a T-Mobile SIM in it. No issues. Wicked fast speed when it can get a signal from T-Mobile. Posted via the Android Central App, but only because this site is almost unusable on Android Chrome browsers.
  • Incorrect, I'm currently using a Vzw moto X on T-Mobile and get solid edge,h+, or LTE depending on my location. I've also had my prior motos from Vzw working fine with at&t as well. Prior devices requited a few hacks tho, but the X just pop the Sim in and bam you are up and rolling
  • AT&T version of the Droid Turbo will probably be called Moto X Play. Already passed the FCC. The 2014 Moto X currently has a "Pure Edition" with both U.S. and Europe LTE bands. Hopefully Motorola will do the same for the Moto X Play.
  • I keep seeing references to this "X Play" name, but why do we think that would be this device, versus the "Moto Maxx" name that Motorola trademarked earlier this year? The latter name makes much, much more sense for this kind of a mustang device. There's nothing playful about it.
  • Because that's what insiders have said it will probably be called. To appeal to "gamers" who want top of the line specs to play games. Moto X is for regular people who don't care. Moto X Play will be for people who want performance.
  • Wireless charging capabilities? With special cover, or stock? Couldn't tell by article... Posted via Android Central App
  • Probably built in Posted via Android Central App
  • Yep, built in. Posted via my S5
  • I took it to mean a separate back is bundled in the package. I could be wrong.
  • Well seeing how it seems it won't have a removable battery, most likely built in
  • Doesn't have to have a removable battery. Though not ideal, it could come bundled with a snap on back.
  • It is built in. That's the entire point of the durability design.
  • Thanks. Do you work for Verizon or Moto? And they don't mind you commenting on it? The whole point of this thread is because the way it was worded in the article is confusing. Of course it's ideal for our to be built in, but the in clear wording brought up the question in more than one person's mind.
  • Just so you know, the manual has been leaked for a few days. it seems, according to page 8 (9 of the PDF), that all you have to do is place the phone on the charging pad. There is no mention of changing backs. Also, the released images show a back that wraps around to the front bezel, something not usually indicative of a removable back. Finally, the manual also states that you should not attempt to replace the battery yourself on page 5 (6 of the PDF). I wouldn't hold out hope for that feature.
  • That's a good thing. It's the following odd wording included in this article that caused the confusion: "just 15 minutes from the bundled Motorola Turbo Charger, it's claimed. What's more, a wireless charging back is included for hassle-free charging."
  • That was a typo. He meant to say " wireless charging pad".
  • So, a wireless charger is included in the box?
  • No, just the Turbo charger. The manual states that the charging pad is an "optional Qi (pronounced “chee”) charging pad accessory."
  • This will be just like the 2013 Droids. Qi charging is built in. No special back or other voodoo required. Source: My Droid Mini.
  • We got it.
  • The Droid Maxx has it built in. No reason to expect differently from it's successor.
  • The leaked owners manual said it is built in just like the MAXX
  • Hope to be surprised and have the new nexus based on this phone. Posted via Android Central App
  • Doubt it. It will be based on the Moto X.
  • A bigger Moto X. Posted via the Android Central App
  • Yup, with a few tweaks here and there as always. This, unlike the X, seems to have actual dual front facing speakers, more like the G.
  • The G has dual speakers and not the moto X?
  • Moto X (2014) has Two Speaker Grills on the front for symmetrical aesthetics only. The lower grill is where the Mic is housed. :-(
    the New G is "booom" sound with out the copyright
  • The moto X has two speaker grilles, the top is for the earpiece. The bottom is a REAL speaker. As an owner i can guarantee it isnt aesthetic and doesnt house the mic. The bottom is a real speaker. The top is the earpiece
  • Not sure why you posted that. I am well aware of that information. My point is, unlike the Moto X, it has been said that this Nexus actually has DUAL FRONT FACING SPEAKERS. Not just look like it does, with only 1 being an actual speaker.
  • My Bad - i knew one was a speaker and one was "other" thanks for clearing that up. I had it reversed. Previous post was @ rolgar2010 @ motog question vs X
  • Sadly, yes. The Moto X' top speaker grill covers the earpiece for calls, and not an actual speaker. The bottom is actually a speaker.
