Motorola i95cl Phone (Nextel)

Based on Motorola’s i90c phone, the i95cl offers some valuable upgrades that increase the functionality of the phone significantly. The new highlights include a full-color display with an eight-line screen, plus more memory to handle Java programs.

The phone is quite sturdy, but it sacrifices compactness for rugged design. Since it’s too big to fit in most pockets, the i95cl has a belt clip, but at almost 5 ounces it can weigh your belt down a bit. The retractable antenna has a durable feel, and the rubberized volume control and push-to-talk buttons on the side and speaker buttons on top are unlikely to break if the phone is dropped. Buttons on the i95cl’s interior are fairly flat but are spread apart so misdialing is not an issue. An LCD screen on the outside of the flip top is helpful for quickly checking time and date or for screening callers.

The phone was slow to power up (about 40 seconds), but considering the rich graphics, that’s to be expected. Upon start-up, the i95cl put us immediately into the message center. We had no text messages, but a voice mail from a colleague sounded crisp and clear. From the main menu, we easily accessed all of our settings without referring to the manual. The long eight-line, high-contrast screen with a large text and mellow, white backlighting made it easy to read our options from several feet away.

We set our background display to the American flag, (which looked impressive on the color screen), personalized our keys, and adjusted the ring. The i95cl has nine selectable ring styles—the usual tinny electronic-sounding rings--and 10 polyphonic musical files to choose from that sound almost orchestral compared to ring choices on most cell phones. After enjoying Pachebel’s Canon in D Major and Tchaikovsky’s "Waltz of the Flowers," we eventually settled on the "Star-Spangled Banner" for our ring.

The phone book holds multiple numbers for each person, and we had no problem entering a few friends. We set up voice-activated dialing for a few numbers as well, but found that giving a command with even a slight change in tone from the original voice recording caused the i95cl to reject our dialing request.

The i95cl’s Internet connection is one of the faster ones we’ve experienced, and Motorola has bumped up the memory and improved the processor and connectivity speed in this model. In addition to preset weather, financial, and shopping links, the phone lets users do Internet searches and send and receive two-way messages and e-mail (including instant messages with AIM).

The Java apps feature combined with the rich color screen was amazing to behold. Preinstalled apps include a calculator and two fairly sophisticated games. We found that Tiger Woods PGA Tour Wireless Golf has great graphics but is fairly slow and easy to win. The action-packed MotoGP motocross racing game played so well it felt almost like we were on a GameBoy. Subscribers to Nextel Wireless Web service can download additional Java applications from Nextel’s Web site or install custom apps from the Internet.

Motorola has increased the memory in the i95cl (since the release of its predecessor, the i90c) to handle robust Java applications—and it is a significant improvement. However, users still won’t be able to pack a whole lot of apps in there if they want to download a bunch of animated 3-D games. Each of the preexisting games takes up about 700-800 KB of data space and our phone comes with 1,479 KB of free space for new applications. That leaves room for only two additional games or several other business applications. In addition, Java apps share memory space with ring styles, wallpaper images, and voice records, so once users run out of space, they’ll have to start deleting some of these files. Still, this is a fairly recent breakthrough in cellular technology and the fact that Java apps can be stored at all is remarkable.

The i95cl also has the ability to function as a walkie-talkie, through a technology that Motorola and Nextel have been offering for years. Using Nextel Direct Connect, users can communicate with one person or a group via two-way radio. A PTT (push-to-talk) button on the left side of the phone, below the volume buttons, lets users talk without opening the phone or even removing the phone from their belt loop. The best part is that users don’t pay for minutes using the radio.

Overall, the slick features and conveniences on this phone far outweigh the issues with the bulky design. The multitude of communication options make the i95cl an ideal phone for business users who are communicating with employees both on site and long distance. --Cristina Vaamonde

Pros:

Supports Java applications, including 3-D games
Large full-color display with high-contrast screen
More memory and faster processor than its predecessor (Motorola i90c)
Fast Internet connectivity
Doubles as two-way radio without using minutes

Cons:

Bulky design
Voice-activated dialing doesn’t always recognize commands
Java apps share memory space with ring styles, wallpaper images, and voice records

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength.

