We've had multiple RAZR flavours interspersed with the SLVR and the KRZR; now it's time to meet the RIZR. Motorola's first slimline slider, the RIZR, or Z3, shares the whippet-thin profile and laser-cut keypad of its predecessors.
Design
Motorola has come up with some truly odd names for its handsets of late, but this time the title actually relates to the form and function of the phone. (We're still trying to figure out what "KRZR" means -- maybe it's meant to drive potential buyers "krazy" with gadget lust?) The RIZR does indeed rise; the top section slides up with a springy click, revealing a metallic laser-cut keypad similar to that of the KRZR, but with a gentle curve.
Typing texts on the keys is easily done one-handed, but the fact that the numbers are all cut into the same sheet of metal (with no separation between the buttons or raised surfaces) means you'll need to develop some thumb precision to avoid errors.
At 46mm by 16mm by 106mm and 115 grams, the RIZR is a little bigger and heavier than its KRZY counterpart, but still a decent, pocketable size. The front surface is a glossy fingerprint farm, whereas the back of the phone has a matte finish. A ridge below the display allows you to access the keypad without having to sully the screen with your filthy fingers. It's a nice touch, but you'll still need to give the screen a clean after taking a phone call -- face-grease on your phone doesn't make for a sleek look.
We complained about menu graphics when reviewing the RAZR MAXX, and the same applies here: the icons look dated and blocky compared to the oh-so-pretty menus of phones from LG, Sony Ericsson and Nokia.
Features
In contrast to the recently released RAZR V3xx and RAZR MAXX, which have both focused on the fast downloads and streaming video available via HSDPA, the RIZR is a more modest quadband GSM model with a pared-back feature set. There is a Web browser, but this is not a phone for the heavy Internet user -- the lower download speeds and smaller display would make for frequent frustration.
A 2-megapixel camera with 8x zoom, music player, two games (the ubiquitous Sudoku and a cricket title) and some basic calendar/calculator functions round out the RIZR's features. Connectivity-wise, you've got Bluetooth (A2DP) and USB for all your data transfer needs, and GPRS/EDGE for Internet connection.
If you've got plans to store more than a handful of songs or videos, you'll need to pony up the dosh for a higher-capacity microSD card -- our review phone came with a 128MB microSD card, but the RIZR will accept up to 1GB of extra storage to tack on to its meagre 20MB of internal memory.
Voice recognition has been given star billing, with a dedicated key on the right side of the phone taking you directly to a voice commands menu. We've never been big on the "talk to dial" concept -- unless you're in mortal danger, is it that difficult to press a few buttons? However, if you're a devoted user of voice dialling, you'll be pleased with the RIZR's accurate recognition of names and the provision of a shortcut key to tweak your set-up.
Performance
Unlike the KRZR, which let us down in the photo-taking stakes, snaps captured on the RIZR were quite sharp, and didn't suffer from the washed-out colouring often seen in cameraphone pics. (To see some shots we took with the RIZR, take a look at photos 12 and 13 in our PS3 launch gallery.)
The MP3/AAC music player is hard to locate (it's hidden in the Games & Apps menu option), but it functions quite well, organising songs by title and artist and allowing for playlist creation. It also offers basic shuffle and repeat playback options.
The speakerphone deserves a mention -- it was loud and clear, and didn't suffer from distortion at higher volumes.
Battery life was decent at around four days between charges.
The RIZR should appeal to those charmed by Motorola's RAZR releases, with its similar stylings being squeezed into a slider shape. The phone does suffer from the KRZR's beauty queen syndrome though -- lacking a standout feature, it is primarily relying on looks to try and win over an audience.
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freddyzdead
31/07/2008, 07:12 PM
rating
9/10
I've only had it a couple of days, but we're getting to know each other well.
I got alarmed at all the reports of buttons falling off the front; I think I've figured it out. Without thinking about it too much, it's kinda natural to open it using the scroll buttons as a handle. Even if you use the raised bar which is put there for that purpose, you still push on the scroll buttons. My answer to this is that I push with my thumb at the side next to the screen. Don't go anywhere near the buttons. I don't think they'll ever fall off.
