Whirlpool

I was looking for a new phone yesterday, and I impulse bought the Motorola F3. It's a pretty unique phone, worthy of a new thread.

FEATURES:

Size: It's one of the slimmest phones on the market, 9mm, and it's not too wide or long either. It has a bit of a wow factor to it. I was showing friends and such and it got a few "Coolest phone ever" comments, even though it's so simple. It looks very slick for the price tag.

Display: It has a Electrophoretic Display (some reviews call it "electronic paper") the advantage of this display is it is incredibly visible. Unlike other LCDs you can view it VERY easily to read from any angle. This is great for when you're out and just want to check the time, you don't have to fiddle with unlocking it to turn the back light on or anything. The display is monochrome. The display does not drain ANY battery if it is not changing (because you're writing text etc) .

The disadvantage of the display is that it is a lot like a calculator's display. Only 2 lines of 6 characters can be displayed at a time. If you text message lots - Don't get this phone, there is no dictionary, and you can only fit a word or 2 on the screen at a time. New technology comes with it's disadvantages. 12 characters is plenty for just calls and address book though.

When writing and reading text messages only one line (6 characters) of the display is used. You scroll across horizontally. It's okay if you're writing short text messages and you can remember what you wrote, but you certainly wouldn't want to have "text message conversations" over this phone.

Interface:
The buttons are fine, intuitive to use and don't get pressed accidentally because there are risers in between them -- you don't have to lock the phone like you do with a lot of other phones to avoid accidentally calling people. There are 6 icons along the bottom of the screen that correspond to various key features (write message, change ringtone, clock etc).

You can enable voice assist which narrates what section you've selected - It's kind of handy when you're getting the hang of the phone, but you can't really hear it in noisy venues. You also can't be subtle when voice assist is on, it'll blurt "write message" when you select the write message button. It can all be disabled though.

Audio:
Voice quality is fine, volume can plenty loud, and vibrate is only adequate. Limited range of 7 ring tones. I'm yet to test speaker phone out.

Durability:
I have a feeling this phone will be pretty hard to break - I've written off a nokia 3120 through swimming and a Motorola v360v through minor cider damage. I don't think this will water damage as easily as those phones --- and the screen and such feels pretty solid. According to the Motorola website they've designed this phone to withstand sandstorms and have a scratch resistant display. It is also designed for easy service.

Battery life:
Hopefully awesome, i'm used to recharging my v360 every couple days, but i'm expecting good things from this phone. I'll have to wait a week or so and see how it goes.

SUMMARY

This is an ideal simple phone if you don't text message much. I'm planning on getting a high end nokia later this year, but atm I'm confident I'll still use this phone as well. It would compliment a high end phone very nicely as a "going out phone" when you can't afford to drop/lose/damage your more expensive phone. It's very easy to read when drunk or in poor lighting (but difficult to text message with). It is locked to Optus, it also works with Virgin Sims, can be unlocked for a fee. If you don't NEED extra features on your phone and don't txt message much; for $69, you can't go wrong.

See here for a basic review:
www.cellphonestalk.com/c...ne-f3/intro.html

Official (and very slick) website:
direct.motorola.com/hell...ofone/experience

Mate, no offense to you, but I am totally fed up with Motorola. Haven't checked out your phone yet, but the moment I learn that it is Moto, I run away as fast as I can. Past experience is very hard to let go. I stick with SE and Nokia only from now on...

Fair comment. I have had bad experience with Motorolas in the past. Although for this price - comparing the phone to similar priced Nokias (the 1100) this phone is worth a try. I will be interested to see how it goes reliability/durability wise. I had doubts buying it, but it's so simple that I can't imagine much could go wrong with it.

yeah at that price i might buy it as well, the thing is, that display is so retro and easy to use with such a thin handset with great battery, i actually want it :-) Its on optus prepaid right? if i put my optus plan sim in will it work?

freakyalbino writes...

if i put my optus plan sim in will it work?

yup

The motorola information page suggests it was intended for areas where communications technology is underdeveloped.
This is one unusual phone, its style is very current but its functions resemble those of an ultrabasic with emphasis on function and reliability. I like the OP's selection criteria "very easy to read when drunk" lol.

Aargh writes...

The motorola information page suggests it was intended for areas where communications technology is underdeveloped.

