Camera

Built in to the V3i's slim case is a 1.23-megapixel digital camera that can be operated by the Smart Key. Using the internal LCD as a viewfinder, the user is able to take pictures up to 1280 x 960 px; a significant step up from the V3's VGA camera.

In addition to high resolution (1280 x 960 px) photos, the V3i can also take pictures at 640 x 480 px, 320 x 240 px, and 160 x 120 px. The navigation pad adjusts the lighting conditions (Automatic, Sunny, Cloudy, Indoor Home, Indoor Office, Night) and the 8x Digital Zoom. Available at all resolutions, the digital zoom does not allow for finer detail as it merely crops the image further with each level of zoom. A Self-Timer (Off, 5 sec, and 10 sec) is also offered on the V3i.

Self portraits are easy to take with the V3i through the use of the external LCD. Using the Smart key on the side of the phone, the user can take photos without opening the clamshell.

Lacking flash, low light conditions can present a problem for the V3i's camera. The Indoor and Night lighting modes can improve the camera's performance but its effectiveness is limited when the lights go down.

Video clips can be taken with the V3i and stored or sent through the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Zoom is available for video clips but the zoom level can not be adjusted once recording has begun. Video length is limited only by the amount of space on the memory card but for sending through MMS they are restricted to around 30 seconds.

At 1.23-megapixels, the V3i's camera is a mid-level offering that can serve as an adequate replacement for a full time digital camera under regular lighting conditions. While it doesn't boast the resolution of the 2 or 3-megapixels cameras that are available on the newest phones, it is far superior to the VGA cameras on entry level phones. While the camera is able to take print quality photos, its video capabilities are limited, making it a fun, novelty feature but little else.

Basic Features

Similar to the V3, the V3i offers quad-band (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz) service that allows users to roam seamlessly across countries and continents, provided it's unlocked.

A new feature found on the V3i that was not available on previous versions of the RAZR is Airplane Mode. Preventing the phone from making or receiving calls, Airplane Mode comes in handy when RF frequency is prohibited, still allowing consumers to access the phone's multimedia features.

The user interface is the same used in most recent Motorola phones. While it can be challenging to navigate, it has the advantage of at least being familiar to Motorola users. The main menu is listed in the traditional 3x3 gird mode and the background picture is shown faintly behind the menu giving it a slightly custom look.

Motorola rated the V3i's 750 mAh Li-Ion battery at 3.0 and 200 hours (8 days) of talk and standby times respectively which falls just shy of the ratings for previous RAZR models. These times are under optimal conditions and are often listed as maximum times by the manufactures so actual performance may vary. With all of the phone's features, the limited battery life is concerning but should not cause problems as long as the phone is charged regularly.

< Prev Next >

This article is Copyright 2002-2008 Mobiledia Corp. and the review in part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from Mobiledia. For information on reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please contact us.