  • that actually might not be a bad thing. I have HTC M7 and sometimes my cheek activates the speaker phone button on my screen (that should be off from proximity sensor but isn't always) and it will activate the speaker phone using both speakers, and it blows out my friggin' ear. I love the front facing speakers on my M7, but I might prefer just the one on the X to avoid inadvertent speakerphone destruction of my ear drum
  • Oh, no.
  • That would be nice, this looks like a very nice phone. Which I can't get. Posted via Android Central App
  • i wish that also
  • Too bad its only on Verizon. I would love this phone. Posted with my MotoX, no case needed.
  • Moto X Play is the supposed AT&T/TMo version :)
  • Returned my moto x 2 to see if this does come out for gsm devices and hopefully unlocked!
  • This will be on Tmobile bank on it. From my Galaxy Note 3 on T-Mobile via Android Central App
  • I didn't think you would ever comment something without mentioning Samsung... Posted via Android Central App
  • LMAO Posted via the Android Central App
  • See his signature :P
  • Well that's a given. Posted via Android Central App
  • Bahahahaha Posted via Android Central App on the Moto X
  • Well, there is a little issue, which is that the Droid series is exclusive to Verizon. But anything can happen
  • Obviosuly they won't brand it a Droid, but this has appeared at the FCC apparently for AT&T. Document was posted here last week, as I recall.
  • I think TKTechNews is reporting that the AT&T variant will carry on the Atrix name, which seems plausible. Posted via Android Central App
  • No it won't lmao Posted via Android Central App
  • Yeah, because a DROID has ever been on anything other than Verizon. Posted via my Mate 2 :)
  • Yeah, because they can't rebrand it, and change the casing slightly. Of course not! /s As someone above mentioned, same phone as Moto X Play would work.
  • What other Droid branded phone has been released on a different network without major changes? Just curious. Posted via the Android Central App, but only because this site is almost unusable on Android Chrome browsers.
  • Droid X was the milestone.. Posted via the Android Central App
  • The obviously won't name it droid....
  • It is for sure a Verizon exclusive
  • Why do you say that? It obviously won't be called the "Droid Turbo" though..
  • I think it even impressed Richard!! LOL
  • My thought as well.
  • OMG!!! So wish I could afford Verizon at times like this. It's almost worth getting shackled into a contract for a phone like this. This pretty much checks off every single box for me in terms of what I want/need in a phone. Going to seriously think about switching. Nice to see the Droid line back into glory. Motorola does it again.
  • Hold off for a bit--a variant for AT&T and T-Mobile recently passed through the FCC. You should be able to get the same phone but without Verizon. [EDIT]: Here is some more info:
    http://forums.androidcentral.com/motorola-droid-turbo/446542-droid-turbo...
    http://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/07/mystery-motorola-device-stops-by-fc...
  • What no way? Did not know that. Thanks for the heads up!
  • Damn I really wish ATT wasn't the only company in the world that still believes in PMA. If/when this comes to ATT they're going to disable the Qi charging... dumbasses.
  • Exactly, I stopped buying phones from att cause I'm set up for qi charging. Posted via Android Central App
  • +1 Posted via Android Central App
  • If I can get an unlocked version of this from TMO in a couple months when my contract is up I might be sold so long as the software is fairly vanilla still. This would check all the boxes to go prepaid for me. Does anyone know if there is an SD slot? Or did I miss it? Posted via the Android Central App
  • Motorola quality is second to none IMHO. I go caseless with my Moto X and it has to be the most durable phone I have owned. I wish Kevlar was an option with MotoMaker. And a two day battery? Why only on Verizon? Posted with my MotoX, no case needed.
  • In the past. I am not convinced the Chinese Motorola will be the same. Time will tell though.
  • Most Motorola phones of the past were built in China.
  • To the specs of a US company. It's the company behind the product that matters.
  • Lenovo... Nuff said
  • Because Lenovo laptops are such crappy machines right?
