Motorola's 9mm MOTOFONE

Eat your heart out, Samsung. Well, not really, since Motorola's new MOTOFONE is not only 2.1mm thicker than Samsung's current record holding X820, but also comes up quite short in the features department. Instead the new MOTOFONE, coming in GSM and CDMA flavors at a svelte 0.35-inches, is targeting first time wireless users, prepaid buyers, and developing countries. Luckily, while Moto was weeding out those "nonessentials" like a camera, MP3 playback and a color screen (The MOTOFONE has instead an electrophoretic display with similarities to e-paper) they managed to lose that unsightly hump Samsung slapped onto the X820. Motorola's thinnest phone does include some niceties beyond size, like local language voice prompts for ease of use, dust and sun resistance, and "extended" battery life. There's no word on price or a release date, but we're sure we can find enough change in our couch for whenever it does come around. Phone Scoop is calling this unit part of Motorola's "Scalpel" platform, of which the rumored SCPL should be a bit more of an exciting member.

[Via Phone Scoop; thanks everyone]

[zip22 @ Jul 25th 2006 6:11PM]

perfect! i've been waiting for something like this for a long time. i don't need a color screen, a camera, or anything else. i need a phone that can store 20 numbers, tell me who is calling, sounds good, and is small without battery life taking a hit. if this ever comes out, i will buy one in an instant.

[diulei @ Jul 25th 2006 6:21PM]

They spelled it wrong. Shouldn't it be PHNE by Motorola English?

[ed @ Jul 25th 2006 6:22PM]

Finally, a cellphone maker who gets it. I would buy this in a second.

[ACD @ Jul 25th 2006 6:30PM]

Not to complain but that looks like a copy of the [ http://www.vkmobile.com/us/product/gsm_spec.jsp?product_idx=556 ] VK Mobile VK2020. The VK Mobile VK2020 was likely a copy of the original Moto RAZR though, but the VK Mobile packs more functionality.

[Chad @ Jul 25th 2006 6:30PM]

Ditto. I'd buy it.

[CTG @ Jul 25th 2006 6:31PM]

From Rich Brome @ Phonescoop:

"It's entry-level, but not like most other entry-level phones.

It's the first phone in Motorola's Scalpel family, which will eventually cover all price points and form factors, replacing the current RAZR family.

Scalpel has a lot of new technology, such as a new type of display that's unlike LCD or OLED. It's easier to see and uses a lot less power. Its standby time is measured in weeks.

It also has high-quality speakerphone technology borrowed from iDEN group.

It also has dual internal antennas - one at the top and one at the bottom - so you get equally good reception no matter how you hold it. (Most phones with internal antennas are fairly sensitive to where and how you hold them.)"

[MIke @ Jul 25th 2006 6:31PM]

I like this phone alot.........
Though I can picture it now, the reject customers I deal with coming into my store complaining, it's too thin, the keypad doesn't feel right. I can't cradle with my shoulder. I'm fat and I lose it in my rolls. What do you mean it can't get a little wet it was only in the rain for 2 minutes. My personal favorite. "I'm a long time customer, look at my $34.99 line, I pay my bills, what do you mean i can't replace my water damaged phone for free" Ok no more ranting. gOoD job Motorola, now if it's not a slow turd like the Q I'll be happy.

[raulr @ Jul 25th 2006 6:32PM]

SCPL is a platform, not a single phone. This is the first of the platform. It's supposed to have ridiculously long talk and standby times, world class RF (signal) and the display is supposed to be readable in full sunlight. No camera, no MP3 (though I think they said it will have an FM radio). Just the essentials. Next year, they'll bring out higher end products from this platform.

[raulr @ Jul 25th 2006 6:35PM]

and the VK phone is a copy of the Moto SLVR, except VK went bankrupt and probably won't be making any more since they haven't paid their component suppliers, thus won't be getting any new components to build any phones.

[Alexander Micek @ Jul 25th 2006 6:41PM]

To ed, zip22, and others - I couldn't agree more. I've been waiting _years_ for them (the cell phone makers) to take OUT some freakin' features and just focus on battery life and calls. I want to make reliable phone calls and have a pleasant interaction finding numbers with my phone. And that's all.

Very excited about this.

