Motorola rolls out the mediocre W series phones, creates a ripple of silence

Motorola has apparently decided that the stripped-down, low-end market of the mobile phone industry was being neglected, and today they've announced a slew of new, totally regular handsets: the W156, W160, W206, W213, W165, W180, and W377. Just how regular are these things, you ask? Well, let's just say at least one of them actually has a black-and-white display. It seriously looks like Motorola had to clear out some backstock of old parts, but what do we know? Here's a breakdown of the new models and their "features" -- see if you can spot the trends:

• W156 / W160: Candybar form-factor, 128 x 128 black-and-white display, 20K onboard memory, quad-band GSM, FM radio (W160 only), speakerphone, 590 minutes of talk time, 465 hours of standby
• W175 / W180: Candybar form-factor, 65K 128 x 128 display, 70K onboard memory, quad-band GSM, FM radio (W180 only), 590 minutes of talk time, 465 hours of standby
• W206 / W213: Candybar form-factor, 65K 128 x 128 display, 1MB onboard storage, quad-band GSM, FM radio (W213 only), speakerphone, 525 minutes of talk time, 384 hours of standby
• W377: Clamshell form-factor, 128 x 160 "vibrant" color screen, tri-band, VGA camera with 4 x zoom, FM radio, 10MB onboard memory, 450 minutes of talk time, 250 hours of standby

[easymac30 @ Oct 11th 2007 1:07PM]

*yawn*

[scotjo @ Oct 11th 2007 3:17PM]

How can you yawn? These things have FM! It might even be stereo FM.

[randy @ Oct 12th 2007 1:50AM]

Excuse me, MOTOROLA, but what happened to the MOTOFONE? It's been 18 months since you announced it as the "phone for everyone", now where THE HELL IS IT? India? That's "everyone"???

[PK @ Oct 12th 2007 1:56PM]

randy -

I agree that it sucks the MOTOFONE isn't for sale here, but eBay has been filled with unlocked 850/1900 MOTOFONEs for weeks now, all around $45-$55. If you're looking to get one, that's probably your best bet.

And I think Motorola would sell a massive amount of them if they were ever released here - tons of people would buy 'em...

[Preston @ Oct 11th 2007 1:08PM]

iPhone killers!

[Dennis @ Oct 11th 2007 4:33PM]

to be honest... i probably would buy these over the iphone based on price alone. (and i'm guessing that they're really cheap cause they look it)

[Grant @ Oct 11th 2007 1:09PM]

but just how cheap are they?
if they are so cheap you don't need to worry about a big service provider subsidizing them, that could be a big plus for people looking for short contract obligations.
Also, developing nations needs cellphones too, this would work great for them.

[josh @ Oct 11th 2007 1:14PM]

it seems like the battery life on these models is amazing.

[Justin @ Oct 11th 2007 1:17PM]

Wow. Agreed.

These phones have a place. Not everyone, not even everyone who loves gadgets, can afford high-end gear. Hell, I winced at $100 (subsidized) for my E815 when I got it over a year ago, and now it's not even an option anymore.

[t-bone @ Oct 11th 2007 3:16PM]

My experience has led me to believe that Motorola is really good at getting long battery life. I used a $20 phone over the weekend that had 11 hours of talk time. I have a bluetooth headset that get an incredible 30 hours of talktime from a AAA battery or a whole month of standby.

[toronado455 @ Oct 11th 2007 5:02PM]

I paid around $175 (subsidized) for my E815 new from Verizon. I saw prices go as low as $50 before it was discontinued. Oh well. :-)

[Gary Dogo @ Oct 11th 2007 1:19PM]

I have never posted a comment here before but I felt like chiming in on this. A HUGE portion of people all over the world that use cellphones cannot afford a phone that costs more than $100. Not everyone can go line up and wait for an iPhone or go to the Nokia store and walk out with an N95. These phones are for those people. If you can't see and acknowledge that, then don't even bother posting the release of these phones because I feel the tone of this is very condescending to the people to whom these phones are more than plenty.

