Motorola V878 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Features & Drawbacks

Overview of Motorola V878

The Motorola V878 was introduced to the market during the fourth quarter of 2003, marking its entry into the early era of phones owning basic multimedia capabilities combined with essential communication features. This device, designed primarily as a clamshell or flip phone, represents a stage where mobile technology transitioned from mere communication tools to devices offering entertainment and rudimentary computing capabilities.

Design and Build

The design of the Motorola V878 reflects the trends of early 2000s mobile telephones where compactness was a sought-after feature. With dimensions of 82 x 42 x 21.5 mm and weighing just 85 grams, it was highly portable and convenient to carry. The body is designed to comfortably fit into the palm of the hand or slip easily into a pocket or small purse. It came equipped with a Mini-SIM capability, often common for devices at that time.

Display Characteristics

The Motorola V878 featured a TFT color display that supported 65K colors. Although the screen size wasn’t explicitly listed, it boasted a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, providing a clear enough display for its time, mainly designed for viewing simple images and texts rather than videos. The color display allowed for vibrant visuals, a step forward from monochrome screens.

Network and Connectivity

For connectivity, the V878 was equipped with GSM technology operating on the 900 / 1800 / 1900 frequency bands, a prevalent choice during that time for global communication coverage. The presence of GPRS technology was significant for ensuring basic mobile data transfer capability, though it lacked higher-speed data options like EDGE. Other common contemporary connectivity options such as Bluetooth, WLAN, and radio were absent from this model.

Camera Features

The phone sports a basic VGA camera with LED flash, primarily aimed at taking simple photographs. While 0.3MP resolution might seem primitive today, it was a desirable feature in 2003, offering users the novelty of capturing visual memories on-the-go. Video recording functionality was also possible, adding extra utility to the camera despite its modest quality by today’s standards.

Storage and Memory

Memory features in the Motorola V878 were catered towards the essentials. Users could store up to 300 entries in the phonebook, with support for contact groups and photo calling. Additionally, the device was able to log 20 dialed, received, and missed calls. This phone did not support additional storage through a card slot, and all data was stored internally.

Multimedia and Extras

Sound capabilities were basic with downloadable polyphonic ringtones available, but the device lacked a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack for headphones. The inclusion of Java support allowed for a small selection of games and applications, such as BombHunt and SpaceFighter, to be downloaded and run on the device. Messaging options included SMS, EMS, and MMS, typical of the era’s mobile phones.

Battery Life

The Motorola V878 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 640mAh battery. With a standby time of up to 200 hours and talk time of up to 6 hours, the battery life was sufficient for daily use, reflecting the modest power requirements of feature phones compared to modern smartphones.

Final Thoughts

While the Motorola V878 may not compete with today's smartphones, at its release, it represented a significant technological achievement. With its suite of multimedia features, basic camera, and reliable battery performance, the V878 appealed to users seeking more than just a communication device. Despite its subsequent discontinuation, the Motorola V878 remains a nostalgic reminder of the transitionary phase in mobile phone development during the early 21st century.