According to the manufacturer, Sony Ericsson S312 is literally created for spontaneous photo and video. Despite the low price, this phone has several features that allow fast work with the camera. But first things first …
Design of majority of inexpensive candy bars from Sony Ericsson has long ceased to evolve significantly. Minor adjustments of the keys are made for the new models, which slightly retouch the front panel, and now the “new” phone is born. Alas, this is partly true for Sony Ericsson S312 as well.
The device is made in a monoblock form factor, traditional for Sony Ericsson devices in parallel lines and edges and not less than the traditional dimensions and mass (100 x 46 x 12,5 mm/80, 1 g). Plastic Case of Sony Ericsson S312 has a silver side faces and dark blue front and rear walls. It is noteworthy that in addition to blue, they plan to release models in the light-silver case that is sure to catch the fancy girls.
The mirror sheeting display is originally made. It is not abrupt halt at the edges of the shell and rests in a plastic frame, but as a smooth “rolled” on the edge. The absence of the plastic frame on the perimeter of display has given the new product a fresh and even futuristic look. The device is pleasant to hold in your hand – to the extent of heavy, pleasant to the touch, and pleases the eye. For the budget model it is the ultimate dream.

Display

LCD display of the novelty is a typical budget solution proven by time. On the one hand, a small diagonal and low resolution of 176 x 220 makes viewing the photographs and videos not very comfortable, but on the other hand, 262 thousand colors will not miss a single detail. The brightness and clarity of the new item is to the occasion. The one hundred percent truthful rendition is also pleasing. But viewing angles, alas, are not the best.

Luggage

When creating S312 the developers had a difficult task before them. On the one hand, they had to maximally reduce the cost of the device, and on the other – making it a good cameraphone. They decided to maximally cut through the installation of a novelty CMOS-sensor, which has only 2 megapixels. Even by yesterday’s standards it is quite modest, but by today it is very little. Naturally, the built-in camera is not equipped with auto focus. So that S312 could be called a cameraphone, it’s equipped with additional buttons (which we have already said), but also found next to the lens, LED flash.
Of course, the camera on this shoot was no better, but the increase in functionality, according to the manufacturer, should probably somehow compensate the shortcomings of quality. Of course, there are also drawbacks.
The exposure adjustment fails to improve the quality of images. Small details are lost (this is typical of any cameras without AF), noises are present in large numbers even when shooting in sunny weather, but under complex lighting automation is simply lost. The only thing that can be commended for the camera in a novelty, is a good color reproduction. Video clips also did not differ with decent quality – noise and lack of detail is not visible except when playing back footage on a small phone. So we can draw the following conclusion – S312 camera is easy to shoot, fast and convenient, but there are no pretensions to quality.

Communications

In terms of communication capabilities S312 belongs to the classical GSM-models of recent years, working in the 900/1800 MHz bands. Work on the Internet is carried out thanks to the GPRS / EDGE module. Reception of the new items in the measure of sensitivity, and the quality of voice are good enough.
Connectivity is maintained by the Bluetooth module, and the A2DP profile provides phone compatibility with wireless headphones. Bluetooth has been tested on sample and data communications with HP iPAQ Pocket PCs 4700. Devices quickly find each other, but the transmission of data (two dozen pictures) on your PC, as always, was very slow – average speed was 0.13 MB / sec.

Multimedia features

Despite the fact that the manufacturer has put the usability of the camera at the heart, all the other multimedia capabilities of modern phones are also not forgotten. Audio player is different with neutral interface and many options sufficient for not too demanding user, among which is worth mentioning 4-band EQ and level controls low and high frequencies. Video player did not have any settings, although it is extremely simple to use. Program for viewing photos has a little more opportunities. With the help of it the image can even impose one available in the arsenal of phone digital effects – for example, take a picture black and white or in shades of brown.
It is slightly annoying that all these players are not collected in a single multimedia unit, as in more expensive phones of Sony Ericsson, and literally scattered on the menu. But the FM-radio traditionally allocated to a separate tab, is located on the main page. It is good that producer sets FM-module with the ability to receive RDS-message even in their low-cost model.

Conclusions

Unlike many other budget sets, which practically do not stand out from the large gray mass of their own kind, Sony Ericsson S312 boasts a special feature – thoughtful management of the camera, as well as the presence of an LED flash. But not to increase the value, the camera is installed at the new items, alas, outdated. For this you can indefinitely blame the manufacturer, but otherwise the S312 simply ceased to be called a Budget.
Also pluses to this phone should include a fresh design, quite comfortable operation, long battery life and a complete set of hardware inside.

Design
With regard to the design of Nokia E61i, then, at a first glance, it has undergone no major changes. Some changes have been made in color palette thanks to which the device began to look more stylish (which is quite important).
But if you take Nokia E61i in hands, it will be felt that the device is thinner than its predecessor. Very little, maybe a couple millimeters, but for such an impressive body size, even such savings (in the first place it has been achieved by reducing the size of the battery) are noticeable – in fact E61i supposed to wear in a jacket pocket, where extra space is not enough.
And that’s the main thing – it would not only fit, but it does not bulge. By the way, the developers replaced at the same time and covered the internal compartment – now it is made of durable metal alloy.

Keyboard
The keyboard has been changed greately; it is interesting that the new owners have to re-type the text as those users who are not familiar with predecessor, Nokia E61i, and the owners of this model.
This is primarily due to the fact that the developers have changed the size of the alphanumeric keys. Previously, they were more flat and wide, in E61i surface of each button has decreased, but its height – on the contrary, was slightly increased.
A couple of days working with Nokia E61i, typing speed went into the familiar rhythm.
Even the navigation keys changed more radically, and these changes are only welcomed. Vanished joystick, which is not only quite distracting from the overall design of the phone, but was not too easy to use, and has been replaced by a more familiar flat four-position key.
In addition to it, as well as two traditional context keys and buttons receive a call, and rebound in the navigation unit has four buttons for quick access to particular functions – a notebook, the main menu of the operating system (that is, of course, Simbian 9.1) and a message center.
The fourth button allows the owner to use it as he/she wants – for example, it may start the organizer, or some frequently used applications.

Display and Camera
E61i screen is positioned horizontally – another feature, designed to facilitate the work with text documents. Specifications of the display remained the same; it is based on a matrix that supports the resolution of QVGA (240×320 pixels) in full color (16 million) mode.
Depending on the application simultaneously on the screen may appear eight lines of text, in most cases this is enough for comfortable work. If you switch to a smaller font (eg, utility for reading books), the eyes begin to be tense. On the other hand, the screen in the traditional spirit of Nokia is made in a bright and high-contrast, it is very tolerant under bright summer sun, and working with it is a real pleasure.
Yes, and look at a video display much more convenient than a phone with a vertical layout. However, E61i has somewhat a different purpose.
The camera, which was completely absent in E61, appeared in E61i. The latter is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, but its lack in E61 was felt all the time.

Now the problem is solved, and users must remain satisfied, it is worth noting that, despite the dimensions of the shell, the owner can easily take photos.
E61i in size is closer to today’s handheld digital cameras. It has 2 GB memory thanks to microSD cards.
Of course, you need to remove the metal cover, but it’s better than the removal of the battery.
Actually, potential buyers of E61i are interested in its software. First and foremost it is worth emphasizing that the phone supports a wide range of data protocols: here and quad band of GSM-transmitter, and GPRS to WCDMA, and more local Bluetooth (up to 62-65 kb / s), Wi-Fi and infrared.