1 i loved this phone
i had this phone for over a year, i loved it best phone i ever had, the only negative thing i can say is that the case is kinda weak and the holster holds the phone backwards so it doesnt break the external caller id if dropped, this means you have to take the phone out of the clip to answer the phone, unless you use speaker phone, id recommend this to anyone that wants nextel, best phone they had

2 Great color phone for Nextel users
I've been a Nextel customer for years for both business and personal use. I've used almost all lines of phones. The i95cl was my favorite until i830 came along. The i95 is good for casual and especially heavy business users. The color LCD screen is huge compared to i730 and i830. Apparently Nextel had to reduce screen size in order to reduce phone size. That is one thing I miss in i830. I never had a problem with i95 size since it weighs about 5 oz. Great phone and I could not believe Nextel would discontinue it. *Note: I have an extra i95 for sale. It was my personal phone and in very good condition with some scratches. It is fully operational, travel charger and holster, shipping in USA included for flat $120.00. I will accept paypal only. Please email me if interested at leel1@netscape.com.

3 nice phone
Great phone alot better then sprint! Setting it up with the 800 # Well let's say pack a LUNCH! It took me 4 hours on the phone, and six different people to get connected! They need alot of work on that! After all said and done great phone, great coverage, walkie talkie feature breaks up now and then, but is really quick talking back and forth.No alarm clock? would be nice! if had to activate again would take it to a nextel dealer to do it instead of calling it in! nice pic on colored screen, games look nice.thinking of an upgrade to the i730, GPS but no alarm clock? a full feature phone with GPS to take you anywhere but NO alarm clock to wake you up when your there? I go camping and 4 wheeling where the GPS would come in handy and so would the ALARM CLOCK! think they might get the message and make it a downloadable feature! HOPE THIS HELPS!

4 very solid phone
first, this phone feels huge. I carry it in my pocket every day, but I wish it was half as thick. That said, I've had the phone for a little more than a year and it works perfectly. I've dropped it several times, left it in a hot car, etc and never had a problem. I did buy a second battery when I purchased the phone, and one of the two batteries died after about a year. I just charge it every 36 hours or so and I've usually got plenty of power. I use the Java apps, I use their browser, mostly to check movies, and I use it with a short cable to connect to my iPaq. Everything works great. But it still feels like a brick -- I heard a comedian say that cell phones are the only thing men will brag about theirs being smaller...

5 THE MOST PRACTICAL PHONE EVER...
...IS THE I95CL...I BOUGHT MINE FROM A NEXTEL STORE...THE PHONE IS AWESOME...THE CUSTOMER SERVICE, HOWEVER...IS HORRENDOUS...I ACTUALLY WAS ONLY ABLE TO SPEAK WITH ONE REPRESENTATIVE IN AMERICA FOR A DISCREPANCY IN MY BILL...OUT OF 4 CALLS...AND THE AMERICAN CUSSED AT ME AND TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD THE ABILITY TO SHUT OFF MY SERVICE...THATS FINE...NOW THAT I BOUGHT THE DATA CABLE IM ABLE TO TRANSFER MY NEXTEL SOFTWARE TO BOOST...VIVA LA REVOLUCIONE!!!

6 Best Phone, Best Service, Best Features, A+++++++++++++
I have owned several phones with many wireless service providers. Nextel is a million miles ahead of the rest. The Direct Connect feature is easy to use and instant, there are NO ROAMING charges at all, prices are very reasonable, phones are rugged, wireless web and email functions are easy to use and fast, battery holds charge for 2 or more days on this COLOR phone (that is some kind of miracle as other color phone I have had have to be charged at least once a day), and it is comfortable to hold and use. The blue lighted buttons are cool and easy to use in the dark and the full color display is just excellent with many downloadable wallpapers, ring tones, and java applications. The speaker phone is crystal clear as is the push to talk fuctionality. The customer service department is fast, polite and effective. I have never had a phone or service that is so pleasing and easy to use overall. I also looked at bringing several of my family member's cell numbers to Nextel, and found out they had the lowest by far of any cell phone companies complaints about transferring phone numbers! Definitely a keeper and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE!

7 A great phone
I have this phone for about 10 months. The calls are clear in many places where I can't get my other service to work. I have dropped it numerous times on our concrete driveway and never had a problem other than a few scratches from the impact. A few weeks ago I even dropped it in our pool. As it stopped working, I called a local authorized repair shop and they told me it could not be repaired. To save the $200 they wanted to charge me for a new phone and sign up to a new contract, I open it up and dried it well and a couple of days later it was working as before. This is the best phone I ever had!