[Grant @ Oct 11th 2007 1:21PM]

didn't you know?
everyone who posts and reads engadget is a millionaire!

[Andrew @ Oct 11th 2007 1:22PM]

What, somebody puts out a line of phones that, *gasp* actually attempt to be nothing more than decent phones and you make fun of them? Great battery life, (likley) low price and several choices in the low-end? What's not to like? Oh! You can't milk it for news every time a firmware gets updated, I see. Mock away.

[tekdroid @ Oct 13th 2007 10:16AM]

:) great post

[roger_huston @ Oct 11th 2007 1:24PM]

Hello darkness, my old friend,
Ive come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.

[adam @ Oct 11th 2007 1:28PM]

The standby times for those phones are awesome! I'm tired of having to charge my RAZR ever day. Makes me miss my Sanyo 4900 that lasted 3 weeks on a charge.

[Grant @ Oct 11th 2007 2:00PM]

seriously,
i had an LG that last at minimum a day and a half, usually 2 days. and that was only like a year and a half ago.

Now i have a Moto Q, and i'll be lucky if i make it through a whole day without needing to charge it.

[Sukhminder @ Oct 11th 2007 1:28PM]

These phones are made for developing countries like India, China, and Africa. Naturally, they're supposed to be stripped down versions (make 'em cheap). People there don't need Most of the phones I saw in India were with a monochrome screen. But the Nokia's had the original snake :o

[deedeedee @ Oct 11th 2007 2:45PM]

dont think these phones will be successful in china at all. People might not know but china happens to be the only country with the most cellphones (and usage) in the world,and US has less than half of that number. Only EU as a whole beats china by like 6%. Of course there are a whole lot more people there, but still thats impressive.

Last time i was there, they have a HUGH selection of cellphones. Lots of models from Moto, Nokia, SE that are not available in the US are available in china. and chinese companies like Lenovo not only offer cheaper phones but also with great design and quality, I really would have gotten one but too bad most were tri-band without the 850 band for the US. As the chinese cellphone company takes over the low to even the mid range cellphone market, these Moto cheap phones arent appealing, and usually Moto, Nokia, and SE go for high end phones to sell in china.

[lovemesoul @ Oct 12th 2007 2:32AM]

omg snake..i remember that... i miss it so!

[aron @ Oct 11th 2007 1:29PM]

I rather like the design of the clam shell. Nice & understated. If it synced to Outlook so I can read my mail, tasks and calendar, that'd be more than enough.

[prabal @ Oct 11th 2007 1:36PM]

If you've noticed, these are all quad-band phones - all except the last one which is tri-band. These phones will probably come in at the $50-100 price point (without subsidy) and are targeted at emerging markets - aka, India, China, Africa, etc. where there are millions that will just gobble up phones like this. Sitting here in the US, I will probably go for one of these as a backup phone for my visitors from India!

The tone of this post is rather condescending, and I'm deeply disappointed! Did not expect Engadget to post such an article!

[Andrew @ Oct 11th 2007 6:08PM]

As someone living in Latin America, I've got to say these things are exactly what they're already selling in our markets. In fact, the monochrome on on the left is an upgrade from one they have now that's just like it, with an old-school screen that can't show anything more complicated than an 8. Even here, though, these phones offer not a thing new.

[Sam Stone @ Oct 11th 2007 1:37PM]

Better then there usual stuff i have to say...

[Bob DeSilets @ Oct 11th 2007 1:39PM]

I can't tell you how many people have asked me phone recommendations "that are just phones". There is a large segment of the population that don't want"

- cameras
- web browsers
- games

All they want to do is make and receive calls. These units are hitting that market nicely.

[umm...hello?? @ Oct 11th 2007 1:49PM]

I would totally buy the b+w phone RIGHT NOW if it is for US Cellular Chicago phone service. The only "features" that I require for my phone: 500 person contact list, speakerphone, long batterylife, strong antennae, clock w/alarm, backlighting. my first phone was the motorola startac--green/gray screen, and if I could've kept it I would've. I also strongly prefer candybar style, and just about EVERY phone for US Cellular is now clamshell. Not to mention the phone companies should be giving just about every phone away for free, since they make it all up on the crazy monthly contract fees anyways...