Due to this, the owner of E61i will feel comfortable both in urban spaces, and the corporate information environment. By the way, E61i supports connectivity to gateways and Blackberry.
Communication functions of E61i include the primarily work with e-mail, with the device supporting push email (but it needs support from the server, as well as the need to install the gateway software – but it’s freely downloaded from the Nokia web site). There is a the default mode, the phone itself is drawn to the mail server through POP3 or (more correctly, but, again, depends on the configuration of the server) IMAP at given intervals. Of course, the user can check mail from multiple mailboxes.
Large advantage of Nokia E61i is ease of setup. All parameters are automatically determined immediately after receiving a service message from the operator; e-mail, of course, is not counted, you have to manually configure it, but it takes a few minutes including the procedure for checking server availability and accuracy of a login and password. As a Web browser using the clone Web Core – one of the best mobile solutions to date, the new version which includes a built-in RSS-agent, perhaps it is not as convenient as special programs, but does not require installing any additional software.
Synchronizing with your computer, as usual with Nokia, is using Communication Suite, which disk is attached to the phone. Although the relationship can be established from the infrared port or Bluetooth, a sales kit includes USB-cable.

For business people
In addition to communication applications E61i has already “charged” business applications, first among which is QuickOffice – a package that supports the work with text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations compatible with products from Microsoft Office programs and lets you edit these documents.
To read PDF-files, the phone has a mobile version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. In addition, the device insertion includes such traditional applications as editor and organizer reminders that support data exchange with Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Outlook. To search for files (still a big flash card of their climbs abound) the owner of E61i can use the built-in file manager, but to save space – Archiver ZIP.
In addition to business applications on the phone there is an already installed standard music player, and RealPlayer to view streaming video from the Internet and Flash Player, reproducing animation clips.
Games can not be found in memory of E61i, but given a fair amount of entertainment software for the S60 platform. The owner can download them on network. He/she can also download other useful software (maps of world time, the weather around the world, and a voice recorder, without limitation records of one minu te).

Conclusion
Nokia E61i leaves an impression of a real business device without any “vignettes”, “flowers”, “Amusement Park” in the form of toys, a separate button for the player, a powerful audio player. In return there is a function designed to help, if you’re out of office, without a laptop on your knees, but the presentation must be read, however, like to work with e-mail. And of course, build quality, elegant design and a long battery life.

Construction
In fact, RoverPC S6 has a twin brother – the communicator Lenovo ET600, released only for the Chinese market. But unlike it, the device from Russian brand has its own complete set.
As Lenovo is one of the largest manufacturers of computer electronics in the world, there is no need to worry about the quality of this novelty. Indeed, if you hold RoverPC S6, you can feel that you do not hold a plastic toy, with which the market is filled but a solid weighty (128 grams) device. The build quality of this communicator can be assessed a firm “excellent”! Even the more expensive devices may envy this novelty.

RoverPC S6 seems to be quite voluminous (110×59x15, 8 mm), but due to the rounded shell the device is simply perfect in the hand. In this case the index finger and thumb clearly fall into two blocs of control buttons.
The buttons are decorated in accordance with the style of the communicator – it seems that designers have worked on this device.

Now let’s talk about the design … RoverPC S6 is made of high quality and very pleasant to touch plastic, and the front panel is covered with metal. The main color is purple metallic unobtrusive light shade. The sides of the case are decorated with a wide silver border, where control buttons are placed. There is a camera activation button, and “reception / retreat” rocker. Of course, the location is a bit puzzling, but as it turned out during the operation, there is nothing uncomfortable about it.
Another cluster of four buttons and a multifunction joystick is located below the display. All buttons of RoverPC S6 have the best short course and excellent tactile feedback – tactile feedback is very clear. The same applies to the joystick.
It has a microSD slot for memory expansion, and the proprietary interface to connect the device to a computer located at the lower end which is closed with plastic plugs. Here (in the lower right corner) is located and the metal telescopic stylus.
Unfortunately, we could not find a separate audio output on the shell. It turned out that the headset is connected directly to the interface connector without an adapter. This means that in case of losing or damaging the headsets you have to make friends with a soldering iron, or … find a new one. In addition, the headset from the package can not compete with headphones Koss or AKG.

Display
LCD touch screen with 240×320 pixels, 2.8″ diagonal, which is one-tenth more than most competitors have. However, this is not the most important feature. The display supports for 262 thousand colors and has an excellent color reproduction.
The contrast and brightness allows you not only enjoy viewing photos, but even working with ordinary office programs. The brightness of the display is regulated in a very wide range, so it is comfortable to work with the communicator in a dark room, and in bright sunlight. Certainly in the latter case, the screen fades, but this is typical for any LCD panel.
RoverPC S6 is built on a processor from the Texas Instruments company, as some other smartphones and communicators from Rover Computers. OMAP 750 processor has a frequency of 200 MHz and does not pull serious calculations. But in order to work in the office programs this is quite enough.

There is 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM – a standard size of memory for communicators. Well, to expand the memory the user can take Micro SD.
Performance of the device was tested using Spb Benchmark.
Spb Benchmark index 268
CPU index 975
File system index 98
Graphics index 2359
As expected, the results are not very high. However, the novelty is quite suitable for listening to music, and for reading electronic books, as well as for watching movies. It is unlikely that someone would do mathematical calculations with this device, somewhere in the underground.
But for the purposes of office, this device fits very well. By the way, as we already mentioned, RoverPC S6 runs the operating system Windows Mobile 6.0, which comes with an expanded package of Office Mobile, which includes not only Word and Excel, but also a package for working with PowerPoint presentations in the Mobile-version.

Communication abilities
The device operates in GSM: 900/1800/1900, supports GPRS, and also has a traditional set of wireless communication interfaces: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Contact for all these interfaces is carried out without any problems, but some details still saddened. Thus, the novelty does not support GPRS called EDGE. In addition, Bluetooth is fairly new to the old version 1.2, and therefore works relatively slowly.

Camera
Camera is located on the reverse side of the battery compartment. The camera does not have a curtain – the manufacturer has decided to limit with the usual protective glass, behind which are hidden the lens and built-in LED flash. In terms of ergonomics the camera is ideally located.
The device is equipped with 2 megapixel cameras with autofocus. Of course, this won’t surprise anyone, but do not forget that RoverPC S6 does not claim to be named a fancy (expensive) device.
A software application that is responsible for the camera with one hand catches the eye with its stylish design, but on the other hand – disappoints with its slow work.
It takes only photos in JPEG format with a resolution of 320×240 up to 1600×1200 pixels. In addition, there are settings such as brightness, contrast, white balance.
You can even choose one of the preset user programs of shooting – portrait, daytime, night, landscape, standard. You can set the timer (2/5/10 c) and take pictures yourself in.
Video recording is available in formats 3GP, 3G2 and MP4 with resolution 160×120 or 176×144 pixels. The settings for video are the same as for the photo.
The quality of the images can be assessed as a solid four. There are some noises, but only when the lighting is really not enough. The camera focuses on a fairly long time, but accurately.
Video quality is worse, and the colors are not very natural.

Sound
On either side of the built-in camera there are two stereo speakers that produce rich and loud sound. The quality of their sound pleasantly surprises. Of course, you are not going to listen to music in the crowd, but you can stand out with your stylish and beautiful as well as loud ringtone.
The sound quality is quite standard.

But the built-in microphone has surprisingly high quality – the noises are little. In addition, the system has a special program, which also helps to reduce annoying background noise while recording.

