Moto KRZR Review (Verizon) - October 4, 2006
As we mentioned last Friday, Skatter Tech was able to get a hold of the brand new Motorola KRZR K1m for Verizon Wireless. The KRZR’s features include a 1.3MP camera, MicroSD, speaker phone, external iPod-like touch-sensitive controls, Bluetooth, and V Cast Music/Video. We had high expectations and hoped that the phone would be as good as it looked, unfortunately we ended up being quite disappointed.
Motorola KRZR K1m Specs:
- Provider: Verizon Wireless (CDMA)
- Form Factor: Clamshell Flip Phone
- Dimensions: 4.05H x 1.73W x 0.67D (inches)
- Weight / Battery Life: 3.6oz / 4hrs30mins
- Digital Camera: 1.3 megapixels
- Storage Space: MicroSD expansion (2GB max)
- Communications: Bluetooth + USB
- Others: Speaker Phone and Music Controls
- Price: $199 with new 2 year contract
KRZR Body - 5/5 stars
The shape of the KRZR is much more comfortable and natural to hold compared the RAZR. The phone is way skinnier than the RAZR, but is slightly thicker and taller. At first glance the phone looks expensive, sleek, slim, and glossy, however just as a PSP or an iPod the, KRZR’s coat is prone to fingerprints from even the slightest touch. Motorola has improvised the keypad dividing them with more natural grooves which helps finding keys, without looking, much easier.
Digital Camera - 2/5 stars
The KRZR’s 1.3 megapixel camera is pretty much the same as the one in the RAZR v3m. Other KRZR models have a 2 megapixel camera, however Verizon’s K1m has been cut down to keep prices low. Motorola has also failed to add a flash to the phone, which although not too powerful often will be handy when taking close up shots in the dark.
Display - 4/5 stars
The internal display is much crisper and brighter than that of the Motorola v3m. However it is extremely delicate and placing even the slightest amount of pressure causes the “ripple effect” in the LCD which may damage the display. The external display is a bit dull and with the fingerprints all over, it may be hard to see in sunlight.
Music Playback - 4/5 stars
Unlike the RAZR, the KRZR supports Mp3 playback as well as WMA and V Cast Music. Verizon’s Media Player is well developed and makes browsing through music easy. Users can view songs by artists, albums, genres, or search just as iPods do. The media player also offers the use of playlists, library shuffle, and even display’s album art. The #1 problem is that users must navigate through many menus before they can get their music started. (Can be annoying for people who plan to listen to music a lot.)
External Controls - 3/5 stars
The addition of external touch-sensitive music controls, which the RAZR lacks, was a good concept, but is flawed. There is no way for a user to start music playback from the external controls, the phone must be opened to do so. The controls are also sometimes too sensitive and the current song may be skipped or paused when the phone is picked up.
Speakers - 4/5 stars
The speaker phone quality is quite clear and has minimal or no static. It sounds more clear and is louder than that of the RAZR, however it is still poorly position on the back of the phone. Both music playback and speakerphone will sound muffled if the phone is in your hand.
MicroSD - 3/5 stars
The KRZR now supports use of up to 2GB MicroSD cards. The space can be used for image, video, and music storage. The card slot is unfortunately placed underneath the battery pack lid making it a hassle to get to. If you don’t have a USB cable and the drivers to sync music back and forth, it will be a pain to remove the card every time to transfer files.
Bluetooth - 5/5
Because Verizon has finally “un-crippled” the Bluetooth, the KRZR can now send phonebook entries, pictures, and other data between devices. When testing the handsfree feature with the Lexus IS250, we found that he KRZR now sends the phone’s signal strength, battery level, and other data to the car’s display, unlike the RAZR.
Overall the KRZR is a decent upgrade from the RAZR v3m. There is however a major lack of innovation. Even so, the KRZR will probably be replacing the current RAZR’s place in the market. If all you need is a phone with basic features that can make calls and looks good, this maybe for you. If you are picky and like customizable feature packed phones, there’s not much that the KRZR can offer. The phone is a bit pricy, currently about $199 with a new 2 year contract or $99 for existing customers eligible for upgrade.
DEAL ALERT: FREE Motorola KRZR K1m (w/ new plan)
Related: Verizon Wirelesss - Moto KRZR
Update: Verizon currently charges about $30 for a USB cable and some drivers, but if you already have the cable and are just looking for the drivers you can get it from the link below. Once installed, your phone will be detected as a portable audio device and you will now be able to sync the music in your Windows Media Player Library with your KRZR. After installing you may need to restart your machine. But once complete you will be able to use your computer to charge your KRZR and sync music. To start, go to Get It Now -> Music -> Sync.
Download: Moto_KRZR_Driver.zip (Note: driver found on developer.motorola.com)
Update: If the driver above doesn’t work, try installing the patch from Verizon’s site.
Download: Sync_Music_Fix.exe [Thanks for the info Elizabeth]
posted by Sahas Katta in Mobile & Reviews
on 10/4/2006 at 01:32 AM with Comments (372) & TrackPings (9)
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372 comments.
