Droid Turbo 2 Vs Iphone 7 Did Anyone Actually Prefer The Motorola

In 2015 and 2016, two smartphones stood at opposite ends of the mobile spectrum: the Motorola Droid Turbo 2 and the Apple iPhone 7. One was a rugged Android powerhouse with an unbeatable screen warranty, the other a sleek, tightly integrated iOS device celebrated for its camera and ecosystem. On paper, the iPhone 7 won most head-to-head comparisons in reviews. But beneath the surface, a quiet group of users didn’t just stick with the Droid Turbo 2—they actively preferred it. The question isn’t whether the iPhone 7 was technically superior. It’s whether real-world usage, personal values, and long-term ownership created space for the Motorola to win hearts.

Design and Build: Durability Over Design Language

The Droid Turbo 2, exclusive to Verizon at launch, made bold promises. Its standout feature? A “shatterproof” display powered by Motorola’s proprietary Moto ShatterShield technology. While not entirely indestructible, it offered five layers of protection, including a flexible AMOLED panel that could bend rather than crack. In practical terms, this meant users could drop it on concrete, leave it in pockets with keys, or use it on construction sites without constant fear of screen damage.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 introduced a refined aluminum unibody design—sleek, elegant, and water-resistant (IP67). But despite Apple’s build quality, its glass front remained vulnerable. A single fall onto tile or pavement often resulted in costly repairs.

Tip: If you work in high-risk environments—construction, delivery, outdoor jobs—a shatter-resistant screen can save hundreds over two years.

For users prioritizing resilience over aesthetics, the Droid Turbo 2 wasn’t just different—it was liberating. No more panic when handing the phone to kids, tossing it into a backpack, or using it during workouts. That peace of mind mattered more than millimeters of thinness.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the Droid Turbo 2 packed a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32/64GB storage. The iPhone 7 used Apple’s custom A10 Fusion chip with 2GB of RAM. Benchmarks showed the A10 outperforming the Snapdragon 810 significantly, especially in single-core tasks and graphics rendering.

But raw speed isn’t the whole story. The Droid Turbo 2 ran near-stock Android with minimal bloatware. This meant faster updates (when available), cleaner navigation, and deeper customization. Users could sideload apps, change defaults freely, and integrate with Google services seamlessly. For tech-savvy individuals, this openness was a major advantage.

The iPhone 7, meanwhile, offered unmatched software optimization. iOS 10 (and later) delivered buttery-smooth animations, reliable background app management, and longer support cycles. Apple promised five years of OS updates—something Android couldn’t match at the time.

“Motorola gave users control. Apple gave them consistency. Both are valid philosophies—but they serve different people.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile UX Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Real User Preferences: A Case Study

Consider Mark T., a field service technician based in Denver. He bought the Droid Turbo 2 in November 2015 primarily because his previous two iPhones had cracked within six months. “I don’t have time to baby a phone,” he said in a 2017 interview. “I’m climbing ladders, crawling under houses, working in rain and snow. The Turbo 2 survived drops, mud, and even a dunk in a sink full of soapy water. I never once worried about the screen.”

Mark admitted the camera wasn’t as good as the iPhone’s, especially in low light. But he didn’t take many photos. What mattered was battery life (which lasted nearly two days with moderate use), replaceable microSD storage, and headphone jack retention—features Apple removed in the iPhone 7 redesign.

“People called me crazy for keeping an ‘old’ Android phone,” Mark said. “But after three years, mine still worked fine. My coworker went through four iPhones in that time between repairs and upgrades.”

Camera and Media: Where iPhone 7 Shines

There’s no denying the iPhone 7’s camera superiority. Its 12MP rear sensor, optical image stabilization (on the 7 Plus), and advanced signal processing produced sharper, more color-accurate images than the Droid Turbo 2’s 21MP shooter, which often oversharpened and struggled with dynamic range.

Apple’s ecosystem also enhanced media consumption. Seamless integration with iCloud, AirPlay, and iTunes made photo backup and sharing effortless. The stereo speakers (a first for iPhone) added immersion to videos and games.