Wow. I just had a look at the official website. Makes me feel like this phone is a true innovation, I'm proud to own it. Very slick website too. *goes to explore it now*.

direct.motorola.com/hell...ofone/experience

...hahah in the durability section of the website they talk about how they designed it to withstand sandstorms in places like India...That's the kind of durability I want!

It's so tempting =) Especially for $69 since I am poor. And my old phone broke so I am now using an even older phone that randomly turns itself off. Pity about the stunted sounding sms functions. I would like any phone I get to have mp3 and camera but just the hack value (and price) of this one..... *aargh*

nice im getting one :D 16.5 days on standby am i seeing things ?

edit: 12.5 days sorry

Eq2 writes...

It's a pretty unique phone, worthy of a new thread.

Just another variant of Razr, I suppose. Moto seems to run out of ideas. They roll out these new phones (krzr, rizr, L6, L7 and this one...etc) with the Razr as the centre of the design. They tweak the Razr a bit cosmetically, update the features and there you have it, a new phone. Most people would agree when I say that I am sick of these Razr -lookalikes. SE and Nokia will kill Moto easily.

allocated writes...

nice im getting one :D 16.5 days on standby am i seeing things ?

yeah there is another version the f3c with less battery time but i saw this phone and im like thats so awesome who needs all that extra features honestly

DaTa writes...

yeah there is another version the f3c with less battery time

The f3c version is CDMA. I don't think it's available in Australia.

sotheara2000 writes...

Just another variant of Razr, I suppose. Moto seems to run out of ideas. They roll out these new phones (krzr, rizr, L6, L7 and this one...etc) with the Razr as the centre of the design. They tweak the Razr a bit cosmetically, update the features and there you have it, a new phone. Most people would agree when I say that I am sick of these Razr -lookalikes. SE and Nokia will kill Moto easily.

I agree with you there, i have the same feeling that every since V3 became such a success, motorola can't seem to move out of that mould. Many phones since then has been modelled around V3 and i really am sick of seeing so many V3 and V3 look alike.

however this phone does look quite interesting as a second phone or backup phone on pre-paid. esp it's thin and cheap, perfect for night out

Eq2 writes...

It is locked to Optus, it also works with Virgin Sims, can be unlocked for a fee. If you don't NEED extra features on your phone and don't txt message much; for $69, you can't go wrong.

Just wondering where did you buy it from? Because i can't find it on the optus website. Would like to go check it out in the store or something.

alin13 writes...

Just wondering where did you buy it from? Because i can't find it on the optus website. Would like to go check it out in the store or something.

www.allphones.com.au/prepaid/02_optus.asp

has the offer from Allphones.

Cheers.

aswcheng writes...

www.allphones.com.au/prepaid/02_optus.asp

has the offer from Allphones.

Cheers.

thanks a lot. May be have a visit this weekend

wow.

I never fathomed that so much design could go into a $69 phone.

big w sells these phones also so hit them up and also try any other optus/virgin stores
yeah i now the optus website only lists a few yet big w and dse sell the k750i on optus prepaid too

Will this phone work with a Vodafone sim card?

alin13 writes...

Just wondering where did you buy it from?

I bought it from an Optus shop in Canberra.
You can also get it from DSE:
www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/d...oduct/View/E9171

urxtream writes...

Will this phone work with a Vodafone sim card?

No. (I just tested with a Vodafone Sim). It costs $80 to unlock from Optus, although you might be able to find cheaper alternatives.

Bunbury writes...

I never fathomed that so much design could go into a $69 phone.

Exact first impression from me, best cheap phone on the market.

Bunbury writes...

wow.
I never fathomed that so much design could go into a $69 phone.

Hehehe :-) And so much website design as well! I'm not a Moto fan, but that's a slick site.

about the v3 and others

you know motorola was first with the clam shell design

Eq2 writes...

No. (I just tested with a Vodafone Sim). It costs $80 to unlock from Optus, although you might be able to find cheaper alternatives.

that's expensive!! it cost more to unlock the phone then the phone itself.

Yeah, apparently Optus is subsidizing the phone. It's hard to say how much Motorola is selling the phone to Optus for. Unlock fees are always a rip off.

Eq2 writes...

