They rarely bother with email, as text messages and Facebook reign supreme for communication. To that end, the Status promotes itself as the perfect phone for Facebook users, but is the integration truly useful, or simply a chintzy add-on? More so, can HTC successfully marry Gingerbread with an upright keyboard? Join us after the break to learn whether we “Like” the HTC Status.

HardWare

The HTC Status has a form factor you know well. Measuring 4.5 inches (114.4mm) tall and 2.54 inches (64.6mm) wide, it’s a touch larger than your run-of-the-mill 9700 or E73, but at 0.42 inches (10.7mm) narrow, it’s thin where it counts. Like the Nexus S, it has a gentle curve — or bend, depending on how you look at it — a design quirk that tilts the screen ever-so-slightly toward the user. At 4.37 ounces (124g), it’s relatively light, although we immediately noticed that the weight isn’t well-balanced, as the top half is appreciably heavier. Fortunately, it felt very comfortable when held securely.

On the inside, the Status packs a Qualcomm MSM7227 Turbo SoC with an 800MHz CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. It supports quadband GSM and features HSPA connectivity over the 850 / 1900MHz bands. There’s a wide assortment of goodies here, including 512MB of memory, WiFi (up to 802.11n), mobile hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 3.0, AGPS, and FM radio, along with a compass, accelerometer, and proximity and ambient light sensors. Users will find a 2GB microSD card pre-installed, but much to our frustration, the expansion slot is buried beneath the anemic 1250mAh battery.

The first thing you’ll notice is the full QWERTY keyboard stretching across the bottom half of the handset — that and the dedicated Facebook button, which we’ll talk about more in a bit. In many ways, the Status takes its design cues from the HTC Flyer. The face of the phone is largely blanketed in a metallic silver coating, save for the chrome speaker grille up top, a curved white strip along the bottom, and a thick black bezel surrounding the display, which contains four haptic navigation buttons. The silvery finish extends around the back to form a broad strip that showcases an engraved HTC logo and separates the camera pod from the battery cover.

Oddly, these upper and lower sections are composed of two distinct white plastics. While the upper portion has an outstanding look and feel that’s reminiscent of ceramic, the lower part is woefully thin, which cheapens its attractive satin appearance. To make matters worse, the battery cover is very, very difficult to remove. While the user’s manual suggests it can be popped free with two thumbs, we tried this method for ten minutes without success. Instead, HTC should have written the instructions as such:

Sandwich the phone face-down between your palms, squeeze tightly, then push forward without abandon — the cacophony of key tones is normal, so don’t be scared — just keep forcing it until that damn securely-engineered cover pops free.

Aside from the poorly designed battery door, the Status is well-assembled. It even survived an (unintentional) drop on the hardwood floor completely unscathed. Maybe next time…

Hidden within the chrome speaker grille, you’ll discover a green / amber notification light that indicates new messages or a low battery, and there’s also a front-facing VGA camera nestled in the bezel. Along the left side of the phone is a short, narrow volume rocker that runs nearly flush with the phone, and while you can press nearly any part of the button to adjust the volume, the rocker feels stiff, with poor tactile feedback. Below that you’ll find an exposed micro-USB port. A 3.5mm stereo mini-jack is located up top, positioned to the left of the power / lock button. Around back, a 5 megapixel autofocus camera is paired with an LED flash and a dedicated loudspeaker.

Display

The 2.6-inch (480 x 320) Gorilla Glass touchscreen features approximately 221 pixels per inch. While this is a step below the norm, we still found all but the smallest of text to be quite readable (albeit, marginally blurry). The TFT LCD screen is decently bright, which allowed us to comfortably view the display in direct sunlight. Granted, it wasn’t ideal, but we didn’t need to run for shade either. While the color saturation diminishes when angled beyond 20 degrees to the left or right, it’s significantly better than the EVO Shift 4G we used for comparison.

Keyboard

Performance and Call Quality

Provided you’re not looking to play graphically demanding games, you’ll be pleasantly satisfied with the Status’ performance. Seriously, you weren’t really planning to on honing your Fruit Ninja skills on the little screen, were you? Sure, its 800MHz CPU is no speed demon, but it’s doubtful you’ll start begging for an upgrade, either. When it comes to the things this phone was meant to do — browse the internet, play music, poke through galleries, and yes, update Facebook — you’re likely to have a satisfying experience. Unfortunately, the Quadrant benchmark software wasn’t able to complete the requisite CPU test, but we’ve got a host of other benchmarks for your careful scrutiny.

After enjoying outstanding call quality on the Wildfire S — also on AT&T’s network — we had high hopes for the Status. Unfortunately, those hopes went unfulfilled. While voices sounded clear, an inescapable hiss emanated from the phone as soon as we started a call. Even during calls to landlines, our friends’ voices seemed distant, hollow, and muffled. Worse yet, calls would frequently cut out, forcing friends to repeat what was said. Fortunately, no calls were dropped, and our friends perceived us very clearly and seemed quite satisfied with the depth of our voice.

Battery Life

Given the small display and relatively pedestrian CPU, we’d hoped the 1250 mAh battery would provide sufficient longevity for web browsing, chatting, check-ins and status updates. Unfortunately, any social-savvy user is likely to overwhelm the lithium-ion cells. One day, we enjoyed an hour of music, and three half-hour blocks of web browsing, Facebook messaging, and good ol’ voice chat. During this time, we took approximately a dozen pictures, checked into three establishments via Facebook, and sent a smattering of emails, Facebook status updates, and picture uploads. Ten hours later, we were scrambling for a wall outlet. While the battery will certainly carry you through the day, don’t expect it to deliver you through the evening, too.

In our standard battery rundown test, we started with a full charge and fresh boot, enabled GPS and WiFi (without connecting to an access point), set the display to 50 percent brightness, configured one push email account, and set Twitter and Facebook to poll every 15 minutes and one hour, respectively. When playing a movie on a continual loop, the handset kept pace for just three hours and thirty minutes, while average runtimes for Android smartphones are nearly twice that

Camera

The five megapixel AF camera is an admirable performer under ideal lighting conditions, and is able to capture a respectable amount of detail, especially when coupled with HTC’s tap-to-focus feature. Overall, we were quite pleased with the picture quality, but the camera isn’t without setbacks. Unfortunately, if you shoot in direct sunlight, even vivid colors will appear somewhat muted, and bright areas will be frequently overexposed. Meanwhile, pictures taken under artificial lighting appear overly saturated, and proper white balance is often difficult to achieve. The camera also produces an appreciable amount of noise indoors, even at low ISO settings.

