Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Samsung G600 Review: Slide and Snap

Samsung G600 GSM

Samsung sets two contenders running for glory, with two 5 megapixel newcomers on the cameraphone market. The Samsung G600 was first to be announced, and had the mobile community astir. Featuring quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support, a glamorous 2.2" 16M color TFT display and stereo Bluetooth, the Samsung G600 is easily a tempting all-around multimedia device. The stylish design, the choice of colors and the metallic touch add up to some really exquisite looks. You may as well have a soft spot for this baby already but we are here to make sure its appeal is more than skin-deep.

Samsung G600 official photos Samsung G600 official photos Samsung G600 official photos Samsung G600 official photos
Samsung G600 official pictures

Key features

  • Stylish design
  • 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and VGA video recording
  • 16M color TFT display of QVGA (320x240 pixels) resolution
  • Ambient light sensor for automatic brightness control
  • Bluetooth with A2DP
  • microSD memory card slot
  • FM radio with recording capabilities
  • TV out
  • MS Office documents viewer
  • Nice web browser
  • Quick menu response and new menu structure
  • The enclosed headset finally has a 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Dynamic home screen
  • Mobile Tracker application

Main disadvantages

  • No 3G support
  • Upper row of alphanumeric keys might be hard to reach
  • New headset/charger jack incompatible with older accessories
  • Xenon flash would've suited it better
  • Shot-to-shot time on the slow side

Conclusion

We fear the Samsung G600 won't be able to snatch the best 5 megapixel slider recommendation off the heavyweight contenders in that form factor. However, Samsung have stirred up a really nice combination of features that would appeal to the tech savvy. Looking at the hardware side of it - it offers all the essentials and more: a quick processor, a nice 16M color TFT display, stereo Bluetooth, FM radio with recording capabilities, a TV-out port, and a 3.5 mm audio adapter combined with the highly alluring 5 megapixel camera. The G600 user interface is by far the most mature Samsung interface we've reviewed so far. The excellent web browser, the great music player, the office documents viewer and the snappy response will make users happy.

We admit it's not the perfect gadget - the lack of 3G will turn down many potential buyers, while the unoriginal design we've seen over and over again won't make it stand out in the crowd of Samsung sliders on the shop windows. We guess many of you are already fed up with Samsung's lack of imagination when it comes to slider phones.

No offence, we still find the G600 pleasant to the eye and great to hold in hand. It's a genuine multimedia gadget from head to toe. Adding to the fact that it's the most compact and most affordable 5 megapixel cameraphone to date, the Samsung G600 looks like a great pick for this year's holiday shopping.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Samsung G600 specification



Friday, November 16, 2007

Sony Ericsson W910 Review: Walkman in Style

Sony Ericsson W910i Noble Black

The Sony Ericsson W910 reinforced the Walkman ranks with a suave, yet strong performer. The thin and elegant slider does look the part, while HSDPA (3.6 Mbps) and Walkman 3.0 are the right features to expect in a high-end device. At first glance, the W910 brings a few brand new software and hardware solutions to the scene. Stay with us as we go beyond the disarming looks and try to determine whether Sony Ericsson W910 has what it takes to win the hearts of the customers.

Sony Ericsson W910 Walkman Sony Ericsson W910 Walkman Sony Ericsson W910 Walkman Sony Ericsson W910 Walkman
Sony Ericsson W910 official pictures

Key features

  • HSDPA (3.6 Mbps), EDGE, Bluetooth (with A2DP)
  • SensMe™ and Shake control features
  • Slim sliding construction
  • Media Center, Walkman 3.0
  • Dedicated Call and End keys
  • Fast photo browser
  • Ample 2.4" display
  • Powerful loudspeaker
  • FM radio with RDS
  • 1GB or 2GB M2 card included, M2 USB card reader

Main disadvantages

  • Comes at an overpriced price tag
  • Wobbly slider
  • 2 MP camera with neither autofocus, nor flash
  • Only 40 MB internal memory
  • Video recording in QVGA resolution at 15fps
  • Irrelevant gaming/photo keys
  • No skins for the Walkman player

