| Motorola RAZR V3i |
| General |
| Network | Gsm 850 / Gsm 900 / Gsm 1800 / Gsm 1900 |
| Announced | 2005, November |
| Status | Available |
| Size |
| Dimensions | 98 X 53 X 13.9 Mm, 65 Cc |
| Weight | 100 G |
| Display |
| Type | Tft, 256k Colors |
| Size | 176 X 220 Pixels, 9 Lines, 35 X 44 Mm |
| | - Second Cstn Display (96 X 80 Pixels), 65k Colors
- Anodized Aluminum Case
- Downloadable Logos |
| Ringtones |
| Type | Polyphonic (24 Channels), Mp3 |
| Customization | Composer, Download, |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Memory |
| Phonebook | 1000 Entries, Photo Call |
| Call Records | 10 Dialed, 10 Received, 10 Missed Calls |
| Card Slot | Microsd (transflash) , Up To 512mb, |
| | - 10 Mb Shared Memory |
| Data |
| Gprs | Class 10 (4+1/3+2 Slots), 32 - 48 Kbps |
| Hscsd | No |
| Edge | No |
| 3g | No |
| Wlan | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, V1.2 |
| Infrared Port | No |
| Usb | Yes, Miniusb |
| Features |
| Messaging | Sms, Ems, Mms, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Browser | Wap 2.0/xhtml |
| Games | Yes + Downloadable, |
| Colors | Silver Quartz |
| Camera | 1.23 Mp, 1280 X 960 Pixels, Video |
| | - Apple Itunes Compatible
- Java Midp 2.0
- Mp3/mpeg4 Player
- T9
- Pim Functions
- Calculator
- Currency Converter
- Built-in Handsfree
- Speaker Independent Voice Dial
- Voice Dial/memo |
| Battery |
| | Standard Battery, Li-ion 710 Mah |
| Stand-by | Up To 200 H |
| Talk Time | Up To 3 H 30 Min |
|
Motorola - RAZR V3iThe original Motorola RAZR V3 was released for Cingular in late 2004. And while other carriers have gotten newer and more advanced versions of the iconic handheld, Cingular customers have patiently waited for a successor.
With the new RAZR V3i, Motorola undertook the challenge of improving upon the look, design, and features of the popular original. Replacing a legend is never easy, but the V3i presents a long overdue upgrade over the original while offering a design update that maintains its trademark ultra-slim profile.
The V3i was originally scheduled for release at the end of 2005, but mysteriously delayed until now. Consequently, some of the phone's features are dated and no longer cutting edge, but the addition of a memory card slot, 1.23-megapixel camera, and iTunes make the V3i a welcome improvement over the original RAZR.
Having addressed the shortcomings of the original RAZR, the V3i provides an attractive new design to once again stand out in an ultra-thin market.
Design
Building on the V3's popular design, the V3i offers an updated and streamlined look while maintaining its ultra-slim profile. Dark gunmetal gray casing that features a brushed texture on the upper section gives the phone an interesting and stylish look. The solid feel and smooth lines of the V3 have only been enhanced by the V3i's updates.
The clear area that surrounds the 65K-color external LCD has grown and now encompasses the Motorola logo that glows blue whenever the external screen's backlight is activated. The small external screen offers at-a-glance access to the time, network status, and battery strength.
Located at the top of the phone is the 1.23-megapixel digital camera which allows the user to take photos up to 1280 x 960 px. For self-portraits or group shots the external LCD can be used as the viewfinder.
Along the sides of the phone are shortcut keys that allow for easy access when the clamshell is closed or while speaking on the phone. A dedicated Voice Key on the right activates the MotoSpeak advanced speech recognition feature. Along the left side, the Volume Keys can be used to adjust the volume of the ringer, earpiece, and external speaker. Below the volume buttons, a Smart Key has a variety of uses - including as a selection key or to take a picture with the clamshell closed. A multi-function port on the bottom left accommodates the charger, Motorola headset, or USB cable to connect to a PC.
The external speaker for use with the Speakerphone or MP3 player can be found on the bottom of the handset's back. The upper half of the back comes off to reveal the battery, memory, and SIM cards.