8 BEST AMONG THE REST.
Please this is one of the cell phone i admire so much. The motorolai95cl phone (nextel) is one cell phone to admire. I am placing this model item on a rating scale of 85% production, and with great durability. Please in one sentence i would love buying this motorola i95cl phone please kindly give me information on how to get this product. Please i am using this medium to buy and contact you on assisting me in acquiring this little buddie of mine i call my wife. Please i would like you to contact or mail me through my e-mail address topsyno_ajulo@yahoo.com, my name is ajulo chris. I want you to assist me in getting this product becos i will introduce more of my collegues to do business with you.
Thank you and GOD bless you.

9 Incredible Phone
This phone is not only feature-loaded, have the latest Wireless-Web features, a full color-display and a push-to-talk button, but it looks like a 'sports car' the finish on this phone is very smooth, and the colors on the front-flip look incredible. Its not as rugged as some of the other phones, but its added-bulky-size will help it sustain damage from drops and shocks. This is probably the best Nextel phone to date, Look for it on Ebay if you cant find it anywhere else, its worth the money. On the other hand, it can be a bit bulky, however the extra size makes it so you can easily use it in one hand, which is nice, and there is no Camera on it. (Which is a shame, because it already has the beautiful LCD Screen) However, these are no biggies, and if your looking for a Nextel phone, im confident this is 'the phone' to have.

10 The Best of the Best
The i95 is a great phone, it is fully equipped and has speakerphone with a color screen! It takes no longer than 5 sec. to get on the net!And it has a feature called Java Apps which is very cool! I mainly got it because all of my friends have nextels, and because of the walkie-talkie feature which is great!
Nextel has exellent service, and there are no roaming charges. It works everywhere I go. And there is great customer service.
I used to have AT&T which had horrible service,bad phones,and terrible customer service.I'm so glad that I got the i95 from nextel and so would you.

11 Great Phone
I've only had this phone a few weeks but so far i love it. The internet connection is so much faster than any other phone i've had. Nextel's customer service has been fantastic so far with set up and number porting. This phone is durable and surpisingly comfortable. The speaker phone is wonderful, ive used it twice and works great. The only thing that this phone could use, is a quick alarm. You have to use the calendar feature to set an appt and reminder in order to use your phone as an alarm. Other than that...it's the best phone and service i've ever had.

12 Pretty good, so far...
It's been 3 weeks now and I've only had minor voice mail setup issues. The phone itself is the best I've had in years. Clear calls and it gets signals where my previous AT&T service would not. My guess is that this is partly due to the good Nextel coverage my area gets.

As for the phone...I did not particularly like the v60 series. My flip seemed cheap and I broke the antenna really easily. This phone feels much stronger and better constructed. Lucky for me all of my v-series accessories fit, so there were no extra purchases needed. I'll see what 6 months to a year brings.

13 speaker problems
phone is very nice, just had few problems with speaker not working.had repaired twice in 6 mouths. phone is very nice comfortable to use.....

14 Amazon and Nextel do not partner well together
I do not like the phone because it only holds a charge for about 12 hours...If you use it it holds it for less time. I ordered two of these and it happens with both. I also tried replacing the phone and it happened with the new one as well. The second problem occured when I signed up with Amazon for Nextel service. I was told by Nextel that I would not have a specific length of time I would have to keep my service. They said this was special for Amazon customers...However when I tried to cancel the service I was told I had to stay in a contract for one year. I NEVER signed or agreed to a contract however I am told I am being held to one. I have been going around in circles with these two companies and nobody can get their act together...Love Nextel service but not when you use Amazon to get it...Try another plan or go directly through Nextel.

15 ...
The phone is great. I would recommend it to families especially. The only problem is that the surface scratches easily. An excellent phone nonetheless, wonderful service.

