The Motorola Rizr Z3 is one of Motorola's latest phones and was announced in July alongside the very popular Motorola Krzr K1, V3xx and Maxx. The difference, however, is that the Rizr strays from Motorola's classic clamshell design: it's a slider phone. Fortunately, it still retains Motorola's eye for style and comes with all the usual Motorola details.
Upside
The Motorola Rizr Z3 feels solid for a slider phone and has a spring-loaded slide mechanism that smoothly pops open. The Z3 comes in an attractive dark blue and will also come out in black and red at a later date. The casing feels satisfyingly rubbery and provides enough grip that it won't slip out of your hand.
Fortunately, unlike many slider phones, the bottom of the top section is angled inwards so that there's a little more space to press the top three keys, although it's still more squashed than on a candybar phone.
At 16mm thick, it's only 3mm thicker than the original Razr V3 and it's much narrower, measuring only 45mm wide, which means it will fit in most pockets. There's a 2-megapixel camera on the back with an LED photo light that lets you take photos or shoot video, and a dedicated shutter button makes accessing the camera very easy.
Another feature is the MP3 player, which supports AAC, AAC+ and AAC+ enhanced, so you can use the Z3 to listen to your favourite tracks. There's also an expandable microSD slot that will store up to 1GB of music and photos. You can listen to music using the proprietary headphones or using stereo Bluetooth headphones, as the Z3 supports A2DP.
Other useful features include a Web browser, email client, calendar, calculator, alarm clock, Java games and applications, MMS messaging and speakerphone mode.
Downside
While the Z3 isn't a huge handset, we're slightly disappointed that it's not thinner. The original Razr V3 was, at the time, incredibly thin and this handset doesn't have the same wow factor. Another issue with its design is that the lip at the bottom of the keypad gets in the way of properly accessing the *, 0 and # keys, but veteran Razr users will probably be used to this.
It's a shame that the camera isn't hidden behind the slide mechanism as this means it's vulnerable to scratches. Another issue we have with the camera is its low-end feature set: there's no autofocus, and the lack of a flash means that shots taken in low light come out blue when the subject is close and dark when it's far away.
The lack of a 3.5mm adaptor is also disappointing, as you won't be able to plug in your own headphones when you take the phone out of the box. Stereo Bluetooth is a nice bonus, but using it all day will quickly drain your battery. Finally, the screen is rather small, measuring only 30mm wide by 37mm tall, compared to the Razr V3's 35 by 43mm screen.
Outlook
The Motorola Z3 looks good and feels solid. It's an all-rounder phone that dabbles in a little of everything. The problem, however, is that the Z3's feature set looks slightly lacklustre against some of the competition.
Neither the lack of autofocus on the camera nor the screen size had us jumping out of our seats. If, however, you're looking for a Motorola-flavoured slider then this is definitely worth a look. It's currently available for free on a monthly contract, or for around £200 SIM-free online.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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fordscorpio 18 March 2008
Good: Smooth Slide, Screen Depth, Text Messaging System, Camera Functions, USB Charging, Battery Life
Bad: Low Res Icons, Ring Tones, Exposed Camera Lens
Comment: The MOTORIZR Z3 is great phone for general use, if you don't need 3G functions, then look no further than this great all-rounder from Motorola.
Having spent most of my life with Nokia, I find that Moto's new approach to phones is innovative and fresh. Long gone are the babyish toys of the past, we now have in the RIZR Z3 a phone that will keep your cravings for multimedia satified, whilst returning incredible battery life and a shed load of features.
The RIZR Z3 is not really funky or flash and will not make your friends cringe with envy, but you will be very satisifies when your phone that costs little more than a pair of nice shoes, do all of the things that theirs do.
The RIZR Z3 is distinctive and rare, having only a 2MP camera in a world of phones with 5MP upwards and without 3G functions, it is a little behind the times in the technology stakes. But make no mistake, this phone sets out and achieves what Motorola wanted to do, make a phone packed with stuff for not much cash.
The software is quick and the interface is simple, which is not the case with many of the phones that boast more features. I have spent much wasted time waiting for my Nokia to enter a function mode, whereas the MOTORIZR Z3 glides through functions quickly.
The feel of the phone in your hands gives you a sense of quaility and solid build throughout. Being narrower than many models, you will not find yourself dropping the device and the slide is easy enough to be operated by one hand, but is stiff enough not to fall open.
The buttons are sleek and give a positive feel when operated, the number keys are perhaps a little too recessed, but the cut from sheet feel is second to none. The blue illumination is fantastic in low light and will not blind you in total darkness.
The camera is of very good quaility for photo and video functions, despite the lack of a flash. The Z3 has a light which provides 50% illumination in dark situations. There are easily accessible colour and photo modes that will leave you satisfied.
Up to 2Gb of memory is available by the use of a MicroSD card which are now available cheaply and readily.
Overall this phone is one of the best I have seen from Motorola and takes the place of my Nokia N73 with ease.
Milo O'Neill 18 January 2007
Good: Extra memory over Razr, solid construction next to Samsung/Sony and Nokia
Bad: LED light for camera
Comment: After my two year old Razr started to look like it lacked a few up to date toys it was time for something new. Looking at the latest offerings from Samsung/Sony et al they all felt really cheap in the hand, the Rizr keeps up the quality aspect that Motorola seems to have lost with the Krazr and it the best made phone this side of a Nokia 8800 (and that weighs too much). Camera quality's good, stereo Bluetooth is a match for my iPd. Great phone.
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