Razr2 V9 on AT&T Cell Phone Review - Value & Comparisons
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Mark Brezinski Published on October 02, 2007 Comment on this |
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Value (2.0)
The Razr2 V9 offered by AT&T for $299.99 with a two-year contract or $499.99 without one. We understand virtually anything even vaguely electronic has an inflated price when it's initially released, but the V9 just doesn't offer functionality that matches the price. You're paying for advanced hardware and stunted software. We've seen comparable functionality from phones that cost $100 or less. This is truly disappointing, as the Razr2 could have been so much more had any of its carriers provided software anywhere near the one Motorola had intended for the device. If you want a Razr2, we'd recommend you wait to see if the T-Mobile version will have Motorola's OS, or at the very least wait for the price to drop. At this point in time, no Razr2 iteration is a good value. The V9 actually scored slightly less in this category than the models offered by Sprint and Verizon because both are $100 and $150 cheaper, respectively.
Comparisons
Sanyo Katana DLX - The DLX has much better software than the Razr2 V9, such as a true email client. The hardware isn't as great, however. The V9's external screen is far more advanced than the DLX's, which is absolutely minute in comparison. As far as aesthetics, the V9 is a little ahead of the DLX, but if you personally like the DLX form factor, the Katana wins this round. A not-so-subjective difference is the price. The DLX is about half the cost of the V9. Half the cost and double the functionality gives the DLX our recommendation over the V9.
Nokia N75 - We chose to compare the Razr2 to the N75 as a means of providing contrast. The N75 was a disappointing handset that really didn't live up to the standards set by the rest of the Series 60 devices. It still, however, trumps the V9 in software, hands down. The V9 has better hardware, especially in its touch-sensitive external screen, but the N75's outer display provides more functionality. The V9 does beat the N75 in terms of battery life and picture quality. Though not as good looking, the N75 is also available on AT&T, and is $100 less expensive. If you're looking for a business device, or a phone with a price that better reflects its functionality, the N75 is the better pick. If you're just looking for a normal phone that looks good, then the V9 might be better for you.
Samsung Blast - This is a tough comparison. Both phones are overpriced. Neither offer very good software. The only real difference between the two are their actual prices and hardware. The Blast is $100 with a contract and looks like it came out of a cereal box, but actually has better software than the Razr2. The Razr2 looks like a high-end phone, but has underdeveloped software. It really comes down to what you're looking for. If you want a nice looking phone we would have to recommend the V9 over the Blast, simply because the Blast has all the charm of a garage sale toy bin. If you are looking for capable software, we're inclined to believe the Blast might actually be a better deal. That being said, neither phone could be considered a good deal, and the software of either can be trumped by phones that are less expensive or even free with contract.
Helio Fin - The Fin looks just as good as the Razr2, has a GPS, and costs less. The V9 has better hardware, especially its keypad and external screen. Of course, the latter point is somewhat mute, as the V9 doesn't really take advantage of its outer touch screen. We feel the Fin is a better deal, provided you have no qualms about switching your carrier to Helio.
Apple iPhone - iPhones now cost $399. If you are willing to spend $299 on a phone, drop a little extra and get the iPhone. The iPhone has a much better cost-benefit ratio, and the extra money is worth it. If you don't have an extra $100 to spend, we still wouldn't recommend the V9, as you can easily get a comparable phone for free with a contract.
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