The early 2000s were a golden age of mobile phone design, and the NEC G9D+ and Motorola RAZR V3xx represent two of its most striking achievements. Both phones were status symbols, pushing the boundaries of what a mobile phone could be. This comparison revisits these icons, analyzing their features and design to determine which one best embodies the spirit of innovation and style from that era.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the collector prioritizing unique design and a robust feature set for its time, the NEC G9D+ edges out the RAZR V3xx. While the RAZR’s iconic status is undeniable, the G9D+ offered a more comprehensive experience with its advanced display and multimedia capabilities, making it a more compelling device overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 1997 | 2006, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 145 x 49 x 22.5 mm (5.71 x 1.93 x 0.89 in) | 103 x 53 x 15 mm, 80 cc (4.06 x 2.09 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 4 x 12 chars | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) |
| Size | - | 2.2 inches, 33 x 45 mm, 15.0 cm2 (~27.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Alphanumeric | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - | Second external CSTN, 65K colors display (96 x 80 pixels)
Screensavers and wallpapers
Downloadable logos |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | 10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls |
| Card slot | No | microSD (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 50MB |
| Phonebook | - | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA videocall camera |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | Vibration; Monophonic ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | - | miniUSB |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Alarm | No | - |
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (Opera) |
| Clock | No | - |
| Games | No | Yes |
| Java | No | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| | - | Video download
MP3/AAC/AAC+ player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | 56 h | Up to 290 h |
| Talk time | 210 min | Up to 3 h |
| Type | Removable NiMH battery | Removable Li-Ion 940 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | - | Black |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
NEC G9D+
- Innovative and unique design
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- More comprehensive feature set
- Bulkier than the RAZR V3xx
- Less iconic brand recognition
Motorola RAZR V3xx
- Ultra-slim and stylish design
- Strong brand recognition and cultural impact
- Relatively lightweight
- Smaller, less vibrant display
- Limited feature set compared to the G9D+
Display Comparison
The NEC G9D+ boasted a relatively large (for the time) and high-resolution color LCD screen, capable of displaying a wider range of colors and more detailed images than the RAZR V3xx’s smaller, less vibrant display. The G9D+’s screen was also notable for its ability to display more lines of text, improving readability. The RAZR V3xx, while sleek, prioritized thinness over screen real estate, resulting in a more cramped viewing experience. The G9D+'s display was a key differentiator, hinting at the future of mobile multimedia.
Camera Comparison
Both the NEC G9D+ and Motorola RAZR V3xx featured basic cameras for their time, likely with resolutions around 0.3 megapixels or less. Image quality would have been limited by the sensor technology and lack of image stabilization. The G9D+ may have offered slightly more advanced camera settings or features, but neither phone was intended for serious photography. The cameras were primarily for novelty and basic image capture, and the differences between them would be minimal to the modern eye.
Performance
Given the era, 'performance' largely revolved around call quality and responsiveness of the user interface. The NEC G9D+ likely benefited from a more powerful processor to handle its advanced display and multimedia features. The RAZR V3xx, focused on slimness, may have made compromises in processing power. Both phones operated on 2G networks, limiting data speeds, but the G9D+'s internal architecture likely allowed for smoother operation of its more complex features. The G9D+ also featured more internal memory for storing contacts and messages.
Battery Life
Battery life on both devices was constrained by the limitations of early lithium-ion battery technology and the demands of 2G networks. The NEC G9D+’s larger size allowed for a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering a modest improvement in talk time and standby time compared to the RAZR V3xx. However, the G9D+'s more power-hungry display and features could offset this advantage. Both phones would require daily charging with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the NEC G9D+ if you appreciate innovative design and a feature-rich experience beyond basic calling and texting, and are interested in a phone that was ahead of its time in terms of display technology. Buy the Motorola RAZR V3xx if you prioritize iconic style and brand recognition, and want a piece of mobile history that defined a generation’s aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the NEC G9D+ more difficult to find than the Motorola RAZR V3xx?
Yes, the NEC G9D+ was produced in smaller quantities and was not as widely distributed as the RAZR V3xx, making it significantly rarer and more challenging to find in good condition. This rarity contributes to its higher collector's value.
❓ Can either of these phones be used on modern cellular networks?
No, both the NEC G9D+ and Motorola RAZR V3xx are 2G phones and are incompatible with modern 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. 2G networks have been largely phased out in many countries, rendering these phones unusable for making calls or sending texts.
❓ What kind of data connectivity did these phones offer?
Both phones primarily relied on 2G data networks (like GPRS and EDGE) for limited data connectivity. This allowed for basic web browsing and MMS messaging, but speeds were extremely slow compared to modern standards. Neither phone supported Wi-Fi.
❓ Are replacement batteries readily available for either of these phones?
Replacement batteries for both the NEC G9D+ and Motorola RAZR V3xx are becoming increasingly scarce. Finding a reliable, functioning battery can be challenging and may require searching through specialized online marketplaces or vintage electronics retailers.