I have a small digital camera for pictures, small, fits in my pocket (Canon SD700IS), iPod/Zune for music (small, fits in my pocket). Sure, more gadgets to keep track of and lug around, but they are all THE BEST for ONE PARTICULAR FUNCTION!!!

[Chris Patterson @ Oct 11th 2007 1:55PM]

These phone totally remind me of one of T-Mobile's most popular pay-as-you-go phones: the Nokia 6030. For a total cost of $165 for an *entire year*, this candybar phone is a great deal. Got one for both my wife and my daughter. (See, that leaves more cash left over for my iPhone purchase!)

Until now, I don't think Moto had anything similar for rival networks, and these phones seem slimmer with the same features.

[darren wilson @ Oct 11th 2007 2:01PM]

Sometimes people just want a solid *phone* without any of the silly add-on camera/mediaplayer/videorecorder/cappuccinomaker functionality.

[alex @ Oct 11th 2007 2:18PM]

I recently bought a new phone to replace the Razor that I was pretty much forced on me when I signed my contract. When I went to the store, I had to repeatedly tell the sales person I just wanted a phone that's just a phone and has good battery life. I can afford a top of the line phone the problem is I don't want to pay lots of money for features I don't want or need.

I have three basic requirements
Long battery life
Multi band capability (I travel internationally frequently)
and durability (how many people have broken Razors ?)

I' rather own a device that does a few things well than a lot poorly

[charlie @ Oct 11th 2007 2:21PM]

We all know the perason who wants one of these phones, still reads newspapers, has a tape based walkman, possibly an 8 track in the car, which would no doubt be a gremlin.

It won't need many features because they have no one to talk to, except the phone itself, which is why they need that amazing battery life, only 1 speed dial key needed and that'd be 'mum'. No music downloads, since no one serves music they'd listen too. No camera, since that'd create a lasting memory of their life, which is the last thing they want to do while sobbing into their bowl of cornflakes in the morning.

[Wolfticket @ Oct 11th 2007 6:59PM]

I don't need any features apart from calling because I have no-one to talk to.

Your logic is formidable, you should work for the government.

[charlie @ Oct 11th 2007 9:46PM]

You must already work for them, I'm sorry did i strike a nerve, cornflakes a bit watery this morning?

[TMM @ Oct 11th 2007 2:25PM]

I think it's really great that Moto tries to bring some stille to entry level phones.
I was really tempted already to buy the Moto F3 as a back up phone when I don't want to carry around my iPhone.
The OLED b/w screen ... or even better w/b is so cool.

The news ones tempt me even more ...

[R @ Oct 11th 2007 2:30PM]

The candy bar phones might be a good second phone for people that work in high security environments where phones with cameras are not allowed.

Aside from developing countries, there's definitely a market for "low end" and "stripped down" mobile phones in the US and other "modern" countries.

[manfesto @ Oct 11th 2007 2:31PM]

You can do simple phones and still be quite noteworthy and out of the ordinary. In fact, Motorola has even done this before with the MOTOFONE - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_Motofone_F3 - from a usability standpoint, it's as basic as phones can get. However, it's cheap, near indestructible, has an e-ink display, great battery life, and a thin and sleek design. It too is targeted at developing nations.

And it's sexier and more interesting than these phones.