Yeah, apparently Optus is subsidizing the phone. It's hard to say how much Motorola is selling the phone to Optus for. Unlock fees are always a rip off.

isnt that how it works on all prepaid

like its cheaper prepaid than brand new etc

but i mite ebay this or something

would go well with the 100 dollar laptop for total rugedness lol

found this

cgi.ebay.com.au/New-Rele...Z1QQcmdZViewItem

DaTa writes...

found this

cgi.ebay.com.au/New-Rele...Z1QQcmdZViewItem

Not selling for more than retail yet, you'd want to wait until there's a bit more hype around the phone:
cgi.ebay.com.au/Motorola...Z1QQcmdZViewItem

I sold some V360v's on ebat once upon a time...

i bought one of these phones today , pretty cool :D

Now i'm hoping this will be available on the $9.50 a month plan i have with optus when my current contract finishes in july. As i have that plan mainly for yes time at night, good to have a phone with long battery life. HOwever it doesn't include headset right? Wonder how much that will cost...

no headset, and a stereo motorola headset genuine is $20

Saw one in the shop today, actually looks quite nice in real life, and very thin too. ALso that shop say i can unlock it for $40

and you say to the shop "You are dodgy man"

Then shop say "No we not dodgy" and you say "are too"

The phone's battery went flat today. It lasted about 120 hours (5 days). Definately no where close to what it's meant to last for. I would have talked on the phone for no more than 30 mins in that period.

Kind of disappointing, I'm hoping the phone will perform better this recharge.

Eq2 writes...

Kind of disappointing, I'm hoping the phone will perform better this recharge.

The battery life should increase after a few charge/discharge cycles.

Interesting, i've just read a review on the net from India that the battery life is no where near the claimed

I hate to trot out this line, but...

Due to the nature of the device, battery life is network dependent.

i bought one of these today as a second phone so my GF and family can call me for next to nothing on optarse.... err optus prepaid , for a phone that make s and receives phone calls its sensational value,

Its light , thin and feels like a piece of solid plastic , im not afraid of dropping this puppy.

Thumbs up for the most basic phone i have ever had. 5110 being the first phone i had.

As a "back to basics" phone, it's pretty damn nice. I would love to get one for my parents. All they need is a nice phone to make and recieve calls, and this seems perfect.

Eq2 writes...

It is locked to Optus, it also works with Virgin Sims

Can anyone confirm that this phone can be used with Virgin without unlocking?

Eq2 writes...

Display: It has a Electrophoretic Display

I heard that it doesn't have a backlight. Not very sure about that though. Could you confirm?

A good spec list:
www.gsmarena.com/motorol...fone_f3-1794.php

Very basic phone, but it does its job well.

Allan writes...

Can anyone confirm that this phone can be used with Virgin without unlocking?

*bump*

Anyone?

shaliron writes...

I heard that it doesn't have a backlight. Not very sure about that though. Could you confirm?

The phone does have back light, however it is quite weak and lights up the sides of the screen and keypad a lot more than the centre. Once you see how high-contrast and visible the screen is you'll realise it doesn't really need a strong back light for easy reading when it's dark.

Allan, I have been using this phone (locked to optus) with a Virgin Sim card since I purchased it. That is the best confirmation i can give you.

If you're still in doubt; ask the people at the Optus shop, they might tell you, or better yet, you could test a demo phone (if they have one) with your Virgin Sim.

what's the reception like on this phone?

Eq2 writes...

The phone does have back light, however it is quite weak and lights up the sides of the screen and keypad a lot more than the centre. Once you see how high-contrast and visible the screen is you'll realise it doesn't really need a strong back light for easy reading when it's dark.

Thanks for that. I know that the disadvantage of this type of display is the lack of a 'real' backlight. The way in which Motorola must have done it must be why it isn't very evenly spread; it's probably quite difficult.

But I can see the phone being successful for older users; kids though maybe not, just because similar phones like the 1112 etc at around the same price offer a lot more things like games which suit that market more. Not that you can play games on this type of display anyway.

shrek's donkey writes...

what's the reception like on this phone?

Fine. It hasn't dropped out, although I've only been using it in city areas. Usually has 5 bars of signal but thats pretty meaningless when comparing phones because it depends what the manufacturer thinks a bar is worth.

