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Motorola i830 review

6.2/10 AVG.
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Motorola i830
Motorola i830
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6.2/10
Informr score
The Motorola i830 currently has an Informr score of 6.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 67 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

A flip-phone notable for its small size, unusual metallic finish and advanced traveling features. These include A-GPS visual and audible driving directions system, a voice recorder that captures memos and phone conversations for playback later, and International Direct Connect, which provides near-instantaneous digital walkie-talkie connections between users in the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Peru as well as between users in the United States and Canada (Mexico should be added sometime during the Summer of 2004).

The i830's gadget-like appearance fits its high-tech personality. Many recent designs try to appear expensive and sophisticated by mixing low-contrast silvers and greys; the effect usually fails and they end up looking like cheap plastic. Motorola's designers took a different route, choosing to mimic the style of notebook computers by mixing metallic finishes with black plastic. The handset comes in a choice of two color schemes: silver with contrasting black edges, antenna and accents, or bronze with black, which is strikingly different from any other phone on the market -- you will either love it or hate it. The unit is exceptionally small when folded, and the external display, situated near the bottom of the face and surrounded by more black plastic, only reinforces the notebook look.

Advanced features and mini-gadget appearance aside, the Motorola i830 is a run-of-the-mill cellphone and organizer with minimal Web browsing capability and all the usual extras. The 65,000-color screen is easy to read, but this is nothing outstanding for a phone in the US$300 range. The contact book can hold 600 entries -- which is higher than many, less than a few, and probably more than anyone needs -- and the datebook and calendar are adequate, but can't sync with your desktop or PDA software. The provision of GPS sets this phone above many current rivals, and the Profiles feature, which allows the user to adjust a host of settings with a few touches of a button, is a useful addition.

Who will benefit most from owing a Motorola i830? Road warriors who rely on calling more than e-mail, and cross borders routinely. Person-to-person calling and GPS assisted-travel are exceptionally well-supported by this phone. If you can't do your job without e-mail, then a BlackBerry is a better bet. Private individuals who rely on their cellphone for personal use rather than business can probably find another model that does their favorite things better or cheaper. The one exception to this last statement concerns size: if you love or really need a tiny phone, the i830's price might not be too steep.


Custom
Operating system
Operating system
Custom
Unknown
Processor
Processor
Unknown
Unknown
Screen Size
Screen Size
Unknown
No
Camera
Camera
No
Unknown
Battery



Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Motorola i830 user manual here.


Motorola backs up the i830 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your i830 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
Unknown

The Motorola i830's screen size is Unknown with x pixels resolution.

Processor
Unknown

There is a processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
Unknown

This model has no built-in camera. Sorry, no selfies.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
Unknown

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. Motorola's performance ratings are 2.5 days standby time.

Motorola i830 Specs

Overview
Release Date June 10, 2004
Regions Available Canada, USA
Operating System No

Compare Custom Smartphones

Processor
Internal Storage No
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.41 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Carrying case, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) Yes
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB -
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth Unknown
Bluetooth Profiles No
Bluetooth Audio Codecs
Wi-Fi No
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Zoom
Yes
Flash
-
Additional Rear Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size Unknown
Secondary Display LCD
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity No
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 2.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Flip
Colors Copper, Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.7 x 4.9 x 2.2 cm (4.2 x 1.9 x 0.9 in)
Weight 120 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 2.5mm
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Standard / 12-key Numeric
Navigation Type D-pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: T9
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Contact List Capacity: 600
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Radio: -
Games: Yes
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
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