As you might expect, the sensor performs poorly in low light situations, and creates an unnatural (though vaguely artistic) effect of overexposing lit areas while underexposing dark patches. There’s no macro shooting mode either, and we found that you’ll need at least four inches of distance between the lens and your intended object for the shot to be halfway usable. The LED flash is certainly capable of illuminating an indoor scene, but you’ll need to be cautious of reflective surfaces, as the built-in bulb can easily overwhelm the sensor. Video resolution goes up to 720 x 480, and while the frame rate can’t properly convey fluid motion at this setting, it should be adequate for capturing embarrassing situations that are bound for Facebook.

Software

Much to our delight, the Status comes loaded with Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread). It also features a customized version of HTC’s user environment known as Sense 2.1 for Messenger, which retools the familiar UI for the smaller display. While the main screen is quite crowded, many users will likely appreciate the amount of information and content that’s immediately accessible from this panel. Rather than the standard weather widget, you’ll find a bubble underneath the clock that displays status updates for Facebook and Twitter. Granted, the usefulness here is debatable, but it’s certainly cute given the social nature of the phone. There’s only five home screens (rather than HTC’s standard seven), and the default panel now occupies the leftmost position. The four remaining spaces include widgets for Google search, FriendStream (which aggregates Facebook and Twitter activity), Facebook chat, and an empty panel with a solitary plus icon that’s intended to encourage customization.

The lock screen is modeled after Sense 3.0, which offers quick access to the dialer, email, camera, and messages by simply dragging the appropriate application onto a ring that’s located at the bottom of the display. These icons are also customizable, should you care to replace any with apps of your choosing. Sadly, the notification panel doesn’t include the handy Quick Settings menu, which means you must dig through Android’s settings to select which radios are enabled.

Seeing that the Status is, after all, a social phone, we were consistently frustrated with the typing experience. Mind you, the hardware is excellent — we’re just griping about software here. As writers, we take pride in our words, and unless something is on fire, it’s unlikely you’ll find us spelling you’re as “youre”, or who’s as “whos.” Since smartphones are supposed to be, you know, smart, we shouldn’t ever have to type an apostrophe to form a proper contraction. Sure, this can be resolved by enabling prediction, but then we must contend with astonishing “corrections” such as “Boise” being changed to “noise.” We have better things to do than keep tabs on word prediction. With a keyboard this good, our typing is deliberate, intentional, and most of all, accurate. Hence, we need a distinct “Auto Correct” mode that’s separate from “Auto Predict.” All we’re asking for is properly formed contractions. Bonus points for capitalized proper nouns. Just don’t make us babysit the prediction engine any longer.

Our pains didn’t end with the keyboard software, either. The camera application routinely quit while taking pictures, and while it brought little fanfare — returning us straight to the HTC Sense home screen — it desperately needs a remedy. We also noticed there’s a dedicated shortcut to the settings menu that should activate by pressing Alt + Space. Unfortunately, unlike the quick access camera button, this link is broken. Worst of all, third-party applications that don’t support rotation will force you to hold the phone sideways to read the content. Initially, this was only a minor annoyance, but it turned out to be a huge inconvenience whenever we needed to enter text. Your only option will be typing sideways or viewing your input in an equally awkward manner. Granted, this isn’t necessarily HTC’s fault, and should serve as a wake-up call to developers, but it doesn’t change the fact that all Status owners will be forced to tolerate this inhumane experience.

Facebook

Of course, no review of the HTC Status would be complete without examining its Facebook integration. Intuitively, many assume that this solitary blue square is merely a dedicated shortcut to the Facebook application. In reality, it’s a context-sensitive button that’s primarily geared toward sharing status updates and links. By default, a single press opens a dialog for updating your status. (We’re sure the pun isn’t lost on you). Alternatively, you can write on friend’s walls or upload pictures. A long-press on the Facebook button reveals a dialog for checking into nearby establishments, along with the ability to create check-in points for previously unlisted destinations. Tapping the Facebook icon from the web browser allows you to share the article you’re viewing — and provide a thoughtful description, such as: “zomg! LAME!! kthxbai.” Sharing pictures directly from the photo gallery works in the same manner, and you can tag friends or provide captions before choosing an album destination. If you’re currently a social butterfly who posts updates throughout the day, you might find true value in the Facebook button — if not, it’s unlikely to change your habits.

Facebook chat is another primary element of the Status, where a full-screen widget allows you to quickly communicate with other online acquaintances. The instant messaging is incredibly enjoyable to use, and inbound replies were nearly instantaneous. Unless you deliberately sign off, however, you’ll appear online and available for chat with friends — even while you sleep. In other words, even though you’ll likely rekindle a few friendships with your new-found availability, you’ll probably end up apologizing to just as many contacts that you inadvertently ignored.

Wrap-up

By now it should be obvious that the HTC Status fails to achieve its full potential. Given that it’s a device for communication, typing should be flawless, but the software makes it a consistent pain. We hated the battery cover, the battery life is borderline insulting, and there’s room for a larger display with greater pixel density, but — believe it or not — we’d be willing to forgive these elements if the phone’s software felt more polished. We believe HTC will go a long way by simply improving the typing experience, but in order for this form factor to thrive on Android, developers must also rally to support landscape displays in a portrait enclosure. If you’re considering the Status as the perfect complement to your Facebook lifestyle, at just $50 on contract, there’s still a lot to appreciate. For our part, we’re hoping that a better phone is just a software update away.

Compromises are needed everywhere, because none of us is willing to use anything that is terribly annoying. For example, E72, on the one hand, is a regular smartphone with 114,3 x58, 7×10, 4 mm dimensions, and on the other hand, it has a set of keys, which are not very comfortable to use. It is a centimeter wider than ordinary devices, and weight (129 grams) is not allocated to minimalism, but it is comfortable, and does not require much pocket bulge.

2.4-inch display is protected from all adversities by a hard plastic. At first glance, we have quite an ordinary form of a smartphone screen, simply rotated by 90 ° and having 320×240 pixels. However, there is one detail that distinguishes the unit from last year’s E71. This is the backlight brightness, which can be dull and insignificant, and irritatingly bright in the sun providing excellent readability of information. Well, not mentioning the placement because in most cases one can only enjoy a good quality colour reproduction.

Keyboard

There’s not much space on the surface of Nokia E72, because the entire lower part is occupied by a keyboard unit, consisting of an impressive plate soft-keys and buttons of receiving / hanging up calls as well as inscribed on the edges of the rocker of the two additional buttons on each side. A large navigation key pad with an optical joystick is placed in the center, which can be used for deviations to one side or turn off altogether.
But it’s not the optical joystick and a good screen of E72 for which you should buy it. QWERTY-keyboard – is the main charm of this smartphone. For its sake, many are ready to forgive an impressive breadth of the hull, and “strange” screen, and too slight pressure on the flat navigation keys. This keyboard gives the greatest pleasure of novelty, because it is more convenient that E71 and E63 analogues’. Layouts have undergone significant changes, which were very useful for fast typing.

