Motorola RAZR V Review: An Entry-Level RAZR on Ice Cream Sandwich
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
Specifications
- 4.3-inch screen at 960 x 540 with Gorilla Glass
- Dual-core 1.2 GHz TI OMAP processor
- 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of storage, with a microSD slot
- 8 MP rear camera and 1.3 MP front camera
- Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4
Design
At 4.3 inches it is bigger than the iPhone 5 but not much smaller than some top phones. The finger rests well under the bump on the back, which has a Kevlar-like finish. The battery is not user accessible, which some buyers dislike. The chin below the screen is large, wasted space of the type a colleague often criticizes, and the notification light sits at the top.
Software
The interface is lightly skinned and close to stock, with the app drawer organized in folders. The reviewer missed the circle icons and gestures of the newer Atrix interface but liked the mail app. Business apps come preinstalled, such as Citrix, GoToMeeting and QuickOffice, plus wireless printing that works out of the box. Smart Actions automates settings based on conditions, and the reviewer had not tried it fully, for fear of getting hooked.
Using it
- It feels responsive, though a little slower than a loaded Galaxy Nexus.
- Battery life is good and the speaker is loud.
- It uses soft buttons and feels large in the hand.
The camera is decent. The main complaint is that the camera app does not rotate, and the low-light mode looked no better than Auto, sometimes darker.
Value
At $30 on contract, the RAZR V looked attractive next to a $100 Galaxy Note or a $200 Galaxy S III, which were also on contract at the time.
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove the battery?
No, it is sealed.
Does it have expandable storage?
Yes, a microSD slot.
Is the RAZR V still current?
No. It is an old phone running an outdated version of Android.