Motorola RAZR2 V8 review: New edge to RAZR
New edge to RAZR
Good news on Display
Generally, we are pleased with both the ergonomics of the Motorola V8 and the solid feel of the device. Its shape and dimensions make it nice to talk on, too. However, we did notice a minor flaw and it concerns opening the clamshell single-handedly. There is no recess where you can rest your finger to open the flip. Additionally, given the polished metal casing, the handset somewhat easily slips off your fingers. The folding mechanism works like a charm though: the hinge holds softly and evenly to ensure a smooth flip open.
With dual display handsets we've seen enough small external displays boasting thousands of colors but offering dismal legibility. This is definitely not the case with the outer display of Motorola V8. Calling it secondary will be quite an insult actually, as the sole difference between the two screens is 0.2 inches in diagonal. Color rendering and legibility under direct sunlight are splendid. It is important to mention that both displays have one and the same backlighting source. However, only the main display is customizable, while the external one cannot have its brightness adjusted. Additionally, the display specs claim 40% of backlighting goes to the external and 60% is marked off for the internal screen. The inner 2.2" QVGA TFT display itself is stunningly crisp and bright, offers vivid colors and is legible even at the medium brightness level. All in all, we are very pleased with the displays of Motorola V8 and think they're worth a wholehearted thumbs-up. The keyboard has even, but rather soft white backlighting, which is not of much use. One can't help frowning at the difference, comparing it to the bright main display.
Good external display • Unfolded V8 - crisp and bright internal display contrasts to the barely visible keyboard
CrystalTalk - real-like voice
CrystalTalk, a proprietary Motorola technology is here to greatly enhance quality of calls. CrystalTalk combines voice enhancement technologies like microphone noise reduction, noise adaptive speaker enhancements, and on some products - a full duplex speakerphone. All enhancements improve the clarity and intelligibility of speech in noisy environments. Striving to deliver loudness and maintain quality simultaneously, CrystalTalk adjusts the audio quality based on ambient noise conditions to provide the optimal conversational experience. Both the microphone and earpiece grill are of ample size but still look stylish.
As we managed to confirm it really does a great job. The caller voice was so clear and real, it almost felt like a face-to-face. Almost all of the background noise is suppressed. | <#AdRectangle#> |
As we managed to confirm it really does a great job. The caller voice was so clear and real, it almost felt like a face-to-face. Almost all of the background noise is suppressed. Other Motorola handsets to benefit from the CrystalTalk technology are Motorola V9, U9, W206, W213, W175, W180, W156, W160 and W510.
Earpiece above the display • microphone at the bottom
Here is how Motorola RAZR2 V8 ranks along some of the other handsets we've measured in our new speakerphone loudness test. More info on our test here.
Speakerphone test | Voice, dB | Pink noise/ Music, dB | Ringing phone, dB | Overall score |
Motorola RAZR2 V8 | 66.3 | 65.7 | 81.9 | Good |
Sony Ericsson W960 | 72.3 | 73.5 | 76.7 | |
HTC TyTn II | 76.0 | 75.7 | 82.7 | Excellent |
Apple iPhone | 65.3 | 61.3 | 70.2 |
Reader comments
- thok
- 02 Jan 2016
- 0Ff
Just bought a v8 well impressed,but how the hell do you get outlook e.mail set up,and i cant get the browser to work for long, instuctions are crap, tried 10 forums no joy,tried moto website and outlook read dozens of reviews and utube vids ! No jo...
- Anonymous
- 14 Mar 2011
- k%R
Can anyone give me the set by set & screen shot by screen shot to copy my contacts and pictures to my sim card? I dropped my phone and it broke in half. The phone still works but no visual on the flip part
- anything just ans my
- 07 Mar 2011
- s86
moto what a name. there r several complaints about this phone. why does the side key do not work in game?