On a practical note, the CVD display has no glass screen per se to scratch or break which bodes well for longevity and for it keeping that 'just out of the box' - actually, mine came in a tube - look. The screen also works extremely well in very strong sunlight. In fact, in the direct glare of the noonday sun I have yet to see a phone display work better.

Operating on the GSM networks at the 900 and 1800MHz frequencies, call quality is consistently impressive, as is the on-board speakerphone. The ability to pick up a strong signal is also noteworthy. Motorola quotes 4.5 hours of call time and 300 hours on stand by from a single charge. If true, that's pretty impressive and from initial experience those numbers seem not far far off the mark. The SIM card rests in a slot next to the battery and is very easy to slide in and out - unlike my Sony Ericsson K610i, which requires the use of a small blade and the patience of Job to get the thing out.

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Of course, price is a major factor in any review of any 'budget' phone, and at the time of writing you can get the F3 from a well-known High Street retailer whose name doesn't begin with Carphone for £25, including £10 of PAYG airtime from either T-Mobile or Virgin. A brand new slim, lightweight and unlocked handset for £15, anyone?

Verdict

The limited graphic ability of the display and lack of any on-board memory will mitigate against many people making the F3 their handset of choice, but at the price it's a perfect back up handset for use when overseas or in any situation that may result in your regular pride and joy taking a beating or indeed when your main phone just packs up or gets nicked. Add to that the fact it wants for nothing in the style stakes, and Motorola could well have a winner on its hands.

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