Motorola VU204

Overview

The Motorola VU204 is a dual-band CDMA clamshell phone that sports a classy style statement with its optimized features such as Bluetooth, GPS and a VGA camera in a softly curvy shell.

Design

Sophistication brought to the clamshell design associated with Motorola flip phones, the VU-204 boasts ergonomic lines and soft touch paint with a rich dark-roast color.

Features

Talk/Standby time: Up to approximately 238 minutes/ 447 hours
Weight: 96 g
Dimensions: 2.09 x 3.65 x .76 inches
Display: 1.8" 176x220 65K TFT; CLI: 1.05", 96x80, 65K CSTN
Camera: VGA camera - 0.3 MP / 640 x 480 - with 4x digital zoom
Memory: 64 MB ROM/64 MB RAM
Battery: Li-ion, 950 mAh
Connectivity: microUSB with USB 2.0 full speed (12 Mbps maximum), Version 1.2 Bluetooth wireless technology, 2.5 mm headset jack
Band: CDMA 800/1900, CDMA EVDO Release 0
Additional features: Verizon VZ Navigator capable
Verizon text, picture and email services
Downloadable games
Supports mobile instant messaging for real time messaging

Overall

The Motorola VU204 boasts a sleek, smart design that merges strong aesthetic appeal to a sturdy construction. The phone is just right; neither too small nor too big, at the right weight to feel "there" and yet it slips into pockets and small purses easily.

The phone features an easy to use keyboard that is well designed and well laid out. Despite keys being rather flat, there is still scope for a nice tactile experience when using the keypad.

The menu is available in 3 styles, and is deemed easy to use.

There is a dedicated camera key for easy access, and the camera, despite being only a VGA 0.3 MP one, delivers decent pictures.

The VU204 also holds a wide array of features one wouldn't expect from such a phone. Associated with Verizon, VZ Navigator allows for audible navigational directions delivered in real-time, thus helping travel tremendously.

The phone is further helped by Bluetooth wireless technology that allows for wireless conversations and handsfree convenience, while the USB 2.0 Full Speed allows for fast file transfers.

The only "failings" of the VU204 pertain to the lack of an MP3 player and an FM radio, as well as displays which are rather small.

But given that this phone is a low-key offer that is very much about basic communication, these can be overlooked in the bigger picture. Where calls and text messaging are concerned, the VU204 does deliver.

Pros

• Classy design
• Very good sound performance
• Good reception
• A wide array of features

Cons

• Battery takes a while to attain full charge
• Battery cover is difficult to remove
• Small fonts

Special mention

Packs a lot of features into a small phone.

Conclusion

A very good entry-level phone, delivers on all fronts, especially where basic communication is concerned. On the whole, the Motorola VU204 is rated as easy to use, and doesn't bear any failings really.

Click on the photo for more information on the Motorola VU204