Minor improvements are offered on the stylized interior that features the nickel-plated copper alloy keypad and blue electro-luminescence panel. With the removal of some superfluous lines, the keypad offers a cleaner look and raised arrows on the 5-way navigational button make it easier to navigate. An iTunes button has also been added to the keypad - replacing the messaging key - to make it easier to access the music player.
A new 262K-color LCD offers bright and vivid images at 176 x 220 px in resolution. At the top of the keypad, the Menu and Left and Right softkeys offer intuitive control while MEdiaNet and iTunes buttons offer convenient shortcuts. Send and End Keys fill out the rest of the top section which features the 5-Way Navigation Button in the middle. The V3i's unique and ultra-thin keypad features a cool blue glow, and is easy to use but does have a different feel that may require some adjustment for heavy text messagers.
Inside and out, the RAZR V3i combines style with cutting edge details that make it unique from other phones on the market and even manage to set it apart from the original V3.
Out of the box, the Motorola RAZR V3i comes with a Standard 750 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Charger, 512 MB Memory Card, Headphones with Hands-Free Speaker, USB Cable, iTunes CD, Quick Reference Guide, and User Manual.
Camera
Built in to the V3i's slim case is a 1.23-megapixel digital camera that can be operated by the Smart Key. Using the internal LCD as a viewfinder, the user is able to take pictures up to 1280 x 960 px; a significant step up from the V3's VGA camera.
In addition to high resolution (1280 x 960 px) photos, the V3i can also take pictures at 640 x 480 px, 320 x 240 px, and 160 x 120 px. The navigation pad adjusts the lighting conditions (Automatic, Sunny, Cloudy, Indoor Home, Indoor Office, Night) and the 8x Digital Zoom. Available at all resolutions, the digital zoom does not allow for finer detail as it merely crops the image further with each level of zoom. A Self-Timer (Off, 5 sec, and 10 sec) is also offered on the V3i.
Self portraits are easy to take with the V3i through the use of the external LCD. Using the Smart key on the side of the phone, the user can take photos without opening the clamshell.
Lacking flash, low light conditions can present a problem for the V3i's camera. The Indoor and Night lighting modes can improve the camera's performance but its effectiveness is limited when the lights go down.
Video clips can be taken with the V3i and stored or sent through the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Zoom is available for video clips but the zoom level can not be adjusted once recording has begun. Video length is limited only by the amount of space on the memory card but for sending through MMS they are restricted to around 30 seconds.
At 1.23-megapixels, the V3i's camera is a mid-level offering that can serve as an adequate replacement for a full time digital camera under regular lighting conditions. While it doesn't boast the resolution of the 2 or 3-megapixels cameras that are available on the newest phones, it is far superior to the VGA cameras on entry level phones. While the camera is able to take print quality photos, its video capabilities are limited, making it a fun, novelty feature but little else.
Basic Features
Similar to the V3, the V3i offers quad-band (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz) service that allows users to roam seamlessly across countries and continents, provided it's unlocked.
A new feature found on the V3i that was not available on previous versions of the RAZR is Airplane Mode. Preventing the phone from making or receiving calls, Airplane Mode comes in handy when RF frequency is prohibited, still allowing consumers to access the phone's multimedia features.
The user interface is the same used in most recent Motorola phones. While it can be challenging to navigate, it has the advantage of at least being familiar to Motorola users. The main menu is listed in the traditional 3x3 gird mode and the background picture is shown faintly behind the menu giving it a slightly custom look.
Motorola rated the V3i's 750 mAh Li-Ion battery at 3.0 and 200 hours (8 days) of talk and standby times respectively which falls just shy of the ratings for previous RAZR models. These times are under optimal conditions and are often listed as maximum times by the manufactures so actual performance may vary. With all of the phone's features, the limited battery life is concerning but should not cause problems as long as the phone is charged regularly.
Screen
A 65K-color external display offers the user a convenient look at the phone's battery level, network status, and date and time. Utilizing STN (Super Twisted Nematic) LCD technology, the 96 x 80 px screen's brightness and color are limited but it offers extended battery life.