Eq2 writes...

Allan, I have been using this phone (locked to optus) with a Virgin Sim card since I purchased it. That is the best confirmation i can give you.

Sensational thanks! I love the look of this phone but consider Virgin's pre-pay offering far superior to Optus's (eg. long expiry times, cheap Virgin to Virgin, auto-top-up).

Allan

Allan writes...

Virgin's pre-pay offering far superior to Optus's (eg. long expiry times, cheap Virgin to Virgin, auto-top-up).

Agreed.

I forgot to mention - I have seen Virgin prepaid packs with this phone going on ebay (it's not on the virgin mobile online store), they might be available at Virgin stores in your city.

Eq2 writes...

Fine. It hasn't dropped out, although I've only been using it in city areas. Usually has 5 bars of signal but thats pretty meaningless when comparing phones because it depends what the manufacturer thinks a bar is worth.

I see what you mean there, but I suppose if it has 5 bars out of 5, to me it seems a perfect reception regardless of what the manufacturer think a bar means.

I thought some peeps might be interested in taking a look at the manual.

gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/o...ative_or_pdf=pdf

ALSO, has anyone tried diverting this phone to another number? (e.g home line)

What you do is type **21*0293311088# (then hit send) (this will divert to Sydney 93311088)

Then to disable divert you type ##21# (then hit send)

I'm interested in knowing:
- whether you can in fact divert with this phone (using the above steps)
- if there is a special symbol that appears on the phone while the divert is active

Thanks!

Looks like a V3 look alike.
Wonder why Optus dont update their website.
Some of the websites that I google searched for review say that it has Calculator, Alarm Clock and Calendar, whereas some say its just for Talk and Text.
Not that I need those features though.
I'm after a basic phone that has a long battery life and might give this a try.

Ok it is a smooth phone, I have one but... but it has its limitations -

You cannot programme the speed dail which options only the first six numbers on your SIM which you cannot re order.

The speed dail is limited to the first 99 numbers on your SIM card (which hilds over 200 numbers)

You cannot edit or erase any SIM number once it is in the phone

Apart from that it is a great piece of design, the speakephone is excellent and easy to use, the battey life is good but nothing like claimed.

All in all a real value for money phone if you want it simple, no camera, no games, no wallpaper, no music.

Its back to the future!

im thinking of getting a L7 soon (even thought i would prefer a nokia n73 its not in the budget)

Dyde writes...

im thinking of getting a L7 soon (even thought i would prefer a nokia n73 its not in the budget)

Wait a little longer, there's updated version of L7 out soon, it was already shown at the recent 3GSM show

hohohum writes...

You cannot edit or erase any SIM number once it is in the phone

You can erase? Press the right button twice on a contact and then press up to delete.

I'm still liking this phone after a month. Battery life is definitely overrated. Durability is damn good, this phone has taken drops that would scratch any other phone quite well. I even dropped it on the road during a thunderstorm and it took a few splashes but was still fine. Other phone's I've had would be breaking under that punishment.

They're selling these at the local PO now too.

so have you guys noticed any issues now you've had it for a while? still loik it? i've heard it takes a while to charge. did battery life improve after a few charge cycles?

likely buying one today. very happy to see they've finally brought out a phone which is just that - a phone. and does'nt look like an overcomplicated button filled ugly stubby mess.

Thank you.

You know a good deal more than Motorola's help desk!

Still enjoying the simplicity and durability of the phone. It is a lot tougher than it looks

The backlight is adequate enough

Allan writes...

*bump*

Anyone?

It is LOCKED to Optus.

Tyrell writes...

so have you guys noticed any issues now you've had it for a while? still loik it? i've heard it takes a while to charge. did battery life improve after a few charge cycles?

Battery life has improved slightly after a few charge cycles. It seems that talking on the phone, especially speaker phone really drains the battery. The speaker is very strong, I have it up on full volume most of the time. The speaker has such a strong magnet in it that paper clips and staples will stick to the back of the phone.

One issue that bugs me about the phone that I haven't mentioned so far is that the alert for text messages is poor. It vibrates, makes a noise that is no where close to as loud as the rigntone, and says "new message received".