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Chelsea says
NO, i hate KRZRS!!
The the screen is soo sensitive!!
Yeah, today I accidentally stepped on my cell when I was trying a dress on and now the outside screen of my KRZR is shattered, so now I have to buy a new phone.
Also, I always have to be turning it on and off, because it always freezes up. Oh, and it also ALWAYS deletes my contacts!! It’s so annoying!
And I hate how it gets so many finger prints on the screen, so you have to be cleaning it non stop..
KRAZRS are really great phones aside from that, though. The mp3 played is great and loud. And you can send TONS of text messages. And it gets the best reception.
Ken says
The screen is no more sensitive then any other phone. If I stepped on my old samsung, it would crack too. IT IS CALLED PLASTIC!
ALSO, it isn’t the phone’s fault for the fingerprints. If you didn’t touch it, THEY WOULDN’T BE THERE! They should make these forums with a here’s your sign button!
If your car gets a fingerprint on it, you wouldn’t blame the car company…WOULD YOU! OF COURSE NOT…..SO..it isn’t motorola’s fault you aren’t smart enough not to step on a phone and keep your fingers off the screen.
Steve says
I recently purchased the KRZR Km1 - the problem I am having with it - is when I connect it to the PC, a message appears breifly on the phone saying Connected as USB device, Files on Memory card not available now.
Can someone help me with this?
John S. says
I’m very disappointed in the Verizon version of the KRZR. They’ve disabled all of the traditional and desireable Motorola features built into the phone by the manufacturer. They’ve locked it down.
Verizon must believe they know more than a company who spends billions in research and development, packing their phones with features customers want & demand. It’s completely ridiculous.
John S. says
Ron, the Verizon KRZR will not “see” more than 1 gig on a 2 gig card.
Mark B says
The Krzr is really a disappointment from Verizon. I must say the the distinctive ringtones not working when the vibrate and ring feature is on is hokey. Leave it to Verizon to destroy what could have been a nice phone from Motorola. I used the 30 day ‘test drive’ and I am taking this one back to the shop.
meghan says
wow i have the krazr and it sucks. i liked it at first but now everytime i try to do something it freezes in a matter of 4 seconds.. its extremly annoying and it dies veryy quikly
St1R says
I have KRZR K1m with VERIZON and I got the SYNC to work with WMP. I can’t add these as ring tones though?? WEAK!
Norman says
To add ringtones you have to use a special software. it is anoying and I like my phone, but I do agree that verizon is no gaining points by changing the software from the manufacture.
Phil says
I have the KRZR, and I use US Cellular, so unlike Verizon Wireless, I get to put my own pictures on the front of the phone. I have absolutely NO problems with the phone, and after having the phone for 3-4 months, I have only had 1 freeze up, but it fixed itself, before I had to turn it off. Luckily, I bought my phone through a cell phone store that doesn’t sell service,( like us celluar, or cingular, or verizon wireless,) so I have the all the features, and they function great. Sounds like from these reviews, that my phone sucks, but I have to say, that it is an awesome, jaw dropping phone.
So if you are thinking about buying this phone, DO SO, from 1-10, on overall performance, and sleekness, I give it a 10.5
Mark B says
Yeah, I have seen that the krzr is not to blame. Verizon is. I dumped the krzr and went back to my old reliable v710 for now. Word is that Motorola is launching a new phone within the month… I think it’s called the 385(?). I like verizon’s service (for the most part) I just don’t like the way the booger up their phones. The other couple disappointing features with the phone are that when text messaging you can’t just hit the right arrow to space over (need to hit #) and to capitalize something you can’t press the up arrow. I think it made texting a lot quicker with those options. Anyway, I will try verizon one more time then I am switching carriers.
Michael says
I traded up from a RAZR V3m to a KRZR K1m and am extremely happy. I feel that the phone is an incremental improvement but between the purchase price and the rebates it turned out to only be $20 more within my first 30 day trial period. Signal strength is excellent everywhere I go. I really enjoy the MP3 player (if anyone can tell me why it doesn’t play .WMA files, I’d be interested - it copies them but I can’t make them show up in the song or sound lists) along with the stereo USB headset. The voice dialing confuses two of my entries, but as soon as I say “no” to the first one it jumps to the second therefore it’s not a problem. I was able to get it to work with Motorola Phone Tools by changing the connection type to Modem, and as a USB flash drive by switching the connection to USB. The problem, of course, is that when you are connected via USB the phone doesn’t have access to the 2GB memory card and therefore the MP3 player won’t find songs if you search for them. I rarely play .MP3 files while charging the phone or transferring files anyway. Since I have my service through US Cellular, I don’t have any of the Verizon User Interface issues, either. I even used MPT to convert some .AVI movies to .3GP for road trips (does the KRZR play .AVI files natively?) I have the same issue with fingerprints but keep some inexpensive Electronic Cleaning Wipes that I bought in Wal-Mart’s computer department and wipe it down whenever it gets smudged. I am able to play .MP3 files while the cover is closed, changing volume and locking (hold down the button until the padlock appears) so that it doesn’t skip songs or anything while I’m holding it. And to change it from ringing to vibrate (or vibrate then ring) is as simple as holding the down-volume button and then pressing the smart button once. Then the smart button will switch modes without opening the phone (it’s in the owner’s manual). Overall I recommend the KRZR to anyone with a previous Motorola phone since it will be very familiar. I use mine mostly for text messaging and the right-arrow is a quick way to type what the phone predicts for you, and the # button is for a space which is quite convenient. I set up the iTAP mode and can really zip through words with a minimum of editing before I send it out). I will continue to play around and see what else I can discover. A definite 10/10 recommendation!
