Sleek, Stylish Phone Dumbed Down by Verizon UI

Since the early days of the cell phone era, I have always been interested in owning and testing the latest, most high-tech cellular devices. Although I have tested many brands and models over the years, I have always been impressed with Motorola's design and quality. I was blown away when Motorola introduced the StarTAC phones, back in the mid 90s, and I paid top dollar to buy one right after it was released. When Motorola released the oh so small V3620 (about the size of a pack of gum), I was maxing out my Visa card so I could be one of the first to own one. Of course I have also owned each one of the Razr series phones; at least the ones that are compatible with the Verizon network. At first the Razr was one of the most sought after phones, and everyone would make comments when they would see me using mine. Of course eventually nearly everyone owned one and they were no longer anything special. I ran out and bought the Razr MaxxVE, back in April of 2007, and again I felt like I had the best phone Motorola had to offer. Well that was short lived, as Motorola soon released the new Razr2 V series phones, and I just had to have one. Since Verizon Wireless is my carrier, I was limited to the Razr2 V9M phone, which is the model this review is for.

Some of the advertised features include:

* Clamshell form factor, metal & glass housing, internal antenna
* Tandem 2.2" and 2.0" 240x320 (QVGA) 65K color displays
* Touch-sensitive external camera/music/voice-dial keys w/haptics tactile feedback
* Integrated 2-megapixel camera w/ 4x digital zoom (maximum resolution of 1,200x1,600)
* Video recorder with up to 240x320 resolution at 15fps.
* USB 2.0, USB mass storage, and version 2.0 Bluetooth wireless data transfer connectivity
* EV-DO high-speed wireless data standard
* Built-In Digital Music Player (supports WMA, MP3, AAC, and Album Art)
* V Cast Music & TV/Video compatible
* 65 MB of internal memory (expandable up to 2GB additional memory via microSD card)
* Digital Contact Phone Book with up to 1,000 contact entry storage
* Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones
* Voice command and dialing, with ability to record voice memos
* PIM functions include calendar, calculator, alarm clock, and world clock
* aGPS capable for E911 emergency location/sGPS
* TTY compatible
* Hearing Aid compatibility = M4/T4
* Full-Duplex Speakerphone
* Supported Bluetooth Profiles: Headset, Hands-free, Serial Port, Dial-Up Networking, Stereo (A2DP), OPP and FTP for vCard and user generated images/video, OBEX file transfer (limited to pictures and sounds but not ring tones and music).
* SMS text messaging
* Multimedia picture and video messaging
* Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0
* IM Chat with pre-loaded AOL, ICQ and Yahoo Instant Messengers
* PC Synchronization (requires PhoneTools software and micro-USB cable)
* VZ Navigator and Chaperone service compatible
* Picture Caller ID & custom ringer profiles

Good Looks
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The Razr2 V9M is very sleek & sexy; with a body made of stainless steel, cast aluminum and glass. The Verizon version of the V9M is currently only available in a dark brown, almost copper color; which has been labeled "Espresso." The flip-up top portion is razor thin, flaunting a massive 2-inch external display and a generous 2.2-inch internal display. Both screens provide a capable 240 x 320-pixel resolution at up to 65,000 (16-bit) colors. While these displays are big and bright, I would have preferred to see 24-bit color depth, at least for the inner display screen. The external display features onscreen touch controls, which are shortcuts for the camera, music player, and voice dialing. The touch controls utilize haptics technology, which creates a tactile feedback, in the form of a slight vibration, when the onscreen buttons are touched. Like all of the other Razr models, the Razr2 has in integrated antenna, which is built into the bottom of the phone, near the mouthpiece/microphone. The antenna and microphone portion of the Razr2 V9M is much flatter than previous Razr models, which gives the base portion of the phone a much thinner, smoother look. The primary dial and menu navigation buttons, on the inner part of the phone, are a bit larger than on previous Razr models. The dial pad is very flat and smooth, with ever so slightly raised horizontal lines separating the button rows. There are no vertical lines at all. With the lack of raised buttons or better defined button separation, dialing this phone by feel alone can be a bit challenging. The left edge of the phone offers a volume rocker and Motorola smart key (doubles as a speakerphone on/off key), while the right edge contains a single voice-dial/command key. There is a Micro-USB/charger port on the left spine, close to the bottom of the phone. Please note that I said "Micro-USB" and not mini-USB. While this phone comes with a Micro-USB AC charger, it does not come with a Micro-USB computer cable. If you wish to connect this phone to your computer you will either need to purchase a separate cable or a Micro-USB adapter (to utilize an existing USB cable you may already have). And last but not least, the camera lens is located just above the outer display. Unfortunately there is no camera light/flash included on the Razr2 V9M, which they had included on the previous Razr MaxxVE phone. The overall size of this phone (in inches) is 4.06 (H) x 2.09 (W) x 0.47 (D), and weighs in at a sturdy feeling 4.13 ounces; thinner but slightly longer and heavier than previous Razr models.

