Motorola Clutch i465 user reviews (Boost Mobile)

Pros QWERTY Keyboard
Rugged
Runs Java apps well
GPS locator & Boost Navigator
Boost $50 Unlimited plan

Cons Low resolution screen
Low resolution camera
Severely handicapped web browser
No native POP email access
Slow data speed

Summary This phone is extremely basic when compared to pretty much any smartphone, even though it does share the general form-factor. That said, it handles the basics extremely well. Call quality is clear and loud. Threaded MMS is helpful in keeping up with longer conversations. Java implementation makes this phone immensely expandable, though with some hardware limitations. It's rugged and about the size of a BB Pearl but with full QWERTY. The Boost Navigator ($2/day or $10/month) is very useful when a stand-alone GPS is not available... it even includes walking directions which are VERY helpful in unfamiliar urban settings. The biggest PRO of this phone (and my main motivation) is that it qualifies for the Boost unlimited Talk/Text/Web/WT plan.

This phones largest limitation is its low resolution screen. With a higher resolution screen spanning the full width of the handset (instead of the MMS/Web/Camera shortcut buttons) would make this phone infinitely more usable, especially in data-centric apps and navigation. The lack of native POP email access is a bit of a letdown as well, but that looks to be a Boost decision and the phone is definitely capable. The web browser is also severely handicapped. These both may have been intentional so as not to overtax the slow iDen data network and/or steal users from Sprint's $99 Everything plan.

What really makes this phone MUCH more usable in practice than it is out of the box is the ability to load Java J2ME apps, either OTA using a handy iDen loader website, or over data cable using webJAL. This has allowed me access to a much fuller mobile web experience using Opera Mini as well as gMail access using Google's J2ME gMail app. Other useful apps include LifeInPocket, which allows access to multiple social networking accounts, POP email, as well as position based features based on GPS location. Yahoo! Go also allows access to most of Yahoo's mobile services including mail and messenger.

The one major downside to the i465's Java app implementation is you have to track down JAR and JAD files yourself and they're not always (actually rarely) available directly from the app's developer (who usually implement an OTA link through SMS/MMS, which the i465 does not support).

Overall, the i465 is a great option for heavy talkers/texters right out of the box, and with a bit of effort it can be expanded into a very smart dumb-phone.

Pros Clear voice, both send and receive. Efficient texting via QWERTY keyboard. Light, easy to carry. Walkie Talkie is neat feature if you have a need for it. Very stylish. Bluetooth connectivity is excellent.

Cons User Manual is inadequate and leaves much to be desired. I know this phone has more functions, but learning how to use them is somewhat perplexing.

Summary First, it's exactly what you pay for, an inexpensive phone. With the basic features you get, plus a $50 rate plan for unlimited text and voice, it's a steal. I had AT&T for years, wanted an iPhone and was unable to negotiate a reasonable contract with AT&T, so after 10 years with BellSouth, then Cingular, then AT&T, they lost me as a loyal customer. Back to the phone. Call clarity is as good or better than with my former carrier. In fact, I get a solid signal in places I visit that formerly had a weak signal. Texting is a bit tedious, with the small keyboard, but I have Parkinson's and still manage fine. It's looks good, is light, and inconspicuous. I am disappointed in the apparent lack of tutorials available on the phone's use. I would also point out that the phone is GPS enabled and apparently it's another ten bucks a month to capitalize on that feature. Bluetooth connectivity is superb. Yes, the screen leaves much to be desired, but hey, it's an inexpensive phone...you get what you pay for. Bottom line-I don't feel ripped off and I'm getting my money's worth. And, if I break it, I'm not hurting. I recommend the phone and service.

Pros Battery life, ease of use, qwerty keyboard, rugged, excellent call quality, great reception, decent camera.

Cons No instant messaging.

Summary First of all to all those who wrote negative reviews about this phone, it is UNFAIR to rate this phone based on the performance of a BlackBerry. This phone is not a BB. If you want a BB then get a BB and rate it as such. This is an amazing phone for the price. I have a BB and the call quality and audio on the Clutch surpass the one on the BB. The signal strenght is great in the areas marketed. Again, you cannot give the service a bad review if you buy the phone and live in an area of limited coverage. I am in the NYC area and also go to South Florida and the service is crystal clear. Therefore, summed up, this phone does exactly what is was made to do for the price. I would recommend this phone to anyone that wants value. Plus at $50 a month for unlimited this is a steal.

Pros facebook access,email access,IM

Cons I can't do the simplest things with it but I can do the most advanced like get online and check my email and IM people and get on facebook. I wouldn't reccomend this cell phone to anybody,not even someone I don't like.

Summary I can't set pictures I receive as wallpaper. I can't download free ringtones. I can't have a contact ID pic. If u open up a text message too fast,the screen goes white and the phone cuts itself off and back on. I can't open a message right away. The Internet is slow. I can't use a removable memory card. I haven't had this phone but maybe 2 months if that and I have already been on the phone with someone from Boost Mobile probably over 10 times already. I have had more problems with this phone than any other phone I have had. THIS IS THE WORST CELL PHONE I HAVE EVER HAD!!!! I HIGHLY RECCOMEND NOT GETTING THIS CELL PHONE!!!!