Ever since Motorola launched the very first RAZR it has been a worldwide success. In fact, that may be putting it lightly… the RAZR put up dynasty-like numbers, being the top selling phone for 3 straight years! That streak came to an end this past quarter as the iPhone passed the RAZR to take command of the #1 spot.

It probably not a coincidence then that Motorola cancelled the next iteration of the phone – RAZR3 – which was codenamed Ruby. Combined with Motorola’s recent announcement that they will be relying only on their mobile triforce of (1) Android, (2) Windows Mobile, and (3) Proprietary OS for Low End Handsets the news makes a little more sense… the RAZR line was based on Symbian.

Here is a picture of what the phone would-have/might-have looked like:

The folks at EngadgetMobile say the move, “isn’t all that surprising,” but I beg to differ. Sure… the RAZR may have fallen a spot in the standings but it’s still the #2 Most Purchased Phone in the World! Why give up on a franchise that has won the championship in 3 straight seasons simply because it lost in the Final Game in the 4th year? Put in those terms it’s crazy, right?

The RAZR is a popular handset for a reason and a 3rd iteration of the device can remain incredibly popular. While the sources of this information make it sound like the RAZR line will be completely discontinued, I’m not willing to believe that just yet. Make the same popular RAZR hardware that people know and love work with brand new software via Android or, if you must, Windows Mobile.

People will buy it. It will be popular. While it may not ever regain the status it enjoyed in its hay days, Motorola already has a proven veteran that they can count on to put points up on the board. I can’t see Motorola turning the RAZR away so quickly.

Make all the jokes you want about all MOTO has is the RAZR and they can’t innovate… it still sells and outsells all but one other phone on the market. Its true that Motorola needs to innovate beyond the RAZR, but they also need to cultivate the success of the RAZR and continue to reap the benefits of an already successful handset that can continue to pay huge dividends.

[Via Unwired View]