By contrast, the 262K-color internal LCD is constructed of TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD technology. A marked improvement over the dated 65K-color display in the V3, the V3i's screen provides rich contrast and brightness, but still trails high-end devices beginning to offer 16.7 million color LCDs.
Compared to TFT screens, STN displays are duller and refresh slower but they offer reduced battery consumption. TFT screens have circuit transistors on the glass to provide more intense colors and by not having to scan pixel locations, they refresh faster as well.
With its small size and limited color and brightness, the external screen can be challenging to use especially outside in sunny conditions, but is efficient in its battery consumption. The more crucial internal display offers greater performance and is a noticeable improvement over the V3.
Audio
Integrated with iTunes, the popular software from the iPod, the V3i is able to access Apple's software with its MP3 player. Consumers can create playlists or sort songs by Artist, Album, and Title. iTunes is easily accessed through a dedicated key on the keypad and the controls are intuitive as the Left / Right navigational arrows can be used to Fast Forward, Rewind, Skip, or Back. Song volume is adjusted through either the Up / Down navigational arrows or the earpiece volume button on the side of the phone.
Well integrated with the phone, the iTunes software allows consumers to listen to tracks while using the phone's other features. The user is able to take advantage of the V3i's music capability while sending text messages, using the camera, or checking email, and the music pauses when incoming calls occur.
With a 512 MB external memory card included in the box, the handset offers sufficient storage space for music, however iTunes imposes a hard limit of 50 songs. Implemented to prevent Apple from cannibalizing its own iPod market share, the V3i shares the same faults that lead to the downfall of the ROKR (which even had a 100 song limit). Users who try to add more than 50 songs to the V3i will be greeted with, "Some of the songs in the iTunes music library were not copied to the mobile phone because this mobile phone is limited to 50 songs."
For users who don't need a lot of songs, they can enjoy the stereo sound quality offered by the included headphones or blast it through the speakerphone's external speaker. iTunes, unfortunately, does not allow the use of Bluetooth headsets.
Through the included USB cable, the V3i can easily transfer songs from a Mac or PC. Songs can simply be dragged and dropped onto the V3i through the included software or iTunes can autofill the V3i with a random mix from the consumer's music library.
Using the included USB cable, songs can be purchased through the iTunes music store on a computer and easily dragged and dropped onto the V3i through the included software or iTunes can autofill the V3i with a random mix from the consumer's music library. Ringtones can be purchased through the phone from Cingular's MEdiaNet.
The iTunes name will be a popular selling feature for the phone although it offers little that could not be provided by a traditional media player. Any benefit of iTunes is severely crippled by the impositions put in place by Apple.
Messaging
The V3i provides all of the standard text messaging options while offering iTAP for faster typing. The handset features SMS (Short Messaging Service) for sending text, EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service) for positioning layouts, and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) for sending photos, sound, or video clips.
With the most popular services pre-installed, the V3i allows the user to send and receive messages via AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, and Yahoo. Not just limited to text messaging, the V3i offers easy access to 3rd party email accounts through POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols.
A capable messaging unit, the V3i allows the customer to keep in touch with their friends and family through email and instant messaging even when they are away from their computer.
Entertainment
Basic applications found on the V3i include an Alarm Clock, Calculator, Datebook and a program for saving passwords. While this is a limited list, users can download additional programs through the MEdiaNet service.
Utilizing J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition) technology, one of the leading mobile platforms on the market, consumers have a wide variety of programs and applications they can choose from.
Designed more for entertainment than for business uses, the V3i offers limited applications but a long game list. The V3i comes pre-installed with:
- Asphalt Urban GT - Race on different courses in 8 cities while avoiding the Police and performing impressive jumps
- Bejeweled Demo Version (puzzle game) - Rubix cube-like puzzle game where you swap adjacent gems to line up three or more of the same jewel type horizontally or vertically and eliminate them
- Blockbreaker Deluxe - Wall breaker game set in distinctive night-life settings: cool bars, discos, , a casino, and more
- Tetris Demo - One of the most popular and addictive puzzle games of all time features updated graphics and animation
- Flee - Attempt to flee the country in this exciting adventure game
- Rebels - Eliminate all of the enemy space ships on each level
- Solitaire - Popular card game
An impressive feature of the phone is Motorola's speech recognition system, MotoSpeak. Allowing users to place name and digit calls with just the sound of their voice, the program does not require pre-recording or training. Users simply press the dedicated voice key on the side of the phone and say a command such as "Name Dial," "Voicemail," or "Camera."