Power

The battery is hidden behind the big steel lid, which is removed without any problems, but not so securely fastened as desired. Actually it is located under the battery capacity of 1500 mA • h, which is enough for a week for a modest operation, or four days of active use of the device. With this wireless module, operating time is reduced to two days of use, but here the activity of exploitation of E72 during this time is impressive.

Interface and communication

Specifications are filtered, which means you can go to the interface. At first glance, everything here is like in E71, the same numbers, the labels are located on top, but it is held considerably neater and friendlier without causing ascetic, which sometimes seems an ordinary vacuum.
But don’t think that E72 is an entertainment for madams and sirs, as animation and drawing icons is one thing, but various add-ons and adjustments to the parameters are always useful in business. And that’s why there is a chip of switching the standby mode from personal to business, where content, design theme, and wallpaper are configured.

Applications and Communication

Among the pre-installed software for the Nokia E72 it is worth mentioning not a pair of logical toys and the ability to install N-gage, but the presence of a full-featured Quick Office 4.5, with which you can view and edit presentations, spreadsheets and with straightforward text formatting, if all this is created in Word 97-2003 formats. Also in the list of applications we should mention Zip utility and Adobe PDF, from which you can view attachments and directories, or to group archives for comfortable sending. Of course, we note dictionary with free downloadable databases, as well as file manager, supporting network drives with a paired device.
In the device there is Bluetooth 2.0 with support for dozens of profiles, among which appear A2DP and EDR. Also the smartphone has a Wi-Fi with support for UPnP, in addition to the basic features IEEE 802.11b / g. Well, the list is closed by wired connection via USB-cable from the PC, where not only an opportunity to work with the PC Sute is available, but also a data transfer to memory card, with speeds up to 4 Mbps.

Camera

Funny, but E72 is one of the most convenient smartphones judging by photography. And no wonder, since 5-megapixel camera with autofocus is much above the surface, but is still delivered to the upper edge. As a result, closing it by finger is simply unrealistic. In addition, we are provided with a sufficiently broad spectrum of all the settings where unless the adjustment aperture is only not enough. The camera can record videos in VGA-resolution, which then can be shown on the PC without any shame.
The picture quality is quite on a good level, in spite of the consequences of the lack of aperture optics.

Outcome

Summarizing, it won’t prevent saying about the Nokia E72 something which for some people may be important. Yes, here is the same earpiece, as in E71, a polyphonic speaker was even a little louder, while maintaining high-quality sound. But still there is a great vibro-motor, which is difficult not to feel even in the pocket of an autumn jacket. So here again everything is excellent, and there is no reason for despondency.
And what is written in general as a result of the review? Yes, it is a great monoblovk with a good keyboard, it deserves the right to be heir to the E71, and it has high-Q assembly. Yes, in the E72 not everything is good, and its price will scare away many people, but on the other hand, it is not just another problematic device with disabilities, but an excellent business tool, only now with a full range of entertainment options.

Sony Ericsson T715 is another slider which belongs to the middle-price category, aimed for the mass market. The novelty can become prominent, as it has all the prerequisites – curious design, it is available in several colors, simple menu, decent functional. Now let’s consider everything in order.

Design

First of all I’d like to mention that I had the pink device. No, I do not mean that I am the enemy of this color but it somehow annoys me. However this can be accepted and understood by the part of the female audience, and may be someone would like to buy T715 because of its color. Corners of the shell are smoothed; however, this device does not cease to be a neat block. In addition, its size of a credit card allows you to put the phone in almost any pocket. Of course, the phone is not a slim one; we can’t call it thick, neither, so it can be called medium.
Now let’s have a look at exterior – the back panel is made of metal. It is removed easily. On the back lid is situated the eye of the camera, LED of the flash, slit of the polyphonic speaker. On the right side there is the camera button and volume control wheel, on the left side – the universal connector.
It has already become a tradition to decorate the backside slider with funny patterns. Sony Ericsson T715 is not an exception.

Display and Keyboard

Sony Ericsson T715 is equipped with a 2.2-inch display with 260 thousand colors. The screen itself behaves well, even in the sun. Though it doesn’t have big viewing angles, but they are enough. You can even e-book or play games.
Above the screen there is almost an invisible light sensor, which is responsible for automatic adjustment of backlighting. By the way, this can be done manually in the old-fashioned way.
Themes of the menu are very beautiful; a couple of them seemed to be drawn especially for girls.

Keys are stylish. Yes, don’t get surprised they are really stylish. However glamorous central navigation button hides a drawback. It is arranged so that when you press it in left or right direction you can easily press the green or red receiver. In addition, the navigation button is not very convenient. In order to stop arguing I will say that I did not like the control elements, but I can assure you that I met much worse ones.
Plastic keyboard is more or less adequate. Initially, small distance between vertical buttons strains a little, but if you press them with pads of your fingers, then you can avoid pressing unnecessary buttons. Due to uniform lighting all designations are clearly visible in the dark.

Menu and Functions

The menu has not changed, however, I did not expect to see anything new. So everything is done like in old models.
One of the most useful functions is “Organizer”. Here we see a convenient calendar; there is also a simple reminder, as well as editor of notes. Here is a file manager, timer, and stopwatch. And finally it is equipped with a flashlight. When you have to go downstairs from the 5th floor in pitch darkness, then you will understand why it is sometimes needed.
Alarm clock is a very useful thing, that’s why it is included in the main menu. Here are five independent pieces.
From useful things we should also mention Google Maps.

Entertainment

Music player is completely inherited from its predecessors. I mean both the interface and opportunities of musical applications. We can not say something special about the sound quality – the volume is sufficient for the underground, rock music sounds a bit synthetic, tint. However, with good headphones – Sony, Philips, etc., you can listen to music though it isn’t Nokia N96.
With the admission of FM-stations there is no problem in the city limits. It supports RDS, respectively, the names of stations and information is displayed on the screen.
To the usual arcade and Sudoku (games of T715), is added chess simulator Kasparov Chess.

Camera

Those who need a 5 MP camera should choose another phone, as T715 can take pictures with a maximum resolution of 3.2 MP, plus it does not have autofocus. The functional reserve of the camera is small. For example, there are several filters, presets for white balance, night mode, and the ability to attach geo notes on the photo. There isn’t any GPS-receiver in the novelty, so the location is determined by BS.

Conclusion

Sony Ericsson E715 is a typical representative of a mid-priced device segment. And it wouldn’t be appreciated, if not pleasant shape, and in our case, a cool color. It has too many competitors, among them this novelty can easily get lost.

If you are looking for a beautiful cover then you’d better not read any further, because here we have a protected phone model Nokia 3720 classic.

