GADGET WATCH: Motorola RAZR

Motorola has been responsible for a number of great smartphones over the past year in particular, and it hopes to continue that trend through the release of its latest Android outfit, the Droid Razr.

Although the phone has made some changes in translation (there will be no 4G version in Australia), it’s still a powerful smartphone packed with features that could see it challenge some existing players. So how does it stack up?

Hardware and features

The new Razr is powered by a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor, with 1GB of ram and 16GB of storage, with an SD slot available for more.

The screen is a super AMOLED advanced 4.3 inch display, with a display of 960 x 540. The front camera is 1.3 megapixels, with the back camera at eight megapixels. It weighs 130 grams, and is just 7.1mm thick.

The smartphone will come powered with the Android software, and Motorola has confirmed Australian users will be able to upgrade to 4.0, otherwise known as Ice Cream Sandwich.

What’s the consensus?

Motorola first released the RAZR line earlier in the decade, and marketed its product line as being super-thin. That tradition has continued, and several reviewers have praised the device’s build, which Motorola claims is the thinnest in the world.

Over at CNET, the publication wrote that it was “struck” by how thin and lightweight the device was.

“There’s no denying the wow factor of the Razr’s ultralight body, and it does indeed fit perfectly into our pants pocket,” it noted, although said that the device itself was a little large to use.

The publication also praised the use of aluminium, and the glass fitted around the edges.

Over at PCWorld, the publication agreed that holding the device is a little awkward, but nevertheless said it was the “best we’ve seen on any smartphone to date”.

“The Kevlar backing is soft to touch and really gives the RAZR a distinct look and feel. We much prefer it to the etched plastic backing of the Galaxy S II, which does feel a little cheap.”

Each publication also praised the screen, saying it was satisfactorily bright and crisp.

Performance wise, Engadget said the device was impressive, with some surprising speed as well, also praising the battery life after an afternoon of heavy usage. However, it also noted it suffers the same battery drain as other smartphones.

“Under light usage you may be able to squeeze two days out of it, but most likely you’ll need to plug it in every night before you go to bed.”

Engadget also said the camera was similar to the Bionic phone, able to capture 1080p video with an LED flash. It praised pictures taken in daylight, along with shots used in artificial lighting, although said there detectable noise in those images.

It also praised video performance, saying it was above average, but said most of the included software was forgettable. CNET agreed with that, although said the in-built music app was quite well built.

That publication also said the camera performance wasn’t as good as it hoped – a sentiment PCWorld agreed with, despite saying the camera itself was pretty fast.

Who’s it for?

The Motorola Razr is a thin, powerful and solid phone. Reviewers have praised its solid build, saying you should be able to operate it on a daily basis without having to worry about damaging it, despite the super thin body.

There are some downsides, such as issues with the in-built camera and native software. But if you’re after a fast, powerful and well-built phone, this is well worth a look.