Resembling the new BlackBerry Torch, the SPICE is different from other Motorola QWERTY sliders in that it uses a compact BlackBerry-style keyboard that slides out from the short edge of the device, rather than the bigger keyboard found on handsets such as the Milestone.
Although it does look like the rival Torch, the SPICE is bit less sophisticated in terms of specification.. for example, the SPICE has a 3.0" 240 x 320 pixel display compared to a 3.2" 360 x 480 pixel panel on the Torch, and the SPICE's camera is only 3 megapixels compared to 5 on the Torch. The SPICE is smaller and lighter than the Torch, and presumably cheaper too. Other than that, these two handsets probably offer very similar features for most consumers.
This is a 3.5G phone that comes in several different frequency configurations depending on market, indicating that Motorola intend to push the SPICE out for a worldwide release. It also supports WiFi, comes with GPS, and the SPICE also has a multimedia player and a 3.5mm audio socket.

 

The SPICE runs Android 2.1 rather than the more up-to-date Android 2.2, it might be possible that Motorola will offer an upgrade path to customers. It comes with all the usual Android features, plus MOTOBLUR which integrates with social networking sites, manages important data and can remote wipe your phone if lost or stolen.
Internal memory is 256MB of RAM which is certainly better than last year's batch of Android phones, but it isn't exactly a lot. The SPICE has a microSD slot that can support up to 32GB of Flash memory. The 1170 mAh battery is quoted as giving up to 7 hours talktime and 9 days standby time in 3G, in a pocket-friendly package measuring 97 x 61 x 17mm and weighing 145 grams.
As a side note, Motorola say that the SPICE is made up of 25% recycled plastic, which is certainly a step in the right direction.

 

We don't know how much the Motorola SPICE will cost, our guess is that it will retail SIM-free for somewhere around €350, which would compare well with the €570 retail price that the BlackBerry
Torch goes for. Motorola say that the SPICE should be available during Q4 2010.