Display and keyboard
Nokia 3720 classic is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT matrix display, with a resolution of 240×320 pixels. It is capable to display 16 million colors, but it does not give us the opportunity to adjust brightness. All this is a bit strange, as there is often the desire to increase, or vice versa, just reduce slightly the brightness of the screen, this is absolutely legal.
Buttons of Nokia 3720 classic are located directly under the screen, which is not surprising. But their execution is a little more interesting, because on a glossy substrate can fit some big holes, of which serve rubberized buttons navigation and digital blocks, the output providing excellent tactility when dialing a number and the message blindly. And the classic five-way navigation key is just to the point. The letters here are large, and in the darkness have pleasant white backlight, a little stretching in pink hues.

Other information

Nokia 3720 classic is equipped with 220 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 24 MB internal memory from which 128 MB are at user’s disposal.
So let’s sum up? As a result, there is a sixth edition of S40 platform, as well as all that we have described in the review of Nokia 6303 in May 2009. Once again we will repeat for the completeness of this review.
So, we have an ordinary program filling of S40, which means integration into the active standby mode or limiting the other two types of themes to full-screen wallpaper in standby mode. In menu this factor provides a complete absence of animated icons, but does not restrict the owner in the themes.

Software and games

Nokia 3720 clearly does not fall under the definition of Multifunctional which can do everything, the standard set of programs in the phone is not impressive. On the other hand, like any other product of the sixth edition, there is a lot of what was in the same Nokia 6500, and it is with these programs, it makes sense to start a description. And here is a similar virtual repository of all things, but in the performance of Nokia. Given the fact that the camera in the phone plays a more entertaining role, the service is much more likely to be demanded for the owner.

Communication and Music

As follows from the positioning of 3720, it doesn’t support third-generation networks, it remains only to mention support for GSM 900/1800/1900.
The phone has a traditional Bluetooth-module with support for dozens of profiles. With headset the device works quite stable, and the data transfer rate is 160 Kbps.
Connecting to a PC is carried out through the USB-connector, to which you can connect a tiny cable and evaluate the speed of read / write information to a memory card, which reaches 1.2 Mbps.
Interface of media player has not undergone any significant changes in comparison with the fifth edition of S40, so to understand the inconvenience of working with the library of tracks, updated within minutes the background is not difficult.
Among the player is worth emphasizing the presence of repeat and random play, the effect of enhanced stereo, and an effective 5-band equalizer, with which it is possible to get good results.

Camera

Of course, choosing protected from the vicissitudes of fate phone, you will hardly look for mirrors. Because the camera in the mobile phone is needed strictly for entertainment, or demonstration of pictures to friends on a tiny screen of the device, or sending pictures via MMS or Bluetooth.
Don’t agree with this approach in the case of 3720? Alas, a 2 megapixel camera has an average quality, albeit with a useless flash / weak flashlight, which is better not to use at night. But here working with the camera is quite convenient, thanks to full-screen viewfinder with all kinds of signatures on the edges, as well as useful features tab on the left soft-key.

Conclusion
For this cost there is almost no alternative for Nokia 3720 classic, without taking into account the equivalent of where something is not enough, especially for fans of “dialers” of the Finnish manufacturer. Perhaps, you shouldn’t buy this device, if it is important to save the usual S40 in the case, which will last at least a year?

Strange things take place in the kingdom of Sony Ericsson. Having developed a good platform, the company washes everything on its way in search of gold nuggets. If you want to buy an inexpensive, but functional Sony Ericsson of clamshell format, you will inevitably find yourself in the fork of choice – W710i or Z710i? Let’s discuss everything together.

Design
The first thing that the manufacturer has changed, separating device into “music” and “normal” is a color solution. This is perhaps the weakest point of Z710i. Walkman was painted in the standard for the brand colors: gray, white and orange. Version Z tries to look stern, but without wearing expensive “clothes”.
When you look at Sony Ericsson Z710i, you want to compare it with a luxury Korean car, especially for the domestic market. Yes, they are made good, sometimes even cute, but in the background of the Europeans they seem to be a rattle. In other words Z710i was born as a Walkman, and plastic surgery wasn’t very successful. If we consider Z version separately from W, the image becomes less dark, but it is not still colorful to call Z710i a beautiful phone. It is difficult even to say that the model is not to the point: antenna, chrome, blue backlighting of the keyboard, or all together.
The hallmark antenna-arc in Sony Ericsson Z710i looks absolutely ridiculous. Imagine Maybach 62 with spoiler “dream watermelon Baron”, and you will feel the comic structure.
You will get used to design features, but I don’t think that it will be interesting for you to get used to the screaming colors. How I love the orange color, however, it is very eccentric for everyday devices such as mobile phone. But perhaps this is a matter of taste.

Display
Almost all the rest, the model Z and W are similar to each other that will not prevent us through this maze. External displays are identical, both phones have 1.5 inches (128×128 pixels), which look very solid, especially considering the amount of shell – 88x48x24, 5mm.
Small screen and monochrome models are distinguished by the fact that in Z series supports 4 shades of gray, and W has the same, but with an orange backlight.
The internal display does not produce such a favorable impression as the front one; its dimensions are quite standard – 1.9 inch (176×220 pixels). The TFT-display shows up to 262 thousand colors.
Display has ideal contrast and sharp, with excellent viewing angles. The quality of the screen is comparable with the older models of the company, and in their price range if not given something supernatural, then, at least, nothing inferior to the best representatives of the market.

Keyboard
On other side of the external display there are keys to work with MP3-player in the closed position. Actually the huge display is enough to work with the player. The left side is a place for keys which activate the camera (in the closed position it does not work) and paired “rocker” to adjust the volume.
When the phone is closed, the “minus” shows planned for the current affairs events, and if you click the plus sign, then the important information is displayed by phone: profile, your contacts, and battery power in percentage ( convenient and accurate).
On the right end there are keys which are responsible for locking the phone when it is closed.
With characteristic click, opening the phone, we’ll see buttons – big and small. All of them separately or together are already familiar.
Standard handsets there, took their place, two soft keys, an excellent job with their roles. Below there is a key “return” and “C”. The entire keyboard is made in typical Sony Ericsson style. And only navigational key somehow gets out of the context, W710i, definitely looks more organic. Numeric keys are medium in size, but due to the division into three blocks and a clear course to work with text, or simply dial the number comfortably.