Battery power
RoverPC S6 is equipped with Li-Ion battery with a 1100 mAh capacity. And here is the full opening of improvement in the low productivity of the communicator. The manufacturer claims that in talking mode the novelty will work up to 6 hours and in standby mode up to 200 hours. But we have found out that these indicators more or less correspond to reality or even a little understated.

Conclusion
This novelty from Rover Computers is a device for practical people. The build quality and long battery life with the convenience of control is adjusted for an adequate price. Yes, this device is for practical people… but only for those who are not behind the fashion world of electronics and appreciate the design of the communicator.

Last year Samsung released E900 model of a slider phone. The success of the model depends totally on the price, design and functionality of this mobile phone. These three features are the main characteristics that attract buyers when choosing the phone.
Today we’ll talk about the successor of E900 – J600E primarily designed for women. Modern eye-catching design must come to taste of a every fashionable woman. If we talk about the inner content, it has a solid intermediate level.

Design
Considering Samsung J600E as a whole, while stressing the major pluses, it turns out that the strongest side, of course, is its design. The exterior is certainly designed for women, although to some extent for men too. The four available colors (blue, pink, silver, gray) consider it to be a unisex direction of mobile phones.
Today, ergonomic device can not be expressed in one thing. The dimensions of this mobile phone are quite fashionable: 91×45x18 mm and 99 grams.
As you can see, Samsung J600E is a little bit elongated and narrowed (in the form of rectangle).
In the hand the phone is excellent. The navigation buttons are located above the thumb, so the process of opening this phone should not cause any difficulties.
Returning to the design of Samsung J600E, we’d like to mention the successful combination of slightly shiny metallic colors.
Top, bottom and back of the phone are deprived of any kind of controls, connectors and other things. But on the left side there are slots for charging the battery and headset, shortcut key for the quick access of the camera.
Both slots are closed with plastic plugs which give the impression of a long-playing mechanism. The right side turned on to be “poorer” and can boast only about volume buttons and a memory card slot.

Display
At first sight, the characteristics of the screen J600E look quite decent. Indeed who would have thought that the TFT-matrix with the support of 65 thousand colors and a resolution of 128×160 pixels will disappoint.
The problem lies in the ratio of the diagonal of the display and the resolution. As we can see in J600E, a 1.9-inch screen with 128×160 pixels resolution is very small. Hence there is grainy and generally unpleasant sensation of viewing images.
Many claims about the screen arise when typing and surfing on the menu – the quality of display animations, pictures and photos leave much to be desired. As for the brightness and contrast, there is virtually no claim, moreover taking into account its characteristics they are even good.

Keyboard
Tactile keyboard today does not surprise anybody. However, this feature is still a tasty morsel. In the case of J600E it seems that touch buttons are the only available solutions to the problem of visual excellence.
When the buttons are inactive, they are totally invisible, when the phone is opened or activated by the keyboard, all four sensory start flashing in a pleasant blue color.
Is it convenient to use the touch keypad, or it is just an extravagant whim of the manufacturer? This becomes clear very quickly. The sensitivity of the buttons is high. A light touch is enough. However, during navigation, or when writing messages you can easily press on them, in consequence of which there happens an abolition of the selected operation.
The navigation button has a nice ribbed structure and the relatively slow speed, combined with a strength of character.
Against the background of the touch keypad, the numeric keypad looks a little boring. Standard eleven separate keys are arranged in a nice and clear way.

Other Features
Menu is standard for the latest generation of Samsung phones. It is convenient, comfortable, but without any novelties. First submenus seem somewhat irritating, but soon, the user can really find freedom in controling it.
One of the interesting features is the communication capabilities. USB and Bluetooth 1.2 provide connectivity (up to about 50 KB / s). For the Internet there is WAP, GPRS and EDGE, this is also rather poor. Wired Headset in collaboration with MP3 player and FM-radio will open the doors to the world of music.

In the literal sense there is nothing outstanding (compared with everything we have met before), but the sound quality is very decent. There are five games preinstalled on the device, three of which have already been well introduced in Samsung phones, they are “Miner”, “Tetris” and “Sudoku”.
The phone has about 20 MB of memory available to user. But you can add megabytes with the help of microSD cards (not included in the set, but they are not expensive).
The device without recharging will operate three days, and in the mode of an active use you have to charge it in a day.

Camera
The general concept of J600E is expressed in the camera. Instead of the almost standard 2-megapixel camera, we have only 1,3 megapixels. In reality the phone is not bad, but, remembering the same E900, ot is somehow offensive.
Maximum image resolution is 1280×1024 pixels. As always, there is a certain minimum set of options with which you can influence the final result of the image. In addition, there are modes: multi-shooting, matrix and night mode. I can not get away from the simple effects such as: black and white, negative, sepia, relief, sketch, orange and others. The display in the viewfinder does not even think slowly, and the resulting images are recorded as fast as the phone memory and on the card.

As for the quality of the photos, they are somewhere between good and excellent, of course, in relation to the cameras pf this class.
Video recording formats are MPEG4/H.263 (AMR, 352×288, 15 fps), which is quite enough.

Conclusion
This is a beautiful, high-quality phone and a cheap phone from Samsung, if I may say so.
So, if you want a stylish and prominent model without unnecessary features, then J600E is definitely what you need. The only thing which I’d like to notice once again is the display. It is not bad, but is rather peculiar, so be sure to pay close attention to the screen. Otherwise, the phone is not bad and is worth money.

One year after successfully launching the X830 swivel handset, Samsung upgrades the line of the handsets that mix MP3 player functions with those of a standard GSM mobile phone. The new addition to the lineup has been branded as Samsung SGH-F210. Despite the fact that it kept the same design as its X830 predecessor, F210 has been improved in many ways that have been thought almost impossible for that time. Samsung also managed to keep the device small enough, so it can be used as a dedicated MP3 player with ease. The successful blend between 2 different devices (MP3 and mobile phone) will always be in high demand on the market, so either you like it or not, Samsung’s innovative ideas will still have lots of fans.

Design
Samsung SGH-F210 looks exactly like a chocolate bar. All shiny and very well polished, the device attracts looks only in a minute. If you keep it closed, others can easily take it as a good looking MP3 player, but they’re in for a big surprise. The moment you swivel the small device and put it to your ear, it will suddenly change into a small stylish mobile phone. One handed handling is much easier for right-handers, as the phone swivels to the left. It’s a little bit troubling for left-handers, but I’m sure they’ll get used to it pretty fast. When closed, the candy-bar form factor of the handset stirs one’s imagination. The small screen on the front part of the phone only displays the MP3 plater interface, which can be controlled very easily with the big wheel that you see in the pictures.

Commands like forward, back, stop or pause are only a touch away, as the wheel can be pressed. The Hold button placed on the right side of the phone will help users avoid starting the MP3 player when they aren’t aware. The left side of the phone features only a dual volume key. The bottom of the phone is detachable, so that the headset that comes in the sales package can be attached. The same port can also be used to synchronize the phone with any PC or simply to charge it. There’s no need to detach the whole bottom part of the phone in case you need to charge the phone, you will only need to open the plastic plug-in that covers the port. Obviously, on the back of the phone you’ll find the 2 Megapixel camera, which doesn’t feature any flash capabilities. There’s no external speaker, the music can only be heard through the in-call speaker.

