Motorola RIZR Z10

Status: 🟣 Engineering sample, fully functional

Specs

Launch: 2008
Platform: Symbian OS 9.2, UIQ 3.2
CPU: 300 MHz ARM 1136
RAM: 128 Mb
Display: 240x320
Camera: 3.2 Mpix
Memory: 70 Mb internal, MicroSDHC up to 32 GB
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0

The last (not-so-)bright flash—Motorola’s second and final attempt to join the consortium. There were grand plans for further development, but then iOS and Android showed up and ruined the party. First, UIQ went bankrupt, then Nokia bought the OS outright, and finally, the platform just burned to the ground. Still, there’s something worth remembering.

Strictly speaking, this wasn’t a music-oriented smartphone but rather a “multimedia monster,” as Motorola pitched it in their ads. Even so, the coveted multi-function button that launched the player wasn’t located on the front, but rather on the side, below the volume rocker. Otherwise, it wasn’t a very remarkable device in terms of evolution—basically just a Z8 with a 3.2 MP camera. But emotionally, it’s one of my favorites and also one of the most hilariously janky devices in my collection. It bends like a banana when you open it!

One special thing about my particular unit is that it’s an engineering sample. On the outside, it looks totally normal, but inside there’s a bunch of boring diagnostic software, mostly for UI testing.

Finding one of these in working condition and for a reasonable price is a rare stroke of luck. Mine came from Italy. It’d be awesome to get hold of a RIZR Z12 prototype too, but that’s almost impossible. Then again—someone out there managed to do it!

All photos from Vintage Cellphone and PDA Museum by TiredSysadmin are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International.