MP3-player
With all the similarities and differences, consumers are interested in one thing – music features. Engineers went to indirect ploys that artificially divided the model. So in Z710i there is no profile A2DP, which puts an end to stereo Bluetooth-headsets.
Thus, the player is simplified, but not fatal.
Yes, a little about the FM-radio. With it we understand what praise for the quality of reception and ease of use is.
The main difference will be the headset. In W710i there is a stereo headset HPM-65, while Z710i has only HPM-60. During the test, I stepped on the Headset HPM-70, which fell out from somebody’s pocket, as the number of citizens in a narrow street, I did my best to return it to its rightful owner but I couldn’t. Since both models have a standard connector Fast Port so we tested with the headset of Z710i.
The output will not be comforting for the Walkman, with a good headset Z710i is not inferior to his brother in terms of musical sound and plays a couple of specific functions.

Multimedia
In this regard, telephones Z and W differ only by a lack of the first section of Fitness and all that is associated with it. Otherwise, as you know, there are no changes. Both phones support EDGE, Bluetooth (2.0, EDR, but without A2DP in Z version), Infrared, Java, themes, radio, powerful organizer and other functions of a modern phone. Both devices also have the support of Memory Stick Micro (M2) card.
Here lies the second major difference in W710i it has only 64MB. Hot-swappable memory card is not provided; it is implemented in the “warm” form. When changing the memory card you have to remove the battery cover.
Internal memory is 10 MB. As before, the device provides a convenient work with files of phone card, or simultaneously with all together.
Another distinctive feature of Sony Ericsson phones has become a function of multitasking. Player, games, calculator – all these and many other applications can run together.
Organizer and work with contacts are made on a solid top five.

Camera
Cameras in phones differ only in the presence of the mirror at Z version. All other features are standard for phones of this class. CMOS, 2 megapixel, autofocus and the lack of an acceptable quality of images, 2.5-fold-digital zoom. Maximum resolution of the image is 1600×1200 pixels, the average size photo is about 400 Kb. It has standard settings like white balance, and a few simple effects.

Video can be recorded in high quality and for MMS which means the resolution at 176×144 and 128×96 pixels, respectively.

Conclusion
As you can see, the differences between W710i and Z710i are cosmetic, just for a marketing purpose. Today the difference between a Walkman and Z is about 2000 rubles. For this money you can still easily buy a 512MB memory card and a good headset like HPM-70. This is in case you need something not orange, but the extent of solid music phone. Our sample even though it was an engineering one, worked very steadily.
710i is equipped with a Li-Pol battery with capacity of 900 mAh that’s just supports the work of up to 3 days in the active mode without problems, but if you choose the mode with disabled GPRS-module, then up to 5 days.
As a result, we have two absolutely equivalent apparatus. Choose with eyes, most of the major differences can be easily compensated.

Samsung E790 is designed by two factors: a traditional for Samsung desire to create more flat, easy to carry and use phones, and shell and mirror elementsborrowed from other devices. It should be noted that the hybrid rather blends into the overall concept shell of Samsung.
This phone will surely be in high demand, primarily because of its universality: the middle class and outright unisex appeal will attract buyers from several adjacent segments of the market.

Shell
So, in front of us is a brilliant “shell” of Samsung E790, which hides a black pearl. This phone is available in two colors – neutral silver, which is decorated with bezel top panel and a removable back cover, and black, which accounted for the lower half of the chassis, all interior trim phone, as well as external mirror lining.
The mirror is almost opaque, resulting in use for external display monochrome OLED-matrix without background illumination. To enhance the mirror effect for the panel is used shiny plastic, which, moreover, is not only sufficiently resistant to mechanical damage (let’s say, if you use the phone only for its intended purpose, the scratches and worn spots on the lid will not appear soon), but also easily clean the inevitable fingerprints.
For the lower half of the shell is used dense, gritty, as though slightly rubberized. Thanks to it, holding this phone is not only convenient but also pleasant. From the same material are made, both plugs (headphone / charger and a removable memory card).

Control
First you may think that Samsung E790 is equipped with a sensory keyboard, but it turns out that all the symbols are located on a single plane (there is no separate buttons) that allows the manufacturer to save a minimum thickness of the shell. For ease of use the keyboard is supplied with four horizontal serifs – under each of row of buttons. In addition, the boundary between the alphanumeric and navigation of the keyboard (they are made from different kinds of plastic, which is very pleasant to touch and has a calm color) is clearly distinguished. Yes, and four-position navigation button is made of a bare metal disk without any switches or at least hints at the sectors.
At the ends of the shell there are volume control and voice recorder buttons. Although the keys are sufficiently tight, the probability of accidental clicks is not excluded.

Displays
External display of E790 has already been mentioned – it is made based on OLED-matrix with resolution 80×64 pixels and 16 gradations of brightness. In standby mode, it is turned off; it shows the number of an incoming call. You can change the settings so that you can have on it standard information on the status of the phone.
Internal display uses familiar TFT-matrix with resolution of 220×176 pixels (262 000 colors). Like previous models, E790 demonstrates low grain and good sharpness, both in static mode, and when displaying dynamic graphics, including videos. To be able to personalize the graphical user interface provides the possibility of using interchangeable skins, but in the firmware of the phone are included only two – contrasting black and white.

Camera
E790 is equipped with a 2 MP camera, which allows it to take pictures with a resolution up to 1600×1200 pixels. The most successful are objects shot at a short distance. But for landscape photographs there is often a noticeable grain.
All camera control rendered on the navigation keys – first finger instinctively tries to incorporate its side button, but there lies a small trick – the key should be kept for three seconds. With the lid closed self-portrait you do not succeed. At least in our test sample, the camera in this mode, showed them on an external display, but could not make a shot. Most likely, the commercial version of the phone will have this opportunity.
But the camera control interface is very convenient, especially the 11-step zoom, allowing very smoothly zoom in / remove objects, but let us not forget that quality lowers when zooming.
Video is recorded in a single resolution – 176×144 pixels about 128 kb / s (15 frames per second).
The memory of the phone can be expanded with the help of microSD cards.

Menu
To the standard for Samsung graphical menu “3×3″ stands out only recently emerged icon “Google”. Yes, instead of the normal section of the browser now the user can be connected directly to the services of the online service provider – search the web, personal mailbox, personal page, etc. As shown by tests, Samsung deals with Google servers fast and stable. In order to use the mobile Internet you can choose the menu “browser”, hidden somewhere deep in the section “Applications”.
Otherwise, there is nothing new in the organization of the menu of E790. As before, Samsung does not allow us to create sound profiles to switch circuits warning in different conditions – just a quick transition to the “silent” mode using the key “#”.

Software
Phonebook can store up to thousands contacts with five phone numbers. You can assign a photo and ringtones. Calendar supports the minimal functionality of the organizer.

