Compatible with T-Mobile cell phone service, the economically-priced Motorola C650 phone sports a digital VGA camera, built-in email and mini-USB port, as well as a speakerphone function, MP3 and MPEG4 playback, and more, all displayed on a high-resolution, 65,000-color CSTN screen.
Calling Features
Click the image to get a closer look at the C650's features. |
Used simply as a phone, the C650 features a 4-way joystick for easy navigation to a variety of handy features, including a dedicated voice mail button, a voice mail indicator, and call timers, redial, missed call indicator, call log, voice activated dialing, any-key answer, auto-redial, speed dial, mute control, no-answer transfer, one-touch 911, usage alert, vibrating ring, differential ring, speakerphone, picture caller ID, and a phone book capacity of 1000 entries.
Messaging and Internet
The phone's wireless Internet browser provides high-speed data transmission via GPRS, as well as advanced EMS messaging, which lets you send, receive and edit text, voice, and pictures (such as ones you take with the camera) to and from other compatible phones and computers. Predictive text input and text message templates round out the package, along with the ability to expand your phone's functionality by downloading Java MIDP 2.0/CLDC 1.0 applications.
Organizer
The Motorola C650's organizer features include a calendar, calculator, alarm clock, and voice memo, among others. Using the built-in mini-USB adaptor, you can also easily sync up data from your phone's organizer with your PC.
Cameras, Fun, and Games
As mentioned above, the C650 comes with an integrated VGA digital still camera with 640 x 480 resolution and 4X digital zoom. You can view your photos on the color display, or send them to your computer or via MMS to a friend with your Internet connection. Three games come built into the phone, and many others are available for download from the Web. Also available for download are an infinite variety of MP3s for listening to on the C650's handy MP3 player. If you get tired of the faceplate, you can swap it out for another one, available separately.
Vital Statistics
The Motorola C650 weighs 3.23 ounces and measures 4.04 x 1.73 x 0.77 inches. Its Lithium Ion batteries are rated at 390 minutes minimum talk time, and 200 hours minimum standby time. It runs on the GPRS at 800/1800/1900 MHz.
What's in the Box
Motorola C650 cell phone, charger, hands free headset
1 very disappointed w/Motorola
This phone was an extreme disappointment. I had to return for another phone after trying to use it for 3 days. The volume is very quiet, even in maximum! The screen is very small and difficult to see in the day light. The bottom of the phone to charge plug is not smooth and has sharp edging. No wonder they had to give more rebate than the 1c cost for you to use it. It is not worth it.
2 Decent Phone
I like this phone for many reasons, but with any phone there are some drawbacks. First of all this phone is very small and stylish. This phone offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has Mp3 ringtones, a decent camera, and good internet browsing and MMS capabilites. However, the joystick is very cumbersome. It may seem like a good idea, but it begins to lose sensitivity after about a week. Also, like other reviewers noted, when trying to push it straight down to take a photo or select an item in the menu, you normally wind up pushing it the wrong way. T-Mobile service is very good. I have been with them for 3 years. Previously I owned a Samsung r225m (see my review on its product page) and with the Motorola phone, I have noticed areas that I now get reception where I previously didn't with the Samsung. Overall, the this is a great, inexpensive phone, with great service, small design, and powerful multimedia features make a great cell phone for all.
**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**4/20/05**
Phone working great, however the black plastic coating is peeling off on the right side of the phone and this phone scratches very easily. Still working fine, but keep note that this phone is more delicate than one would think.
-A.D.
3 Shipping sucks. Phone svc charge starts before activation.
Haven't got the phone yet but the 1 star is for the shipping.
Ordered 2 phones on Monday, the phone was not shipped "within 24 hours" cuz Amazon said I chose the "FREE Super Saver Shipping". Then Amazon used USPS and I did not get the phone until Tuesday the next week. That's more than a week from the date the order was made. T-Mobile starts charging the cell phone service from Wednesday when the phone left the warehouse. Ended up paying cell phone service when the phone is not even activated.
The shipping experience sucks. Should never believe "usually shipped within 24 hours" if you choose free shipping. Be ready to pay extra $ for the days you haven't even received the phone.