[zip22 @ Jul 25th 2006 6:50PM]

"a large, high-contrast screen viewable even in bright sunlight"

i love this phone! i hate having to turn on my phone to see the time. this is the only device that has ever gotten me so giddy and isn't even out yet.

[David @ Jul 25th 2006 7:06PM]

MOFO for short

[Ryan @ Jul 25th 2006 7:27PM]

You guys do realize that cell phone feature bloat (which I hate) is not really geared towards the consumer. It's mainly at the behest of the carriers:
Web browser = $ Data plan
Camera phone = $ Picture messaging
Push-to-talk = $ Monthly add-on fees
Streaming video = $ Mobile TV services
Crappy included ringtones = $ Better ones for sale
User that just makes tons of calls = low revenue, barely enough margin to cover costs.

One of the most important metrics for the carriers is ARPU (average revenue per user).

So the challenge might be getting carriers to add this to their lineup. Especially if it cannibalizes sales of phones with data features.

[iOrange @ Jul 25th 2006 7:34PM]

I would buy this in a second... A phone that actually does what I phone should do: make calls. I have never used the camera, the games, or the web browser on my razr. I would love a cheap thin phone with a killer battery.

[pat @ Jul 25th 2006 7:37PM]

I'd certainly buy an unlocked GSM version of this phone. It covers all the important features I want, and judging from these comments and the info on phonescoop, I wanna buy this ASAP

[Ryan R @ Jul 25th 2006 7:47PM]

this would make a great travel phone...

when i travel i still carry my treo with the cingular sim card in it to stay in touch with back home in a limited way, and to use for internet (i dont want to spend my vacation time in an internet cafe, and 2 weeks worth of sending and recieving email in thailand equates to about $10 extra on my bill... worth it in my book)

I also find myself carrying a basic gsm phone with a local sim card for day to day use in that country... for that purpose this is perfect... not too much extra bulk in my pocket

[Shadowfire @ Jul 25th 2006 7:54PM]

Um mm so Verizon wireless gonna like this, or do i see a crippling in the future. Man that phone would suck crippled. If not Crippled It will be Baught in 2 sec, in my family.

[Zorak @ Jul 25th 2006 7:57PM]

I, for one, welcome our ultra thin phone overlords.
God damnit, why aren't there any posts about robots lately?

[greg Sciulli @ Jul 25th 2006 8:01PM]

Dang. I want this phone bad. I have the Audiovox SMT5600 or whatever it is on Cingular, and I barely use any of the features.

I want a small, barebones phone now. Hopefully Cingular picks this up.

[evo @ Jul 25th 2006 8:02PM]

Mike, you're entitled to a rant once in awhile, but you've conveniently summed up why most people don't go to phone stores: the service is smarmy, and the people there don't know a damn thing. As long as you're paying your rent on the backs of those long-time, $34.99 customers, you should count yourself lucky that they deign to put up with you, because it won't last. Perhaps if you value your customers rather than seeing them as annoying distractions from your primary job of standing around in tan khakis all day with your thumb up your arse, you might be among the last few phone stores to survive the glut of big-box electronic retailers and online retailers. If not, good riddance. Feh.

[&& @ Jul 25th 2006 8:05PM]

Why doesn't Motorola just splurge some funds and SAY YES WHEN ASKED IF THEY WANT TO BUY A DAMN VOWEL.

[Pamela @ Jul 25th 2006 10:01PM]

Amen to evo.

You're spot on and funny.

This phone sounds great.

I would prefer a bare bones flip phone though because I hate accidentally calling people.

[Jorge @ Jul 25th 2006 10:36PM]

I remember first seeing this phone on a post a year ago (it was called SCPL back then). I'm betting this entry level is to fight Nokia's entry level -and very basic, by today standards- 1100 phone. Specially in emerging markets, thank to which it must be the most selled phone nowadays. This is another step and I bet it will be very welcome there (and here, in Argentina) as the MOTO that YOU can afford.

[tinkafoo @ Jul 25th 2006 11:21PM]

How much will it cost? Probably twice as much as something WITH a camera, MP3 playback and a color screen..

