news Google-owned US handset manufacturer Motorola has launched its latest high-end Android-based smartphone in Australia, the RAZR V, through the nation’s number two telco Optus.

The RAZR V is the latest in Motorola’s RAZR line, and like many competing models launching this year, runs version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) of Google’s Android operating system, which has only recently been superceded by the Jelly Bean version of Android. The RAZR V features a 4.3″ touchscreen at a resolution of 540×960 pixels and is encased in KEVLAR fibre for extra toughness.

Inside, it is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and 1GB of memory. It comes with an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and a VGA front-facing camera. 8GB of on-board storage space is provided and the RAZR V also comes with a microSD card slot. Its batter is a 1780mAH model. However, it does not support the 4G speeds available through Telstra’s 4G network and shortly to be available through Optus’ new 4G network.

“With Motorola RAZR V we’ve created the perfect smartphone for stylish, smart and tech-savvy consumers who want great looks, great performance and great value,” said Timo Brouwer, General Manager Motorola Mobility in the Australian region. “We are committed to creating devices that are beautiful and powerful, but also affordable. The new Motorola RAZR V embodies that commitment perfectly.”
The RAZR V will be available from Friday this week (3rd August) for a monthly handset charge of $4 on Optus’ $35 monthly plan — making it one of the cheaper high-end Android smartphones available in Australia.

Michael Smith, Managing Director of Marketing, Optus said, “Considering how popular the Motorola RAZR brand has been in Australia over the years, RAZR V is a fantastic addition to the Optus mobile handset range on a great value plan. With a blend of technology, design and quality, at an accesible price point, we’re positive this smartphone will be a hit with our customers.”

The launch of the RAZR V in Australia comes as a number of other manufacturers have recently launched comparable new Android-based handsets locally. HTC’s One series, which includes the 4G-capable One XL, and Samsung’s Galaxy S III handset are particularly in demand by local buyers, while Huawei has also caused a splash with the launch of its Ascend P1 handset in Australia, which is one of the cheapest models to still retain most of the high-end features of the others.

opinion/analysis
I expect the RAZR V to be an excellent Ice Cream Sandwich phone in its own right, but the difficulty is that there currently appears to be no real differentiating factor which it offers over competing models as mentioned above. In addition, I have to admit I am somewhat surprised that Motorola hasn’t released this model with the Jelly Bean version of Android built in, considering that its parent is the manufacturer of Android — Google.

If Motorola had been able to release this model with Jelly Bean, it would have been significant differentiating factor in the market. As it stands, the RAZR V is probably destined to be an also-ran in a market dominated by slightly better or cheaper rivals.

Image credit: Motorola

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1. Aryan
   Posted 02/08/2012 at 1:37 pm | Permalink | Reply

   Google took control of Motorola in May. A new product takes about 12-18 months to design. Even just a change of OS (porting the Linux kernel to a new SoC, compiling and testing the rest of the software stack, then re-applying for all regulatory certifications required) takes about 4-6 months at the earliest.

   There is no way Google had any influence on this phone, whose design was probably finalised in May and went into production in June. Right now, the Google-installed new CEO of Motorola is just reviewing the company and drawing up strategic plans for its future. Expect at least 18-24 months to see the influence of Google on Motorola’s handsets on the market.

   • James
     Posted 02/08/2012 at 1:53 pm | Permalink | Reply

     You’re correct. Also, Google has made it clear that they will let Motorola operate pretty much independently, so I wouldn’t go expecting Nexus-style (stock Android) Motophones.(ref – http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/21/3109336/google-not-integrating-motorola)

     That being said, Motorola hasn’t messed with the layout much, it’s pretty close to stock.

2. Stephen
   Posted 03/08/2012 at 1:22 pm | Permalink | Reply

   It’s a bit small.

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