4 Awful product
This is my 4th phone from T-Mobile, and in some ways its the least usable phone yet. The unit has speakerphone and headset capabilities which allow you to never hold the phone up to your head. This may interest you if you are concerned about electromagnetic radiation that mobile phones emit. I am glad to say that this phone has decent reception in my area, but there is still a delay when speaking with people and regular audio dropouts. These two problems may be related to the T-Mobile service, not the phone itself. Unfortunately this phone is plagued by some simple problems that I amazed did not get solved before this phone was released. When the screen goes dark it is unreadable under most lighting situations. You have to first press a key to get the screen to light up, which it will not do if the phone's keypad is locked. If you need to make a call in a pinch or emergency situation, there is a good chance you will not be able to due to the dark screen/keypad lock situation. Next, the phone does not ring loud enough. I was looking forward to taking advantage of the C650's ability to use digital audio files, but at maximum volume its still not that loud. I even boosted the volume of my files manually to help with this but its just not loud enough. This causes missed phone calls. Speaking of transferring files, it was a nightmare. For anyone who is not technically inclined beware: the phone does not come with the cable (standard mini USB cable), or software drivers to connect the phone to your PC. I had to hunt on internet search engines for almost 15 minutes to find the drivers. So, the greatest selling points about this phone are mostly useless. It does function as a phone if you are willing to work around all the problems.
5 OK phone with some drawbacks.
I had an old Nokia and needed to upgrade because the battery had died and it was cheaper to get a new phone than buy a new battery. I also needed a tri-band (900/1800/1900) phone because I needed it to work in the US and Europe. The C650 fit the bill and it was cheap. I am not disappointed, though the phone has some annoying drawbacks.
On the plus side, the phone has a standard USB interface. I had the Motorola MobileTools CD from an earlier Motorola phone I bought in Europe and installed the software on my laptop (the CD has drivers for all Motorola phones) and was able to access the C650 and all multimedia features from my laptop very easily. This allows you to download photos/videos to your PC and easily update your address book and personalize the phone (use any MP3 audio file as your ring tone etc).
Major annoyances: as other reviewers have noted, the display is very dark unless the backlight is on. This is annoying because the backlight is turned off by default when you lock the keyboard, so sometimes it can be hard to tell if the phone is on at all (pressing a key doesn't do anything, you have to unlock the keyboard, then lock it again).
The little "joystick" control is very hard to use, especially when you have to press it in the center position to select a menu choice (most of the time I end up pushing it in the wrong direction). My main gripe is that the AC adapter only works on 110V current. This is unforgivable for a tri-band 'world phone, all the more so because it's advertised as a 'travel charger' but doesn't work outside the US: all my other phones had 110/220V adapters so like an idiot I assumed this one was and I fried it by plugging into an European power outlet. In the end I had to buy two separate adapter, one for 110V and another 220Volt for travel purposes.
Standby and talk times are as advertised, so no complaints there.
I don't really care much for the camera or any of the other multimedia features, so I can't comment on the picture quality as I have no basis for comparison against other phones.
Overall, it's an adequate phone that's worth its money as long as you don't have unrealistic expectations (and are willing to buy a new AC adapter if you plan to travel to Europe).
6 good phone
For the price, this is a good phone. I usually have a good signal. Even in locations where Tmobile does not have a much reception, I sometimes have a bar.
The camera is good for a phone. Other multimedia features are limited by lack of a USB cable and Motorolla software ($40+). You cannot back up your phonebook unless you have one of these cables. There is no voice-recorder feature.
As others have mentioned, some ringtones are too quiet to be heard in busy environments; just check to make sure you aren't missing calls if you decide to change your ringtone. Some ringtones are adequate, and you can download others or create your own using the software and cable.
Office features are okay. There is a very basic calendar. There is noplace to store addresses or random notes.
The screen does have visibility issues others have mentioned below, but those haven't bothered me that much.
Menu system is good, but some tasks (like viewing missed calls and messages) are cumbersome.
7 Problems that you must know before you buy(and get rebates!!
1.Screen is too dark(complaints from lots of users and i experienced first hand)
2.Camera is ok(not great but good for starters)
3.Menus and options are too many .But easy to locate and use some simple stuff like how do i change the ringer tone?
4.Documentation is useless .google it to read more ..but you are wasting time.
Not to worry about back cover issues (for first time) as it comes from Amazon separetly and you can install in 10sec.Yes if you want to open it for some reason use credit card approach.
8 Small Phone with "issues" and "attitude problem"
I bought it since it was the best deal, I mean cash-back when you sign one year contract. Now here's what I hate in this phone:
When in Power Saver mode, screen is totally dark, can't read anything on the screen. When outside in bright daylight, again can't read anything on screen even when the backlight is on. Battery takes 4-6 hours to charge, and mine died after 4 months, new battery costs $45.
It has USB port, but no cable or Software is included so they basically want you to spend more money on that after the initial purchase.
Back cover is hard to open, watch for broken nails. I tried all methods, screw drivers, credit cards, but this back cover has some serious attitude problems. Camera quality is poor, but so is with all other phones in the market in this price range.
