Ball One: Alleged Ambient Noise-Reduction Technology
The Motorola Z9 is marketed to feature “CrystalTalk” technology. This is hype for technology that should reduce ambient noise and bolster AT&T’s ability to deliver clear calls.
The concept sounds swanky, but in testing, the difference isn’t clearly discernable. While it may be there for peace of mind, this doesn’t appear to be a killer application that can powerfully differentiate and change the game.
Homerun: Motorola Z9 is a Full-Featured Phone
Despite its design flaws, at the heart of the Z9 is its stirring feature set that’s nearly comparable to advanced smartphones. The Motorola Z9 features:
high-speed data access using fast 3G technology
GPS with street-level navigation software
mobile music
video sharing
Bluetooth for short-range wireless communications
instant messaging
email
a 2-megapixel camera
This feature set is clearly the phone’s best call. Also, the relatively large screen display for a traditional cell phone is front and center in the Motorola Z9’s perk list. The Z9 features a 2.4-inch, non-touch display.
This compares to a 3.1-inch haptic touch display for the Samsung Instinct and a 3.5-inch display for the multi-touch iPhone 3G.
The Motorola Z9 is marketed to feature “CrystalTalk” technology. This is hype for technology that should reduce ambient noise and bolster AT&T’s ability to deliver clear calls.
The concept sounds swanky, but in testing, the difference isn’t clearly discernable. While it may be there for peace of mind, this doesn’t appear to be a killer application that can powerfully differentiate and change the game.
Homerun: Motorola Z9 is a Full-Featured Phone
Despite its design flaws, at the heart of the Z9 is its stirring feature set that’s nearly comparable to advanced smartphones. The Motorola Z9 features:
This feature set is clearly the phone’s best call. Also, the relatively large screen display for a traditional cell phone is front and center in the Motorola Z9’s perk list. The Z9 features a 2.4-inch, non-touch display.
This compares to a 3.1-inch haptic touch display for the Samsung Instinct and a 3.5-inch display for the multi-touch iPhone 3G.
Overall
If Motorola could reconvene with its design team and reduce the Z9’s weight, improve its keys in a more natural way and shrink the phone’s overall size, we’d have a serious contender in today’s full-featured cell phone space.
As it is, though, the full features with the design flaws result in a wash and yield this 2.5 out of 5.0 review.
Image Gallery: See 10 photos of the Motorola Z9 from all angles.
Your Two Cents: Have a comment or question related to this cell phone review? Chime in on the forums!
If Motorola could reconvene with its design team and reduce the Z9’s weight, improve its keys in a more natural way and shrink the phone’s overall size, we’d have a serious contender in today’s full-featured cell phone space.
As it is, though, the full features with the design flaws result in a wash and yield this 2.5 out of 5.0 review.
Image Gallery: See 10 photos of the Motorola Z9 from all angles.
Your Two Cents: Have a comment or question related to this cell phone review? Chime in on the forums!
