The MOTOROLA Z3

On the Z3’s back you can see the loudspeaker’s grill at the bottom, which steps onto the scene when it comes to playing back ring tones or handsfree more. Apart from that, 2 Mpix camera’s lens and a flash module take up the top of that handset’s rear, making it look different from the KRZR.

The battery cover is made of metal and doesn’t expose even the slightest hint of gap. The slot for microSD memory cards is place between this cover and the SIM-card bed, meaning that you can seamlessly swap memory cards even on a working device.

Measuring only 106х46х16 mm in size and weighting 108 grams, the Z3 readily slips in any pocket without bringing about any discomfort or something even worse. Key lock may be turned on automatically, preventing the function keys from being accidentally pressed.

The handset utilizes a traditional RAZR-style keypad – if there are still some people among our readers not familiar with it, we shall describe it as a metal plate with engraved keys captions The four-way navigation key has OK button inserted into it.

As for the numeric keypad, it can be reveled only by sliding the Z3 open and shows off bulky buttons with good and, more importantly, noticeable click sensation. The slope of the casing is a unique solution overlook by other companies – thanks to this feature you won’t experience any problems with reaching both the top and the bottom key rows, even people with really big hands won’t end up hitting the slider’s upper part. The keys are evenly lit in white, which is well-visible in various conditions

The display itself doesn’t impress, though, for it is a typical Motorola’s screen showing off 176х220 pixels (30х37 mm, 1.9 inch) resolution and 262K colors. The image quality isn’t that bad, although it is getting outdated rapidly against the background of competing devices manufactured by Samsung and Sony Ericsson. What it lacks is higher resolution – the picture looks acceptable, but that’s about it. The display can hold up to 6 text and 3 service lines. The TFT technology allows you to read information seamlessly even when in the sun and thus brings no problems.

The slider is armed with auto-opening mechanism, making the process of sliding the Z3 open single-handedly a breeze. The area beneath the screen houses a comfortable thumb-rest, adding points to the overall convenience of the phone.

The left side retains the volume rocker switch, and a bit lower – Smart-key. The user is at liberty to customize it and assign to Camera app or something else. While navigating through the menus, this key may double as OK-button or act in a different way, depending on given menu item. On the right one will find Voice Command key standing for voice dialing, voice commands in a standby mode and sound recorder activation during a call. MiniUSB slot for plugging in charger or headset is also embedded in the side plate

Overall, the Z3 is a well-built slider making use of marvelous materials in the casing’s design. On the other hand, it brings nothing fundamentally new to the table and won’t become a bestseller in the full sense of this word – its sale rates will go up as the price falls down.