Great Personality
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Utilizing dual-band 850/1900 CDMA frequencies, while also compatible with the EV-DO data network, the Razr2 V9M provides excellent call quality and fairly impressive data transfer rates. Voices sound natural and reception has been crystal clear, with no background hum, clicking or hissing sounds. Volume of calls, both using the phone's earpiece and built-in speakerphone, proved more than adequate (of course some user's opinions may vary) and produced little to no distortion even at maximum levels. Callers I have spoken with have stated that my voice sounds very good while talking on this phone. I was equally impressed with call quality when using my Motorola Bluetooth headset and when pairing a Polycom VoiceStation 500 Bluetooth speakerphone with the Razr2 V9M. When traveling through low signal areas, I have found that the signal acquisition and ability to maintain a phone conversation is about the same as I experienced with my Razr MaxxVE, while performing slightly better than the earlier generation Razr phones. Sending and receiving text and picture messages is on par with all previous Razr models. The contact list (phone book) and speed dial functions of the V9M is also comparable with previous Razr phones, although the V9M allows a total of 1,000 entries and has a slightly more colorful and user friendly user interface. Although the Razr2 V9M is dumbed-down with the typical bland, downright ugly, text based Verizon user interface, there is one additional FlashUI theme option, called Flux, which offers a slightly better and more attractive menu system.

Useful Around The House
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Although Verizon has historically gone out of its way to disable many of the useful features of its previous phones, I was both surprised and delighted to learn that they have left most of the data transfer features of this phone intact. After purchasing a Micro-USB data cable (since Verizon doesn't include one with the Razr2 V9M package), and installing the latest version of Motorola Phone Tools (MPT), I was able to access phonebook, calendar, text messages, Internet connection, and synchronize abilities. The default V9M setup in MPT would not allow me to access the MultiMedia Studio, which allows the transfer of ringtones, pictures and videos. However, I found information on the Internet for a workaround to allow full access to the MultiMedia Studio feature within MPT. It did not require hacking the phone, like previous workarounds for Verizon phones required. I simply had to select a different phone modem type within the MPT software. Transferring data to and from the phone using Bluetooth also worked quite well. However, I was not able to transfer certain types of data (such as music) from my computer onto the phone's memory, but I could transfer the data to the microSD card that I had installed into the phone when I bought it. In order to create and transfer my own ringtones onto the phone, I found that I had to rename the file extension of each file to ".qcp" in order to be recognized by the phone as a valid ringtone. I was also able to move data to and from the microSD card, by removing the card and placing into a card reader. Unfortunately you are forced to remove the battery cover and the battery itself in order to gain access to the microSD card slot on the Razr2 V9M. Overall I am extremely pleased that Verizon has now made it possible to move data to and from the phone, via micro-USB cable and Bluetooth, which they used to block on my previous Razr phones. I was also able to successfully connect my Razr2 V9M phone to my laptop PC, via Bluetooth, in order to use the phone as a wireless modem for Internet access. I have also connected the V9M to my Garmin GPS, allowing the GPS to retrieve all of my contact (phonebook) list information and providing control of my V9M from the touch display on the Garmin. I was even able to successfully print pictures on my Razr2 V9M, via Bluetooth, to my Bluetooth compatible printer. All of the above mentioned abilities were done without any hacking of the phones operating system. This makes the Razr2 V9M one of the handiest cellular phones I have ever owned. Of course this likely has more to do with changes in the Verizon UI than with the phone itself. Hats off to Verizon for finally loosening the shackles a little.

Able To Carry A Tune
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The Razr2 V9M was designed with multimedia in mind. As mentioned before, the front LCD display has touch sensitive keys for activating and controlling the camera and music functions of the phone. Verizon really pushes its V Cast service capabilities for this phone, but you can easily transfer your own music and video files to the phone from your computer as well. I have not personally used the V Cast service, due to its excessive costs, but I'm sure that it is a wonderful feature for those that have a lot of extra cash they wish Verizon to help them dispose of. For the same reason I have never used the VZ Navigator service either. I have transferred several MP3 music files to my V9M and have listened to them with standard corded ear buds and with a Bluetooth stereo headset. I want to note that in order to use wired earphones or headphones, you must either purchase a micro-USB to 3.5mm mini-plug adapter, or you can use the included micro-USB to 2.5mm adapter, provided that your earphones have that sized plug. I was impressed with the sound quality produced by the phone, although the addition of an equalizer would be a useful feature. My Bluetooth wireless headset was able to communicate with the V9M perfectly, and I was able to control the phone's music controls with the controls on the headset itself. It's no iPod, but the Razr2 V9M makes for a perfectly adequate, stand-in portable music player.