[Carl Lumma @ Jul 26th 2006 2:35PM]

Once again, Engadget editors are clueless, or just desperate for something to insult in their weary "Engadget style". Surveys show that the vast majority of people didn't want to 'upgrade' their phones with the new 'features' in 2003-2005, and most phone UIs are now only satisfying for 14-year-old girls. "Color" LCDs are a disaster for battery life and visibility in sunlight. Phone cameras are responsible for 99% of the worst and most depressing photographs ever taken. Meanwhile, with all the new bandwidth available to mobile phones, none has yet been allocated for improved audio fidelity, which is something that would actually improve the phone-nature of these phones.

[Kawika @ Jul 26th 2006 2:57PM]

Add Bluetooth for wireless headsets, improve the readability of the current font, and deliver the promised improvements in usability and I'll buy a MOFO -- even switching carriers to do it. Finally, a phone that acts like a phone.

[Silver @ Jul 26th 2006 6:25PM]

I agree. Throw Bluetooth on this baby so I can sync it to my Mac and I'll buy two. One to use, and one to put on my mantle just to celebrate the advent of a phone actually designed to be a phone.

[Q @ Jul 26th 2006 11:28PM]

I'm with silver...add bluetooth for syncing with a mac and I'll freakin stockpile them. I just need a friggin phone. Just a phone. Not a camera, not a computer, just a freakin phone that lasts for a long time and I can bloody see outside. Cingular NEEDS to pick this thing up pronto! The entry level audience this thing will appeal to is HUUUUGE

[Kap @ Jul 27th 2006 11:11AM]

I want to upgrade my SE K750 to this FONE!!!! Seriously!!!!

I love everything about it, now just wait to see the new UI, and yes I dont mine b&w screen at all!!!! And make sure there is alarm clock in this baby!!!!

[SubGenius @ Jul 27th 2006 2:33PM]

I'm with Silver & Q...This is the phone I want.

I hope Apple is paying attention to this.
I would rather buy an Apple than a MOFO since the Mac integration would be better.

I hope Apple will also consider making an old-school iPod with a black and white e-ink screen and 8GBs of NAND Flash that focuses on being a good music player. Not a Do-Everything-Pod.

[Nick the Greek DJ @ Jul 27th 2006 5:19PM]

Motorolas new replacement is two cups and a string.

[Count Chocula @ Jul 27th 2006 5:23PM]

Kap,

Anything other than a SE K750i is a downgrade.
The Sony Ericsson K750i is the best cell phone ever made.

SE = Inovation
Moto = Old, cheap junk technology.

[franklin fish @ Jul 28th 2006 4:06PM]

Price: around 30 bucks.

[dugbug @ Jul 29th 2006 2:17PM]

OUTSTANDING. Exactly what I want in a phone. Can't have a camera at work: Check. Want speakerphone for work: check. Modern styling, large readable display: check.

They release this in the us they won't even be able to stock it fast enough.

I hope they make one for the verizon network.

[Richard @ Aug 4th 2006 12:56PM]

FANTASTIC!

Completely agree with everyone. Let's just have sexy thin phone that actually is great at just making PHONE CALLS. Love my RAZR, but I've taken exactly 2 pictures with it...and that was just to "see it work". Screw the color screen...I hate the MOTO GUI anyways. Can not WAIT. This will be an instant purchase for me.

[Kedar @ Aug 5th 2006 2:03AM]

It will be interesting to see what other models Motorola rolls out. Samsung has suddenly come up with 3 variants of slim mobiles, The candybar x820, the slider D900, and the clamshell D830. And I feel it's just a matter of time before Nokia jumps onto the slim bandwagon.

[Jo? @ Sep 24th 2006 6:06PM]

I love this phone!!!!!
I whant one, better, two!

[David @ Oct 30th 2006 2:24PM]

I am looking forward to this phone. I like simple phones with extended battery. I got the RAZR and hated it. It had a bad interface and felt fragile.

I hope Cingular picks this up so I can buy it. (I will admit, I do wish it had bluetooth. I know that would cut down the battery and doesn't really go with its design model... I just already have some bluetooth accessories...)