Charger works on 110V only, don't plug it into an outlet in Europe or Asia, or you'll fry it.
Speakerphone is good when you are alone in a silent room, you won't be able to hear anything on speakerphone with your car window open. Ringer tones are NOT loud, I missed many calls because I was on the train and even though ringer volume was set at 7, I couldn't hear it.
9 Goodbye Moto!
After almost a month with this phone I have had enough experience with it to change an earlier review I wrote. I rate this phone at 2 stars (not the 4 showing above) because I totally agree that it has serious design defects that will drive you crazy. The complete black-out of the screen is bad enough, but having to cover your head with your coat to be able to read it outdoors in even minimal sunlight, even with the backlight on is, the height of technological idiocy. What were these people thinking? Or were they even? Are all color phones like this? It's enough to make me long for my old Ericsson with it's black and white screen which you could read in any light.
The back cover is not really the problem that some people complain about because there is an easy trick to popping it off in just a couple of seconds. You can do it using a credit card or other plastic ID card. This is much safer, less damaging, and much more efficient than a screwdriver and works like magic. Use a corner to press the white latch in and then slip the edge of the card into the crack between the case halves at that end. Slide it over to one corner and around along the side without letting it slip out. That will pop the back right off, saving the plastic case, your nails and your nerves. It only takes about 10 seconds as opposed to 10 minutes or more of useless struggling with other methods.
However, another really serious problem is that the manual has very sketchy or zero documentation about several important features, like the multimedia functions for example. This being a multimedia phone, you would think they would cover that in detail. Not! The info on the use of the camera or its settings is too rudimentary and there is practically nothing about how to manage photo files in the camera or SIM card, and zero about how to download them to a PC. I imagine that that information comes with the software CD that they jack you up for as an extra, but do you have to pay extra to get the basic information too? Furthermore, when you go to the Motorola website, none of the missing documentation on this model is available to download and there is no user email support either. Does Motorola even care?
The latter might even be semi-O.K. if it wasn't for the fact that the phone has the nasty habit of going into "boot loader" mode when you accidently press the start key or some other keys in some unknown way. I say unknow because the manual and the website have zero information about this feature so you of course don't know what keys you pressed to bring it up or how to avoid doing it again. Boot loader is a sort of black hole of a DOS-type bootup screen which wants you to insert the USB cable to access a PC, but without the driver or PC software (which don't come with the phone) inserting the cable does nothing. There seems to be no way to cancel this screen and access the phone without removing the battery. This has happened to me four times already, so it's a really good thing I figured out how to get the back off easily. Otherwise it would already have been "Goodbye, Moto!! Hello Trashcan!!"
Even if you can get this phone absolutely free like I did, unless you plan to use it only as an indoor phone, I recommend avoiding it because using it any other way is too aggravating.
10 the most frustrating phone I have ever owned
I really dislike this phone. When I read other reviews saying it was hard to open (broken nails, boo hoo) I thought that was sour grapes. But it took a combination of my husband and I 25 minutes to open the phone, which we ended up doing with a key and scratching the hell out of it. So fine, I got it all set up. But it would not transer the info on my sim card, so I had to rekeyboard my address book. Then, after a few days use, the sim card got dislodged and I had to go through opening the phone yet again! The navagation is also tricky. I have very small hands and still find the buttons too close together. If you don't lock your phone or keep it in a special case the camera comes on all the time. I have spent so much time adjusting the settings so it is effecient. I have no idea what they were thinking, but next time I am going back to Nokia.
11 More comments on C650 vs. T610
I got the C650 as a replacement for the T610 - I liked the menus/display on the t610 better but was having major reception issues (signal strength jumped all over the place, missed/dropped calls) in major cities all along the west coast. I had this problem with three different t610 phones (how many I had to try before they'd let me switch brands) and know other people who've had this problem too. The c650 gets much more reliable reception.
And to respond to other's comments: I find it's relatively easy to pop off the back if you put two nails of one hand in the two slots and one nail on the other hand where the silver inlay is on the top of the phone. I personally like that it's not easily removed - so your battery doesn't just pop off randomly (my old sprint phone would do this). Also, if you set one of the soft keys to "recent" you can easily access missed or received calls. You only have to hit the call button to see previously dialed calls. You don't need phonebook as a soft key since pushing the up/down button will get it for you.
Finally, use the menu-* key lock! I've had the phone go through menus in my pocket and order wallpapers/ringtones without me even knowing it!
Respectable phone, not perfect, but reliable.
12 Very delicate
I feel it is not worth it for the price.