Internet
A phone that was originally intended to be released almost a year ago, the V3i shows its age with outdated GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Class 10 (4+2) packet-based technology. Users can expect to get 48 kbps download speeds, suitable for the occasional ringtone or song download but limiting for heavy multimedia users.
Failing to improve upon the original RAZR in this area, the V3i is not capable of accessing Cingular's EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution) network, a 2.5G standard. The latest phones are already surpassing EDGE, offering HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) for broadband 3G speeds which allow for downloads that are 3-12x faster than GPRS.
A new feature offered on the V3i is Motorola's SCREEN3 technology which offers zero-click access to news, sports, entertainment and other web content. The data automatically appears along a ticker like display at the bottom of the home screen without the user having to select it or run a program.
While the V3i is not intended for the heavy multimedia user, making the phone at least EDGE capable would have been an important improvement. If it had been released at its original launch date this would not have been as glaring a weakness but with even most mid-level phones currently offering EDGE capability, it is surprising for a higher end phone to not offer it.
Storage
The addition of a 512 MB memory card to the V3i greatly increases its capability as a multimedia device and is one of the most critical improvements over the V3. With the limited 12.0 MB of internal memory, the memory card gives it sufficient space to store MP3s, high resolution photos, and videos.
Connectivity
Supporting Bluetooth v1.2 wireless technology, the V3i is able to connect with Bluetooth-compatible accessories within a 10 meter (30 foot) radius.
Able to connect with a variety of Bluetooth devices, the V3i supports Headset Profile (HSP) for wireless communication with popular Bluetooth headsets, Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for hands-free car kits, and even Dial-Up Networking (DUN) which allows users to connect to their laptops to go online. The iTunes media player can not be used with Bluetooth headphones.
The V3i does not offer infrared support but a USB cable is included for easy connection with a computer.
With Bluetooth capability and an included USB cable to help with music transfers, the V3i offers myriad connectivity options.
Conclusion
The Motorola RAZR V3 was a runaway success because of its thin profile but with other companies creating their own "thin" phones, the V3i needed substance to go with its slender build. Motorola added an impressive list of new and improved features to the V3i while also giving it an updated look.
Addressing the biggest weaknesses of the V3, Motorola equipped the V3i with a memory card slot, megapixel camera, quad-band service and an improved internal screen. Other unique features were added such as Airplane Mode to allow travelers to use the phone's many features while flying and SCREEN3 technology to give the phone scrolling news, sports, and weather updates. iTunes replaced the regular media player and will be popular with users as it provides simple song transfers and ease of use. The drawback of it, however, is restrictions on the number of songs the V3i can hold.
Meant to be a fun phone with plenty of entertainment options, the V3i has a variety of pre-installed games and also offers complete messaging options from email to multimedia and instant messaging. It also provides complete Bluetooth connectivity and advanced voice activation software.
The only area where the V3i comes up lacking is in network connection speed. Motorola elected not to make the V3i 3G or even EDGE capable. While most consumers may not be bothered by this, most of the V3i's competitors including the Samsung D807, which was released several months ago, at least offer EDGE connectivity.
Motorola RAZR V3i
The unique look of the RAZR was an important part of its success and with the V3i, Motorola needed to give it an updated look of its own. With a dark gunmetal gray exterior and a brushed texture that gives it a different appearance depending on the light conditions, the V3i has a distinctive appearance that will allow it to stand out in a RAZR saturated marketplace.
Maintaining its trademark ultra-thin profile while adding substance and an updated design, the Motorola RAZR V3i has met the high RAZR standard and looks to be a capable successor to the original V3. |
| Common misspellings on this brand: mot0rola |
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