E790 is rich in entertainment programs. First, the phone has MP3-player, which is rather good, but, the fact that E790 supports connectivity via Bluetooth wireless stereo headphones, the phone turns into a full-fledged portable player.
80 MB internal memory plus support for removable memory cards (microSD) allows you to carry a virtually unlimited amount of music. The only problem is the battery, which is in active mode, lasts only a day.
In addition to the player in the phone memory are loaded about a dozen games, but, alas, most of them are demo versions, which require payment for a short time.

Conclusion
Of course, Samsung made a good product. Sleek, stylish, and inexpensive device will surely attract the attention though it won’t become a bestseller, it is a very successful one.
This model can be recommended to all those who need a reasonably good functional mobile phone at a reasonable price. This phone is a nice gift for girls, because its exterior very attractive.

The popular RAZR line design from Motorola is continued in the form of a new model RAZR V6 Maxx. Even after the official announcement fans of “razors” start gnawing elbows because of disappointment. But in any case, this device deserves to be studied in detail.

Design

What can I say about the design of new RARZ? A stylish thing! Of course, Maxx resembles its predecessors. The design of the camera was slightly changed, the edges have become more tapered, lighting of the front mirror panel; touch buttons for player control.

As expected, the “mirror” panel is covered with fingerprints, and by the end of the day of working with Motorola V6 Maxx should be subjected to general cleaning. Well, although the entire body is made of soft touch plastic, “dirt” is badly visible on it.

There is a button to activate the camera, voice recorder and the volume control on the shell. I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of mini USB connector with a tiny LED which flashes while charging the phone, including charging from the PC.

The speaker is placed on the front side of the cover, so you must be aware that the words of interlocutor will hear not only the owner of the phone, but also people around him/her. So be alert, do not talk in crowded places!

Back cover is made of thin aluminum. Slots for SIM and microSD cards are near (under lid).

Slot of the polyphonic speaker is located on the back of the lower end. In your pocket, you will hear a resounding polyphony slightly worse, but here comes to the aid a medium-strength vibration.

Due rough plastic RAZR V6 Maxx lies in your hand like a glove, even though its decent width.

The keyboard, display and menu

The novelty has a usual metal keypad. From model to model, the manufacturer slightly changes the shape, but the usability of does not change from this. Here the keyboard of V6 deserves very high marks for excellent ergonomics.

During the test, there was not a single mistake while dialing. Large symbols, smooth light-blue lights do their job – V6 has one of the most convenient and stylish keyboards.

The external TFT-matrix display shows 65 thousand colors; it is resistant to sunlight. The image is really good, and even in a fine day the caller’s number will not remain a secret. In standby mode display “sleeps” displaying the current time.

The main screen is already installed in the earlier models, and therefore familiar to lovers of “scooters”: TFT-matrix, 240×320 pixels, 260 thousand colors.

Work with this phone leaves the best impression. For example, decent viewing angles allow you play in public transport or write SMSs.

Both screens have the small grain and due to this the image sharpness does not amaze imagination of course, but definitely it gladdens the eye.

Whether it is a video or a text viewing – both displays are doing well.

Menu needs no introduction, it has just migrated (and many others) from the earlier models.

Camera and Player

This mobile phone is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera with LED backlight. The quality of images you can assess yourselves, but I will say that the speed of camera pleases, and does not reflect for a few seconds before you make a shot.

The flash is rather powerful and it can help you shoot in the dark. The camera incorporates the touch of a button on the face and for a few seconds on the machine takes the white balance, however, this can be done manually. The camera settings must be enough for most users. You can take a photo with your beloved one, using a timer for 5 or 10 seconds.

As we know, the player can start by clicking on the external touch button for unlocking the beginning of the side button. Without revealing the receiver you can go through of the list of all songs, songs of individual artists, albums.

The sound quality can be assessed as “above average”, the volume is high, and for every popular genre it is enough even on a noisy street. The days have passed when the MP3-files with bits above 192 kB / s are not readable, so V6 copes with any variable bit rate.

Notebook and other functions

By tradition, the capacity of the notebook in the phone is specified in the mythical percentage and I hope that someday they will be replaced by the usual numbers. When you want to enter a new contact, there is no need to fill in all fields, you can only write the number and the name of the subscriber.

At your disposal are 12 fields, including postal address, a field for birthday, e-mail, mail, URL-address, etc.

One list shows the contacts in the memory of the phone and the other one in the memory of SIM-card, but in order to see the number, you need to open the contact. There is an uncomplicated filtration system, which is useful for those who have a large base of contacts, as it is always possible to organize SMS-mailing of 25 subscribers.

There are five alarms and you need to give them names.

This calculator is only suitable for simple arithmetic operations, the calendar is well drawn, clear and easy to use, and developers could not do without a sense of humor – an event called the “anniversary” is marked with an icon depicting the glasses.

The so-called voice comment can have duration of not more than three minutes, which to someone may seem inadequate.

Applications

If you are asked by a stewardess on the plane to turn off your mobile, then V6 can be switched “in plane”, in which radio part is disabled. So you can listen to the player on your way to Turkey.

Data transfer rate via Bluetooth is 55-58 kB / s, which is not bad. With the most convenient to PC connection happens on USB, miniUSB good fits at the end and is carefully covered with a flap.

When connecting to the PC microSD card, it becomes visible as a removable drive. Unfortunately, up to 60 MB of internal memory is not distributed and it is visible from a PC via Bluetooth File Transfer Service.

It’s nice that the V6 Maxx is charged from the USB (somewhere over 1,5 hours). Charging progress is reported by a tiny LED near microSD-slot. When it goes off – charging is over.

Battery life of V6 is not a record, and varies in area from 2,5 to 3 days with an average activity of the owner. This means that you should not be very talkative (10-15 minutes per day), send few SMS, makes 5-6 photos without flash, send some pictures via BT.

Speaker volume is high, and you can easily talk, even in very noisy streets.

Conclusion

We passed some months with Motorola RAZR V6 Maxx, I was pleased and even fell in love with this mobile phone, mainly for its stylish design. The functional Maxx can not compete with a smartphone S60, but, frankly, they have a different target market. This mobile phone has everything we need: a player, a calendar, a good notebook, Java support (mobile “ICQ” worked), a decent camera.

It is interesting what will Motorola from RAZR-line offer in the near future.

Introduced in 2005, Sony Ericsson W800i was greeted by critics and consumers. Key factors for success were few, but all of them were verified to the last detail. It was the first phone with a legacy of the famous players Sony from no less famous Walkman brand with all the ensuing consequences. In fact, the phone W800 was really a serious music player. It shows today’s situation in the market, new F300 from Samsung, Nokia 3250 or 5700 XpressMusic. To grow on megapixels 2 million cell phone makers have taken a time out. Secondly, W800i has serious functional content.

