Motorola RAZR2 V8 review: New edge to RAZR

Good news on Display

Generally, we are pleased with both the ergonomics of the Motorola V8 and the solid feel of the device. Its shape and dimensions make it nice to talk on, too. However, we did notice a minor flaw and it concerns opening the clamshell single-handedly. There is no recess where you can rest your finger to open the flip. Additionally, given the polished metal casing, the handset somewhat easily slips off your fingers. The folding mechanism works like a charm though: the hinge holds softly and evenly to ensure a smooth flip open.

Motorola V8 held in hand

With dual display handsets we've seen enough small external displays boasting thousands of colors but offering dismal legibility. This is definitely not the case with the outer display of Motorola V8. Calling it secondary will be quite an insult actually, as the sole difference between the two screens is 0.2 inches in diagonal. Color rendering and legibility under direct sunlight are splendid. It is important to mention that both displays have one and the same backlighting source. However, only the main display is customizable, while the external one cannot have its brightness adjusted. Additionally, the display specs claim 40% of backlighting goes to the external and 60% is marked off for the internal screen. The inner 2.2" QVGA TFT display itself is stunningly crisp and bright, offers vivid colors and is legible even at the medium brightness level. All in all, we are very pleased with the displays of Motorola V8 and think they're worth a wholehearted thumbs-up. The keyboard has even, but rather soft white backlighting, which is not of much use. One can't help frowning at the difference, comparing it to the bright main display.

Good external display • Unfolded V8 - crisp and bright internal display contrasts to the barely visible keyboard

CrystalTalk - real-like voice

CrystalTalk, a proprietary Motorola technology is here to greatly enhance quality of calls. CrystalTalk combines voice enhancement technologies like microphone noise reduction, noise adaptive speaker enhancements, and on some products - a full duplex speakerphone. All enhancements improve the clarity and intelligibility of speech in noisy environments. Striving to deliver loudness and maintain quality simultaneously, CrystalTalk adjusts the audio quality based on ambient noise conditions to provide the optimal conversational experience. Both the microphone and earpiece grill are of ample size but still look stylish.

As we managed to confirm it really does a great job. The caller voice was so clear and real, it almost felt like a face-to-face. Almost all of the background noise is suppressed.

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As we managed to confirm it really does a great job. The caller voice was so clear and real, it almost felt like a face-to-face. Almost all of the background noise is suppressed. Other Motorola handsets to benefit from the CrystalTalk technology are Motorola V9, U9, W206, W213, W175, W180, W156, W160 and W510.

Earpiece above the display • microphone at the bottom

Here is how Motorola RAZR2 V8 ranks along some of the other handsets we've measured in our new speakerphone loudness test. More info on our test here.

Speakerphone test	Voice, dB	Pink noise/ Music, dB	Ringing phone, dB	Overall score
Motorola RAZR2 V8	66.3	65.7	81.9	Good
Sony Ericsson W960	72.3	73.5	76.7	Very good
HTC TyTn II	76.0	75.7	82.7	Excellent
Apple iPhone	65.3	61.3	70.2	Below average