Motorola has launched yet another version of its popular RAZR V3 - this time the MOTORAZR V3 (RED). It offers exactly the same features and specifications as the original RAZR, and only differs in colour - but there is a reason and purpose for it. The V3 (RED) is part of (PRODUCT)RED, an initiative created to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world's most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT)RED branded products. A percentage of each (PRODUCT)RED product sold is given to The Global Fund and the money helps women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Although the RAZR is essentially an old product, the hugely popular RAZR V3 garnered a lot of attention when it was first released and Motorola is simply capitalising on the handset's enormous success by re-releasing it with a competitive price tag.

Features

The RAZR V3 (RED) is a quad band GSM (850/900/1800/1900) phone and voice call quality is fairly good. Volume is more than adequate at the highest setting, and the hands-free speakerphone also works well. The RAZR also has a 1000 entry phonebook.

As the V3 is based on a design that is a couple of years old, it's no surprise that the RAZR (RED) is a very basic mobile phone. It has a VGA camera and video recorder, a paltry 5MB of internal memory with no memory storage slot and no other outstanding features. It is therefore an ideal phone for pre-paid or first time mobile phone users, but those wanting the latest technology are advised to give this one a miss.

The V3 (RED) supports standard SMS, MMS and email (POP3, SMTP, IMAP) messaging, but these are frustrating thanks to Motorola's insistence on using their iTap input system. Unlike the T9 method, the iTap predictive text input relies on a different process to input unknown words and this quickly becomes tiresome. Other features include GPRS, WAP 2.0, and Java support as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Motorola also packs a matching red H500 Bluetooth headset into the sales package.

Design

The V3 (RED) retains the original design and shape which made it so popular and the bright red colour scheme looks great. It weighs just 95g and measures 100mm x 50mm x 14mm, meaning its still one of the slimmest mobile phones on the market. Flipped open, the V3 (RED) greets you with the same excellent looking but extremely frustrating flat keypad. These keys are very uncomfortable and require a firm press to activate, so messaging with this phone is a laborious process. Despite this, the phone feels solid in the hand and is comfortable to hold to your ear for long periods.

A colour screen occupies most of the top half of the clamshell when open, while buttons shaped from a single piece of metal fill the bottom. The 2.2", 262,000-colour TFT display performs well in most lighting conditions, but struggles a little in direct sunlight. The internal and external screens are lacklustre, with many competitors' phones offering better display colour, brightness and sharpness. Both displays are also fingerprint magnets.

Battery life is average according to Motorola figures of up to 385 minutes of talk time and 290 hours of standby time. On average, the V3 (RED) lasts two to three days with moderate use.