The original RAZR was that rare thing - an immaculate piece of design that didn't compromise on functionality or ease-of-use. The truth is, the number of products that manage this feat are very few and far between.

So, after 18 months or so cleaning up in the style stakes, it was with some anticipation that we looked forward to the release of Motorola's update that's set up to deliver third generation services - the RAZR V3x. The timing is spot-on, as although the original RAZR is in no way an old phone, the march of time means there are a few features which are now outdone by similarly-priced mobiles from other stables.

The main feature you'd be missing out on with the original RAZR is 3G video calling and high-speed data. The V3x ties up this shortcoming, and adds in a host of other up-to-the-minute goodies.

A TransFlash/microSD memory card slot is not least among these, providing the ability to add up to 512MB of extra storage space, and the camera has been updated to a 2.0 megapixel model with a catalogue of image enhancing capabilities.

It looks as if the marketing will be aggressive, too - at the time of writing, the V3x was available free on contract with 3 on deals costing £30 per month, and should be taken on by other networks by the time you read this.

Beefed-up spec

There are clearly a few features that an updated RAZR could do with, and Motorola has certainly beefed up the spec, but the main challenge must have been to retain the original's unique persona without bulking up the dimensions too.

The RAZR was the thinnest cameraphone on the market at just 19mm, with a keypad that looked as if it had come straight from the design lab. The slimline appeal is definitely still there with the V3x, even though it's slightly thicker at 20mm. The trick has been to combine this streamlining with sumptuous curves on the top and bottom halves of the flip, which scream quality and craftsmanship.

The V3x really is a joy to hold. From the chunky yet svelte action of the flip to the rubberised PEBL-like outer coating, every aspect of the design is sure to make it a treasured possession for every owner. With the flip opened, the first thing that strikes you is the quality of the screen. This is the top-flight high-resolution version popular on more expensive mobiles, incorporating 240x320 pixels and up to 262k colours into a 2.2in display.

The keypad remains similar to the original, with the divisions between keys sliced from a sheet of etched metal. The internal camera lens for video calls sits below the screen, in a thicker section of the flip that also incorporates the outer 2.0-megapixel lens - again in keeping with the original design. Next to the internal lens is a switch dedicated to taking pictures with the main camera.

It switches the camera mode between normal and macro modes - allowing you to take close-up shots in focus with the subject as little as a few centimetres away. Apart from the volume keys, a shortcut to the camera and the stereo speakers on the back, there's hardly anything to spoil the lines on the outer casing. The one key that is worth knowing about is the voice-activated command.