When the MP3/phone is swiveled, it reveals a standard keypad with big enough keys. The difference between the older X830 and F210 model is that the latter has the keypad divided onto 3 rows. The X830 had a 2-row keypad, which was a little bit weird to use. This has been corrected, so you can dial numbers as with any other standard handset. Besides the usual keys, there are 2 more contextual keys, the C key used like a Delete key and a Camera key, which suggests that you cannot use the phone’s camera unless the handset is swiveled. At the base of the keys you’ll notice a small gap where the microphone has been placed. There are definitely big improvements compared with Samsung’s X830 model, but there are also some things that remained the same or worse.
The screen embedded on both devices is the same small display that doesn’t enable users to read the entire menu, not to mention that anyone interested in browsing the Internet will have big issues when trying to read any page displayed. Even if the phone may look a little bit flimsy at a first glance, I have used the phone for almost 3 weeks and the swiveling mechanism didn’t showed any sign of ‘weakness’. Perhaps in time it will ‘collapse’, but I don’t intend to use it more, so I can’t really say for sure. Anyway, its size (87.8 x 31 x 20.5 mm) and weight (72 grams including battery) recommends Samsung F210 both as an MP3 player and a mobile phone.

Display and Camera
Samsung F210 features a TFT display (128 x 220 pixels resolution) supporting 262k colors. The screen is great in terms of quality, but in truth it fails to help the user as it is way too small. Just like its X830 predecessor, Samsung’s F210 display measures around 1.5 inch, which is not enough to display the whole menu, so you’ll be forced to wait for any writing displayed to scroll from left to right to really understand what’s written. The problem is even bigger when you want to play a game, navigate on the Internet or even write a SMS message. If these don’t bother you, then you’ll sure like F210’s display.

The small camera module integrated on the back of the phone is a little bit low on performance. Don’t expect too much from it, and don’t try to use it with the phone closed because you can’t. It will also be difficult to preview anything you’ll want to shoot, because of the small screen. Either you won’t be able to see everything displayed or the preview will simply be too small for you to understand what’s really there. There are some settings that can be used to increase the quality of the snapshots: Effects (Black and White, Negative, Sepia, Emboss, Sketch and Moonlight), White balance (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy and Daylight), Timer and Frames.

There are also some modes (Single shot, Multi-shot and Mosaic shot) that can be used. The maximum size of the pictures is the usual 1600 x 1200 pixels resolution, while clips can be recorded using 352 x 288 pixels resolutions CIF.

Communications

Samsung F210 is GPRS (Class 10, 32 – 48 kbps) and EDGE (Class 10, 236.8 kbps) compatible, which is more than enough to satisfy any user needs. It is also compatible with Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP and USB 2.0 features for high speed data transfer.
I have to say that everything related to data transfer, Internet surfing is working ‘mildly’, as in ‘mediocre’. It also fully supports SMS, EMS, Email, MMS, but small screen will probably make owners use its messaging capabilities less than normal.
The triband (GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900) network compatible handset has a mediocre GSM signal reception. Instead, the sound is very clear, but medium in terms of loudness (only level 7 volume). I have experienced terrible sound only when the signal reception was weak, but overall it has good GSM capabilities.

MP3 player

Samsung’s swivel has been especially designed as an MP3 player, so we should expect many multimedia ‘goodies’. Unfortunately, I couldn’t understand why Samsung hadn’t put in an external speakerphone, especially since it is said to feature 3D sound.
All the vibes that you hear are coming through the in-call speaker, but even so, the sound is clear and superior to many other music dedicated mobile phones. The headset that comes with the phone aren’t the best, but the sound it delivers is surely above average. Interesting vision from Samsung, it’s like you have two different devices stuck together. When closed, you can use the MP3 player (MP3, WMA, AAC, AAC+ and eAAC+) or the FM radio, when swiveled, you can take advantage of the GSM capabilities.
No functions of either one work at the same time, so you should be aware that you won’t be able to run music in the background and access other application related to the phone. Music player and FM radio are both offering sound above average.

Conclusion
Samsung F210 doesn’t look like any other phone, because it looks like an MP3 player. The moment you swivel the handset, it really reveals its ‘WOW factor’. Anyway, youngsters are the only target that will buy the phone, as you cannot do any business related stuff with it. Looking more like a toy, Samsung F210 offers the innovation much needed when one tries to attract young people.
The best thing I have noticed with F210 is definitely related to its look. More than appealing, the phone doesn’t feel when you put it into your pocket, or carry it with you, just like an MP3 player. It has everything that a young person would want: music, big storage space, radio and camera. Combine all these with an easy to use interface and you have the optimal phone for youngsters.
Even for someone who is not interested too much in using the GSM capabilities of the phone, the small screen could be a big issue. Probably the battery is also a negative point, as it lasts only half of the time offered by these days dedicated music phones. The inability to install any 3rd party applications is also a big downside.

Design
A501 is really small, its dimensions are 20.7 x 59.6 x 95.7 mm (weight 130 g), it is slightly less than similar communicators with the 2.7 display “. But unlike the majority, Mio A501 doesn’t have a very strict form of a brick – rounded edges and cut lower edge add special originality to its appearance.
The shell is divided into two pieces of different shades of gray, and dividing oval line of the section runs between two rows of buttons on the front panel below the display. From the first sight it looks like the device is made in the form of a slider, and there is a keyboard under the display.
Nevertheless, the A501 is not a slider, a game of colors is just an idea of design. However, the idea was successful! It is difficult to confuse the novelty with any other communicator. Furthermore, the quality of materials above all praises.
By the way, Mitac Mio A501 is already followed by the model Mio A502 (right photo), similar to A501, but with slightly different appearance, and with the 6th “Windows” on board.

The device stands out against a background of other communicators with its control keys. On the front panel, below the display, a unit with the main buttons and keys of quick launch of certain applications is located – six small and one elongated button. A joystick is located not next to these buttons, but at the top of the left end.
Thus, it’s more convenient to keep the communicator in the left hand and to work with joystick using you thumb.
So forefinger falls on volume control key, located on the opposite side of the shell. For many people, such way of controlling may seem unusual and even inconvenient. But from the first minutes of communication with communicator it became clear that this is not true. Another plus of such position of the device in the hand is a very little chance of that it will be stolen in transport; and just to drop it accidentally is not easy.

Near the joystick there is a camera activation button, as well as the socket for the headphone minijack 2.5 mm. Thanks to its compact dimensions, there are many possibilities. You can carry it in the pocket of the jacket or trousers or somewhere else. You can carry it in the original textile, but very hard protective case from a set, which has attachment to the belt.
Not ordinary control keys of Mitac Mio A501 contrast to the more unusual for communicators slot for SD memory cards instead of miniSD.
However, the SD format is much more common, and if you, for example, have a camera with such a type of memory, you can view the footage material directly on the communicator, it is very convenient. The memory card slot, located on the right edge of Mitac Mio A501, has a plastic cover, so that the chances of losing the card are minimized.
The novelty connects to the computer via simple USB cable – miniUSB, so in the case of loosing or damaging, it’s easy to buy a new one in any computer accessories store.

Display
LCD sensitive display, as has been said, has a 2.7 diagonal. The range of brightness change is wide and working with it comfortable in any lighting.
Also, we must note the large angle of view and excellent colors. So it is impossible to find fault in the display, well, may be resolution 320 х 240 points is already a bit outdated.
The device runs under Windows Mobile 5.0, with a processor by Texas Instruments – OMAP 850 with a frequency of 200 MHz. The processor is not productive, but it is fulfilling its function reliably – working with office programs and multimedia is stable.
Much more unusual is the situation with the memory of the novelty. The amount of RAM is standard – 64 MB, but the volume of ROM is not 128 MB, as in most of communicators, but 1 GB! Such amount of memory is enough to install almost any necessary software, including maps for GPS- navigation.