1. Once you place SIM card, foget about changing it again.
2. Very delicate and speaker phone quality is not good.
3. Mobile service starts charging when you order Phone on on-Line.
My advice is .. See it and feel C650 at near stores before you place order
13 great small, camera phone with zoom
this is the fourth color screen phone that i own (previously i owned sony erisson T68, T68i, T610) and i found this phone to be the best among the other sony ericsson phones. the software of this phone is very stable. the menu is pretty user friendly and i like the convenient speaker phone feature with sensitive receiver. people can adjust the volume with the "joystick" while talking, unlike the other ericssion phones where you can find the buttons on the side of the phone. the camera also has 4x zoom feature and able to tune the brightness level of the picture. i think the phone is great for its price and size. the previous sony ericsson phones all have either battery problems or software problems (the phone will turn itself off while using or it keeps pressing "3" ). so far this is the best phone i've ever used. best of all - this is a tri-band phone so i can bring it everywhere around the world.
14 so far so good
I like this phone so far.
It's smaller than I expected. It scratches somewhat easily, so you definitely need a protective case.
I think it's user friendly. Camera works great. It's fun to take pictures. Very loud, and a lot of good features.
I recommend it.
15 Not User friendly
I bought this phone ( moto c650 ) along with Sony T610 ( for the Family plan ).
Pros :
1. Usb interface ( If they have drivers )
2. Appearence of the phone
3. Brand - Motorola - famous for cell phones.
4. Zoom functionality in the camera.
Cons :
0. C650 is not user friendly
1. You can not take out the battery or SIM card once you installed it. You will endup breaking your nails.
2. Once you lock the phone. It is dark and you can not see anyting.
3. Incoming/Missed calls are very difficuit to find out ( even you set it as the soft key )
4. It has no side buttons to increase/decrease the voice volume while talking
5. The colors are t610 are much better than this.
6. The usb functionality is of no use. there is no driver available.
7. The phone doesn't have the infrared port (IR) to connect to my laptop. i have around 100 contacts to enter. On my T610 it took only 5 minutes to enter.
8. I don't know about other other phone -- But if you are thinking of buying eithter T610 or C650. go for t610.
I am going to return my phone and buy another T610 for my family plan.
16 Display is completely black on this phone
I've just recieved this phone on 11/29. When the phone goes into standby mode the screen display is completely black. I can't read the date or time or anything. The phone appears as if it is off. When keyguard is on, even movement of the phone does not make the back light come on. There is no way to determine at first glance if you have missed calls or messages. Has anyone else experienced this problem with this phone?
17 Sent phone back twice in one month period
I have only had this phone for a little over 2 months and I have sent it back to be repaired twice already. The first time, the camera stopped working and I was no longer able to take any pictures or view pictures that I had taken. I received a replacement and within a week I had to return the replacement. The second phone would not turn on after a week. I had not dropped the phone and there was no abuse to it. I am now on my third phone Motorola C650. We'll see how long this one lasts.
Other than the returns, I do enjoy the features and find it relatively easy to use. If I had not needed to send it back, I would give it 5 stars. It is very difficult to open the back cover. I need to use a screw driver. The reception is good at times. Sometimes I have people saying to me, "you get reception in here" and in other places I can't get a signal when everyone else is on their phone. One of those things I guess.
18 no-nonsense little phone with some sweet add-ons
The main reason, first and foremost, that I bought this phone was because of the great offers from amazon.com. The reason for the existence of cell phones is just to make calls, and I'm not the type to splurge just to have millions of misc functions that you use once in a blue moon. So I was pleasantly surprised when I actually got the phone.
First and foremost, the reception is great where I live (Northern VA/Washington DC). Unlike some other phones, the volume and ringtones on this phone is sufficiently loud (and you can always turn it down if you prefer a quieter phone). The battery life does seem to be somewhat lackluster. It usually lasts around one week for me, with moderate usage and the occasional photo. But then again, the battery does need to be charged several times before it reaches its full potential, so the jury is still out on that one. Overall, not a big problem to detract from the phone itself. Unlike one reviewer mentioned below, I have been able to take the backcover on/off with no problem. The body of the phone is made of sturdy hard plastic, and so far I don't see any scratches (unless I put the phone two inches from my face under bright lights...). It's small and light, but not so light as to feel cheap and flimsy.
