Samsung SGH Z150: Ultra Slim 3G

The ultra slim 9.8mm thick Samsung Z150 is a welcome entry into the mid-priced 3G phone market. The phone has an easy to use interface and a solid set of features - all for a very competitive price.

Long gone are the days of big and bulky 3G phones. The Z150 is the thinnest 3G phone on the market, surpassing Samsung's own recently launched Z540. It's not just thin either; it's also one of the smallest and lightest 3G phones currently available, weighing a mere 77 grams.

While thin and light, the matte black Z150 is very long. The phone has rounded edges and is very flat overall but still cups nicely in your hand. The controls are fairly straightforward with a five-way navigational Pad, two selection buttons, dedicated video calling and application switch buttons as well as a clear key and the usual answer/end call keys. The keys are compact and flush with the face of the unit. The keys are thin enough to pose a disadvantage to those with very large fingers, however they are quite sensitive and don't require much of a press to activate.

Within the sleek chassis Samsung has still managed to squeeze in a dedicated camera button on the right hand side and a volume up/down key on the left. The camera button is a welcome addition, but the fact that you have to hold it for two or three seconds to fire it up could have been avoided. Also on the right side is an all-in-one proprietary headphone, a USB port and a charging jack.

The Z150 TFT display is not very bright or vivid, and we can't help but feel it could have been larger - especially considering it does not extend out to the edge of the phone. It's only 1.9 inches in diameter with a resolution of 176 x 220 and is capable of producing 260 thousand colours. The screen does attract fingerprints, but this is a common issue with many current mobile phone handsets. Overall, the display is quite subdued for a 3G phone, but in this price range we don't have much reason to complain.

Great menu

The Samsung menu is once again a highlight, with an excellent balance between functionality and design. The main menu features a grid layout with animated menu icons. These are bright and clear and look attractive. Once you select a menu item, the sub-menus are in a simple list format, with shortcuts possible using the corresponding keypad numbers.

The biggest drawback of this phone is the dual cameras; they are both only VGA. Usually on 3G phones, the exterior mounted camera, used for photography, is at least 1.3 megapixels and the internal camera for video calls is VGA. VGA cameras are really only suitable for on-phone images. That aside, there are plenty of settings on the camera, including 2x digital zoom, Sepia, Black and White, Solarise, Negative effects, self-timer, Multi-Shot, Spot Metering and White Balance. The camera also offers up to 60 minutes of video recording in MPEG4 format.

The Z150 supports SMS, MMS and Email messaging and includes T9 predictive text input. The keypad posed no real problems for long messages, but we'd still prefer it to be slightly raised. There is an MP3/MMC Music player (which also plays AAC and Real Audio Files) but an FM Radio is not included. With only 50MB of internal memory and no card slot for extra storage, you'll quickly run out of space on the Z150 if you plan to use it as an MP3 player.

In terms of connectivity, the Z150 includes Bluetooth and USB, with no infrared capabilities. The handset can by synchronised to your PC with Microsoft Outlook using the included Samsung PC Studio 3.0 software. Other features include polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, JAVA Support, WAP 2.0 and a speakerphone. Overall, the Z150 offers most of the basics that you'll need in an attractive phone package.

The Z150's battery life is quoted as being up to 200 hours of standby time and 2.2 hours of talk time using a 3G network. These figures increase when using a 2G network, with an extra 60 hours of standby time and up to 3.4 hours of talk time. We found we had to charge the handset every three days or so with moderate use, which is a fairly good result for such a small 3G handset.

Read more comment about Samsung Z150 on goodgearguide.com.au
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LG U880

The U880 shares much the same feature set as previously sold LG handsets by Three, but brings them together in a small, light and thin clamshell than what we’ve seen in the past. The specifications are respectable – 1.3 megapixel rotating camera, music player with MP3 and AAC support, microSD memory card, Bluetooth, Java, and tri-band GSM support.

The U880 uses a 176x220 pixel LCD to display its contents. It can display 262,144 colours and the display is bright and clear, refusing to completely fade out in bright light and remaining readable (although it will fade out slightly). The phone is capable of displaying up to seven lines of text in menus and six lines when composing a message. The U880, being a 3G phone, is capable of making both voice and video calls.

The U880 supports both W-CDMA 3G and GSM network modes. On 3G it can access the internet at up to 384 kbps per second, while on a GSM network it can access at 48kbps through GPRS. The U880 supports the three main GSM bands (900, 1800 and 1900), so it can be used in many locations around the world.