Camera Friendly
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Everyone should know by now that a camera equipped cell phone is no replacement for a stand-alone digital camera. However, we rarely ever have our digital camera with us for every photo opportunity. Of course most people wouldn't be caught dead without their cell phone on their hip or in their purse. Am I right? Well the Motorola Razr2 V9M has a very capable 2-megapixle camera built-in, for snapping that occasional picture when you don't have your full-featured digital camera handy. The V9M can take pictures in four resolutions, from 240x320 up to 1,200x1,600. There are brightness and white balance settings, a self-timer, a multi-shot mode, three color effects, nine fun frames, a 4x digital zoom, and three different shutter sounds available. Photo quality is pretty good, providing that there is plenty of light available. Motorola decided not to include a camera light/flash on the V9M, which is a step down from the Razr MaxxVE. The MaxxVE also had an autofocus camera, whereas the V9M has a traditional fixed focus camera. I have noticed that color saturation of the pictures taken with the V9M sometimes appear bland or washed out. The pictures also turn out looking grainy if there is not enough ambient light available. But for the infrequent snapshot it does a decent job. The camcorder feature records clips, with sound, in your choice of 176x144 or 320x240 resolutions, at 15fps. Clips taken for sending video messages are capped at 30 seconds, but you can shoot normal video for as long as your available memory permits. Since the phone's built-in memory is rather limited, I recommend adding a MicroSD memory card for maximum storage of video, photos and music files. Even at the 320x240 video resolution, the overall video window will appear extremely small when played on your computer monitor. It looks just fine when played back on the V9M LCD screen though.

Looking For A Commitment
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The Razr2 V9M still holds a very steep retail price, so purchasing this phone outright can be a very costly proposition. Verizon is hoping that you will want to upgrade to this phone and will therefore sign a new two-year contract to obtain it. As prices tend to change over time, I am not going to list any specific costs in this review. However, I can tell you the V9M is not going to be a freebie in the foreseeable future, so be willing to shell out a chunk of cash even when agreeing to a 2-year commitment with Verizon Wireless. In order to fully utilize the bells and whistles of this phone, you will need to consider signing up for a text message package, or an all-inclusive package that will allow unlimited txt and pix messaging, V-Cast streaming and even the VZ Navigator service. To utilize the chaperone feature you will need to add even more cost to your monthly bill. The Razr2 V9M can do just about anything you might want it to do, but it all comes at an ongoing cost. Then again doesn't everything in life?

For Better or For Worse
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So that about wraps up my review for the Motorola Razr2 V9M cell phone for Verizon Wireless. Although the Razr concept is getting a little long in the tooth, this new addition to the Razr line is definitely an impressive device that will certainly raise a few eyebrows. The V9M Verizon package includes the Razr2 phone itself, a standard capacity Lithium Ion Battery (770 mAh), an AC charger (micro-USB), a headset adapter (micro-USB to 2.5mm mini-plug), a user guide and a quick reference guide. As you can see, Verizon doesn't throw in any extras with this package. Not even a holster w/ belt clip is included. The 770 mAh Li-Ion battery will provide up to 215 minutes of talk time or 310 hours of standby time. Of course these times will vary, depending on whether the Bluetooth radio is enabled, if you're in a low signal strength (especially EV-DO) area, or how long your backlighting is active. Those battery life estimates should be considered a best case scenario. Overall this Espresso colored Razr2, from Verizon Wireless, is a very high quality, well built, full-featured cellular device. If only Verizon didn't dumb down their phone with its clunky user interface and all of the ugly company logos and animations, this Razr2 V9M would be close to perfection. Given these Verizon implemented shortcomings, as well as the lack of a music player equalizer, the lack of an included micro-USB data cable, lack of micro-USB to 3.5mm headset adapter, and the slightly degraded camera functions (compared with the Razr MaxxVE), I give this latest Razr offering from Motorola a solid 4 stars. I am very happy with my Razr2 V9M and wouldn't trade it for anything else that Verizon has to offer at this time. So if you have been thinking about ordering one of these for yourself, what are you waiting for? Go get one today and say..."Hello Moto."