Here's the Droid 4 in all its glory. It's a bit bigger, shinier, and packs more features than the original, but the essence of the Droid 1 is preserved.

Tech specs:

• Android 2.3.6 OS (Gingerbread)
• Dual-Core 1.2 GHz processor with 1 GB dual-channel RAM processor
• 16 GB internal storage and up to 32 GB microSD external storage
• 4" 960 x 540 qHD display with Corning Gorilla Glass and a water-repellent nanocoating
• 8 MP rear-facing camera with 1080P HD video capture and an "HD" front-facing camera

Motorola seems to have gifted us with some literature. Looking for a good read this afternoon? The Droid 4 comes with four different manuals!

Motorola has also graced us with this mysterious little gem, which initially looks like a SIM card eject tool complete with the Motorola logo and high-tech ultra-light design.

However, after scanning through the four included manuals (that's right, we do read the manuals), we discovered that the object is actually a rear panel removal tool! For the first time in the history of our teardowns, a device manufacturer has actually included a tool to help take apart their device -- although it's for a procedure that shouldn't require a tool to begin with.

The slide-out keyboard on the numerically-named Droids is often the biggest selling point on the phone, filling a niche market for users who prefer the kind of physical response that only a tactile keyboard can deliver. After all, how are you going to send secret texts from under the table unless you can feel the keys you're touching?

• The keyboard on the Droid 4 features the same offset key layout as the Droid 2 and the dedicated number row like the Droid 3.

Unlike previous versions, the Droid 4's upper display assembly envelops the entire lower half of the phone -- there's no lower lip on the bottom half anymore.

With a little coaxing, the rear panel easily pops off. Chalk one up for repairability!

• In case you suddenly forget how to put the case back in, Motorola has graciously included instructions for reinstalling your rear panel.

The first thing we observe on the innards of this Droid is a large sticker covering the battery. It contains identifying information for this phone, as well as several statements telling the user that the battery is not removable.

• O RLY? We'll see about that "non-removable" battery.
• This is a huge (negative) departure from earlier Droids, where the battery was always user-replaceable.

Before we tackle that dastardly sticker, we bust out a spudger to remove the micro-SIM cover.

• You could also use your fingernail to accomplish the same task, but spudgers are more scientific.

Alas! A liquid damage indicator cleverly placed below the micro-SIM cover thwarts our hopes of a Droid 4 deep-sea excursion. Sorry little buddy, looks like you're going to have to sit this one out.

Time to tackle the "non-removable battery" dilemma.

Removing the sticker reveals the Droid 4's large battery.

• Our assumptions are correct: the Droid's battery is a lot larger and more troublesome to remove than last year's model.

Did we say "more troublesome?" We meant to say "more exciting!" The addition of two T5 Torx screws holding the battery in place allows us to use one of our favorite tools, the 54-piece bit driver kit.

The battery is held on by a wonderful surprise: Copious amounts of adhesive! ...grumble grumble...

We don't get deterred by simple things like sticky batteries.The battery comes out without fuss after a little elbow grease and a spudger.

• It's actually pretty difficult to remove the battery without a pry tool like the spudger. The adhesive is so strong that you may accidentally bend the battery too much (and cause it to possibly ignite) if you try removing it with just your fingers.

The Droid 4's 3.8 V Li-ion battery reports 1785 mAh, a 5 mAh upgrade over the Droid RAZR, and a whopping 245 mAh upgrade over the Droid 3.

And then we encountered a small stumbling block. With the battery out of the way, very little held the rear bezel in place -- yet it didn't want to come off.

After what felt like years of poking, prodding, and prying the rear bezel, our spudgy-senses suddenly tingled when we looked at the plastic piece covering the battery and LED.

• Sure enough, two screws were hiding underneath the cover. Sneaky!

Removal of these screws proved to be the trick for freeing the rear bezel from its gluey prison.