Motorola RAZR V3

Motorola RAZR V3 Review

The Motorola RAZR V3, the latest and most long-awaited phone in the Motorola brand family, has finally made its way to store shelves. It may be a bit expensive at around $450, but it is well worth it once users learn of its many capabilities.

When looking at the Motorola RAZR V3 head-on, many may find that it looks very similar to other flip phones. But, once you have turned the handset over so that it is resting on its side, the difference will be clear. The Motorola RAZR V3 measures in at 3.8 by 2.0 by 0.5 inches, and it weigh in at a mere 3.3 ounces. Users looking for a small, portable phone will love this model because it is small enough to fit easily into a pocket. So small, in fact, it is actually smaller in size than most standard wallets. The fact that it is light will win over users who do not like the feeling of a heavy, bulky cell phone in their pocket. But, don't let the small design fool you. The Motorola RAZR V3 is built quite solidly. The hinges are quite strong, and will prove their strength by opening and closing with power and authority. However, be aware that any phone this slim isn't indestructible. Those who are prone to accidents, or work in a high risk job, should be wary of carrying a phone this slim.

The phone's external display, just about the size of a standard postage stamp, supports about 4,000 colors. It has the ability to display the time, signal strength, battery life, and also Caller-ID information if it is available. This display can be viewed in just about any lighting setting. But, be aware that, when the backlighting turns itself off, the screen will go dark. Unfortunately this isn't an option that can be changed. The VGA camera lens can be found safely above the screen so as not to be constantly handled. Users aren't given the option of a self-portrait mirror or a flash, but the phone's external screen will act as a viewfinder when the phone isn't open. Users won't find many controls on the external surface of the Motorola RAZR V3. The button for the voice recorder can be found to the right of the phone's front flap. The volume rocker, as well as the camera key can be found to the left. When the phone is opened, this camera button works as the third soft key. Since they are on the side of the phone, these buttons are a bit thin, however they are still easy to find and use.

The internal screen is quite easy to view when the phone is in direct light. However, if users find the text is too small, there is no way to change it. Below the screen, users will find the phone's keypad and navigation controls. To make sure the V3 remains slim, the navigations buttons do not protrude, instead lying flush with the phone's surface. The control may have the tendency to be a bit slippery; however they are sized well and can be mastered in a short amount of time. The phone offers a 5-way toggle for menu navigation. This toggle also operates as a shortcut for four different features to be defined by the phone's user. Users will also find two soft keys, a Talk button, and End button, and keys that are dedicated for messaging and browsing the web. Anyone familiar with other Motorola models won't be surprised to learn that there are no keys dedicated to Back or to the camera. And, as anyone familiar with the Motorola V180 may already know the V3 also offers the End and Talk buttons in different positions, unlike on some of the other models from the
Motorola brand.

One thing that users should be aware of is that the phone's buttons are smooth. This lack of texture can make it hard for anyone who is used to dialing based solely on feel alone. The V3 also offers many generous features. There is a phone book that can hold 1,000 contacts with up to one email address and six phone numbers per entry, as well as an dditional 250 entries that can be stored in a SIM card. Any contacts entered can be assigned different groups, and can also be paired up with a picture and/or one of the 5 polyphonic or 14 monophonic ring tones. Users will also get a vibration mode, multimedia and text messaging, support for MP3 files, voice dialing, a calculator, an alarm clock, a date book, a WAP 2.0 wireless web browser, AOL IM, and also a voice recorder. Also not to be forgotten is the phone's support for SMTP, POP3, and IMAP4 email, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, a speakerphone, and a USB port.

The VGA camera included with the V3 is able to take pictures in three different resolutions: 640?480, 320?240, and 160?120. Other features of the camera include a self-timer, a 4x zoom, the ability to adjust the picture's exposure setting or brightness, and also the choice of five shutter sounds, a silent option, and six different lighting conditions. Pictures taken with the phone can be sent to anyone the user wants, can be paired with contacts, and can be saved as wallpaper. There is also a counter that keeps track of the amount of space remaining in the phone's 6MB memory. The V3 can play video, but unfortunately cannot record them. If users want to personalize their V3s, he or she can choose from a variety of colors, wallpapers, screensavers, and sounds. There is also one Java-enable game called Jawbreaker included with the V3, as well as a slide show option for viewing any pictures that have been taken. Any user with a Cingular plan can download additional titles, as well as find additional ring tones and options for the V3.