In terms of local connectivity, you have the option of USB or Bluetooth. USB can be used to connect with a computer for transferring data and synchronisation, as well as to use the phone as a 3G/GPRS modem. In addition there is microSD memory card support (or Transflash as it used to be known), but there is no included card or microSD to SD card adapter included in the package, so this isn’t a very practical way of transferring data to a computer.

Read full review about LG U880 on gsmarena.com
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LG CU500 - HSDPA Phone

The LG CU500 is the first HSDPA compatible UMTS handset from LG. The handset is for US and offered by Cingular. HSDPA, a higher speed version of UMTS, will allow for downloads at speeds up to 1.8Mbps - significantly faster than what is currently available on Cingular's relatively small UMTS network.

LG CU500 built-in integrating a rotating 1.3-megapixel camera. It supports 15fps streaming video when on Cingular's 3G network, and is capable of recording equally nice video using its own 1.3 megapixel camera. A microSD memory card slot can be used for storing photos, videos, and music. Music support includes MP3, WMA, AAC, and AAC+ formats, and external music app controls make playback convenient. Also convenient is the stereo Bluetooth support for enjoying music without the wires.

Read full specifications & review about LG CU500 on gsmarena.com
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LG U400 - Music Phone

LG's 3G and Tri band GSM U400 doesn't look much like a phone at first glance. This is down to its most distinctive feature - a large silver navigation wheel surrounded by a big blue frame and three other buttons. This unique design is to provide controls that enable you to easily play and control music. It is small in the hand – just 99.8mm tall, 48mm wide and 20.4mm deep, and it weighs an acceptable 114g. The slider mechanism is spring loaded and extremely comfortable to use. The number pad inside the sliding keyboard is large and there is a styling to the keys that offers a visual as well as a tactile cue when you are number dialling.

The U400 experience is further enhanced by a 2" 320x240 pixel TFT display that is capable of 262k colors. In addition to listening to your favorite MP3s, you can browse the web, watch your favorite music videos TV clips on the U400's screen. Stereo Bluetooth support and built-in stereo speakers are also part of the U400, which automatically pauses music playback during calls.

For the wannabe DJs out there, LG allows users to create their own tunes by utilizing the on-board scroll wheel for scratching. Additional effects can be created with the handset's keypad. LG partnered with DJ experts DMC to offer scratch content and tutorials. The Melody Composer application provides 2 modes, 31 styles, 10 instruments, and 5 tempos to choose from when creating music and ringtones. The handset comes with a microSD expansion slot for those needing extra space for their newly created music, videos, and photos.

As a UMTS handset, the U300 can be used for video calls when 3G network coverage is available.

Read full specifications & review about LG U400 on gsmarena.com
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LG KU800 3G (Chocolate)

The LG KU800 is a 3G version of the popular and stunning LG KG800 Chocolate. The KU800 has been designed by LG with usability for the user and with a fashion conscious design to attract the desired attention. The handset is sleek and stylish which provides the user with an elegant and highly capable 3G mobile phone. The LG KU800 comes with a large screen which provides a screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with up to 65k colours.

The user can view the screen when the phone is in it's slide open or slide closed position. The phone comes with a keypad which can be accessed when the phone is in it's slide open position and the keys are user friendly. The fitted battery will provide the user with up to 340 hours of standby battery time and up to 4 hours talk time from a fully charged battery. The handset weighs 98 grams which is light weight considering the phones 3G capabilities. The handset measure 94.6 x 45.6 x 17 mm which feels good to hold and operate in the users hand.

The built in camera provides the user with the perfect photo capture and video recording tool. The video feature allows the user to capture moving footage which can be recorded and played back on the LG KU800. The user can stream live footage on their mobile phone with the video streaming feature. The phone is a highly focused imaging 3G mobile phone which allows the user to capture, store and share their memories with others.

The KU800 comes with a built in music player which will play all popular music formats and provides high quality sound. The user can store data on the 64 Mbytes of shared memory or expand the phones memory capabilities by adding a MicroSD™ memory card.

Read full specifications LG KU800 on yourmobilephonereviews.co.uk
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BenQ Siemens E81

BenQ Siemens E81 is a full-size UMTS mobile which promises to be the perfect amalgamation of multimedia and business capabilities. However this one unlike other smart phones isn't bulky and measures just around 99.8 x 46.7 x 16.7 millimeters! The handset includes an 1.3 megapixel camera with LED light and a 1.8 inch TFT color display (262,144 colors). This one too like the current crop of BenQ mobile phones sports a media player for music and videos and supports interchangeable Micro-SD cards.