  • He's just on the Chinese haterade.
  • The sale has not finalized. It is still the same old Google-owned Motorola for the time being.
  • Second to HTC in quality. Jim Lloyd
  • Having owned an Eris, a Thunderbolt, and a DNA, I have to say uh, no.
  • Ummm...what's wrong with the DNA? I have one, and think it's beautifully built and performed flawlessly until it's little brother (One) horned in... Posted via the HTC One
  • Again this will make it to Tmobile and AT&T after the Verizon exclusive release period. From my Galaxy Note 3 on T-Mobile via Android Central App
  • How long do you think that exclusive release period is?
  • You're like a different person when you're not blathering on about Samsung. You're a actually coherent and seem to have something to contribute to the community, Kudos. Posted via the Android Central App
  • You forgot "period" period.
  • It is going to for sure be a Verizon exclusive
  • It's a Droid branded phone you idiot. When have you ever seen a Droid phone on anything other than Verizon?
  • It looks great, doesn't it? What phone are you rocking now?
  • Please...That argument is years old. Verizon has a $60 unlimited talk and text plan with 2gb of data now. T-Mobile is $50 but you have to pay an extra $10 per month to get more than 500mb of their LTE data.
  • You mean 2.5 gigs. Posted via the Android Central App on my Moto X
  • Is that what it is now? T-Mobile will always find a way to price themselves better than the competition, but I believe that Verizon is a superior carrier, and the 5, 10, or even 15 dollars a month difference in cost is well justified. Btw, going edge still gives you a $10 discount on a single line, I don't think the other carriers offer that for renting their phones.
  • ...Actually just about all the carriers offer that now (Verizon was the last)
  • This is incorrect. The T-Mobile $50 plan includes 1 GB of LTE and unlimited throttled data after the first GB. Their $60 plan gives you 3 GB. These are also contract free plans, unlike Verizon. Verizon also hits you for 15 bucks per GB every time you exceed the data limit.
  • Thank you. I don't want to start carrier wars. I really meant to show that Verizon isn't the "super expensive people with money" carrier that people use to view them as. Their plans are becoming more competitive.
  • Super expensive people with money? LOL no, it was the generally expensive, unlimited bloatware, locked down tight, you don't like it there's the door since you must not have a viable alternative carrier...carrier. It certainly still is! I've never heard or thought of it as a carrier for the wealthy...
  • Well I have had people pass those judgments. Verizon has gotten much more affordable lately, imo. I strongly consider them to be the best Carrier in terms of Customer Service, Call Reliability, and Network Coverage. Their prices are much more competitive now than they were before.
  • Verizon customer service sucks. I'm saying that as someone who has had a line with them for 8 years. The only reason I have them now is because they are the only carrier that gives me 4 bars of LTE on my families 180 acre farm in rural Maryland. Posted via Android Central App on the Moto X
  • I've never had much trouble with them over the last 6 years I've been using them. I do think their website is a little clunky and it's a little hard to keep up with all their plan changes sometimes. As a government employee, the 19% discount is nice, but I guess other carriers offer something similar. Posted via Android Central App
  • If you use me as a referral, you can get unlimited everything for $50! :)
  • Wish this was coming to Sprint Posted via the Android Central App
  • Or at least the 2014 X. Posted via the Android Central App
  • I was on sprint for 10+ years. I finally cut the cord after crappy phones and crappy service. I loved that I had to pay 10 extra bucks a month for my Evo, and I never used wimax once, cause It was never available. Verizons coverage is worth every penny.
  • Same here brother, but I went to AT&T instead.
  • Yeah I'd totally be tempted to upgrade if this came to Sprint, wireless charging + a bigger battery than any other phone out there + some degree of weather resistance + 5.2" or smaller chassis is like the only thing that would drive me to dump my Nexus 5 and this ticks all those boxes. It remains to be seen how portly it'll be with that big a battery tho.
  • Specs are insane! . . . But that's a face only a mother can love. The back looks nice though.
  • I know. The capacitive buttons kill the vibe Posted via Moto G
    R.I.P My Cyanogenmod S4 :'(