T-Mobile: Moto RAZR v3i vs. Samsung T809 (or other?)

J Francis95

New member
I'm looking to purchase a new phone in about a month, and I had these two handsets in mind. I want people's opinions as to which phone is better. I like things about both, and I hate things about both. I'll list them below so u guys can help me make a better decision.

Moto V3i

-PROS-

* iTunes software built in
* Thin, sleek design
* Moto build quality is better in my experiences
* ObeyMOTO voice dialling system
* Java apps can access the Net
* I am more experienced w/ Moto OS
* Cheaper for me than Samsung

-CONS-

* No EDGE
* Screen not as vibrant as Samsung
* RAZR not original design anymore

Samsung T809

-PROS-

* Class 10 EDGE
* Very bright and colorful screen
* Ability to watch videos full screen
* Bluetooth 2.0 for blazing fast file transfer (my PowerBook also has it)
* Packed with various other cool features

-CONS-

* Felt very flimsy
* Users reporting problems with dust, reboots, etc.
* Battery life not that great
* Unsigned java apps can't access internet (this is a big dealbreaker for me)
*Samsung OS feels more designed for a 6yr old (too flashy, dumb sound effects when opening menus)

I know there are more pros and cons for each phone, but these are the ones that I can remember off the top of my head.

Please help guys I really need to replace my broken Moto V635 (falling out of a moving car was what made it a vegetable with bad reception). If anyone thinks that a phone by another manufacturer will serve my wants and needs better (EDGE, Bluetooth, decent battery life, multimedia features, good build quailty, and ability to use java apps that access the net [Opera Mini, Google Local]), then by all means post your ideas!!

Thanx for your help!
 
I've got both phones and I haven't been able to get Opera Mini working on either of them. The V3i always tells me there isn't an internet connection when there is one.

As far as multimedia features for each phone, I'd pick the V3i for mp3 because iTunes is easier to use than the mp3 player on the T809 and you aren't limited to a certain number of songs per playlist (the T809 limits you to 30 or 32 songs per playlist).

Video playback definately goes to the T809, especially if you encode them right. V3i has NO chance against it.

Internet browsing also goes to the T809, its faster, looks better and I can access html pages with it.

Battery life goes to the V3i by a long shot, as well as ease of customization (seem edits, mp3 ringtone support).

Pretty much, as a phone or just for mp3, I'd choose the V3i. As an overall multimedia device, I'd go for the T809.

Shameless plug: If you are interested in buying either one of them used, let me know....
 
Go with Moto. If you know it and you like it, the build quality is better and the design is better if you ever toss it about. The T809 has a beautiful screen but its unprotected, which just makes it that much more difficult to keep scratch free. Add on that is cheaper and you have got a finished deal.

Plus when you see someone walking by with a regular Razr you have the satisfaction of knowing that yours is way...way...way better.
 
The Samsung T809 is a really fine phone. It has EDGE too. I'll go through the negatives you listed...

There are three menu styles - regular, Flash, Flash with different backgrounds. The regular looks similar to the Motorola style, while I like Flash with different backgrounds.

Sound effects are switchable. You don't like it, don't use it.

The UI is very nice and clear. I couldn't ask for more. Everything is laid out properly, you can use the number keys to access everything, and its just a breeze to use. Compared to the Motorola OS, its like comparing Windows 3.1 with OS X.

Motorola "quality". Need i say more?

The only bad thing I can say about the T809 is that you can't do anything else while the mp3 player is running, and the mp3 player has a stupid visualization which you can't switch off. But since I don't use the mp3 feature much (does anybody?) I don't mind.

Anyway, the T809 is more expensive because its a better phone all around. Don't get it so it can remain exclusive and do join the masses who get the inferior phone because they are addled by marketing.
 
I've had my T809 for a couple of months now and I haven't had any problems with the screen being scratched.

I also wouldn't say the V3i is way way way better than the V3, it only has the addition of iTunes, a megapixel camera (which isn't a good one) and a tflash slot. Basically, since not all of them come with iTunes, the only real advantage is the card slot.
 
I have 3 phones: Currently very happy with the samsung because of its many features. But i also just bought the V3x and still did not even use it yet. But goodluck though!

motorola RAZR V3x black
motorola RAZR V3 magenta
samsung T809
 
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