Verizon Wireless Razzle Cell Phone Review - New Twist on a Cell Phone

We recently acquired a Verizon Wireless Razzle for $19.99 through contract renewal with Verizon. The following is a review of the Verizon Wireless Razzle in an effort to help the consumer with Verizon in their selection of a new cell phone.

Previously with Alltel, we became a part of Verizon upon the company's acquisition of Alltel. We were given the option to get new cells phones from free selections and reduced price with a two-year agreement. The Verizon Wireless Razzle was available to us for $19.99 and a buy one get one free special. My husband and my son both decided to get the Verizon Wireless Razzle at this deal.

Verizon Wireless Razzle Reviews
The reviews on the Verizon Wireless website¹ were very positive for this cell phone. My husband and son both wanted a QWERTY keyboard option with their new phones, and this phone has it.

Specifications for the Verizon Wireless Razzle
This cell phone is a "twist" phone. The lower half of the phone twists to make the QWERTY keyboard available. The phone can remain in that position, and after a short period of time, it automatically locks to prevent actual usage. To use the phone in that position after it is locked, you need to push the "OK" button twice.

The Razzle supports Bluetooth and a 1.3 megapixel camera. You can read about additional features at the Verizon Wireless website¹. The phone also has an mp3 player. With a Verizon Wireless plan you can get V CAST music through a Rhapsody subscription, VZ Navigator and is Family Locator capable.

Verizon Wireless Razzle - Using the Cell Phone
This phone weighs almost 4 ounces, and is larger than a regular cell phone with dimensions of 4.5 inches in height by 2.4 inches in width.

QWERTY Keyboard. The button style keyboard takes up less than half the size of the phone. The buttons are very small for the keyboard, but they are raised style buttons making it a little easier to use. When the keyboard is twisted to the front for use, the bottom of the phone tilts forward, also helping with ease of use. Both my husband and my son have had no problems using the QWERTY keyboard.

Making Calls. The number pad is part of the QWERTY keyboard, with numbers taking up the same keys as some of the letters. For phone calls, the number pad is dominant, so making a call is as simple as making a call from a regular dial pad once you get used to the position.

Texting. Texting can be a problem due to the size of the buttons until you adjust. The biggest problem with texting is if you need to type in both letters and numbers, as you have to switch back and forth from letter format and number format. This can be frustrating if you are in a hurry.

Changing Menus. Changing the menu in the Razzle is as easy as a regular cell phone. There is a center "OK" button to access the menu, with a round directional key to move to different menu items. The menu can also be personalized with the icons you wish to use.

Taking Pictures. My husband enjoys taking pictures with the Razzle and the function is easy to figure out. For only having 1.3 megapixels, the pictures are clear.

Twist Feature. As mentioned above, the bottom of the phone twists to access the QWERT keyboard and dial pad. The twist mechanism is tight enough so that the phone will not twist around to function by itself, even if the phone is in a pocket. Also as noted above, the phone can remain in its functional position and automatically locks to prevent accidental use.

Other Features. You can download games, wallpapers and ringtones, as well as pay for extra services such as email webmail, IM and chat.

Incoming Calls. Unlike the Motorola Krave that I use, my husband and son both receive their incoming calls with no problem. Conversations are clear and easy to hear.

Verizon Wireless Razzle Accessories
There are cases available that fit the Razzle, available at many outlets including ebay. There is only one phone cover, that remains on the phone during use, available for the Razzle at this time, and it runs at about $20 at every location.

Overall Rating of the Verizon Wireless Razzle
Retailing at $239.99, this phone offers a lot of options and convenience for the price. With a 2-year contract with Verizon, the phone is available for $19.99 for a new customer. If you are looking to start a new contract with Verizon, this phone is a good value at a good price.

My husband, son and I give this phone a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

1) Verizon Wireless; Verizon Wireless Razzle; Verizon Wireless