/*Not that these phones aren't going to be great and cheap basic phones, just that it is possible to be basic AND out of the ordinary*/

[PK @ Oct 11th 2007 7:03PM]

I think the MOTOFONE is what Andrew is referring to above as the Motorola phone on sale in Latin America with the simple black-and-white display. I've got an iPhone which 1) I can't take with me to some DoD bases due to regulations against camera phones, and 2) I don't want to take with me if I'm going somewhere I'm worried about dinging up my iPhone. So I went out and bought 2 unlocked MOTOFONEs off of eBay ($55 each, with shipping) and keep one at work and one at home. They're great backups if I don't want to take my iPhone somewhere, and they're ridiculously slim, solid, and simple. I've also shown them to a bunch of coworkers and friends and they've been really impressed with them - they're sick of hard-to-use, packed-with-superfluous-features, expensive phones. Two of my friends went out and bought some a few days ago, and others are thinking of doing the same.

All that being said, if the W156/W160 are available as cheap unlocked phones sometime soon I might have to upgrade...

[alex @ Oct 11th 2007 2:32PM]

So Charlie who pissed in your cornflakes this morning ?

Or do you always spew so much hate while talking about cell phones ?

I couldn't help it but I had to feed this troll

[charlie @ Oct 11th 2007 9:50PM]

I'm sorry i offended all the monochromatic cell phone users ! ;)

i know lots of people who like these sorts of phone, people are always digging through our boxes of old phones looking for the one with the least features, or the iphone as its called these days.


also, Lighten up Francis !

[Wes @ Oct 11th 2007 2:37PM]

Reminds me of why I like my L2.... cheap and basic.

[Cowboy_X @ Oct 11th 2007 2:53PM]

How is black and white "regular"? I can't recall ever seeing a single one. If this is a North American release of the e-ink'd MOTOFONE, where do I sign up?

[Juaquin @ Oct 11th 2007 2:55PM]

Ever considered there is a LARGE population out there who just want a phone? Most people don't need text messages, a camera, internet, email, and crappy jar games. I know my father will be interested in one of these.

[RWD fan @ Oct 11th 2007 3:10PM]

If the F3 that I had to order from Tiger Direct, just to see how good a $39 phone could be, is any good I might have to check out the W156, as the F3 might be just a little bit too minimalist. I wonder how long until we see "street" pricing on these, or if it's going to be another deal for NON-US customers...

[Matt @ Oct 11th 2007 3:41PM]

WOW... MOTO is joining a race...How many shitty phones can we come up with race. Soon we'll start seeing these on late night infomercials where silly "compensated participants" will be saying "I love this phone, it's so purdy, sleem, and I'm buying one for myself and five for my closest friends" I just hope I won't be included in this circle of friends. Go MOTO.

[tekdroid @ Oct 13th 2007 10:23AM]

Matt @ Oct 11th 2007 3:41PM

WOW... MOTO is joining a race...How many shitty phones can we come up with race
----------
Or simply:
"how many phones do we need to release to satisfy the need for quality, dependable, no-frills, low-cost phones for the market segment primarily concerned with these atrributes?"

[Josh @ Oct 11th 2007 3:56PM]

These things have been sold in Europe for the past year or so. Wonder why they're bringing them to America only now?

[GregB @ Oct 11th 2007 4:41PM]

Re: charlie @ Oct 11th 2007 2:21PM

We all know the perason who wants one of these phones, still reads newspapers, has a tape based walkman, possibly an 8 track in the car, which would no doubt be a gremlin.

Sorry but I don't remember you Charlie, and I don't think everyone knows me but if you know where I can get a spare 8 track that will fit my Gremlin Dash, please let me know. The spares are getting difficult to get now. (PS Who needs a colour screen to talk to anyway?)

[pete ski @ Oct 11th 2007 5:43PM]

Maybe they're answering the question:
"Can I get a cool phone that's just a phone?"
less is more, Grasshopper.

[Chris @ Oct 11th 2007 6:10PM]

For those that work in environments where cameras are not allowed. i.e. the government, defense contract. It is nice to see a phone without a camera get announced.

[Sirius @ Oct 12th 2007 12:28AM]

Talk all you want about how crap these fones are but that W377 has more onboard memory than my Nokia 6680 3g smartfone... I'll bet it crashes a good deal less too. Heck, maybe it even supports mini-usb (like most Moto fones, no?)

Sometimes less *is* more.