Screen

With the external LCD, users have access to information with just a quick glance. Featuring a 65K-color 96 x 80 px screen, the RAZR V3c displays battery levels, network status, and date and time. Built on STN (Super Twisted Nematic) technology, battery life is prolonged, but at the expense of colors being a bit washed out outdoors.

On the contrary, the V3c's internal display is similar to the original RAZR V3's screen; limited 262K-colors (videos), 65K-colors. Built on TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology, the internal LCD's contrast and brightness levels are superb.

Having advantages over STN matrices, TFT screens have circuit transistors placed directly on the glass, resulting in faster refresh rates and response times as well as brighter and more vivid images. STN displays on the other hand need to scan each pixel location, resulting in duller screen with slower to respond times, but less power consumption.

Thus manufacturers typically make external screens from STN technology to prolong battery life (since they are on more often and don't need fast refresh rates), while internal screens are built with TFT technology for maximum brightness and contrast levels.

Compared to the RAZR's 4K-color external and 65K-color internal screens, the V3c's screen is much improved. Now on par with high-end devices on the market today, the V3c follows a state-of-the-art trend among Verizon Wireless' VCAST-capable devices, including the latest LCD technology necessary for videos streaming enjoyment.

Audio

With more chords, more harmonious ringtones can be played, much like instruments in an orchestra. Overlaying a state-of-the-art 72 chords simultaneously, the V3c's polyphonic engine recreates music beautifully.

But consumers would rather use MP3 ringtones. Growing to become the norm in ringtone technology, unlike polyphonic ringtones (which recreate music by playing "sheet music" through a local synthesizer), MP3 ringtones are recordings from an audio source. Thus, CD audio clips can be set as ringtones, complete with lyrics and all.

Additionally, the V3c features a built-in MP3 player, although somewhat limited by internal memory. Only able to store about 10 songs, consumers shouldn't expect the V3c to be a music phone.

Messaging

Through the unique chemically-etched keypad and blue electro-luminescence panel, consumers can text message quicker using iTAP predictive text and SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service).

Able to combine the multimedia with text messaging, users can attach photos taken with the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera or sound clips recorded with the voice recorder for fun and creative vacation postcard messages or personal birthday greetings.

Real-time chat through Verizon Wireless' Mobile IM is preinstalled as well. Through AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger clients, consumers can communicate in with friends and family. Data charges may apply.

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