Mobilawy

Motorola RAZR V3 A Comprehensive Look at Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2004, Q3
Camera
0.3MP
Battery
680mAh
Screen
2.2"
Storage
5.5MB
Operating System
Feature phone

Overview of Motorola RAZR V3

The Motorola RAZR V3 was a revolutionary mobile device, released in the third quarter of 2004, that transcended the traditional design and functionality expectations of the era. It quickly became an iconic device, cherished for its sleek design and innovative features. This article will delve into the various aspects of the RAZR V3, examining its specifications, design, performance, and impact on the mobile phone industry.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Motorola RAZR V3 was one of its most celebrated aspects. With dimensions measuring 98 x 53 x 13.9 mm and a weight of just 95 g, the RAZR V3 was designed to be both compact and lightweight. Its ultra-thin profile, at just 13.9 mm thick, was unprecedented at the time of its release, setting a new standard for slim phone designs.

The phone featured a clamshell design that was both stylish and functional. When closed, it showcased an anodized aluminum casing, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The exterior screen was protected when the device was closed, which minimized the risk of damage. The hinge mechanism was robust and reliable, providing a satisfying "snap" when the phone was opened or closed.

Display

The Motorola RAZR V3 came equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, which was quite impressive for the time. The display resolution was 176 x 220 pixels with approximately 128 ppi pixel density. This display was vibrant and offered sharp, clear visuals that enhanced the user experience.

The secondary display, located on the exterior of the clamshell, allowed users to quickly check the time, caller ID, and notifications without opening the device, adding an element of convenience and energy efficiency.

Camera Capabilities

On the back of the Motorola RAZR V3 was a VGA camera with a resolution of 0.3MP. While it may not seem impressive by today’s standards, the inclusion of a camera in mobile phones was still a relatively new feature during this era. The camera was capable of both still photography and video recording, although the quality was basic.

Performance and Software

The RAZR V3 was a feature phone running a proprietary operating system that facilitated basic phone operations. It supported a variety of messaging options including SMS, EMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging, making it quite versatile for communication.

Powered by a standard feature phone processor, the RAZR V3 managed to deliver an adequate performance for its category. It handled day-to-day tasks like calling, texting, and occasional web browsing with ease, albeit without supporting third-party applications like modern smartphones.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the phone came with 5.5MB of storage, which was small even by the standards of the time. There was no option to expand storage with a memory card, which limited the amount of media and messages the phone could store.

The phonebook could hold up to 1000 entries with photo call capabilities, which was considered ample space for most users during that period. Call logs were also maintained for up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola RAZR V3 supported GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands, making it compatible with networks across different regions. It had GPRS Class 10 for basic mobile data connectivity but did not support EDGE technology.

For local connectivity, the phone supported Bluetooth 1.2 and came with a miniUSB port, which facilitated charging and data transfer, though options related to wireless connectivity like WLAN and GPS were not included.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 680 mAh battery. Despite the modest battery capacity compared to modern-day smartphones, the RAZR V3 offered a satisfactory standby time of up to 280 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, thanks to its efficient power management and energy-conservative software features.

Sound and Multimedia

The RAZR V3 featured a loudspeaker for audio output and supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, which added a degree of customization for users. However, it lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, which meant that users needed to rely on the built-in speaker or compatible Bluetooth accessories for audio playback.

The device came preloaded with several games such as Skipping Stones, Golf, and Billiards, and it supported Java, allowing users to download additional games and applications compatible with MIDP 2.0.

Additional Features

The Motorola RAZR V3 included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, enabling basic web browsing, which was fairly advanced for that period. Multimedia messaging was supported, allowing users to send and receive images and video clips, broadening the range of communication methods available to users.

Despite being a feature phone, the RAZR V3 set a benchmark for design and multimedia capabilities, prompting competitors to innovate and inspire subsequent models in the GSM phone market.

Impact and Legacy

The Motorola RAZR V3 was more than just a phone; it was a cultural icon. It embodied a shift in focus from simply functional devices to those that also emphasized form and style. Its popularity extended well beyond the typical tech enthusiasts, reaching mainstream audiences including celebrities and professionals.

With over 130 million units sold, the RAZR V3 became one of the best-selling clamshell phones of all time. Its success laid the foundation for future innovations in phone design, combining style with technological advancement. The RAZR V3's influence is still felt today in the continued quest for slim and stylish mobile devices.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Motorola RAZR V3 was a groundbreaking device that left a lasting impression on the mobile phone industry. It not only showcased what was technologically possible at the time, but also redefined consumer expectations for mobile device aesthetics. Through its pioneering design and functionality, the RAZR V3 ensured its place in history as an iconic and transformative product in the evolution of mobile phones.

Key Features of Motorola RAZR V3

  • Slim and compact design with dimensions of 98 x 53 x 13.9 mm and a weight of 95 g.
  • TFT display with 256K colors, 2.2 inches size, and a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels.
  • Bluetooth 1.2 for wireless connectivity.
  • Support for GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands.
  • VGA main camera with video recording capability.
  • Phonebook capacity of 1000 entries with photo call feature.
  • Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones with vibration alert types.
  • Messaging features including SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging.
  • WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for internet access.
  • Java support (MIDP 2.0) for installing additional applications and games.
  • Removable Li-Ion 680 mAh battery providing up to 280 hours standby time and up to 7 hours talk time.
  • Available in Silver and Black (Special Edition) colors.

Disadvantages of Motorola RAZR V3

  • No EDGE support, limiting data speed compared to later models.
  • Very limited internal storage of 5.5MB with no card slot for expansion.
  • Basic VGA main camera with no advanced features or high resolution.
  • Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be inconvenient for audio usage.
  • No WLAN (Wi-Fi), which means no wireless internet access.
  • No GPS Positioning system for location-based services.
  • No FM Radio for on-the-go entertainment.
  • Uses older Bluetooth version 1.2, offering limited features compared to newer versions.
Network
Technology GSM
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS Class 10
EDGE No
Launch
Announced 2004, Q3
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 98 x 53 x 13.9 mm, 65 cc (3.86 x 2.09 x 0.55 in)
Weight 95 g (3.35 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT, 256K colors
Size 2.2 inches, 15.2 cm2 (~29.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 176 x 220 pixels, 9 lines (~128 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot No
Phonebook 1000 entries, Photo call
Call records 10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Internal 5.5MB
Main Camera
Single VGA
Video Yes
Selfie camera
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
Alert types Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones, composer
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN No
Bluetooth 1.2
Positioning No
Radio No
USB miniUSB
Features
Sensors
Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games Skipping Stones, Golf, Billiards + downloadable
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 680 mAh battery (BA700)
Stand-by Up to 280 h
Talk time Up to 7 h
Misc
Colors Silver, Black (Special Edition)
Price About 100 EUR

All Rights Reserved +13584 Phones © Mobilawy 2025