Tontran says
I was looking for patch of KRZR/K1M driver at Verizon web site but i couldn’t find any . So would you guys please so me how to get it .
I tried to install the drive :Download: Moto_KRZR_Driver.zip (Note: driver found on developer.motorola.com) but I still can not sync music from PC to phone .
Thank you
cheryl says
tontran, read the instructions posted by ELIZABETH on page 2 of the comments. you’ll be able to sync in no time. after windows media acknowledges your phone your computer will automatically install it with the drivers. make sure you have WINDOWS MEDIA 11 no other version would work for me, 9 or 10.
Michael says
I’m a bit new to phones and all so this is probably a really simple problem, however, how do I upgrade my phone’s memory so I can store more music on it after sync’ing it from WMP 11? Any reply is appreciated, thanks.
geoff says
if you want to access the mp3 playback without opening the phone, press and hold the bottom outside button on the lefthand side and then push the button on the right hand side and you will access the music playback
Tontran says
I did everything that you guys have indicated to me BUT it still doesn’t work .
How can I do with this matter ? Give me some more opinion .
Thanks
James says
Tontran, This is the easier way to go but just like verizon you have to buy a micro sd (transflash) card and no more then 1 gig. I got mine from ebay for $15 and and if you dont have a SD card reader or adapter for it you will have to get that (usually comes with card). Once you have that put the SD card in your computer and go to WMP. And go to the sync menu and drag the songs over to the card and hit sync. But dont put them into playlists until on the phone. once you have all the songs synced to the card. Take the back cover off of the phone and then lift up the little piece of rubber at the bottom off the phone and slide in the micro TransFlash card in close the back of it up and turn the phone on. Then go on your phone to my music and then play all. A screen should pop up saying something about syncing music. Once it’s there u can put it into playlists. It’s pretty easy from there but if you need any more help tell me.
P.S. To make sure you get the right card check it at your phone providers site.
mark says
mine is cracked, my moms is cracked, both only 4 months old. Other than that I love the phone. Calls are clear, adding a contact is easier than falling off a fat girl and the phone is rugged, you just can’t look at the front of it wrong or it will break.
mikey says
I just got my krzr a month ago and whenever i send a message it wont transfer the message into the sent folder so i cant tell if its actually being sent. is there a way to fix it?
Bobbie says
my krzr is a peice of crap does anyone know why my phone is saying the memory is full but i have 15 txt msg and maybe 12 pics it will start freezing and will eventually not let me send text…..help i have already traded phones one time for the same problem…
Nicole says
I just bought the krzr (verizon) and I’m wondering how to change the missed call alert. As of now it rings a very annoying ring, and with previous verizon phones i was able to just have a quiet beep. I know it was mentioned above but when i go to settings i dont have the option of ring styles, so I’m just wondering if there is a way to change the missed call alert on my phone…
alicia says
when i first got this phone it was amazing. everyone loved how it looked and i was always complimented, however ive only had mine for about 6 or 7 months and its having a meltdown. its driving me crazy because it flashes black or white on the screen then completely frezes. it also claims i have a calendar event and keepes vibration to remind me, when no event is saved. and those are JUST A FEW PROBLEMS. dont buy this phone. for starters its nice but you WILL REGRET IT.
Tontran says
Hi James
I do appreciate and grateful what you did .
Please tell me more how to put and make ringtone myself by download from web
Thank you much
KB says
anyone know how to upload picture from phone to PC or PC to phone? Pls help. I tried many ways, but it doesnt work. :( Really tire w/ all this. And why the picture auto locked in the phone?
Pls help.
Pages: « 1 … 5 6 7 8 9 [10] 11 12 13 14 15 … 16 » Show All
9 trackback / pingbacks:
Skatter Tech » Verizon Wireless - Moto KRZR (October 12, 2006)Skatter Tech » Sprint Gets SLVR & KRZR (November 7, 2006)
Skatter Tech » Verizon Launches LG VX8600 (November 16, 2006)
Skatter Tech » LG VX9900 (enV) - Verizon (November 25, 2006)
Skatter Tech » V Cast Gets YouTube (November 28, 2006)
Skatter Tech » A Look Back At 2006 (January 1, 2007)
Verizon Wireless - Moto KRZR | Skatter Tech (January 23, 2007)
Samsung UpStage (M620) - Sprint | Skatter Tech (April 11, 2007)
Global Technopreneur » Motorola KRZR - Almost perfect technopreneur phone (March 27, 2007)
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