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The T720 is a cross between two of Motorola's most popular models to date: the famous StarTAC and the slick V60 series. The result is a phone that's sexy, functional, and reliable. Add to the mix the latest in cutting-edge features, such as a large color screen, downloadable apps, and compatibility with 3G networks, and it's clear that Motorola has another winner on its hands. We just wish that this phone had better battery life and cost a little less. There's also a GSM version available that works on GPRS networks. At first glance, with its silver flip-style casing and rectangular external LCD, the T720 looks a lot like Samsung's SCH-A310, also available for Verizon Wireless service. If you don't like the shade, opt for changeable front and back faceplates. But once you open up the shiny cover, you'll note that the similarities end at the spacious nine-line, 4,096-color display. At 3.6 by 1.9 by 1.0 inches and 4 ounces, the T720 is also a little larger and heavier than the A310, but it feels comfortable in hand and won't leave a bulge in a pant pocket.
As mentioned, like the V60 series before it, the T720 sports an external LCD that displays time, date, network strength, battery status, and caller ID (when available). But it's the internal display that really pops. While it's not as bright as the one found on LG's 5350, its icon-heavy user interface really draws you in. With one-touch access to four programmable shortcuts and the phone book, this is one of the more intuitive menu interfaces we've encountered.
We also appreciated the large, backlit keypad, which keeps misdials to a minimum. Additionally, the four-way navigation key and the three keys placed above it add to the phone's ease of use. Rich in features, the T720 comes with all the usual suspects, including a 500-name phone book, a calendar, a calculator, a currency converter, two-way text messaging, voice notes and tags, caller ID, call logs, e911 compatibility, and 70 ring tones (33 included, 32 customizable and/or downloadable slots, and 5 vibrating styles).
This mobile is also BREW enabled, which means you can download new games, screensavers, wallpaper, and applications via the wireless Web from Verizon's Get It Now service to the phone's 1.75MB of dedicated memory. Prices for these extra features range from $1 to $8 depending on the type of subscription you select (monthly, annual, or a one-time fee).
You can also turn the phone into an FM radio when you purchase the optional FM-stereo radio headset. On top of that, the T720 is data ready and compatible with Verizon's next-generation 1xRTT network. If you buy the Motorola Express Network kit, you can use your phone as a modem and check your e-mail while on the road. When we tested the Express Network service using a wireless modem, we managed to get speeds of around 56kbps.
In our tests using Verizon Wireless's service in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, the tri-mode (CDMA 800/1900; AMPS 800) mobile consistently got good reception. Callers sounded loud and clear, and for their part, they couldn't tell we were using a cell phone.
As noted, you can use this phone to surf the wireless Web via Verizon's 1xRTT high-speed Express network. We couldn't clock exact rates on this phone, but the experience was noticeably better than that of 2G phones, though still not phenomenal.
Unfortunately, the phone didn't fare as well with battery life. While we fell only a few minutes short of the 130-minute talk time, we missed the 287-hour standby time by about seven days. Still, four days of standby is acceptable for a phone with a color screen, and the T720 requires only an hour to recharge. Plus, the charger is fairly compact, so it won't take up a lot of space in a suitcase.
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| This full featured phone won't put a bulge in your pocket. |
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| Fashion friendly: Change the faceplate for a new look. |
As mentioned, like the V60 series before it, the T720 sports an external LCD that displays time, date, network strength, battery status, and caller ID (when available). But it's the internal display that really pops. While it's not as bright as the one found on LG's 5350, its icon-heavy user interface really draws you in. With one-touch access to four programmable shortcuts and the phone book, this is one of the more intuitive menu interfaces we've encountered.
We also appreciated the large, backlit keypad, which keeps misdials to a minimum. Additionally, the four-way navigation key and the three keys placed above it add to the phone's ease of use. Rich in features, the T720 comes with all the usual suspects, including a 500-name phone book, a calendar, a calculator, a currency converter, two-way text messaging, voice notes and tags, caller ID, call logs, e911 compatibility, and 70 ring tones (33 included, 32 customizable and/or downloadable slots, and 5 vibrating styles).
This mobile is also BREW enabled, which means you can download new games, screensavers, wallpaper, and applications via the wireless Web from Verizon's Get It Now service to the phone's 1.75MB of dedicated memory. Prices for these extra features range from $1 to $8 depending on the type of subscription you select (monthly, annual, or a one-time fee).
You can also turn the phone into an FM radio when you purchase the optional FM-stereo radio headset. On top of that, the T720 is data ready and compatible with Verizon's next-generation 1xRTT network. If you buy the Motorola Express Network kit, you can use your phone as a modem and check your e-mail while on the road. When we tested the Express Network service using a wireless modem, we managed to get speeds of around 56kbps.
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 Fully loaded: The T720 comes with a plastic holder and headset. |
In our tests using Verizon Wireless's service in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, the tri-mode (CDMA 800/1900; AMPS 800) mobile consistently got good reception. Callers sounded loud and clear, and for their part, they couldn't tell we were using a cell phone.
As noted, you can use this phone to surf the wireless Web via Verizon's 1xRTT high-speed Express network. We couldn't clock exact rates on this phone, but the experience was noticeably better than that of 2G phones, though still not phenomenal.
Unfortunately, the phone didn't fare as well with battery life. While we fell only a few minutes short of the 130-minute talk time, we missed the 287-hour standby time by about seven days. Still, four days of standby is acceptable for a phone with a color screen, and the T720 requires only an hour to recharge. Plus, the charger is fairly compact, so it won't take up a lot of space in a suitcase.
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 This phone keeps its charge. |