Yet, for users less focused on photography, the Droid Turbo 2 held ground. Its 5.5-inch Quad HD display offered richer colors and better sunlight readability. And unlike the iPhone 7, it retained a 3.5mm headphone jack—critical for those using legacy audio gear or avoiding Bluetooth latency.

Comparison Table: Key Features Side-by-Side

Feature	Droid Turbo 2	iPhone 7
Release Date	November 2015	September 2016
Operating System	Android 5.1.1 (upgradable to 7.0)	iOS 10 (support up to iOS 15)
Display	5.5\" AMOLED, Quad HD, ShatterShield	4.7\" IPS LCD, 750x1334
Processor	Snapdragon 810	A10 Fusion
Rear Camera	21 MP, f/2.0	12 MP, f/1.8, OIS (7 Plus only)
Battery	3,760 mAh (non-removable)	1,960 mAh
Water Resistance	None officially rated	IP67 (dust/water resistant)
Headphone Jack	Yes	No (Lightning or adapter required)
Storage Expansion	microSD up to 128GB	No expansion
Software Support	Approx. 2–3 years	5+ years

Why Some People Still Preferred the Motorola

Despite lower benchmark scores and shorter software support, several factors made the Droid Turbo 2 a preferred choice for a niche but loyal audience:

• Battery Life: With a 3,760 mAh battery, the Turbo 2 routinely lasted 1.5 to 2 days. The iPhone 7, while efficient, rarely exceeded a single day under heavy use.
• Screen Longevity: Motorola offered a 4-year warranty on the display against shattering. No other manufacturer provided that level of confidence.
• Customization: Android allowed launchers, widgets, automation tools (like Tasker), and deeper system access.
• No Forced Ecosystem Lock-in: Users weren’t tied to iTunes or forced into Apple’s hardware upgrade cycle.

Tip: If you value long battery life and hate replacing phones every year, consider devices built for endurance—not just specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Droid Turbo 2 really shatterproof?

Motorola marketed it as “shatterproof,” but that referred specifically to the display resisting cracks from drops. It wasn’t waterproof or indestructible—drops from extreme heights or sharp impacts could still damage it. However, independent tests confirmed it survived far more abuse than typical smartphones of the era.

Did the Droid Turbo 2 get iOS-style update support?

No. While Motorola delivered timely Android Marshmallow and Nougat updates, support ended around 2018. The iPhone 7 received updates until 2023. Long-term software maintenance remains a key advantage of Apple devices.

Can you still use a Droid Turbo 2 in 2024?

Possibly, but not practically. Most modern apps require newer Android versions. Security patches stopped years ago, making it risky for banking or sensitive tasks. However, as a secondary device for music, calls, or offline use, some users keep them running.

Action Checklist: Choosing Based on Lifestyle, Not Hype

1. Evaluate your daily environment: Do you work outdoors, travel frequently, or have kids? Durability might outweigh camera quality.
2. Assess how long you keep phones: If you hold onto devices for 3+ years, prioritize battery and physical resilience.
3. Consider ecosystem needs: Do you own other Apple devices? Integration may justify sticking with iPhone.
4. Test real-world features: Headphone jack, SD card slot, and battery size matter more than GHz or megapixels.
5. Look beyond launch hype: Read year-two user reviews to see how well a phone ages.

Conclusion: Preference Is Personal

Yes—people genuinely preferred the Motorola Droid Turbo 2 over the iPhone 7. Not because it scored higher on review sites, but because it served their lives better. They valued toughness over trendiness, battery life over branding, and flexibility over frictionless simplicity.

The smartphone market often rewards polish and popularity. But for those who needed a tool more than a status symbol, the Droid Turbo 2 wasn’t just acceptable—it was ideal. It proved that even in the shadow of Apple’s dominance, there’s room for alternatives that respect user autonomy, durability, and real-world utility.

💬 Did you choose the Droid Turbo 2 over the iPhone 7—or vice versa? Share your experience and what mattered most to you.