16 Nextel is definitely the Best of the Best
Wow! What a spectacular phone! From clarity of the screen to clarity of the calls, this service beats all other cell phone providers by a mile. I have never had a cell phone that I can use in elevators before, or in basements, or in the middle of the woods- but this one works in all those places (and for all those who complain about it not working in your house sometimes, move out of the boondocks- all cell services have a few black holes)! Not only is the cell phone service great, but the walkie talkie feature is creative, convenient and useful. Some complain about the larger phone styles- but the ruggedness of the phones are so worth it (I have dropped mine a million times and it has never even flinched at working). I will never have another cell phone service! Now you can even keep your cell phone number when you switch to Nextel!

17 Best Nextel
This phone is remarkable! I found a website where you can download ringtones, games, and wallpapers! howardforums.com if you want them. Well anyway this phone is amazing with the amazing color and the awesome sounds of the ringtones. I recommend this phone to anyone!!!!!!

18 Great Phone...
I've owned this phone for several months now, and I really have no complaints. I know there are camera phones out there, and phones with better graphics that are thinner, but none of them have the great service that Nextel offers. I've tried all the major providers that are available here and they just don't compare. There are so many ways you can personalize this phone. But one of the relatively few drawbacks is that you can't assign a ringtone to certain people. Although you can with the new phones that just came out. But overall, this is a great phone with many features and you can add ringtones, wallpapers, java programs... I would have given it 5 stars, but it is a bit bulky, and you are limited compared to the newer phones out there. But you really can't go wrong with the i95cl.

19 Expensive, but full featured and high quality
What do you want from your phone?

I'm a bit of a gadget geek, so I wanted it all. I wanted text messaging, a large color screen, web access, AOL AIM access, Java-based games, you name it. So, I was willing to shell out the big bucks when it came to getting a phone.

I got the i95cl about a year ago, and I've been very satisfied with the phone's performance. I'm not as satisfied with Nextel, though, who you have to get service from to get this phone. All the features you could ever want are there, but you're going to pay for them. Web access costs money, text messaging costs money, caller ID costs money... they nickle and dime you for all the features on their network. They have package deals, which is what I use, where it's $15 a month for all their internet access features, which makes it reasonably affordable, but if you're looking for a cheap phone and a cheap monthly bill, you won't get it with this phone, and with Nextel.

Now, back to the phone. Here are the pros:
- Pretty good battery life (I charge every 2 to 3 days).
- Very sturdy design, unlike several phones I've owned before. The antenna is tough, and so is the case. Dropping it won't break it.
- Loud and clear sound, and a built in speakerphone.
- Color screen, which is nice for looking at web sites, or playing the Java games... which leads us to...
- Built in Java engine which allows you to download applications from Nextel right onto the phone. Games, business applications, notepads, there are lots of fun java tools to play with. Some are free, and some you have to pay for.
- Nextel Direct Connect, which you can only use to talk to other Nextel customers, but the phone functions as a walkie-talkie, and it's very convenient.
- Internet access, allowing you to text message, instant message, receive emails, and browse the web (text only).
- Voice activated dialing, which is convenient.
- Amazing coverage. I have service inside buildings when no one else does. The antenna picks up signals well, and Nextel has great coverage.

This is all well and good, you say, but what are the drawbacks? There are a few cons to this phone:

- Size. Man, is this a big phone. I have a holster on my belt, it really isn't "pocket sized". To get a nice big screen, and durability, you have to sacrifice size.
- Cost. As I said before, the phone is expensive, and so are all the cool little extras. You probably will be paying $50/mo for this phone.
- Web access is text only, which is unfortunate, as some new phones are entering the market with real graphical web browsing.

So, like I said at the beginning of this review, what do you want from your phone? If you're willing to pay for it, this phone has it all. It's a little big, and a little costy, but I've been in love with it for a year now, and I don't think I'll be trading phones any time soon.

20 Great phone for the right user
The i95cl brings phones to a new level. It has so many ways to personalize the phone for yourself. It is ideal for people who want a serious phone that is very productive and avoids the frills of other phones. I have used many phones and this one has the best reception hands down. There is plenty of room for Java-apps and ringtones to personalize the phone. It is a little larger then alot of cell phones, but not unbearable. Compare it to buying a different phone and a different walkie-talkie and then carry both of those in your pocket. Overall, great phone...there is plenty to keep you intereted as you personalize the phone for yourself.

21 great phone to large
the only compaint i have have about this phone its to large does not fit in your shirt pocket nexel service cannot beat forget all the others believe me AT&t, t mobel, sprint nextel is the best. battery life not great display great munu all other features a good