Motorola - Razr V3 Cell Phone Review

Over the last 10 years or so I have used just about every major phone carrier. Recently I left Cingular because our local coverage (one side of Boca Raton to the other) was really poor following Hurricane Wilma. So the Xenos migrated to Verizon. Often traveling alone, I kind of liked the idea of all those network guys following me around.

Well with the new service came a new phone, actually two of them for $49.99. Our phone of choice? The Motorola Razr V3m. Now, the lovely Mrs. Xeno had a Razr when we were with Cingular. I on the other hand stubbornly insisted on using the most basic Nokia phone. I can be so stubborn when I set my mind to it.

The Razr V3m

The Razor V3m combines a first rate phone with a very good camera, a GB of storage to store music or pictures, access to the internet and Verizon's V Cast video service capable of bringing you very tiny TV service for when you're very bored.

All these features are packaged into what remains even a few years after it was introduced, the most stylish flip phone available. Exceptionally thin and encased in metal it is a fashion icon and as immediately recognizable as an Apple iPod.

What I Like

First of course is the sound. The Razr has incredible sound. Whether I'm walking down a busy street or driving at 75 mph, the sound is superb. Clear and crisp is the best way to describe it.

The keyboard is well lit and is solid and it resists casual moisture from perspiration or a few raindrops.

The display is large. This is something I can really appreciate with each passing year.

While I don't go crazy with the camera, I do find it's really helpful when I'm in a store shopping for things for the house. With a couple of clicks I can bring pictures of the items back to the lovely Mrs. Xeno, often eliminating the need for both of us to return to the store to make our choice.

The music and V Cast features are nice. I occasionally use them.

I do like that I can get to my email account really quickly without having to pull out a lap-top.

Blue-tooth enabled. You know all those people walking around with that strange ear-piece on? Well if you like you can use one of them with this phone. I've so far resisted, but I'll probably cave on this one since I'm often in the Northeast where they take hands free talking while driving very seriously.

Which reminds me, the speakerphone on the Razr is first rate. In all but the noisiest locations it will be loud enough for you to operate the phone from a short distance.

What I Don't Like

First there's the display. In bright sunshine it's all but useless. This is the most serious flaw of this model. I mean you really struggle to see the display in bright sunlight.

The battery, having to fit into the slim design of the phone is at best just adequate. I find that I don't count on it lasting more than a day with moderate usage. When I'm traveling, even overnight, I make sure I have a charger with me.

Where I come out

Okay, I'm not crazy about a display that washes out completely in bright sunlight and the relatively short battery life might give me some pause. But on balance, I really like this phone. I like the way it sounds, the way it feels and the way it fits so sweetly into my pocket. And, let's not forget the classic good looks.

I recommend it.

Rudi