25 May 2008
The Motorola V3i is a direct descendant of RAZR V3 phone, the original model of the Motorola’s Razr line. It is strikingly similar to the Razr V3m, but the Razr V3i slightly bigger, measuring 2.1 x 3.9 x 0.54 inches. It is also a bit heavier at 3.5 ounces.

Commonly, the quadband Razr V3i comes is dark gray in colour, and is more appealing than Razr V3’s silver hue. The V3i is also available in a host of colours, including maroon, violet and dark blue. The RAZR V3i comes in a 96x80-pixel external display that supports approximately 65,000 colours.

The Motorola V3i’s main display measuring 2.25 inches or 176 x 220 pixels shows a grand 262,000 colors. Notably, the color and graphics are generally sharp. The Motorola V3i’s interface is not a top pick, but reviews have found it better than what other Motorola phones offer. The Motorola V3i has a host of color themes, screensavers, wallpapers and demo versions of games demo versions various games.

Standard features include text messaging and mms capability, instant messaging and vibrate mode, voice commands, a date book, an alarm clock, and a speakerphone, among the other basics. The V3i is able to store 1,000 contact details in its phone book. It offers a selection of 12 ringtones in polyphonic format.

Externally, the controls are pretty much of the customary Motorola. Its voice command keys on the right area and volume control and camera shutter are at the left. Similar to the V3m, he V3i houses a MicroSD slot. Users will need to remove the battery to access the card slot. In standard Razr approach, the V3i’s buttons and navigation controls are more tactile, as compared with the earlier V3. The handset’s menu button, talk key and shortcut controls for its iTunes player and camera are all flat. While this might result to unfamiliarity, users attest to its quick-to-use keypad feature.

The Motorola Razr V3i comes with a built-in tiny camera in 1.2 megapixels, with its lens located atop its hinge. The V3i’s camera does not have a flash, but its external display serves as a viewfinder, useful for self-portraits. The camera takes photos in 1,224x768, 320x240, 640x480 and 160x120 resolutions. Other visual-related options include six colour effects, 8x zoom, a self timer and five settings to choose from for exposure. Motorola’s Razr V3i also comes with a camcorder that supports clips in MPEG4 formats, with two resolutions to choose from – 18x96 and 176x144 – coupled with a 4x zoom and sound.

The Motorola V3i is also characterized by its higher-end features such a IMAP4 and POP3 e-mail support, Bluetooth, and WAP 2.0 browser for connectivity purposes. The V3i has a six-hour talk time and battery standby period of up to 12 days.

According to user testimonies, the V3i’s iTunes is as basic as it familiar to an iPod aficionado. The iTunes player opens right straight to its music library, where categorical arrangement of songs according to artist, playlist, name and album – and reshuffling of songs -- is possible. As the music plays, the handset automatically sets itself to standby mode. Music automatically stops when the user opts to receive incoming call. Listening to iTunes music while the phone is turned off is also possible. Notably, the V3i also houses a separate MP3 player designed by Motorola.

Amid its striking features and the Motorola edge, users complain of the several restrictions relating to the iTunes player. For one, wireless transferring of iTunes music is not possible. Unfortunately, users will not be able to listen to their favorite music through their Bluetooth headset. Moreover, the V3i prohibits the use of iTunes tracks as ring tones. While allowing the shuffling of both tracks and albums, users wish that the V3i would have an equalizer to tweak sound quality.

With respect to the quality of photo shots, objects and natural colours are impressively distinct; however, brighter shades appear slightly washed out.

Most reviews relating to the Motorola V3i contend that the merging of Motorola and iTunes for the Motorola V3i mobile phone does not result in superb quality in terms of the quality of calls and iTunes’ flexibility. However, the marriage of sleek Motorola design and popular iTunes makes the Motorola RAZR V3i a cell phone that is too interesting to resist.

Reviewer: R. Braithwaite - Newcastle
Reviewed on: 6th November, 2007
Rating: 8/10
I think that the V3i is excellent.

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