The V325 is traditional, sticking to a conservative design rather than an ultra-thin form factor other Motorola products have so recently popularized. Ideal for the corporate environment, the 91 x 49 x 24 mm clamshell offers a clean and professional look, featuring sleek brushed metal front and back panels surrounded by an easy-to-grip rubberized trim.
Integrating a monochrome LCD on the front, the V325 provides convenient access frequented information with just a glance. A circular mirror allows consumers to take self-portraits when activating the VGA camera lens to the left. And when incoming calls occur, fun ring lights illuminate the curved border below the stylized Motorola logo.
On the right, a Voice Recognition Key activates voice dialing and voice command features, while Volume Keys along the left turn off incoming call alerts, change earpiece volume during calls, and change ringer volume from the home screen. Nearby, a headset jack and dedicated Speakerphone Key offer handsfree access. Outlets for the Accessory Port and Charger are located on the bottom.
The V325 opens to reveals the main 65K-color screen. Surrounded by Send, Power / End, Camera, Clear, and Left and Right Keys shortcut keys, menu navigation is easily performed through a 5-way navigational keypad. Additionally, the numeric keypad provides comfortable and spacious text messaging using iTAP predictive text technology.
Out of the box, the Motorola V325 comes with a standard 820 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Home Charger, Data Cable, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual.
Released for Verizon Wireless, the Motorola V325 operates on CDMA 800 / 1900 and AMPS 800 frequencies, making it compatible on both digital and analog networks.
As with many Verizon phones, the V325 has been stripped of its original Motorola user interface and replaced with a Verizon menu structure. Providing a no-frills fundamental navigation structure, many advance functions are inaccessible (compared to the non-Verizon version, the V323), making the V325 a bit too simplistic.
Motorola rated the V325's 820 mAh Li-Ion battery at an average 3.33 and 200 hours (8.3 days) of talk and standby times respectively. However, those are under optimal conditions. Handset manufacturers and carriers often list talk-time and standby-time ratings with disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Audio
The V325 lacks many audio capabilities popular among mobile devices these days. Built as a mid-level device, extra features such as MP3 players and FM radios are excluded.
Rather than an entertainment device, the V325 is built for function. Fortunately the V325 supports speakerphone and advanced voice recognition capabilities. The built-in speakerphone can be access with the clamshell opened or closed. Able to project clearly via the speaker grill on the back, users can communicate handsfree when busy on the job.
With the speaker independent voice dial feature, there is no need to record a voice dial if the caller recipient is in the phonebook. Without so much as a pause, the V325 will automatically match the name spoken to the name in the phonebook, and even asks if users want the mobile, home or work number.
Messaging
Incorporating commonplace text messaging standards, the V325 has SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service). Using iTAP predictive text, consumers can type easier as the V325 predicts words by using combinations of the English language.
Through Verizon Wireless' Mobile IM, customers can access real-time AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger platforms. Preinstalled on the V325, users can keep in touch with friends and family on the road. Data charges may apply.
Internet
Using the V325's Openwave web browser with Verizon Wireless' optional Mobile Web package (costing $5 per month), Verizon Wireless customers can read and send emails, chat on Mobile IM, view and trade stocks, access flight information, and even get movie listings on the way to the theater.
Unfortunately, unable to utilize Verizon Wireless' new 3G EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) service, the V325 was not built for video streaming, as most devices that use it are. Designed instead to browse mostly text and access VZ Navigator, the V325 is based on the older cdma2000 1xRTT (1x radio transmission technology) service, for transfer rates of up to 144 kbps.
Storage
Containing an abundant 32 MB of internal memory, more than enough room is available for photos, ringtones, and applications and games. With storage space dynamically shared among all multimedia and productivity tools, users should find it difficult to use up all the space.
Conclusion
Built of quality materials, the V325 looks and feels like a high-end device. As the first phone to feature Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator, the V325 is the perfect companion for road warriors looking for the next turn.
However, with many phones integrating 1.3-megapixel cameras and MP3 players, the V325's less than stellar VGA camera and lacking audio capabilities (other than the built-in speakerphone) are disadvantages. But the V325 targets a different type of consumer; those who don't care much for multimedia and want a phone to talk on.
Fortunately with an extendable stub antenna and tri-band capabilities, the V325 has excellent reception to communicate when it matters most.
Featuring a speakerphone and voice dialing capabilities, users have handsfree control over conversations. Keeping costs down by focusing on functionality, the V325 is competitively priced compared to other devices on the market today.With a sleek conservative design and robust functionality, the V325 is ideal for users looking for a well-rounded phone with value. For consumers who don't need all the extras and want a phone to talk, the V325 is an excellent choice at an affordable price.
Motorola V325 Features
* Integrated GPS navigation through Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator
* Stylish clamshell design with sleek metal and sliver finish
* Large, high-resolution internal 1.9-inch 176 x 220 pixel TFT display
* Integrated VGA camera for easy capturing of high-quality images
* Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) to share favorite photos, ringtones and more with ease
* Rhythm lights that flash during incoming calls or integrated speakerphone and speech recognition provide options for how to connect
* 72 polyphonic sound engine, WAP 2.0 and BREW 3.1 for internet browsing and content and application downloads
Motorola V325 Specs
Technical Specifications
Network: AMPS 800 / CDMA 800 / 1900
Form Factor: Clamshell
Dimensions: 91 x 49 x 24 mm
Weight: 116 g
Antenna: Stub / Extendable
Navigation: 5-Way Keypad
Battery Type: 820 mAh Li-Ion
Talk Time: 3.33
Standby Time: 200
Memory: 32 MB
Expandable Memory: No
Imaging
Main Screen: 65000 colors (TFT)
176 x 220 px
External Screen: 2 colors (STN)
96 x 32 px
Camera: 0.3 MP / 640 x 480 px / 4X Zoom
Audio
MP3 Player: No
FM Radio: No
Speakerphone: Yes
Push-To-Talk: No
Multimedia
Wallpapers: 176 x 220 px
Screen Savers: 176 x 220 px
Ring Tones: 72 chord / MP3
Themes: No
Games: BREW
Streaming Multimedia: No
Messaging
SMS: Yes
EMS: Yes
MMS: Yes
Email: Yes
Chat: Yes
Predictive Text: iTAP
Applications
Phonebook Capacity: 500
Calendar: Yes
To-Do List: Yes
WAP: 2.0 / Openwave 6.2
Voice Commands: Yes
Calculator: Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth: No
Infrared Port: No
High-Speed Data: cdma2000 1xRTT
Wi-Fi: No
GPS: VZ Navigator
PC Sync: Yes
