23 Jun 2008
This mobile phone is a thin and narrow slider handset which has a length of 106 millimeters, a width of 46 millimeters and a thickness of 16 millimeters just enough to fit inside your pocket. The Motorola Z3 RIZR weighs 115g and comes with a stylish slide mechanism that opens smoothly. Z3 offers stylish colours in dark blue, red, and black tied with a sturdy casing made from a rubber-like outer shell that provides an easy grip.

The handset can be accessed whether it is opened or closed as it has external keys. Its navigation keys and number pad has a similar look to that with the RAZR line. Knowing that this is not a clamshell phone, RIZR Z3 provides a 2-step unlock sequence in order to avoid accidental use of keys.

Located on the left side of phone are the volume toggle and command button. The said command button is used to activate the phone’s integrated music player. However, Z3 does not offer external quick access music keys. Another addition is that the alphanumeric and number keys including the navigation function has a backlighting. This will fairly aid the users on easier texting and dialing.

Like the Motorola KRZR, Z3 comes with a 1.9 inches large TFT 176 x 220 pixels resolution screen. The mobile phone supports 262K colour display. The display works great for screensavers, wallpapers, photos and video footage.

RIZR Z3 is well equipped with camera features and music player functions. The 2-megapixel camera comes with 8 times digital zoom, and a LED photo light that will help users in taking photos especially on places with poor lighting conditions. In addition, a camera activation and shutter release key is mounted on the right side of the phone for easier access.

On the other hand, the integrated music player supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, and AAC+ Enhanced formats which lets the user listen to a wide variety of tracks. It also has a video recording feature with storage and playback options. The playback rate is 15-20 fps and it supports MPEG4. Z3 also supports A2DP and therefore stereo Bluetooth headphones can be used for listening to music.

Being a mobile phone that works on a quad-band GSM network, it offers worldwide range communication. The quad-band automatically switches between bands.

Embedded on the handset is a 16MB internal memory. It also has up to 2GB of removable storage with a MicroSD memory card option. This will be enough space to store video footage, photos and songs for user entertainment.

Connectivity issues won’t be a problem. The RIZR Z3 comes with a WAP browser for easier internet access. It also carries EDGE technology, which provides fast data transfer rates. This will greatly affect the phone’s performance especially during online downloads and video streaming.

The handset also comes with MOTOSYNC technology which will support the user on file synchronization. There is also an integrated Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free connectivity and convenience. Another connectivity option is a USB connection port with a full speed of 12Mbps.

Messaging features of Z3 include EMS, MMS and SMS message services so that users will be able to send nice pictures and even video clips to their families. It also has email functions which supports both POP3 and IMAP.

Other features include a personal organizer which provides a calendar, a calculator, an alarm, a currency converter and a multi-letter phone book search with 5 numbers per entry, 2 email addresses, and callerID with photo. Furthermore, it also offers voice memo recording, voice dialing, voice recognition and speaker phone for a convenient call experience.

An interesting feature called the Flight Mode was also added. The Flight Mode feature will allow the user to access their music player, personal organizer or other applications while on a plane. As for battery performance, it runs 350 hours of standby time and 400 minutes of talk time.

Overall, the Motorola RIZR Z3 has the looks of a sophisticated phone and sturdy enough to bring user confidence in terms of phone handling. Camera features and battery life is average. Although the Motorola RIZR Z3 may not compete with high-end mobile phones in the market, it is fit for practical use. Despite its minor flaws, this model is definitely a handset worth considering.

Reviewer: Gillian - Edinburgh
Reviewed on: 6th August, 2008
Rating: 10/10
Hi Iv had this phone for 1 year and a bit its a lovely looking phone. takes a little while to get to know how it works be its a breeze after that loads of memory to download music,pics ect.

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