But, as it has been said, because of the weak performance of the processor, Mitac Mio A501 had not demonstrated high performance. We tested the possibility of using the Spb Benchmark device.

Communication capabilities
Unfortunately, the novelty doesn’t have all communication capabilities. Those who want to use A501 for internet connections through Wi-Fi will be disappointed, the communicator does not have such module. It has Bluetooth 2.0, but it can’t fill the gap of communication opportunities.

On the other hand, those who often enjoy the services of GPRS will like the novelty – it supports EDGE. Like most modern devices A501 has a very stable connection. It is interesting that for those who do not like to examine settings, the producer gave the possibility of connecting GPRS by pressing one key.

Four GSM- ranges are available – 850/900/1800/1900, so wherever you are gone, you will stay on line.
Sound and autonomy

Both dynamics of A501 have relatively high maximum volume and clear sound without noise.
Headset had shown good work, despite the fact that it can be easily replaced by another, more suitable to you, because the connector is a standard 2.5 mm minijack.
A501 has a removable lithium-ionic battery with a1050 mAh capacity. This is not too much, but the 501th is not the only one with such a battery. With an average intensity of work (calls, phone book editing, checking e-mail), the battery has ten hours of use. If you save energy, it would be necessary to charge the battery every two days.

Camera
Integrated camera of Mitac Mio A501 has nothing remarkable, despite the existence of auto focus, the flash and mirror for self-portrait. The location of the camera is not quite traditional so it pushes the user to hold communicator while shooting horizontally, as a normal camera. The camera has CMOS-sensor 2.0 Mp resolution and lets making photos in JPG format with a maximum resolution 1600 x1200.
The program interface is responsible for the photo / video filming, and it is quite simple, but attractive and understandable to anyone. Camera doesn’t have a lot of options (quality, turning flash on/out, a serial shooting, mode etc.), but it is hardly a disadvantage, because the quality of images cannot be compared even with the images from any modern low-cost digital camera.
The map can be placed not only in two, but in three planes. So you can expand a bit the area of the map without changing the scale. And for work at night, when bright light irritates eyes, the program provides a special regime of work with predominantly dark-colored elements.

A501 is built on the basis of the most popular todays chip SiRFStar III, that’s why the device starts quickly (cold start – about two minutes, hot – more than two seconds), and subsequently did not lose the connection to the satellites.
It is necessary to note an additional utility “Fast GPS- positioning”, which can substantially reduce the time of cold start, the information about the current location of satellites can be automatically downloaded from the internet, for example with the use of GPRS. But another tiny utility, pre-installed in A501, lets quickly send SMS messages.
Software
Another feature of the novelty is a rather large set of preloaded software. Producer worked even over the appearance of Windows Mobile – the desktop of the Mitac Mio A501 is in black and gray colors. There is a quick launch for some applications on it, as well as panel with updated through the Internet information about the weather in the selected region. However, if you do not like new interface, you can go back to a more accustomed one.

In addition, the manufacturer has developed a graphical menu imitating the menu of cell phone. With its help the user can run almost any standard system tool and application.
To the constant gaming set was added a third game – Sudoku.
Even the standard calculator now has a new interface and allows checking the measures of length and weight, as well as the currencies of the world.
Among the preloaded software, there are several small but useful tools. We have already met one above. Among them there is a very small but useful program for sending SMS with a request for emergency assistance. Mailing list, to which it will be sent out, is chosen by user.

Another utility is responsible for the rapid voice dialing, with which you can not only make voice calls but also run different applications.

Conclusion
Mio A501 is developed carefully. Stylish design, unusual, but convenient controlling, large amount of memory, SD slot, built-in navigational receiver with Mio Map GPS-package. Finally there is a rich equipment and extensive list of software – all these distinguish the novelty from other communicators available on the market today.
Sorry to say but there are also some minuses. The lack of Wi-Fi module could affect the range of potential users of the device. However, the price easily leaves behind some competitors.

To keep up with the release of new models of Touch line is not easy. The release of the first HTC Touch communicator took about one and a half years, and since that time the company already has a dozen different devices with one common TouchFLO software interface, which became standard for many other manufacturers. HTC Touch 3G’s technical features claim to be one of the fastest and most powerful communicators.

Design

HTC Touch 3G strongly resembles Touch and Touch Dual. This is the same compact monoblock with smooth contours and oval corners. The shell is made of a soft-touch material which is almost inaccessible for fingerprints.

It easily fits in any pocket and satisfies the user with excellent build quality and attractive design.

Recently, more and more users are trying to stand out from the crowd of owners of dull gray machines. For them, HTC offers a novelty not only in a black shell, but in blue, brown and even golden which in their turn distinguish 3G from competitors.

All buttons are executed in a similar style in the form of very thin rectangles. Even the scroll key is made in the form of a rectangle, but with smooth corners. Next to it, the user will have only two buttons which are responsible for the adoption or abolition of the call.

No additional buttons: this is one of the similarities of Touch models.

At the bottom there is only one slot for ExtUSB, serving for connecting to a PC, as well as to use the headset or earphones that should be connected to your device via an adapter from the kit.

The stylus of HTC Touch 3G is too thin, so working with it is not too convenient. In addition, it is equipped with foam magnetic lock.

It is used only for the most expensive devices from HTC.

Productivity

The communicator runs Windows Mobile 6.1 platform and is built on a Qualcomm MSM7225A processor with a frequency of 528 MHz. There are 256 MB of ROM and 192 MB of RAM, the user can have 56.30 Mb and 66.61 Mb. The rest of memory is occupied by various software applications and systems. But the free memory of Touch 3G, which reaches to the end user, may be different.

Productivity innovations have traditionally been tested by using Spb Benchmark 1.6.

Characteristics of the HTC Touch 3G Glofiish X900 HTC TyTN II

Spb Benchmark index 403 465 425

CPU index 2036 2399 1576

File system index 141 152 178

Graphics index 3259 2650 3500

The results can be called medium for a powerful communicator. But, let’s not forget that we have a sample, which is not intended for sale.

To explore the possibilities of video, we used the benchmark CorePlayer, with the help of three videos, differing from each other with qualitative characteristics: 320×240 / 550 kbit / s, 640×480 / 784 kbit / s, 640×480 / 1320 Kbps.

Display

If we are talking about the possibility of watching videos, we need to say a few words about the touch-sensitive display, with which Touch 3G is equipped. In this case, this is a classic display with the diagonal of 2,” and a small resolution of 320×240 pixels. This screen will seem too modest next to modern standards. Yes, for comfortable viewing movies and photos it is not the best option. But for the implementation of the interface TouchFLO it is perfect.

Camera

HTC Touch 3G is equipped with a 3.2 MP camera without autofocus, which does not let to make high quality shots.

Of course, a pleasant interface and a sufficient number of settings, such as white balance, exposure, or choose a standard plot, make the use of the camera simple enough, but the result leaves much to be desired.

Communication possibilities

Touch 3G has “3G” index in its name. This makes clear to the potential buyer that it is equipped with a full set of communication modules: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz with support for data transmission via GPRS / EDGE, and HSDPA / WCDMA 900/2100 MHz.

In addition, new wireless module is equipped with Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g. Turning on / off all wireless modules is carried out through a small but nice utility CommManager. Touch 3G will operates even in areas of weak signal.

But the producer “has forgotten”, about the built-in FM-radio, which, for many fellow citizens, is more important than support for 3G.

