Motorola ZN5 InDepth Review of Specs Prices and Features

Introduction

The Motorola ZN5, released in 2008, was one of the standout phones of its time, known for its innovative design and advanced features. It was launched as part of the collaboration between Motorola and Kodak, bringing a high-quality camera experience to mobile users. This article delves into the intricate details of the Motorola ZN5, exploring its various features, performance, and impact on the mobile phone industry.

Design and Build

The Motorola ZN5 featured a sleek and compact design, measuring 118 x 50.5 x 12-16 mm and weighing approximately 114 grams. The body of the phone was crafted with a focus on ergonomics, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. It housed a mini-SIM slot, catering to the standard of the time. The device was available in a classic grey color, which added to its sophisticated look.

Display

The ZN5 sported a 2.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, offering a modest pixel density of approximately 167 ppi. Despite the screen-to-body ratio being around 29.9%, the display served well for its time, delivering vivid colors and clear visuals, which was further enhanced by the ability to display 256K colors.

Camera

The hallmark of the Motorola ZN5 was its camera, a collaboration between Motorola and Kodak. It featured a 5 MP autofocus camera with a Xenon flash, a rarity during that era. The imaging capabilities allowed users to capture high-quality photos with vibrant colors and good detail. Additionally, it could record videos at 15fps, although the video recording quality was not on par with its photo capabilities.

Performance

Powered by a Freescale 500 MHz CPU, the Motorola ZN5 ran on a Linux / Java-based MOTOMAGX operating system. This setup offered a decent performance for everyday tasks such as calling, messaging, and web browsing. The phone featured 350MB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDHC card slot, which was an appreciated feature for users wanting to store media files and applications.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the ZN5 supported GSM technology and 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900), alongside GPRS and EDGE for data transfer. It also included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/i capabilities, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, and a USB 2.0 port. While it lacked modern GPS capabilities, it did feature FM radio, adhering to the entertainment needs of the time.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it versatile for various audio experiences. It supported a variety of alert types, including vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. The inclusion of an FM radio allowed users to enjoy music and live broadcasts directly from the device.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery (BX50), the Motorola ZN5 provided a solid battery life experience. The device boasted a standby time of up to 580 hours and a talk time of up to 9 hours and 30 minutes, ensuring users could rely on the device for prolonged periods without frequent recharging.

Conclusion

The Motorola ZN5 was a remarkable device that not only highlighted Motorola's innovation but also showcased the potential of mobile photography through its partnership with Kodak. Although it has since been discontinued and overtaken by modern smartphones, the ZN5 remains a nostalgic piece for many technology enthusiasts. Its combination of a high-quality camera, respectable performance, and unique features made it a celebrated phone of its time.