Motorola Motofone F3 review

But the problem is it's not always appropriate to have voice prompts turned on, and navigating the menu system without the voice prompts is hugely awkward. Those graphical icons really don't cut it.

Maddeningly, you need to input code numbers from the manual to adjust certain settings, such as changing the language or setting a voicemail number, like when using a cheap universal remote control. For instance, to turn off keypad tones you have to press star three times, then 251, another star and then the action key. Got that? Good, you'll have to remember it, or carry the manual around with you.

The other problem is that the letters, although easy to read, are so large that long text messages or contact names don't fit on it without scrolling. It's like trying to read a text message on a calculator.

The Motofone's keypad is classic Motorola -- easy to press and easy to distinguish between keys

Conclusion
Albert Einstein once said, "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." While the Motofone should be one of the simplest ever phones to use, it's actually about as user-friendly as a Rubik's cube. It will definitely take some getting used to, especially if you've owned any other mobile phone before.

We really wanted to like this phone -- the battery life is incredible -- but after using it for over two weeks, we couldn't stand it any longer. One of the most annoying features is the inability to read text messages in one go and having to scroll through them bit by bit. If you're a heavy texter, avoid this phone at all costs.

That said, if you only care about making calls and you have all the numbers you need stored on your SIM card, then the Motofone's fantastic battery life might make it worth a purchase. Just don't plan on texting any time soon. Or adding any new contacts. Or changing any of the settings if you lose the manual. Or...

Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Nick Hide