Now the add-ons. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of pictures taken with the camera. I downloaded them onto my computer, and at the size of normal 4x6 photos, they are still pretty clear (not 5MP kinda clear, but hey, it's just a phone). The camera has several settings like black and white and sephia, which are great fun to play with. One reviewer below mentioned how the potential for the mini-usb port is undermined by the absence of a driver. All the Motorola phones work with their Mobile PhoneTools software. If you have a version of it from Motorolas that you've owned previously, just go to www.bvrp.com and download a free upgrade. Search Kazaa if you don't have it. Amazon.com also offers Mobile PhoneTools packaged with the usb cable compatiable with this phone from a third party merchant for $42.50. The cable is just a normal A-to-mini B usb 2.0 cable, the basic standard for most printers and digital cameras, available in store for around $20. Once you have the software and the cable you can really tap into the mp3 function on this phone. Use your favorite songs as your ringtone (edit them to 32kbps first).
All in all this is a great little phone, and for this price it can't be beat.
19 Do not buy this phone!
Based on the three reviews (all gave five stars) on Amazon.com as of October 8, 2004, I bought this product and had to return it to Amazon.com two days later after receiving the phone. Once I installed the SIM card and battery and close the cover, I could not make the back cover open again. It took me at least 30 minutes and had two finger nails broken trying to open it. The upper body of the phone is made of some kind of plastic as far as I can tell and it can be easily scratched. I have not even used it and it already has scratches. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this phone no matter what good features it offers. Of course, if you would never need to replace the battery or install a different SIM card, you could consider this phone. I would give no star if it's one of the selections.
20 A great stylish phone
I have this phone about 1 month and I am happy with it so far. It immitates some good feature of Nokia such as Faceplate changeable.
The camera is so cool, although the TFT screen is not quite good to show full quality of the picture. You have to transfer the picture took from camera to your computer to enjoy its real quality, but really good.
Also, very light weight. Nice design. Functions are good enough to qualify your everyday activities.
Something I need to complain is the battery life is a bit short. If you talk too much (1-3 hours a day), you might have to charge it every night. In addition, it does not have any cover for the camera. Between the camera and the faceplace cover, there is a big space that often vacuum all dust into the back inside of the phone. So you may need to open and clean it occasionally.
It does not have Bluetooth !!. Fine, you can use a Bluetooth adapter or a wired headset or the built in speaker. I don't like Bluetooth anyway, it can make people think you are crazy when they see you talk ... to yourself. In addition, it consumes battery a lot.
Overall, I love this phone. Many times in the mall or in work place, people saw me using this phone, they stopped and asked "What brand it is ?", "It is so cute". Indeed, it is smaller and cuter than the Sony Ericsson T610 which has similar design.
If you want light weight and functional but don't like flip phones, this is the one for you.
21 excellent phone
I was looking for a T mobile phone which is small, tri-band, with speaker phone and vibration. First of all this phone is so cute and little, it is a world phone so you can use it in Europe. The speaker phone is great and loud enough. The screen is beatiful and the picture quality is very good. This phone has a direct USB connection which is great but it neither comes with the driver nor the cable. I have cable but since the driver is not released you cannot connect to computer. I think this is something Motorora has to fix. I am using the phone in LA and I am very happy with the reception and sound quality.
Overall this is great phone.
22 Pretty Darn Good 09/11/04
This phone is pretty great.
I used to have the Nokia 3650, which was a great phone too, it was just a bit bulky, so i use it as a side phone when i need it. The Moto-C650 is so small (about half the size of my 3650) and so functional.
PROS:
*It's small! You can find the dementions yourself, but its small enough for me
*It's loud, the ringer's loudest setting is at least twice as loud as my 3650 ever was, and it uses the same speaker for its speakerphone which can also get very loud and clear, of course, you can turn them down if need be.
*It has excelent reception. Now i know this is somewhat subjective, because it depends on location and service (We use T-mobile about 30 miles from the Minneapolis St. Paul Metro Area)
Even when the reception bars are low, the phone still has good clarity)
*Easy to use menus
*Cool camera, it has about twice the resolution of my 3650 (a lot more than the screen on the phone can even display), and some cool functions like on-screen brightness controls and a 4x digital zoom
*Clear, Colorful screen
*Cool USB Port on the bottom that has (Potentially) endless aplications
Cons:
*Small buttons, with a small phone, you obviously get small button, but for a guy with big fingers, it can get a bit clumsy (hitting the 1 button instead of the Send, etc...)
*When i said the USB port had potentailly endless apllications i ment POTENTIALLY, meaning there are none now...not even a driver from Motorola to enable it to connect to your computer, now im sure there will be many in the future, there just are none now...
*There are no easily accessable "Profiles" as in Nokia's sybian phones, so you cant easily switch between ringer, or have "Quiet, Meeting, Outside" settings with one button switching. All you can do without entering the menu is turn it up and down, vibrate setting and Silence, i minor inconveniece but worth mentioning.
Thats about all i can think of right now, i might add more later after i have had the phone for more than a month.
