Motorola RAZR 2 V8 Phone Review by 3G.co.uk

3G's 30 Second Decision

Having had the Motorola V8 in our mitts for 30 seconds we say.... this is a sharp looking dapper but is it leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessors ?

Sharper RAZR 2 Moto

Motorola’s RAZR 2 V8 updates the familiar RAZR brand with a sharp new look, but is that enough to win consumers over? 3G.co.uk finds out.

With the release of the well-equipped Nokia N95 and the innovative, much-anticipated Apple iPhone, mobile manufacturers are having to make sure they’re not left behind. Following the success of its breakthrough handset, the RAZR V3 (a handset that continues to sell well even today), Motorola has launched its follow-up, the RAZR 2 V8.

Even the packaging of the V8 gives you the feeling you’re about to experience a well-groomed handset. Once you’ve pulled the golden ribbon, the V8’s box transforms, before popping up to reveal the shiny handset in all its glory. The phone looks fantastic with its glossy metal front finish and two-inch external screen. In truth, it’s not too dissimilar to its predecessor – although Motorola has managed to make it 2mm thinner – and this is not such a bad thing. The V8 has still got that slick feel we’ve come to love with the various RAZRs and, although 55mm wide, it surpasses most handsets and still fits neatly in your palm. 

The V8 is a tough little cookie. The internal frame is made of stainless steel that makes it durable yet relatively light at 117g. And the exterior screen is made with chemically hardened glass, which is incredibly scratch resistant. Given its appealing shine, the handset is susceptible to grubby fingerprints on both the screen and the exterior.

Navigate This

Even for a Motorola novice, the V8’s navigation is simple. The large 2.2-inch internal screen, which has twice the resolution as the original RAZR, allows easy access to the applications, which are broken down into nine main headings. However, after a good half hour of searching, we can conclude that the IM Messenger function is not found on the V8, despite the phone’s manual saying otherwise. Tut-tut, Motorola.

Like most handsets, the V8 features a speed dial option, that allows you to store up to nine pre-set numbers, which can be activated with a single key. The V8 is fitted with CrystalTalk technology, that automatically adjusts the audio to ensure calls are clear and crisp, despite any noisy environment you may be in. It’s not flawless, but it works well and the voice-activated call function can pick up the command despite any unwanted background noise.

Bluetooth Your Pics

Where the V8 disappoints is with its feature set. The phone lacks 3G and the two-megapixel camera means the V8 ultimately falls short of some of the more equipped handsets. The camera itself has a multi-shot facility, that allows you to take up to eight consecutive pictures, while it is also possible to send a photo from your handset direct to a Bluetooth-enabled printer. The video recorder allows up to two hours of recording time, as well as a playback option.

We were also disappointed to find that the V8 only has one micro-USB port, which meant we were unable to use the handsfree kit and charge the phone at the same time. It also means you can’t plug the USB cable into your PC while listening to your music through your headphones.

There are, however, some impressive features. The V8’s media player functions – not to mention its phenomenal battery life – may be why some have mentioned the phone in the same breath as the Nokia N95 and the Apple iPhone. Motorola has enabled its handset to support Windows Media Player 11, which allows you to purchase, synchronise and transfer your music library to your phone in a matter of minutes.

Size Zero Model

The V8 can be bought with 2GB of removable memory, that should give you room for approximately 1,000 songs. If building up a mini-jukebox isn’t your thing, then the V8 is available with just 420MB internal memory. By using a high-speed USB 2.0 connection, it should be possible to transfer 1,000 songs in about 30 minutes. The music quality is impressive, yet this is balanced out by the disappointing lack of an expandable memory card slot – a sacrifice that Motorola is perhaps willing to make to ensure its phone remains a size zero model.
When the clamshell is closed and the media player is still in use, the external screen transforms into a touch-screen interface. You can rewind, pause or skip tracks by touching the screen and as a nice little touch, Motorola has included a vibrating response to any command you place.

Easy Texting

The exterior screen also comes into play when you receive a text message. You can read your texts without having to open the clamshell by using the side keys. What’s more, Motorola has included a number of quick replies, so you can reply to a text without having to open the handset. You can also create your own pre-set messages. It’s worth noting that with the phone closed, you can only reply to a text; you are unable to create a new message without flipping it open and going through the usual process.

As well as the ability to sync your music, the V8 also comes with an installation CD that allows you to synchronize your data, contacts and emails from your PC to your handset with Motorola’s very own Motosync. This can be activated through the accompanying USB cable, infrared or Bluetooth. It’s a useful tool when you’re on the move and away from the office, but the initial installation process can be somewhat tedious.

As the name, not to mention the impressive advertising campaign, suggests, the RAZR 2 V8 is a sharp-looking handset and wouldn’t look out of place next to any fashion phone. The media player is great, although it’s hard to ignore the lack of an expandable memory card slot. Ultimately, with its lack of 3G and only a two-megapixel camera, the RAZR 2 V8 falls into the mid range of the market. As the saying goes, looks aren’t everything.

Upside

Motorola has managed to make its RAZR handsets even easier on the eye and the built-in music player is of a high standard. The marathon battery life also deserves a mention.

The V8’s mediocre two-megapixel camera and the lack of 3G and a memory card slot is frustrating, to say the least.

Downside

Verdict

Ultimately, with its lack of 3G and only a two-megapixel camera, the RAZR 2 V8 falls into the mid range of the market. As the saying goes, looks aren’t everything.