I've tried an L6 for a while and have had cheap Motros before.
I always go back to Nokias because the software is so much better and intuitive.
Moto software is crap
I have a 1110i now and it is a great phone.
Even ahs a speaking alarm clock

Brontem writes...

Then to disable divert you type ##21# (then hit send)


Its actually #*21# btw

Just to point out - this phones RRP is $79 though you may see this phone as cheap as $65 from some places - outright, not locked.

I bought this phone off eBay India (since it ended up being cheaper than buying it and unlocking it for use on my Telstra plan that I recently renewed for another year) but alas, it came with an Indian charger. I've been looking around on the web but I couldn't find any chargers or power adapters. Does anybody know how I would go about getting an Australian charger for it or an adapter for the Indian one that came with it?

Adam Bryzak writes...

Does anybody know how I would go about getting an Australian charger for it or an adapter for the Indian one that came with it?

I'd be checking to see if you can buy a charger outright. I'll check tomorrow (if I remember).

Otherwise you can get an adapter from most electronic stores, Tandy, Dick Smith, Woolworths/Safeway, etc

This is a detailed review done by an Australian, it has heaps of pics and a video:

www.geardiary.com/2007/0...tofone-f3-review

GSM Arena's review is here:

www.gsmarena.com/motorol...3-review-134.php

Hi all,

After reading the previous posts, I just purchased one of these Moto F3s for my wife, wow what a slim phone (she had 3G 8330 - very bulky - we are no longer with 3G)

It's a very very basic phone, exactly what it has been designed for - for my wife who is definitely not a techo.

Just to make/receive calls and SMS.

The ring tones are basic but OK, screen is large as is the font size, can even read it in direct sunlight - amazing.

For $69 prepaid (12 month warranty) I think Motorola are on a winner here

RogueX5 writes...

Its actually #*21# btw

there's no such command, there's only *#21# to check the unconditional divert status and ##21# to disable all diverts.

I just bought the phone yesterday. 3 shops i went to all told me how crap the phone is and how it's like buying a calculator etc etc. Honestly, had i not read this forum before going in, i would not have walked out with it!

Having played with it overnight (note: Virgin sim), and it's indeed quite good. The calculator display is only outmatched by the barely visible backlight... but apart from that... it's a dream come true for that pricerange in my opinion. You're buying a phone and can only use it as a phone! and you're rewarded with incredible good looks and a deceptively slim style that gives it the aura of a much more expensive high-end phone.

My only question is, has anyone been able to find a car charger for this thing?

It's virtually impossible!, no shops had it, no online stores have it, ebay has it listed but it's not the right charger: cgi.ebay.com.au/Car-Char...Z1QQcmdZViewItem

Does anyone know what's going on with this? are we doomed to get a product so cheap they didn't bother to make accessories? (there is literally only 1 hole in the phone!)

Any help would be appreciated.

The charger does exist, force stock them so any force reseller can get them in for you (optus world etc) below are the details, so if the sales person doesnt understand what you want, the details are here for him/her.

Part Number: 80131
Description: Motorola F3 Dee Vehicle Charger
Retail Price: $19.95
UPC: 5025322333778
Classification: Original Accessories
Accessory Type: Motorola Original
Version: NEW-Feb 07

I have an F3, I love it.

If you want to buy one NOT locked to Optus, checkout Organiser World (where I bought mine online) - they are NOT locked!

What a nice phone. I am not a big SMS'er, I just make and receive calls...

Depends where you buy it. MOST resellers are selling F3's locked to Optus.

I bought mine from Organiser World in Melbourne (online) for $69 and can confirm it was not locked.

Funny, I had contacted Motorola and asked if you coul dget them unlocked, they so "no, they are all locked to Optus". If you get a locked phone, it will be unlocked for free after 6 months with Optus, or once you have spent $80 topping it up.

This phone is also on the Vodafone site at $69.

So MMS on this is a no go?

jzell67 writes...

So MMS on this is a no go?

yep, that's right. IT doesn't even have a colour screen for picture viewing

Is it locked to Vodafone?

Eq2 writes...

You can enable voice assist which narrates what section you've selected - It's kind of handy when you're getting the hang of the phone, but you can't really hear it in noisy venues. You also can't be subtle when voice assist is on, it'll blurt "write message" when you select the write message button. It can all be disabled though.