Conclusion

Sony Ericsson W910 is the top dog in the Walkman series when it comes to feature phones, the smarty W960 being a class of its own in the company's music portfolio. Some of W910 features are true high-end stuff: the quality display, elaborate music features, exquisite design, fast performance and 3G capabilities. Those however coexist with painfully familiar features and applications we've been getting in downright midrange handsets. Too much compromise to put up with in this price range and the tag on W910 is likely to get even the brand loyals a bit reserved. Nokia and Samsung seem to prepare a handful of cool music offerings in this price range too, while their non-music oriented handsets too have good music players. Despite the rich sales package, including a 1GB M2 card and the cool M2 USB reader, the W910 will be under pressure, as price is the ultimate decisive factor in this increasingly competitive market.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Sony Ericsson W910 specification


Monday, November 12, 2007

Sony Ericsson S500 Review: Emotion vs Reason

Sony Ericsson S500i Quadband GSM Cell Phone - Mysterious Green

The slider form factor debuts in the company's S line and in fact, this is the first Sony Ericsson slider that's not a Walkman. Speaking of which, Sony Ericsson S500 is a W580 in disguise. And some disguise it is: with this slim slider almost everything is staked on design. Nature-inspired patterns, audacious paintjobs and light effects all make sure the S500 won't go unnoticed.

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Some official photos of Sony Ericsson S500

Key features

  • Size: 99 x 47 x 14 mm, 94 g
  • Slim slider body
  • Appealing design and color options
  • Dynamic themes and wallpaper animation
  • Light effects
  • Good keypad
  • Good 256K-color QVGA display
  • M2 memory card support, up to 2GB
  • 2-megapixel camera
  • Email client and RSS-feed reader
  • A2DP enabled Bluetooth
  • Quad band support, GPRS and EDGE Class 10

Main disadvantages

  • Only 12MB of integrated memory
  • No indicator of missed events
  • Not operable without SIM
  • No autofocus and flash
  • No FM radio
  • Awkward handling of SIM card and rear cover

Conclusion

Sony Ericsson S500 is a mid-range slider of slim design and daring exterior, which offers very standard, not to say unoriginal, functionality. Available for around 225 Euro, the S500 is easily challenged by a number of Sony Ericsson models offering respectable functions in this price range. Which way you will go is just up to you.

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Comparison with Sony Ericsson W580 is inevitable; paying a little extra to get this exciting Walkman is an option worth considering

The S500 will easily appeal to the senses, but the Walkman W580 could well be the more reasonable option. FM radio, fitness application, superior headset, and a 512-MB memory card are enough features to make the Walkman phone worth the additional investment.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Sony Ericsson S500 specification


Thursday, November 1, 2007

Nokia N81 8GB Review: N-series N-gaged

Nokia Inc Nokia N81 8GB N811

The Nokia N81 8GB is a truly exciting smartphone combining the power of Symbian 9.2 OS spiced up with the new N-Gage platform. What we have in N81 8GB is entertainment and multimedia unleashed. Not only does its specs sheet impress, but it promises tons of fun. With that said you cannot blame us for being too eager to test it out, can you? So please make yourselves comfortable and join us for this review.

Nokia N81 Nokia N81 Nokia N81 Nokia N81
Nokia N81 official photos

Key features:

  • Massive storage space (8GB version)
  • Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3.1 UI
  • Wi-Fi support
  • Unique gaming experience with the new N-Gage platform and dedicated gaming keys above the display
  • Brilliant 2.4" 16M-color QVGA display
  • 2 megapixel camera
  • 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Touch sensitive Navi wheel
  • Dedicated music keys and hardware keypad lock switch
  • 3G with video calls
  • Nice multimedia menu

Main disadvantages:

  • Mediocre camera
  • Awkward D-pad
  • Hefty weight
  • Uncomfortable keypad
  • No HSDPA

Conclusion

Reviewing the Nokia N81 was fun, except for the short periods when it got on our nerves with its awkward D-pad. Having in mind that some of its disadvantages will be fixed, we think a strong and able Symbian device is joining up the ranks. A screen of this size is not so often seen, while its gaming powers add up to a really exciting gadget. There's no doubt however that the N81 is quite a niche product, even if it's not as outspokenly eccentric as its N-gage siblings. It's worth considering how many people will be tempted by the rich smartphone functionality and turned down by the excessively youthful image of the gaming-happy N81. The hefty price tag is no surprise but it may cause many to think twice before choosing a Nokia N81 over N95 for example. If you ask us, we'll definitely go for the N95, never mind its inadequate battery. Plus, the N81 is the game-centered device in the N-series, but many of its teammates are compatible with the N-gage games anyway.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia N81 8GB specification