Other than that, I love everything about it, once I figured out how to turn off the irritating iTap, anyway.
The review here says the phone takes a 1 Gig Micro SD card. Wrong. It takes 2 Gig.
Pros: Pretty to look at
The slider begs you to compulsively play with it
It's LOUD
Oodles of memory once you've put in a 2 Gig card
Camera pictures are almost as good as from a real camera
The camera light can make a very handy torchlight
You can make ringtones out of any sort of mp3
Cons: Clunky operating system
Counterintuitive menu system. I got spoiled by my Nokia 6100.
Design doesn't lend itself to a case; it will likely get all scratched up in my pocket.
The function keys next to the scroll buttons are too small/close together. Easy to push by mistake bringing unwanted operations.
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motorola rizr z6
10/06/2008, 08:21 PM
rating
8/10
Motorola RIZR Z3 is very lucky phone for me. I use this mobile for 2 years. Its features are great. Its stereo speaker are rocks. I love my z3 very much.
Pros: Sleek and stylish design.
Gorgeous color.
Decent talk time.
Solid construction.
Large screen.
Cons: Nothing.
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celph
06/05/2008, 03:27 AM
rating
4/10
Same issues here after 3 phone replacements by them T-Mobile
Also I thought I was the only one having issues with Z3 Phone but not, check out Motorola RIZR Z3 forum at http://www.phonescoop.com/forums/search.php?q=Motorola+RIZR+Z3
Z3 turns OFF itself while talking, taking a photo, video or checking messages.
It will also reboot while just sitting idle.
Major Lint issue on behind the main display
Pros: Pros: There are NO Pros
Cons: Cons: There are Many Cons
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bebb's
03/05/2008, 09:06 PM
rating
7/10
i have had this phone for about 3 months, must say, its an average phone; loud, bluetooth, camera, memory card.
Pros: simple design with basic options, so its not too advanced.
Cons: i find the slider slightly wobbely, which is fine but the menu keys need a total update, i feel really babyish with those keys =]
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ainz
27/04/2008, 01:14 PM
rating
3/10
This is one of the worst phones ever!!
Pros: Good music quality
Cons: Freezes and stuffs up
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Avery
28/03/2008, 01:29 PM
rating
8/10
Well, I've had this phone for almost exactly a month now, and I can almost say that I've had no problems whatsoever!
The Design is excellent and I love it.
Pros: Slider works well and the display is clear and bright. The camera is average, but good from a camera phone perspective.
Cons: The slider function has become the tiniest bit wobbly, but apart from that and a few times when it wouldn't call anybody (probably due to my own technical incompetence) it's been fine.
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bobzgirl
27/03/2008, 07:08 AM
rating
10/10
I love this phone. I've had it almost a year. The only problem I had with it was when my granddaughter put it down the toilet. But TMobile replaced it for me for 10 bucks.
Pros: Camera better than average with a light for night time photos, bluetooth capable, PC compatibility, slim design and lightweight, metal case
Cons: sometimes a little slow at downloads, but easily fixed by rebooting phone.
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jawz
16/02/2008, 07:33 PM
rating
8/10
i thought it was the best one i've ever seen i love it and i cant wait to get it and i reckon you guys are tight with the rating
Pros: i reckon all of it is great
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estrella
13/02/2008, 05:38 AM
rating
7/10
i love it..takes good pics and good video
Cons: i can't figure out how to download music on it..can anyone help with that..
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I Killed My Moto
30/12/2007, 11:12 PM
rating
7/10
Had this phone since September. Has a lot of good features (no 3G though), although it is unreliable sometimes. I killed mine by mistake yesterday when I dropped it in a swimming pool. R.I.P.
Pros: Good camera.
Pretty good battery life.
Stylish looks, turns a few heads.
Cons: Average Moto interface.
Very slow sometimes.
Unreliable.
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