When we first heard Verizon Wireless had partnered with Motorola to release a full-touch screen cell phone we immediately reminisced on the days of the MOTO MING. The Krave ZN4 shares a similar design and build to the MING, but with a partnership resulting in Verizon Wireless as the carrier we had serious doubts whether the device would reach its full potential. In our first few minutes with the Krave ZN4, we were drawn to the size of the device, the smooth chrome accents surrounding the 2.8” TFT display and the rubberized backing. The key component is a clear shell that covers the face of the phone and contains the speaker for voice calls but thanks to Motorola ingenuity, still allows touch screen functions to be performed while closed.

Build Quality

There are two areas where Motorola has continued to demonstrate excellence in cell phones: call and build quality. The Motorola Krave ZN4 is no exception and if there is one area we would highlight on the ZN4 is that voice clarity was the best we’ve experienced on any phone from Verizon Wireless. At 4.1 x 2.0 x 0.8 inches, the extra bit of thickness when compared to the Motorola Q or Apple iPhone really gives the Krave ZN4 an edge in comfort and you will have no problem sliding the device in your shirt or pant’s pocket.

The 2.8-inch TFT touch screen display delivers what seems to be an adequate 240 x 400 pixels, but when closed the speaker in the clear cover reduces the screen size and resolution to 2.4-inches 240 x 320 pixels. The real issue we had with the clear shell was the ability to type using the on-screen keyboard when flipped open. It was uncomfortable to use our right thumb and ultimately made the typing experience difficult, but the saving grace to the onscreen keyboard was the haptic feedback. Our typing speeds were not near the 35wpm we hit on the Sidekick LX, but we were very accurate when using the QWERTY keyboard thanks to the subtle vibrations confirming our keystrokes.

Imaging

A 2.0-megapixel camera is not what you expect from a manufacturer trying to reinvent itself in a world chocked full of cell phones offering digital camera-quality imaging. Motorola itself offers a 5.0-megapixel camera on the MOTOZINE ZN5, so we were a bit disappointed to see a RAZR-quality 2.0-megapixel camera without flash being presented on a device with so much potential. On the positive side, there was almost zero lag when taking pictures with the camera and during good daylight conditions, the camera performed adequately. You will not be printing photos from your shots with the ZN4, but images are plenty sharp for emails and MMS.

Multimedia

VCast Mobile TV and VZ Navigator are two major strengths in the ZN4’s multimedia software. The high-resolution screen combined with excellent 3G performance thanks to Verizon’s network provided us with hours of mobile TV viewing. The sound and video quality was impressive and trumped what we’ve seen by competitors like Sprint TV. VZ Navigator performed beautifully in giving us turn-by-turn directions over the weeks we had the device and we prefer it over alternative cell phone navigation solutions.

Beyond VCast Mobile TV and VZ Navigator, the focal point of multimedia is the Media Center application. This is the one-stop shop for Tones, Sounds, Pictures, Video, Games, Downloads and provides shortcuts to the browser and VCast Mobile TV. Thanks to an accelerometer, the picture viewing experience is simple and intuitive much like we’ve seen on the iPhone. Simple finger swipes allow you to slide through your galleries and quickly Send, Set or Erase your images.

VCast Music is the final media feature on the ZN4. Thanks to a partnership between Verizon Wireless and Rhapsody, songs are available for $1.99/each and a preview is offered before you buy. With Verizon’s powerful 3G network, songs can be downloaded directly to your device in a matter of seconds, making the service a viable resource.

OS – Software

The proprietary Operating System combined with Verizon’s red and black interface is the weakest link in the ZN4. While using the device you feel little difference compared to using a basic Verizon Phone, which might sound comfortable, but it seriously hinders function for a device poised to compete with high-end Smartphones. The HTML Browser is a step up from the WAP browser found on a Motorola RAZR, but it lacks the speed and function of browsers like Skyfire, Opera Mobile and Safari Mobile.

Comparison

To understand how the ZN4 compares to other top-end devices on the market we put the ZN4 side-by-side with the Sprint HTC Touch Diamond, T-mobile Samsung Behold and Nokia E71. While the only device of the group we feel is a direct competitor to the ZN4 is the Samsung Behold, a comparison shot is an excellent demonstration of design and style.

It is unfortunate that ZN4’s excellent presentation does not carry over into its capabilities when compared to the Touch Diamond or E71. Operating System and Design alone, the ZN4 and Samsung Behold are excellent examples of what non-smartphones have achieved in the past few years, but a 5-megapixel camera has us heavily favoring the Samsung Behold.

Final Thoughts

The strengths of the Krave ZN4 are call quality, overall dimensions and reliability. The ZN4 is not the full touch screen Smartphone we expected, but it does deliver a familiar Motorola interface, excellent streaming video via Verizon’s VCast Mobile TV and the best voice clarity we’ve experienced on Verizon’s network. In a time when it seems manufacturers focus on impressive specs more so than the fundamental purpose of a cell phone, phone calls, it is refreshing to see that Motorola has carried over their tradition into the touch screen market.

We consider the ZN4 to be a transitional device aimed at the current Motorola RAZR owner looking to take advantage of casual web browsing, basic mobile email and gently experience what other full touch screen Smartphones offer without starting over in the learning process. Die-hard Smartphone users will want to look elsewhere when considering the Motorola Krave ZN4 as their next phone upgrade, but users hoping to eventually use a BlackBerry or Windows Mobile device and would like a gentle transition, we highly recommend the ZN4.

CF Rating: 5/10