[Swami @ Dec 18th 2006 3:31AM]

Hey, Its available in Hyderabad (India) for Rs.1,600/- The look and fell is good.
But the battery is as usual motorola :( not so exciting. The BAD part its not SMS friendly. Network / signal strength looks to be better, but even though it has full strenght, the caller is getting a message, the mobile is witched off - may be a service provider issue. Over its Kool for this Price ;-)
-Swami

[drzaus @ Dec 30th 2006 11:51PM]

I hate to repeat everybody else, but "FINALLY!" I just hope they don't screw it up - the "iconic UI" sounds like they might have oversimplified it (anyone played with it?).

Unfortunately it follows this trend of 'stretching' - adding length just so it will be a leeeetle slimmer. I mean, 9mm is great, but I don't want to eventually carry around a paper-thin meter stick.

And if they're in a simplifying mood, why don't they take out some buttons while they're at it? The most basic keypad only needs 14 buttons at most (0-9, *, #, CALL, END). "Dedicated keys" are pretty much worthless when you have a shortcut menu, since two clicks will get you at least nine choices. In fact, the "Yes" and "Cancel" keys could be replaced by the * and # serving double duty (just put the *0# row above the 123 instead of at the bottom and color 'em).

Otherwise, good job and all that.

[Ken Milan @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:56AM]

WHEN will the Motorola Motophone F3c be released here in the USA? I've asked this question on a "million" forums and have,as of yet, still to get a reply. Please reply to: [e-mail]

Thanks!!!

[premii @ Jan 28th 2007 3:36PM]

I am getting motofone today. I hope its not locked and works with cingular.

[Siva @ Feb 6th 2007 11:22PM]

I just got one, and I love it. The build quality is outstanding, reminiscent of Nikon prosumer cameras - torx fasteners, very strong advanced engineering plastics, gold-plated connectors everywhere. Those who have large hands may prefer a wider/squatter form-factor - the unit tends to slip out of one's hands.

SMS requires some getting used to for those who've previously been using Nokia. It's Rs.1655 (incl. taxes) ~ US $35, retail boxed with 1 yr warranty. This is the unlocked GSM version which works with just about any SIM card. I can't see how they're turning a profit on this unit, and the other handset manufacturers will weep when they see this unit. If there's a successor unit with MP3 and maybe removable flash, it will be a category killer.

[Pinaki @ Feb 10th 2007 10:17AM]

I jus got this phone three days back , was using a noki-1108 , sold it off ! this phone simply-sexy and less-options less-headache .
It cost me Rs 1600 (35$ US) in a cylindrical container .
The concept is revolutionary !!
On the execution side u would 'av liked -
1) More SMS memory thn jus 9 messages .
2) The EPD display in "pixels" instead of "alphanumeric" so
the fonts were "adjustable" and some graphics were possible
and more (like 4) lines rather than jus two .
3) atleast some (like 256k) internal memory for longer phone
books etc ..
4) jucier battery .
5)more color options other than black .
6)some sorta pc interface to save addressbook offboard etc .
7) build-in LED "torchlite" like the noki-1108 . Gr8 for india .
I'm sure this phone would be a HIT and motorola will come up witha version with at least some of my suggestions by
2007 end .. What-the-heck , then i'll jus buy it too , itz jus 35 bucks .. hehehe ...

[bob @ Feb 18th 2007 12:34AM]

I would like to see this phone in the U.S. I looked it up on ebay there were about 10 auctions but none of the motofones work in the U.S. they were all GSM 900/1800MHz. All U.S. cellphones require GSM 850/1900MHZ once they make one of these that works in the U.S. I will buy it, blue tooth wouldn't hurt either but for under $50 who can complain its less than a quarter the price of most new cell phones, its a steal.

[Steve @ Apr 13th 2007 10:46AM]

Pinaki, you are missing the point of the phone! It's an entry-level, no frills basic phone for people who just want a PHONE. Want more memory? Buy A SLVR L7! Need more messages? Buy a Q (or wait a tad longer for the Q9h!!) Want more color options, buy a RAZR!

This phone was originally designed for new markets in developing countries where people can't afford feature-rich cell phones. But Motorola is finding that there is a market with people who don't want all the frivilous crap... 'just the phone ma'am'! Also, considering the screen and the font size, it is going to be a great phone for seniors and kids!

I just wish they'd hurry up and sell it here in the states! Hell they could double the price here and I'd stil buy one.