There is a built-in organizer which keeps tracks of the user’s important appointments and while making a video call, the recipient of the call can see everything which one wants them to see. Fast data transfers take place via the USB cable, Bluetooth or the SyncStation. This UTMS handset can also be teamed up with various Bluetooth headsets and hands-free solutions for the car, without any hassles.

The BenQ-Siemens E81 is the first device in this mini format to be equipped with extensive UMTS functionality. With this mobile, BenQ-Siemens offers its customers a simple and convenient introduction to UMTS technology and is continuing its product strategy to combine innovative technology with optimum user comfort. The BenQ-Siemens E81 will be on retail sale in the color "Lucent Black" in Europe from September 2006 and in Asia from October 2006. Prices will be determined locally.

Read full specifications & review about Benq Siemens E81 on gsmarena.com
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Nokia E60 review: Strictly Business

Nokia E60 is available on the market for some time now and offers the users powerful business solutions in almost every possible way. The tri-band phone has 3G UMTS network support and features a fabulous TFT 16 million colors display. E60 is based on the 3rd edition Series 60 and runs on Symbian OS 9.1. It has GPRS, EDGE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared and USB support.

Key features:
Brilliant display
Symbian OS
Fast user interface
Very good web browser
RS-DV-MMC memory card slot
Office documents editor
64 MB internal memory
All connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, USB
GPRS, EDGE and UMTS support
Main disadvantages:
Visually big dimensions
No camera
No FM radio
Tiny Profiles/Switch off button

Nokia made this phone's interface and functionality features remarkably like the N80 model. It only lacks the 3 megapixel camera but has a display with more colors. Both phones are of 3rd edition Series 60 with Symbian OS 9.1 and thus are very similar in terms of user interface. We will use part of the material for Nokia N80 in this review.
Elegant and clean

Nokia E60 looks very elegant and sophisticated. However, the silver phone reminds me of an old VCR remote control. The big dimensions of the phone are more of an optical illusion than real bulky size. Actually, the phone feels very comfortable when held in hand and there isn't even the slightest sign of the visually perceived big size. 115 x 49 x 17 mm and 117 g seem pretty normal for E60. Interesting fact is that not everybody who sees Nokia E60 thinks that it is a high-class phone with nice design, some consider the phone looks as cheap.

Read full specifications & review about Nokia E60 on gsmarena.com
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Nokia E61: Like PDA but without Camera

Nokia E61 has 117 x 69.7 x 18 mm and weighing 144 grams. Nokia have really managed to keep their beast of the slim fast plan, meaning your jacket pocket might just cope with its bulk. The device has large 2.8" screen seems much bigger due to its landscape orientation, the colours are vibrant and the backlight is good and strong. The menu system is the latest series 60 3rd edition running symbian 9.1. Storage on the E61 is provided by 75mb of onboard space but also by mini SD card.

The major selling point of the E61 is the connectivity, it's entirely possible that an astronaut could take this mobile on the first manned moon mission and find that it's compatible with the WiFi hotspots run by the Martian branch of Tmobile. Alongside the quad band and 3G mobile coverage there is full mobile data capability with HSCSD and EGPRS and it's possible to hook the Nokia to your home or office WiFi network with inbuilt 802.11b/g.

The Nokia E61 now supports Visto email technology, BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink and Seven Always-On Mail alongside its own software, so you can see how corporations now have a choice in that the E61 will work using the blackberry technology.

Read full specifications & review about Nokia E61 on gsmarena.com
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Nokia E70: Like Nokia 6810, 6820 and 6822

This phone runs on Symbian 9.1 as the other new smartphones from the Finnish manufacturer. With its interesting design solutions and great features, it surely aims for lots of fans and will be a huge success. With its 2 megapixel camera, folding QWERTY keyboard and great connectivity features like WiFi, Nokia E70 is more than just a business phone; it is a dream phone.

Main features:
Great display
QWERTY keyboard
75 MB internal memory + miniSD memory card slot
3G connectivity
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth, Infrared, USB
2 megapixel camera
Very good videos with smooth digital zoom
Blackberry connectivity
Great battery
Main disadvantages:
Rather heavy
Controversial looks when closed
Slow display orientation change

Nokia E70 inherits the looks of Nokia 6810, 6820 and 6822. This series of phones are gradually improving in time and E70 is the first one with smartphone capabilities. The phone's features remind of the E60 model but the difference is that this one has a camera, more internal memory and different card type in use. This is the only phone from the E series of Nokia which features a camera. The QWERTY keyboard of E70 may seem as an answer to the rival manufacturer's models on the market which offer QWERTY handsets but E70 form factor is a Nokia brand.

Read full review about Nokia E70 on gsmarena.com
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