Design

Certainly, now thin phones are fashionable, important and sometimes even very practical. However, the overwhelming number of slim-devices is extremely inconvenient to use. In pursuit of millimeters manufacturer forgets about ergonomics, forcing the user to break the nails on the keyboard and when working with menus to twist his/her fingers in the untold patterns.
Fortunately, this fate to a greater extent bypasses Sony Ericsson W880i. Its dimensions are 103x47x9, 4 mm and weight is 71 grams. Thus, the device is long enough, but due to its rectangular shape it has stunning design.

Thickness, or rather its absence, and light weight make it possible to carry the phone anywhere. Whether it is a breast pocket of your shirt or the pocket of tight jeans, W880i looks good from everywhere, more precisely, in jeans, it is imperceptible.

The front part of Sony Ericsson W880i is made of stainless steel, and can be in silver (Steel Silver), and black (Flame Black) colors. In the first version the rear face of rubberized plastic is matte black, while the second one is orange. Both the colors and the presence of metal among the components add to an already excellent design of W800i a fraction of sophistication. Moreover, it is worth noting the excellent build quality of this phone.

Keyboard

When dealing with the keyboard of Sony Ericsson W880i it is possible not to feel discomfort.

But there is an unambiguous claim to the navigation key. It is too small.

And if girls with nails of medium length speak positively about the numeric keypad, than they will scold the navigation. So if you prefer long nails, you should think about shortening them.

On the right side there is a key to access the camera (horizontal mode).

At the top there is a small multi-purpose “rocker” (or even a slider).

With its help you can get into the menu of the phone, adjust the sound volume, or play around with the scale of the photographs. Access key to the player Walkman 2.0 is located on the left end.

By tradition, the Sony Ericsson phones are not usual green and red phones, and their functions are performed by two context keys. Beneath them there is a button fast access to the Internet browser and “My Menu”. Below that are key “return” and “C”.

So we glad to note that the keyboard of W880i is somewhat unusual, but it is viable.

Display and menus

Screen of W880i is rather narrow, but it has dimensions of 1.8 inches, supports QVGA-resolution (240×320 pixels) and displays up to 262 thousand colors. The display, of course, belongs to the premium class – high brightness, excellent clarity, rich colors. Due to its elongated shape, the upper line with the level of reception, battery indication, hours and other information icons are always active when you move the menu (if you have the theme Walkman), unconditional and very significant advantage.

Simple and intuitive menu of W880i consists of 12 icons, and subsections in a tree form.

However, changing the theme to the standard Walkman on “Bits of the City” you can get a stylish black and red menu with icons, arrayed in a row. These moves through the main menu will be accompanied by a mild vibration.

To master the organs and functions of control of W880i can even unprepared person. Anyone who has ever spoken on Sony Ericsson phones over the past three years, the process of learning and adapting to the new product will take a couple of minutes.

Multimedia

Traditionally, the older phones of the Walkman series inherit a full set of features and capabilities of their business counterparts. So the user of W880i gets 16 MB of internal memory, support for memory Memory Stick Micro (1 GB card included) card, Bluetooth with support for A2DP protocol (wireless stereo headphones), convenient and functional web browser Net-Front, Java , support for USB and much more.
Well if living without ICQ to you means not to exist, then go to the menu “Applications” and run powerful client which is able to function (like other Java-based applications) in the background.

The phone works in three GSM and UMTS 2100. This means support for video streaming and video calls. For the latter there is a small camera on the front panel.
In general W880i is a modern phone with classically-considered trifles. Does it have tuned Bluetooth? Does it easily work with uploaded files? Does it have functional organizer? Can it work in Flight Mode? All these questions can affirmatively be answered with the abbreviation of five characters – W880i.

Walkman 2.0 is stuffing, let’s consider hardware. Headset connector (HPM-75 included) is located at the left bottom.

This is quite inconvenient, since the plug is not small, so it still goes on thick wire, which is not particularly flexible. The most reasonable accommodation would be a 3,5 mm input on the top of the phone. Headset HPM-75 has decent quality and should satisfy most of the audience. We have to test headphones Sennheiser CX 300, in order to feel all inside the player. Fortunately HPM-75 is a structure of the adapter and headphones, so that the 3,5 mm input is available, albeit not at the phone.

To start the music application you can use the little orange button or through the menu.

At the start screen “My Music” can sort tracks by artists, albums, play-list or simply the list of tracks.

Play-lists can and should (because 1 GB is about 250 songs in good quality, very easy to get confused) be created directly on the phone.

In addition, the player has a standard set of visualization (animation, or album cover), play mode “in a random order”, repetition, and changing colors of the application.

There is also an equalizer. Unfortunately, it was a simpleton, from the available preset modes you can choose – Bass, Mega Bass, voice, lifting high frequencies.

In addition to these four settings, it is a possible and a manual calibration. Player responded only to the most understated or overstated frequency. And the description on the website Mega Bass Sony Ericsson says “improve bass, let music become more volume, in practice, the sound remains flat. But what pleases me is that only player can be scold in W880i.

The volume is enough comfortably to listen to music not only on a busy street, but in the subway or any other public transport.

Out of interest, just as noteworthy feature, is TrackID. A

gain we turn to the description on the official site – “Just record a song a few seconds and all the information about the track, artist or album will be available within a few seconds”.

Funny opportunity for Walkman with FM-radio on board, but in the case of W880i it is a useless icon on the desktop, because the music that pours from the player to know there is no possibility, as composition should be recognized only through a microphone. Another function of downloading content PlayNow seems much more interesting in this case.

The player supports popular formats such as: MP3, AAC, AAC +, E-AAC +, WAV, WMA, M4A, however, it is difficult to imagine that many users listen to music in the format E-AAC +.

As a conclusion of the player it should be noted that it has many useful features. As for the level of the music, Walkman in this sense is ahead of other phones. However, if you are a music fan beginner, features of Walkman 2.0 will be sufficient.

Camera

In case of W880i camera is more a design element than a serious application. In fact, a small lens with a penny coin and the matrix of 2-megapixels is not as bad as it might seem at first glance.

Using the camera in landscape mode is very practical. The camera settings are standard – resolution, quality, effects, 2.5-fold digital zoom.

Conclusion

A small step for Sony Ericsson is a big leap for the market. Player phones go to the next level, slowly biting more and more of the market. Union of a phone and a music player looks more organic than a phone and a camera. In case of W880i nirvana is aggravated with battery with a capacity of 950 mAh. At 30 minutes of calls a day, using all sorts of functions and player for 2 hours a day, the phone worked for five days. It is an excellent result.

Having examined W880i brick by brick on the components, we have a stylish phone, rich functionalities and a decent player. Definitely a successful model, I recommend to buy it.

Nokia N93i is a legitimate and the only heiress of the mighty mobile phone Nokia N93.
It seems that developers did the fans a favor and reduced the size of this “hero”. In addition, they have made it more stylish, using the mirror faceplate.