Offline work

Touch 3G is equipped with a Li-Ion battery with a 1100 mAh capacity. I must say that this is not the maximum capacity of the battery, which we’ve seen in communicators. In most cases, the user has to charge the device in two days. In this case you can use the address book, to talk about 20 minutes a day and watch online news. If, however, you want to work with a multimedia content, you will have to charge it at least once a day.

GPS-navigation

The official specifications of the GPS-navigation are not reported.

“Cold” start takes about five minutes, but it helps to reduce QuickGPS application, loading the data on the current location of the satellites from the Internet. Any other navigation software with the communicator is not available, so we tested the browser work with the VisualGPSce annex and famous AVTOSPUTNIK Navigation Service. Results raise no objections.

Conclusions

HTC Touch 3G is a logical continuation of the line of Touch communicators. Fast processor has already become a classic interface (both external and software) which states that the new product can easily find buyers, among which will surely be those who want to change their Touch or Touch Dual with something more modern and more productive. The only thing that causes complaints is the lack of FM-radio. Along with the full support of all other wireless modules, including GPS, the lack of the receiver seems at least strange. But the cost of the novelty is quite acceptable for a productive communicator.

]]> http://www.newphonesreviews.com/htc-touch-3g-review/feed/ 0 http://www.newphonesreviews.com/samsung-s8000-jet-review/ http://www.newphonesreviews.com/samsung-s8000-jet-review/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:19:41 +0000 Mia http://www.newphonesreviews.com/?p=740

Touch phones literally are flooding the market of mobile phones, even if we consider only products of Samsung. Thus, following the models of S5230 and S5600 an interesting device appeared – Samsung S8000 Jet. The model is very reactive. It is a smartphone with a branded phone firmware, designed to satisfy almost any user.
Many fans of Samsung brand have grown accustomed to touch screen phones with large display and three buttons beneath it. Someone likes such phones, somebody appreciates their unique design.
When the model has not been brought to the market yet, it was called Cubic in honor of interesting three-dimensional cube on the display. However, the official name of the new item is Jet, because Samsung S8000 is installed inside the 800-MHz processor.

Appearance

This phone is similar to Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. That is quite normal for the size and appearance of the touch screen phone. Let’s look at the back cover and see that it is glossy, respectively – slippery. Yes, it is made of decorative strips (looks nice), but the fingerprints quickly bring all the beauty away. The cover can be easily removed, as there is a projection.
The front panel bears only three buttons, camera for videocalls and sensor approximation.

Screen

Excellent display is one of the main features of this model. Here is an AMOLED-display with a resolution of 480 x 800 and the palette of 16 million colors. The display is one of the best on the market: large viewing angles, vivid, saturated colors, high definition. In a sunny day the information is read well, images and pictures can be seen without problems.
In response to a touch the device slightly vibrates, and, of course, the strength of vibration can be adjusted by a 5-point scale.
The screen is interesting because it reacts as a stylus. A light touch is enough to manage the screen; you do not need to push it. It is also comfortable to type the text with a pen
Regarding to the number dialing, you can see that the virtual keyboard is very huge; you can dial the number on the fly.

Menu

In fact, Samsung S8000 Jet has two disadvantages – the so-called standard and cube presented on the screen in 3D and calling with a single button. Each facet is responsible for a multimedia application or media. And as you add content to the phone (pictures, videos, music, album covers), it automatically appears on the facets. Accordingly, when clicking on an album cover the song title will appear, one more click – will launch the player.
Cube spins funny, smooth, graphics are not hindered. Under the cube there are six icons for launching applications.
By the way, the standard menu is already familiar from the previous models S5230 and S5600. Here it, of course, is redesigned, but the general features are common. As usual, the main screen can be “occupied” with widgets. You can also download more widgets from Samsung’s official web-site.
You can scroll the desktop, as in model S5230, at each of the screens may be their own widgets. This is convenient. The side bar widget is hidden in the tray after 10 seconds of inactivity. It is also convenient. At the bottom of the screen constantly displays a bar for calling the virtual keyboard, a directory, the service of SMS-messages, and the menu. Again – nice.
Arrangement of the menu is of high-quality, icons are well traced, and their color palette is chosen with the taste. As we already know the information is well readable in any light.
It’s already traditional for Samsung devices; the profiles are made by a human that is beautiful and convincing.
For creative work the simple image editor is perfect. You can choose the color, the thickness of the line, the tool, choose a background color.
Phone can access the network through GPRS or using Wi-Fi.

Keyboard and Directory

Virtual keyboard, as we know – comes with one click on the button. When you hold the phone vertically, you can see a normal telephone mode when you hold the phone in the horizontal position, it automatically overturns and becomes a QWERTY-layout. There is a button “space”, on which, along with the typical signs, is written – “space”.
In the phone book is shown a list of contacts – names on the left, icons on the right (to send SMS or call a friend), as well as a slider to scroll the list.
One contact has a lot of contact fields, and each subscriber can have his/her own type of vibration, and the date of his/her birth. You can select the memory (phone or SIM-card), in which will be recorded the information.
And someone will like the function “Photocontacts”, where you just need to click on an image and make the call.

Music

The phone has a 3.5-mm standard input, and hence to the S8000 is easy to connect your headphones.
The volume is high; you can listen to music on a noisy street or in subways. Ten preset equalizers are good, but it is very inconvenient you cannot create your settings. By one click you can turn on / off mode 5.1 Surround.
There is a standard distribution of content, when you enter the folder “albums”, the device displays the album covers.
If you are in the playback mode, turn the phone, it will start showing the album cover.
Radio is quite normal for Samsung touch phones. You can record the MP3-files, and start the function of guessing music. Like a music player, radio works in the background mode.
The maximum time of recording of the Dictaphone is one hour, the minimum – one minute. The recording quality is satisfactory.
There are 10 pieces of alarm, with the possibility to adjust the response and selecting the type of alert. Do not forget to activate the mode “Auto power”, disabling the phone at night. Otherwise, the alarm will not work.
The navigation is represented by Google Maps and Java Navifon, which after three months working, requires money. To pay or not, it is the private matter of each user.

Camera

The camera with a resolution of 5 MP and autofocus with a couple of LEDs and a flash – is not uncommon.
The interface of the applications is horizontal, all the icons are large, it’s easy to work with them, and to work with the camera is also convenient.
Thirteen scenes of shooting are enough for most users, but for fans of technological innovations there is a feature definition of the face, coupled with the recognition of a smile and wink.

Without turning the camera off, you can get in a photo album, with one-click, and there you can zoom the picture which is very simple – with a touch on the screen, followed by retention. The function is very funny, and works well. Of course, you can enter the gallery from the main menu. Here you can find sorting pictures by date, by color (we have met such function in S8300), by file name.
You can evaluate the quality of images yourself. Please note that we had a non-profit model, the camera in it can be a little worse than in the releasing device.

Conclusions

Samsung S8000 Jet left a pleasant impression. We have been testing a non-profit model, but it was smart in terms of work. In fact, it’s easy to work with a touch screen, but only after a 3-4-day of practice.
In addition, the price is expensive, of course, and those who want to buy a device with a touch screen can choose something less expensive, for example, Nokia 5800, without penetrating into the fact that these are different products.