Friday, October 26, 2007

Motorola RAZR2 V8 Review: New Edge to RAZR

Motorola RAZR2 V8 Quad-Band Ultra-Slim Phone

After three long years of waiting we face the RAZR V3 successor: the slim and refined Motorola RAZR2 V8. Sporting a full metal jacket with gradating hues of dark pearl gray, the RAZR2 V8 is made to impress. With two high-quality displays with QVGA resolution, plus quad-band GSM support, two megapixel camera and stereo Bluetooth, it’s a handset that delivers functionality besides style. As we're writing this review, the top-of-the-bill RAZR2 V8 Luxury edition is on its way to the shelves too, with a gold-plated body and soft snake-skin-like back for those who like their calls with a pinch of exotic glamour. Join us on this review as we discover what the Motorola RAZR2 V8 is all about.

Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8
Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8

Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition
Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition

Key features

  • Quality metal casing and appealing design
  • Really thin, measuring 11.9 mm in thickness
  • Large internal and external displays, touch-sensitive keys on the outer display
  • CrystalTalk for excellent voice quality
  • Talking Phone with SMS and Email readout
  • Quad band with EDGE Class 12
  • Ample-to-abundant onboard memory: 420 MB or 2 GB
  • 2 megapixel camera with video recording
  • A lot of useful extra applications
  • Full Exchange server synchronization
  • Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP support
  • Very good Opera 8.5 browser pre-installed

Main disadvantages

  • No 3G support
  • No memory card slot
  • No brightness settings for the external display
  • The handset is easy to slip off the hands
  • Large size when opened

Conclusion

No doubt Motorola RAZR2 V8 is a stylish mobile phone, a high-flier in design, adequate in functionality. Motorola faithfuls will hail it, while many other unbiased users are likely to find it agreeable. The Motorola RAZR V3 was near revolutionary back in its day but three years after it was introduced, the glory has started to fade. And the RAZR2 V8 is in for an ordeal living up to its status. The major competitors Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and LG have a few thin, cool and loaded gadgets to offer. So, keeping the glory alive is truly a challenge. The RAZR2 V8 has what it takes in style and high-class finish but seems to lack some of the current must-have features such as 3G and an autofocus camera. We feel that if Motorola had done just a little bit better they would have had a true winner.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Motorola RAZR2 V8 specificatio



Thursday, September 6, 2007

Nokia 5700 Review: Smart Performer

It seems that music phones are becoming an increasingly important part of every company's portfolio. It's therefore no surprise that a lot of effort is put in developing such devices, which explains the constantly improving functionality and performance. We'll now have a look at Nokia's most recent creation in the genre - the Nokia 5700 XpressMusic family. Just a quick glance at its features tells you this phone is promising, to say the least. But practice has taught us that features are not all that a handset is about. Stay with us as we find out what this heavyweight musician is capable of.

Nokia 5700 Nokia 5700 Nokia 5700 Nokia 5700
Nokia 5700 official images

Key features:

  • Fast and responsive user interface
  • Excellent display, with unmatched legibility under direct sunlight
  • Great earphones
  • Symbian S60 3rd edition FP1
  • Sporty, youthful design
  • The swiveling part is well-built and very functional

Main disadvantages:

  • Awkward joystick
  • Weak bass
  • Bizarre Menu and C keys
  • No Pencil key
  • No built-in 3.5mm jack

Conclusion

Having squeezed every last drop out of our Nokia 5700 let us end our review by putting everything in context and saying a few words about our general impression. We believe we've answered the question at the beginning of the review. The Nokia 5700 performance as a smartphone is by far superior to its music capabilities. The latter are only slightly above average. So if you are looking for a phone to use for strictly music purposes, you'd better look elsewhere. Are you after a balanced overall performance? Look no further. Nokia 5700 is exactly the phone for you and its unmatched speed will never make you regret your purchase. We really don't believe that the target audience should be confined to music fans. This highly capable handset is a true value for money.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia 5700 Specification

Monday, August 6, 2007

Apple iPhone Review: Apple of Discord

Cutting edge, sleek and promising, the iPhone stirred the mobile world - not bad for Apple's first go at the mobile phones market. Inspiring and provocative, the iPhone will always come to mind when a handset with full touch-based user interface is in question.

Well, since the official release of the iPhone on 29th June 2007, a lot of reviews came out, too many controversial things were said, and there we are - finally having our say about the handset. As wise people say, better later than never.