Design and keyboard

From a first glance differences between N93i and N93 are visible. First of all keyboard has undergone changes, it has become flatter. I immediately remembered TONKOMOTO, however, it is clear that for the sake of reducing the thickness of the shell the manufacturer has made some sacrifice.
I must confess that convenience is not added, and vice versa – it has been dramatically reduced.
To quickly dial a number you should be a very clever man, otherwise you will be mistaken. In addition, the flat navigation button often brings in games such as arcade-shooter. You need to make a maneuver to evade enemy missiles carrying the death, and then … your finger hits the key “Menu”. Most often this happens in the most crucial moment.
Of course, you can easily go back, but the sediment from a failed mission remains.
At the ends are placed cover up for pop-connector and a slot for memory cards. I must say that now they are made of plastic instead of rubber and foul in their places, as the previous model.
However, the changes are purely cosmetic, but it in some way makes the device more convenient.

Displays
Unlike N93, Nokia N93i has a new external display. This is OLED, displaying 65 thousand colors, but it is almost monochrome.
Images can be seen well even on the reflective surface. Information is readable on a sunny day, unless the mirror surface begins flashing. At the service displays quite standard information. This time, signal is strengthened and battery level, painted with an elegant curve. Of course, in case of an incoming call screen displays the name and number, as well as the image of a shaking phone.
The internal display with a resolution of 240×320 looks like something brighter than the analogue in N93.
Under direct sunlight the brightness was not enough and images were “fading”. Just at hand was Sony Ericsson K810, on the display of which the information could be read much better.

Camera
As it is known, camera is the main advantage of N93i. Otherwise why it is equipped with such a big lens, a rotating display, optics by Carl Zeiss? Since the entire filling remained unchanged, then expecting some difference in picture quality is senseless, but … it is only at first glance.
Based on our own feelings I can tell you that the speed and ease of control during the shooting have not been changed.
Personally, I do not like the delay somewhere between the shutter and recording in memory of the finished picture. In other words, if you took a photo of a child fidget, then 50% of marriage is guaranteed. The quality of images is slightly worse, because of the lack of sharpness. It is not too noticeable, but if you look closely … Shooting with flash is a strange occupation.
Personally, I thought that clips shot with the help of this novelty are slightly worse. The colors are not very natural. Honestly, I do not like to shoot video with a phone camera, but I liked shooting quality of N93.
There is a cable to connect the phone to the TV. For example, video is easier to watch on the big screen. Image quality of course depends on the skill of the operator, but in general – successful commercials look good.

Additional functions
As in N93, this novelty supports Wi-Fi. I confess that I quickly connected N93i with known Wi-Fi-points. Sometimes the indicator simply indicates a low signal, and at that time quite ancient notebook Dell, worked for a sweet soul, with the level of 80-85%.
Download speed of a 4,5 MB file via Bluetooth is 52-58 kB / s, which is rather good.
Player gives juicy sound; the headset has quite decent quality. It can run in the background. Radio works without problems: in the city it is caught well enough, in the suburbs – a little worse.

Conclusion
Nokia N93i is a funny, somewhere even a status phone. Having such a phone people will immediately begin to respect you as this is an expensive, fancy “device”, and in its segment it is even better. If you already own N93, then there is no need to trade for a letter “i”, because you will not get anything new, but money will be certainly saved.

Samsung continues to delight fans of thin tubes who are concerned about every free millimeter in the pocket of their jacket or jeans. For them Koreans have launched a logical continuation of a monoblock X820, which was supposed to be named X840, but marketers know it as U100, and now it has entered into a new line of ultra thin phones.

Design
So, a very thin model of the last year has become thinner by 1 mm, which is certainly a pleasant trifle.
When you take this phone in hand for the first time, it seems that an awkward movement and something may happen to the device. But, in reality, Samsung U100 a couple of times was overthrown on the floor, once U100 found itself on the ground, and in general – this was over with a hardly noticeable scratch.
The phone is strong due to ferrule on the phone. It is painted the same color as the shell. I do not know if it will protect in a really critical moment, but it certainly looks nice.
Striving for minimum thickness, the developers have removed all “unnecessary” things from the ends. By reducing they got a slot for microSD cards. Here is left only a volume rocker, camera button and a connector for the charger or USB-cable.
If anyone thinks that the phone has a touch keyboard, he/she will be wrong.
There is no problem with dialing, but the navigation button requires skill and addiction.
The reason is simple – in accordance with the ideas of “thin “, it is not raised above the surface and its direction palpated with difficulty.

Appliances
In essence, Samsung U100 is the continuation of X820 not only in terms of design, but also in terms of functionality. I do not want to play “find 10 differences”. U100 – is a revised X820.
In Samsung U100 there is a horizontal TFT-LCD with a resolution of 220×176. Judging from the test images, the screen can be described as a pretty decent one, though small viewing angles are sometimes forced to keep the tube straight.
Behavior of the screen under the sun is also adequate, since the menu icons and text can be seen well; the colors fade a little bit.
Menu is well-known from other devices of Samsung. I personally like more concise design, which is in the tubes, based on the platform D500.

As U100 is a thin assistant of business people, there is a notebook for 1000 contacts with the ability to record five numbers, e-mail addresses, notes, and the choice of individual melodies and ringtones. It seems nothing extraordinary, but the convenience of using is worth noting.
Voice recorder limits the recording time by one hour, that is more than enough, and memory for 100 events in the organizer will not be filled in one day.
Data transfer speed via BlueTooth from PC to Samsung is about 50 Kbps.
In that case, if you are fond of talking regularly, climb on the menu, often use calendar, from time to time take photos, the battery will last for two days.

Functions for entertainment
Samsung U100 is equipped with a 3 MP camera – a legitimate question arises – whether it is better than a 2-megapixel brother X820? As for the size of the picture, it is more accurate, but the quality is slightly higher comparing the shots. It seems that they are a little sharper, and the remaining is the same.
MP3-player is also known as peeling, as its interface and capabilities are already well known. From the innovations we can only recall the work in the background and support for Bluetooth-A2DP profile to work with stereo headset. The sound quality of the player (of the phone, in general) is good; the volume is enough for most cases, except a very noisy street and subway.
To some extent there is no FM-radio, as the built-in memory can not keep many songs, but fans of music would like to listen to a fresh hit from beloved singers.

Conclusion
As a worthy successor of the model X820, Samsung U100, to some extent repeats its fate, becoming famous, but it remained a niche product, which will not be found in every pocket. In general, the device is quite successful, mainly because of the minimum thickness and business design. U100 can not boast with functionality but it wasn’t the aim of the manufacturer. Samsung focused only on the dimensions of the shell.