Digital Trends

Motorola MOTOZINE ZN5 November 10th, 2008 | by Stewart Wolpin

Web

Mobile Web connections (not full HTML) on T-Mobile's EDGE network were surprisingly fast; while not exactly HSDPA speeds, mobile Web pages, depending on their graphic content, fully loaded in around 13 seconds. Oddly, however, CNN's page refused to load anything but a blank white page. Regardless, we had no trouble with any other mobile news, sports, entertainment or weather pages surfed to. Using WiFi, of course, sped things up enormously; pages loaded in less than 10 seconds – not too shabby.

Accessories

Included in the box are a travel charger; a microUSB-to-USB cable; stereo earbuds which need to be plugged in to use the FM radio; an 8mm-to-RCA A/V cable for outputting videos and photos from the ZN5 to a TV; and a microSD card adapter. A 1GB microSD card is pre-loaded into the phone.

Camera

OK, let’s be on the level. Forget everything else you’ve read thus far: Here's the entire reason to consider buying this phone. Sliding up the small sliding lens cover activates the 5MP built-in camera, which is ready to shoot inside of five seconds. When the camera is activated, the dialpad turns off and only camera-specific keys remain lit.

Not only does the ZN5 take gorgeous pictures, but it behaves far more like a standalone digital camera than most cellcams we've used. At the top of this checklist of likenesses is the lightning shutter speed; hit the button and the picture snaps instantly, just like a standalone digital camera. Along the same lines, when the flash is activated, you half-press to get a red focus light… then the photo is snapped.

5MP is the ZN5's default resolution setting; you can also step down to 4.4, 2.8 or 1.2MP if desired. Even though the ZN5 offers multimedia messaging, there's no VGA resolution setting, however; presumably Motorola assumes you'll send messages via one of the email accounts. And instead of the usual step-by-step digital zoom, you get a variable zoom just like on a standalone digital camera. In addition, you further get easy-to-access camera settings such as white balance, low light and varying focus options including macro. You’re also offered burst multi-shot and three-shot panoramic stitch modes.

The Xenon flash default setting is auto, but it's easy to turn it off or leave it on for a fill flash; there's also a red-eye mode. Objects in twilight-like light will appear sharper and more in focus if you leave the flash on all the time. That said, while the Xenon flash can brightly illuminate an object in total darkness, you won't be able to see what you're shooting on the ZN5's screen.

Overall, pictures are a quantum leap forward compared to what you’d find in other cellcams, not only size and resolution-wise, but in terms of general quality as well. Focus is sharp, although the shutter release requires a firm press which can jar the phone and slightly blur images taken in lower ambient light. Regardless, colors, especially in sunlight, jump off the screen. Even better, indoor shots, aided by the Xenon flash, retain most of their huge and crispness, although you will pick up some grain.

Bear in mind as well: There is no vanity mirror, but that's hardly a deal-breaker.

Image Courtesy of Motorola

Battery Life

Motorola rates the ZN5 at 5.5 hours talk time and up to 19 days standby, while T-Mobile rates it at 5 hours talk and 8 days standby. In our unscientific tests, we got a whopping 6.5 hours of talk time with Bluetooth and WiFi off. So, whichever way you choose to look at it, battery life is excellent.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the ZN5 comes correct in terms of the top four cell phone extras – digital camera, Web surfing capability, email access and music playback – and delivers them coupled with an excellent phone. While it would help if there were some dedicated keys for accessing certain features and we did experience some minor hiccups with the device, well… To be frank, it's hard to argue with the sheer level of functionality, especially photo-wise, the ZN5 offers here for just a hundred bucks. If you’re in the market for an inexpensive, full-featured handset that can also double as a workable digital camera, don’t hesitate to give it a look.

Pros: 

• Outstanding 5MP camera
• WiFi connectivity
• Speedy Web surfing
• Multiple preconfigured IM and email options
• Excellent voice quality
• Above-average music player

Cons: 

• Video recording hiccups
• Low tactile response dialpad keys
• Tightly packed navigation, soft menu and function keys
• microSD card under battery cover
• No dedicated music control buttons