Just because you may be tired of the Razr, that doesn't mean Motorola is bored of it as well. In fact, Moto has done all it can to capitalize on the success of its famous thin phone by introducing a gallery of new versions for almost every niche. The latest model to fall into our hands, the GSM Razr V3x, made its worldwide debut more than a year ago but never made a formal entry into the U.S. market. And that's a sad thing, as the V3x is the most satisfying Razr we've seen to date, with a several feature and design improvements. The 3G Razr V3x supports only the UMTS band used in Europe, but if that's not an issue, you can get an unlocked model in the States for around $250. A final word of warning though: you may not want to get too excited, as the HSDPA Razr V3xx will be out soon for Cingular Wireless.
Design of Motorola Razr V3x (Blue)
Razr enthusiasts will notice immediately that the Motorola Razr V3x looks a bit different than the original . Though it's also available in a selection of colors (black, silver, pumpkin, pink, and blue) the V3x has a camera flash, a larger hinge, and a slightly more appealing look. We're not sure why we like the design better, but it did catch our eye just the same. At 3.9 x 2.1 x 0.8 inches, it's also a tad taller and wider than its predecessor (3.8 by 2.0 by 0.5 inches), and it weighs a full ounce more (4.4 ounces). Though thin-phone purists may shun the fatter profile, we didn't mind it at all, as the extra girth makes for a much more solid feel in the hand. We also like the rubberized covering on the front and rear face.
The postage-stamp external display is the same size as the Razr V3's, but with a 65,000-color resolution, it's more in line with the 's. The display shows the date, the time, battery life, signal strength, and photo caller ID. It goes almost completely dark when the backlighting is off, but a flick of one of the side-mounted controls will activate it again. Alternatively, you can change the backlighting time for a longer shine. Just above the display is the 2.0-megaixel camera's lens in its usual location, but this time Motorola included a flash, a feature that's sadly absent from the other Razr models. Completing the exterior is an arc-shaped LED on the bottom of the front flap that flashes when you receive a call.
The Motorola Razr V3x's exterior camera has a 2-megapixel resolution.
Shortcuts for the camera and the voice dialing feature sit on the right spine, while a volume rocker and the Motorola "smart" key are placed on the left. All the side-mounted keys are easy to use, but be advised they can be pressed accidentally while the phone is in a pocket or a bag. Also on the left spine is the mini USB port, standard on all Razrs, which serves both as a data connection point and the charging jack. The MicroSD slot is located somewhat inconveniently behind the battery cover, but we like that you don't have to remove the battery itself as well. Just below the battery cover on the bottom of the rear face is the V3x's exterior speaker.
The Razr V3x has a large speaker, but its memory card slot is hidden behind the battery cover.
The internal display shows a solid 262,000 colors and measures 2.2 inches (240x320 pixels). Though some colors appeared a tad washed out, the display did a great job overall of showing photos, graphics, and games. On the other hand, Motorola's outdated menu interface continues to wear a bit thin. You can change the backlighting time and the brightness, but not the font size. Look below the display and you'll discover why the V3x has such an oversize hinge: Situated almost in