As a member of the #VZWBuzz Lifestyle Blogger program for Verizon Wireless I received this device for review. No cellular service, data plans or additional compensation were provided. All opinions are my own.

I had the chance to review the new DROID RAZR M by Motorola, Verizon’s latest entry-level smartphone available free with a two-year contract, and for just $99 otherwise. I loved it almost as much as my iPhone — it is just as easy to use and its battery lasted a heck of a lot longer! I can use my RAZR heavily from 7am to 10pm without recharging…and that includes my kids’ using it to watch videos and play games.

The RAZR M looks a heck of a lot prettier than your average “free phone.” I like its small size; it is about the same size as an iPhone. Those super-large screen phones I am seeing everywhere feel too close to an iPad for me. But the RAZR M has a ton of storage despite its compact size. I was able to fill it with photos, videos, games for my kids, apps for social media engagement and blogging, and I have yet to run out of room.

The signal is fabulous, connecting to Verizon’s 4G LTE network, which basically means that I have not had dropped calls or trouble yakking to my pals. Their gossip comes through clearly.

The screen is gorgeous for viewing photos, as you can see from the cute pics of my nephew, above. The camera took solid pics too, especially outdoors. I had fun loading up the RAZR M with the cool Android photo and video apps now available.

I found posting to social media slightly more awkward than my iPhone, but maybe that was because I had to retrain myself on an Android. The Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Instagram apps all worked well on the RAZR M.

I recommended this solid, affordable smartphone to my mom and it has become her first smartphone. The Google Chrome browsing and Google Maps capabilities are opening up a whole new world to her, as well as giving her the ability to show off pics of her grandchildren. The photo storage provides her with the ultimate high tech “brag book.”

I really can’t believe you can get this phone for free with a two year activation, or just $99 if you are not yet due for a new device with Verizon. It’s awesome and affordable! It completely made me rethink my need for a pricey device with a chomped-on apple on the back.