Motorola Razr2 V9m on Verizon Cell Phone Review - Software
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Alfredo Padilla Published on September 12, 2007 Comment on this |
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OS (1.0)
Like Sprint's version of the Razr2 V9m, Verizon's iteration runs Motorola's older operating system rather than its newer Java/Linux based system. In this case the software is overlaid with Verizon's BREW interface, which is used to provide a universal interface across Verizon handsets. We understand the interest in providing users with consistent experiences, however as with the Sprint version of the V9m the simple fact of the matter is that the older software can't take advantage of the newer hardware. The inability to play back videos on the external screen is just one example of this deficiency. Rant aside, the BREW interface is fairly easy to use, with only a few simple menus. There are examples of poor design,however. The music software is one example, but another is the catch-all "Get-it-now" menu, which combines photo/video functionality with additional software, games, music, and everything else they couldn't put somewhere else. Overall, our disappointment at the lack of updates on this handset is significant, and the poor score in the area reflects our disappointment as much as the deficiencies in the operating system.
Home Screen Score (5.0)
Extensibility (1.0)
Because the Razr2 V9m from Verizon uses the BREW interface it does not support Java applications like the Sprint version does. You can download a variety of different Verizon-approved BREW applications, but most of these are just a front for separating you from your money. There is no support for native third-party applications.
Customizability (1.0)
The Razr2 V9m from Verizon doesn't provide as many customization options as its Sprint brethren. The biggest omission is the lack of support for any themes, which is strange because many other Verizon phones, like the LG Chocolate VX8550, support themes. You can change the background of your home screen and things like the placement of the clock, but that's about it. Given that many users like to personalize their phone, the lack of customization options is a let down.
OS Responsivness (7.0)
The Razr2 V9m from Verizon was a very responsive handset. We rarely experienced any lag launching programs, and none when moving through menus. We also didn't encounter any of the stability issues we experienced with the Sprint version of the V9m, for which we are grateful. The simple truth is that the older operating system on the V9m just doesn't tax the updated hardware on which it is built.
Gaming (2.3)
The Razr2 V9m comes with only two demonstration games, Pac-Man and Tetris. We firmly believe that every handset, much less one that costs $250, should come with at least one decent full version game, and the lack of this makes Verizon look like it's nickel and diming users. The controls on the V9m should be sufficient for casual gaming, but lack the key travel and feedback you would want from a serious gaming device.
Browser Features (5.0)
The browser on the Razr2 V9m is very basic, with support for HTML and WAP pages, but lacking support for functions like frames, Javascript, Java, and Flash. It does support basic encryption and cookies, but more advanced features like RSS feeds, password management, and autofill are missing. We think Motorola and Verizon could have provided a better experience for its users. Browsing Interface (4.0)
The browser on the Razr2 V9m reformats pages to fit them into a single screen's width; there is no option to view pages in desktop format like some phones offer. The directional pad moves link to link, however if you press and hold up/down you can scroll from page to page. The history list is buried two menus deep and is just a simple list of sites you have visited. The items are numbered and you can use the keypad to jump to the item you want, which is a nice feature. Favorites are not listed in the menu you find under the right soft key. Instead you need to go to the home screen to access them, which brings up an annoyance about the browser. Favorites and entering a URL actually requires you to browse to a special page, instead of being built into the software. This means you have to wait for the page to load when you access these functions.
The left soft key activates the highlighted link, which is redundant since the center select key also fulfills this function. The right soft key opens a menu to access additional functions, and thankfully the menu is numbered so you can use the keypad to jump to the item you want, something that was missing from the Sprint version. Advanced features like overview and zoom and tabbed browsing are missing. We found the browsing interface to be sufficient for light browsing of mobile sites, but not much else.
Browser Access (4.44)
| Cell Phone | Steps | Score |
| Razr2 V9m (Verizon) | 9 | 4.44 |
| Helio Fin | 6 | 6.67 |
| Razr2 V9m (Sprint) | 14 | 2.86 |
| Razr V3m | 13 | 3.08 |
| LG Chocolate VX8550 | 12 | 3.33 |
| Apple iPhone | 4 | 10.00 |
Calculator (4.0)
Alarm (6.0)
Document Software (0.0)
The Razr2 V9m does not include any software to view or edit office documents.
Other Software (0.0)
Unlike the Sprint version of the Razr2 V9m the Verizon version does not include a file browser. There is no other additional software we considered worthy of extra points.
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