Apple iPhone Apple iPhone Apple iPhone
Apple iPhone official pictures

Apple is a company which specializes in developing products on the verge of science fiction. The iPod is a perfect example. Around 2001 the company decided to change portable music players as we know them, and pretty much succeeded. Much like the iPhone, the announcement of iPod generated huge amounts of hype and when it came out in October 2001 it actually lived up to almost every promise, turning out to be a total smash. As it developed, throughout the years, Apple's portable music player became the most popular mobile multimedia device and its reputation never seems to fade.

Following the same credo of being a feature-rich, yet simple-to-use device, the iPhone will undoubtedly build a strong fan base. It will surely attract the many "if-it-ain't-shinin'-I-ain't-buyin'" customers, since the iPhone is definitely among the most beautifully crafted mobile phones we've seen.

It will be a while before we get a hands-on with the European version of the iPhone. As Apple has confirmed the device is due to hit the European market November 9th 2007 starting with UK and Germany and later on this month in France. The craved device already appeared throughout retailers in Europe ss unlocking efforts so far are managing to overcome the protection of the handset.

Key features:

  • Stylish design
  • Scratch-proof front glass cover
  • 3.5" 16M color TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
  • Handset orientation sensor and proximity sensor
  • 2 megapixel camera
  • Touch-based user interface
  • Great UI graphics and animations
  • Supreme web surfing experience

Main disadvantages:

  • Camera has no auto focus or settings
  • No video recording
  • No custom ringtones allowed
  • Safari browser doesn't support Flash and Java
  • Really basic Bluetooth capabilities
  • No Office documents editor
  • No third party applications
  • No 3G support (at least the US version)

Conclusion

So let's sum it up. The iPhone doesn't claim to be the best phone ever. It's above average, but it has a long list of drawbacks. It's not a business phone either, so don't confuse it with one. And it's most definitely the best iPod ever. However we find that the description that suites the iPhone best is "a dedicated entertainment multimedia mobile device". If you're keen on browsing, listening to music and consuming multimedia content, this handset is, without a doubt, the top performer in its class. Every process is maximum simplified and as fun as possible. It almost feels like a game. And it's a pretty darn good one, too. Well, time to say goodbye to this much-coveted device - we are looking forward to seeing it hit the European market in the end of the 2007.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Apple iPhone specification

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Nokia N73 Review: Pole Position

Being the best equipped handset ever Nokia N73 has managed to overrun the king of all mobiles - the slider Nokia N80. It features Symbian OS, 3 megapixels backed up by the label of Carl Zeiss, USB Mass Storage, and works with office documents. Nokia N73 has a brilliant phonebook and a good time organizer as well as an exceptional Internet browser. The interest in this new Nokia phone is overwhelming worldwide.

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Official pictures of Nokia N73

Key Features:

  • High-class display
  • Very good functional keys
  • Symbian S60 3rd edition
  • Active stand-by mode
  • 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics
  • A second VGA camera for video calls
  • UMTS support
  • Infrared
  • Bluetooth
  • USB Mass Storage
  • Great web browser

Main Disadvantages:

  • Loose camera cover
  • Uncomfortable and cheap-looking numeric keypad
  • No memory card included
  • Slippery joystick
  • No Wi-Fi
  • Web browser does not work in landscape mode
  • Alarm clock is not repeated

Conclusion

If you see Nokia N73 like a mobile tool for work, then you will probably not show any interest in the Carl Zeiss logo placed on the camera lens on the rear cover of the phone. Nevertheless, you will certainly appreciate the possibility to take pictures of documents and tables, read their electronic images in QuickOffice or check and manage your email box. All time organizing applications in Nokia N73, except the alarm clock, are brilliantly elaborated. The phonebook offers a virtually unlimited space plus plenty of fields for each contact, and an exceptional Web browser. Synchronization is seamless. Satisfied?

You should be. But I know and expect your response: "Where's Wi-Fi?"... Well, nowhere...The absence of Wi-Fi damns the phone... gives it a black point...and may easily be a decisive matter at the moment of purchase.

Nokia N73

If - on the contrary - Nokia N73 is more of a "multimedia computer" for you, you will be fascinated by its camera abilities. The phone makes some of the best photos a mobile phone has ever been able to make; macro is superb, flash is powerful. Nokia N73 does not lack a music player (an additional memory card to be bought separately is a must), nor earphones (adapter required). It plays movies and manages video calls.


And finally, if you need a work phone during the day and a multimedia device at night, then Nokia N73 is ideal for you.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia N73 specification


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