- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 49 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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6 out of 7 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"Handles the basics well, and does even more with apps."
Pros: QWERTY Keyboard
Rugged
Runs Java apps well
GPS locator & Boost Navigator
Boost $50 Unlimited planCons: Low resolution screen
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.
Low resolution camera
Severely handicapped web browser
No native POP email access
Slow data speed
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.
- 2 replies to this review
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You can install Bolt lite or Opera mini on this phone which is a way better browser then openwave text browser. (upload via cable or bluetooth)
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i just bought this phone. is there any programs i can download off the web to make it smarter
Where to buy
Motorola Clutch i465 (Boost Mobile):
$59.99 - $79.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$79.99 | See Site |
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