So it reads out the menus? could u elaborate a bit further. How much does it speak? what exactly does it speak?

Not sure -- a Vodafone shop would be the go to ask. Not many phones are locked to Vodafone.

tomo_85 writes...

So it reads out the menus? could u elaborate a bit further. How much does it speak? what exactly does it speak?

Sure.

As you've probably gathered from reviews, the different functions on the phone are represented by symbols that go horizontally across the bottom of the phone. See half way down this review for pics:
www.geardiary.com/2007/0...tofone-f3-review

This is what it says exactly when each symbol is highlighted:

1st symbol: "Send a message"
2nd: "Read messages"
3rd: "Call history"
4th: "Change ring tone"
5th: "Set alarm"
6th: "Change time"

It also says "New text message received" when you receive a message (in addition to the brief ring tone).

The phone does not voice prompt anything else that i can remember at this stage.

The voice prompts can be enabled and disabled by dialling a combination into the phone. They are handy for when you are getting used to the phone, but become unnecessary once you get the hang of it.

Hope that helps.

I'm fairly happy with the F3 but two things :

I can delete received SMS messages easily enough but how do I delete the 'received calls' history ?

Does the # key serve any particular purpose other than writing the letter 'H' ?!

OK, I just bought one of these phones for my M-I-L, on Optus prepaid. One of the offers includes free calls from this prepaid to other Optus mobiles which would include mine and hubby's. All you have to do is log in to the page on Optus Zoo. So far so good. In order to get access Optus sends you an SMS with your temporary password. Now here's the catch - the pwd is in mixed case (+ numbers) and is case sensitive. This phone does not display mixed case. I called Optus India and after a lengthy and difficult time trying to explain the issue, was basically told to read the manual and referred to Motorola customer support to fix the problem. Arrgghghhhh!!

Has anyone with this phone actually managed to access Optus Zoo and if so, how did they do it? Cos I reckon I'm looking at about 8 factorial different possibilities for the mixed case and I got bored after 1/2 hour's worth of attempts at password entry.

You can't adjust the text case on the phone. Could you put the Optus sim in another phone and send the password from there?

In other news I am occasionally having issues with the F3 locking up or randomly turning off on me :(.

The phone is now $59 at Optus World shops.

Is there an phone book on this pohone?

I need to work out how to set it up with a few number for easy calling. Hopefully I can just program numbers into a quick dial position that they can just press "1" and dial to dial the number programmed in there.

The first 99 numbers that you enter into the phone book have a quick dial number (2 digits).

depravo-the-rat writes...

Has anyone with this phone actually managed to access Optus Zoo and if so, how did they do it? Cos I reckon I'm looking at about 8 factorial different possibilities for the mixed case and I got bored after 1/2 hour's worth of attempts at password entry.

This phone has no GPRS so no Zoo, no MMS...

coexist writes...

The phone is now $59 at Optus World shops.

Is the F3 Bluetooth?
If not, can anyone suggest a similar phone that is comparably cheap, does the basics (sms, calls), has bluetooth and super small/sleek?

Motorola L7 or L6,

They should be cheap as chips these days.

It's definitely not bluetooth.

You're probably looking at about twice the price for a phone that has bluetooth.

It's now down to $49, I bought 1 for my Mum, but I had to go to a few stores to find it.

Recently I bought two F3 phones--one for myself and one for my wife. I must say I have been very unhappy about them since and now I have now ordered two Nokia phones. Before the purchase I did all the research and I knew what I was getting. F3 has very limited features, but that fine with us. The serious problem is that the phone loses its mobile connection *very often* and asks for the sim pin. This happens a couple of times a day. I don't know why it does that. As both phones have the same problem, so it can't be that the phones are faulty.

I'd like to know others' experience with the phone.

kmpere writes...

I'd like to know others' experience with the phone.

My mum has had the phone for 2 weeks now and uses it every 2 - 3 days ... with no problems.

Now selling for $39 at Strathfield and Dickies.

Anybody know how to view the inbound calls?

I can only get it to show the outbound ones :S

General talking/listning quality is very good, but the large text and sms destroys alot of the features....

While at the changing ring volume screen, when you press the Action button it triggers On and Off, anyone know what does that do? It does not switch the ringer on and off, couldn't find it in the manual either.