Appearance
Samsung i8510 INNOV8 is designed, of course, for men. You can paint it pink or red, but it will remain a toy for big boys. The big, hard slider with a decent thickness will protrude from any pocket except, of course, a winter jacket. But now the season is not suitable for such a warm clothing.
The upper end has a lug for the strap, but it is unlikely that someone will want to hang this device on his neck because of its massive weight. Samsung i8510 INNOV8 fully occupies the palm and lies on it like a glove.
Even in the expanded form the unit is comfortable to hold in hand, despite the considerable size of the smart phone.
The tube edges look rich. On the right there are the camera buttons, the mechanical key for selecting shooting modes / log in to gallery, as well as the slot for memory cards. On the left side – the connector for the charger/cable, the 3.5-mm input for the headphones, the sound adjustment button.
On the reverse side we see the most interesting – the volumetric pedestal for the camera lens and the location of the flash gave the impression that we have a camera, not a phone.
It is clear that this is exactly what the developers had in their mind, and they got it. On the side of the lens there is a polyphonic speaker slot, which is quickly stuffed with dust.

The lid covering the battery is made of metal.
Samsung i8510 INNOV8 opens easily, the slider mechanism works fine, taking up the upper half of the shell on halfway. No criticism to the quality of assembly, as well as to the materials used, everything is at the highest level. Interestingly, the tube is successfully composed of various materials – three types of plastic, and this is without mentioning the metal lid and the tracings of the perimeter of the upper lid.
We have long been accustomed to the appearance of Samsung keyboards. And here we have a single plate with symbols that are separated by four horizontal engravings.
It is convenient to dial or type an SMS-message; girls with long fingernails have not expressed any discontent. Key management is not so convenient, but errors are rare. The confirmation button (located in the centre of navigation keys) can perform the role of a sensory touchpad. It can move silently in the menu, as well as in various applications. Moreover, if you get tired of it, it can be turned off. The lighting is bright, and you always see well the symbols on the buttons.

Display
The display with a diagonal of 2.8 inches is frankly good. Its merit is that it is big, bright, does not distort the color of the uploaded images and has an ultra fine grain.
The disadvantage is, perhaps, one – decent image fading in the sun, which, incidentally, is typical for most TFT-displays. When you walk in the street, you have to cover it with your hand, but sometimes it is inconvenient. But the fact that the screen has a little lag was good. After working with the i8510
several days and comparing it with other devices, we came to the conclusion that the screen of Samsung, is one of the best on the market, and you just can not help but like it.
From the perspective of an ordinary user, the menu is perfectly executed, that means – nothing superfluous, but simple, clear and understandable. Yes, and you can see for yourself, how the graphical shell, under which the popular OS S60 is “hidden”, looks. In our sample, there were three themes; in addition, you can change the appearance of the call line, the rapid application in the main menu.

Unfortunately, we could not scroll the names of the items that did not fit into the screen, but the font under the name “Normal” can be described as fairly large.
useful applications are preinstalled in the memory, including a PDF reader, the application QuickOffice, IP-Dialers Fring, the application for Blogging LifeDiary.
Of course, you can set “Yandex-map”, or anything else, the possibilities for installations are large.
The Wi-Fi in this model works without any problems and artful settings. The INNOV8 connected with any access points, in the office, in department stores, at home.
The exception was just the terrible Chinese device ZTE ZXDSL 531V for the network “Stream”, which our phone was unable to pick up.
Surfing on the web with the built-in browser is also not straining for fans of mobile Internet (everything is handy and works as expected), but I, personally, prefer to view pictures and read news from the large screen of PC.

GPS
This is not the first mobile handset from Samsung, with an integrated GPS-receiver; for example, the recently released G810 is also equipped with a GPS-chip. Our model i8510 was not the most sensitive receiver and could not catch the satellites, where the navigators Mio H610, GSmart or the communicator Samsun”deafness” to satellites, particularly in the car or not in a very dense forest.
In an open field (in the open) the “cold” start was 4 minutes, the “hot” start about 1.5 minutes. It is also worth noting the excellent work of the receiver outside the city, where there are no high buildings.
For the purposes of navigation the memory has two preset programs – Route 66 and Google Maps. If the first has no maps of Moscow and the region, the second, as it is known, loads data via GPRS or Wi-Fi (if there is an access point). By the way, you should keep in mind that it literally eats up traffic, because only the scaled maps consume from 170 to 220 KB. This should be remembered, when in roaming, even nationally. Also, do not expect a good drawing of maps if you are away from major cities. For example, I was personally surprised by a non-existent road, and an absence bridge over the Volga, which were present on the map, but otherwise everything is fine.

Camera
A cool camera is the main zest of the model, and even more so because the picture resolution is quite serious – 8 MT. This draws the attention of anyone who takes the smart phone in his hands. Also, many have noticed that, a LED is installed in the model, but not a powerful xenon flash. So this source of light is sometimes not enough, and after using the Motorola ZN5 with Xenon flash, it was necessary to get quickly used to the fact that to shoot in a dark room from a distance of 3 meters is not possible, here the distance is reduced to half a meter. It should be noted that sometimes when shooting with the flash the image is slightly blurred. Summing up a micro-outcome, we should say that the flash will be useful for illumination of any object, for example, when shooting in the shade or in the gloomy weather.
The interface of the photo supplement is an already known form other tubes of Samsung, for example, the model G810, the review of which can be read here. The opportunities and the modes the camera provides can be seen in the screenshots. It should be noted that to work with (manage) the camera is very convenient, because the settings do not have to be “dug” out of the menu, as you need only to click the left context button and you will see windows settings appearing above.
The camera offers a number of presets (scenes), such as the “Sport”, “Indoor”, “Beach”, “Sunset”, etc. You can use them, though they affect the result, but not negatively. They should be tried as an experiment.
It requires 2.5-3 seconds to focus the camera, depending on lighting conditions. Sometimes the unit would not be focused at the first try and we had to press “on” again.
But the most important is the quality of images. They are easier to evaluate with the help of test photos. Personally I was very pleased with the results.

The player / radio
Another important part of the Samsung i8510 is the player. In contrast to the praised Walkman devices from Sony Ericsson, the Korean developers have taken the pains to set in the tube a standard plug for headphones, even though on the left edge (it would be easier on the top). Below you see the appearance of the interface of the device. I think that the design is strict, but with taste.
Also note the presence of 17 preset equalizer settings, including options for 3D-sound. You can choose from three proposed visualizations, of course there is a detailed assortment of music that is standard for all manufacturers of music devices.

The quality of the sound, using good Sony headphones is great! The unit “handles” the full range of frequencies without any problems; the ears do not feel any distortion, noise, and other such things. The sound is brilliant, rich, natural. In the memory of the tube (do not forget about the 8 GB built-in memory and the support of microSD cards), were downloaded well digitalized tracks. Well-known compositions sounded easily, somewhat airy, and frankly, there was no wish to take off the headphones.
The FM-radio has good sensitivity and a decent volume. Up to 50 stations can be stored in the memory with the opportunity to give them names.
Among the innovations is the possibility to record with the radio. Files in MP4 format (why not MP3?) with unchangeable bitrate of 192 Kb/s are stored in the phone memory or on the expansion cards.
The recording quality is good, but it certainly depends on the quality of reception of a particular station.

Outcome
Samsung i8510 INNOV8 is a truly innovative device. The unit has all the necessary functions. Of course, the recommended price of 24 thousand roubles will scare many, but those who want the most advanced smart phone to date, are unlikely to find this amount exaggerated. In technical terms the device is wonderful, it is easy to manage, easy to use every day, one really wants to use it. There is one minus – energy consumers (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, large display), with not the most intensive work discharge the battery of the tube in one day. But as you know, this problem is usually solved, by something as an additional car charger. In all the rest the INNOV8, without reservation, is a device worthy of your choice.

Appearance
The dimensions (110.0 x 49.0 x 11.7 mm) and weight (99.8 g) of Sony Ericsson W902 can be considered as medium – it is better to be carried in a pocket or in a belt case. The design of the innovation is strict, but without minimalism.
Moreover, the black plastic body from all sides has literally distinguished design elements. So, right end differs from the left by applied diamond-shaped notches, smoothly passing on to the right side of the unit. By this the manufacturer wanted to emphasize the key block, managing multimedia functions, located on the right facet. With this solution Sony Ericsson W902 does not look symmetrical, and that is what attracts attention. By the way, the whole idea of unbalanced design is very seductive, but manufacturers rarely gratify it with attention.
The feeling of the high cost is only intensified if you remove partly the metal lid that covers the battery – on the reverse side there is a riffling for roughness, soft inset for contact with the lens and the metal screen that simulates the electrical mass of the body. All these thoughtful little things once again underline the high status of the new item.
The front panel, covered with transparent plastic with a dark polished substrate is, of course, soiled, but it is the disadvantage of many modern tubes. The display of the device is covered with mineral glass; it is not afraid of scratches, and consequently, image eclipse in the future.
In general, Sony Ericsson W902 produces a very pleasant impression reinforced by the fact that the smooth curved lines and the oval surface are successfully combined with the sharp edges of upper ends. The play on the contrast of lines and forms, together with the broken symmetry makes the unit quite attractive.

The unit of Sony Ericsson W902, located below the display, is made in the form of protruding on the front panel keys. The manufacturer wisely decided not to implement any sensory “zests”, totally unsuitable for the harsh Russian winter, or a single keyboard, which creates a lot of problems with random functioning. But the form of government is very unusual. Above the digital block three circles are located, each containing three keys.
Complicated at first glance, the design was very easy to use. There was no false in functioning, and at the same time the buttons are easily pressed with finger pads, rather than nails, as with other models. As a result, we have a bold and original design combined with high functional management (there is even a button, which is responsible for switching between tasks), and perfect work (tactile efficiency of all buttons is ideal).
In addition, the block of multimedia keys should be noted. It is located on the right end, as well as a round button Walkman at the upper end.
They provide not only convenient management of entertainment functions, but also quick access to the MP3-player and camera. All these keys are significantly above the surface of the shell, but at the same time have a relatively tough course, so they cannot be pressed accidentally.
The only button that we would like to see in this musical phone is a slide locking button. The program blocking copes well with its functions, but hardware blocking would be better all the same.

Other Features
The phone connects to a computer via USB-cable from the traditional for the Sony Ericsson brand interface. This connector is also used for charging and for connecting an audio adapter to a standard mini jack of 3,5 mm, to which the set headphones or any others are connected.
It is probably useless to appeal to the developers of the Swedish-Japanese joint venture, for installing a normal 3.5-mm mini jack in their musical models.
A slot for a memory card of M2 format is located under the battery compartment lid. However, in order to install the card itself you do not need to remove the battery, and therefore – and do not have to disconnect the phone.
But to call this method of installing the memory card easy is hardly acceptable. By the way, in the set with the new model a card of 8 GB capacity and a stylish USB-adapter are supplied.
This amount of memory is sufficient to create a music library for a few days, and even some additional space will remain for photos. Those who find it insufficient can buy a 16 GB card, its cost, though, will not be cheap.

Time of autonomous work
If you do not use the MP3-player, but talk on the phone about 20 minutes a day and regularly work with the address book, the device will have to be charged about once every three days. But if this includes exploiting the MP3-player (for three hours a day), then the battery of the W902 will operate for two days. Well, and with continuous music playing the time will be just over 25 hours, which is a fairly high rate.

Display
In addition to the aforementioned the TFT-display of the W902 has large angles of view, high rate of brightness and clarity of the image. But its technical features are standard – 2.2-inch diagonal, with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and support of 260 thousand colors.
However, this cannot be considered a weakness. Photos on the screen of the new model look superb – loss of details is minimal, and the color is as close to the natural as possible.

Connection
In terms of communication a musical top-model has to be omnivorous. The W902 not only works in all the GSM networks (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), but also supports 3G networks. Access to the Internet in the GSM-network is supposed to be via GPRS or EDGE, which is faster. And the connection to other devices is possible due to a built-in Bluetooth-module with support of EDR. No criticism to the quality of communication (we have not tested only the 3G) the phone works even in areas with weak signal. However, one detail was noticed – in such problematic places the indicator signal often behaves inappropriately, descending completely to zero, then suddenly issuing the highest rate. It has no effect on the quality of communication, but nothing like that was observed in other devices.
Another module on board is the FM-radio, which is operated by an original program with a fairly strict interface. The radio is no worse than in any stereo system.
As an antenna traditionally serves the wire of headphones, so without their connection the application does not operate.

Menu
The Russian menu of the W902 – is the acme of perfection, which the developers from Sony Ericsson have reached to date. Beautifully selected colors, stylish animated icons and intuitively comprehensible structure makes the interface of this phone one of the best in its class.
For beginners tips are provided for each section, not intrusive pop-up tips, but produced with hand.
The main menu is a matrix of 3 x 4 icons, but depending on the chosen topic it may be a text menu, and a rotating three-dimensional one, and in a form of a large icon displayed on the screen. Preset themes are available for every taste. The office abilities are presented by a standard set of tools: an extensive address book, alarm clock, calculator, stopwatch, a list of calls, internet browser tool to memorize the codes, etc. The flash of the built-in camera, may also serve as a flashlight. To determine the location, the supplement Google Maps is used. There is even a utility calculating steps.
The pedometer has few configurations, but also helps to maintain your body in tone (unless, of course, you fulfill the everyday norm). And among the three pre-set games with a three-dimensional interface the famous Need for Speed was found.

Camera
As we have said, the main priority of the new item is its musical ability. Nevertheless, the camera of the W902 deserves no less respect. It has a 5 MP resolution, with a possibility to save the image up to 2592 x 1944, an autofocus and flash.
The latter, although it is LED, has an extremely bright light – not xenon, of course, but the user will hardly feel significant difference. The lens is protected by glass, but unfortunately no shutter is provided – before shooting you often have to wipe the lens.
The program of working with the camera has a simple but attractive interface, which will certainly seem familiar to owners of other camera phones by Sony Ericsson. Settings are many: image quality, white balance, enabling / disabling of the flash, the choice of one of the standard scenes of shooting (including a panorama mode), the imposition of special effects, and insertion of a frame on the photo.
The quality of images is decent. Bright vivid colors, rich details and the availability of excellent focus will be an excellent incentive not only for the transfer of shots to the Internet, but also for their print, however, the format is not more than 10 x 15 cm. Still, this is not a photo camera, but a camera phone, though with an 5-MP matrix. The camera loses a little in competition, but in general the quality of images is worthy of deep respect – even in night scenes there is not so much noise, as we used to see. Below you see the test shots, and the archive with full size photos, can be downloaded here.

And on the following pictures you can see how the image stabilizer works. The filming was carried out with a hand in a moving subway car. The first upper frame corresponds to shooting without using a stabilizer, the picture below – with the stabilizer on.

Conclusions
Sony Ericsson W902 is good in everything: the original design, sound ergonomics, high quality images, excellent music capabilities, rich set. And though everything in the new model is of the highest quality, the price does not stand up to competition. Alas, but competitors showed slightly better results at lower cost for example Nokia N79 equipped (with a GPS-navigator, a Wi-Fi-module etc.).