Mobile Phone Review Round Up: HTC Salsa, HTC ChaCha, HTC Sensation, LG Optimus 3D

Pocket-Lint.com

HTC Salsa review

Verdict

So let’s get to the nitty-gritty. What is the HTC Salsa – is it a Facebook phone? It is if you want it to be, but then Facebook isn’t exactly alien to the Android world. There isn’t anything here that you can’t do elsewhere. Putting it against the INQ Cloud Touch, the other current “Facebook phone”, is a little unfair.

The Salsa is a higher spec device, offers a better Android experience reflecting HTC’s experience with these types of devices, but the Facebook experience is less cohesive than INQ’s. The INQ Cloud Touch manages to feel unique, whereas the Facebook experience on the HTC Salsa feels familiar, only fractionally removed from their existing features, so it all looks and feels like the adaption of HTC Sense that it is.

But that said the HTC Salsa is a great Android smartphone, a good example of how great the Android experience can be on a mid-range affordable device. It isn’t going to compete on the multimedia front with its bigger brothers, but in the core Android experience it responds well. We prefer it to the HTC Wildfire S, it offers more power and a few interesting tweaks that give you a little more to play with.

We’re not sold on the weird split colouring on the back panel, but otherwise, whether you’re a Facebook fan or not, the HTC Salsa is a great little phone.

HTC ChaCha review

Verdict

When thinking of the HTC ChaCha, it’s worth setting the “Facebook phone” elements to one side. The ChaCha is a more important device than just Facebook and if the button was removed, you’d still have all those features anyway.

You get all the benefits of that connected Android experience, tying into your Google accounts and filling your phone with your contacts, email and calendars. HTC Sense has been sensibly scaled to fit onto this phone and that all works well, but we can’t help feeling that something is lost in the experience. If you have seen Android on larger devices then visually you miss-out with the ChaCha. Android might look cute, but you’ll find yourself struggling for space at times.

But that might be a sacrifice worth making if you crave a proper keyboard. We have a few problems with the keyboard, but none of them are critical. Annoying yes, but it’s still usable. Side-by-side with a BlackBerry and we prefer the keyboard on our Bold and the use of screen space, although much more basic visually, often means that you see a little more of what you are doing.

For those looking to venture into something a little different their BlackBerry then it has a lot of offer. However, the touchscreen experience offered by it’s sister handset the HTC Salsa is difficult to ignore, resulting in a richer experience with the benefit of a much better mobile internet experience.

Techradar.com

Vodafone Smart review

Verdict

If the Vodafone Smart proves anything it proves one thing, it’s that we were oh so right to sing the praises of the Orange San Francisco.

Yes, it’s £29 more, but the difference between £70 for the Vodafone Smart and £99 for Orange’s little lovely is all the difference in the world. Pay the extra and you won’t regret it.

The budget smartphone market is set to become a really fierce battleground in the coming months, so once you’ve broken the £120 price barrier we’re starting to see some really nice handsets indeed for the cash.

While the Vodafone Smart is alright-ish for the money, unless you’re desperate for a back-up Android phone we’d recommend you save up for a month or two more and take a look at something like the Samsung Galaxy Ace too

HTC Sensation review

Verdict

Whether it’s just that we’re getting spoilt by the quality of the HTC range or that the brand simply can’t innovate at the electric pace it managed when it made Android smartphones good enough for the masses, the HTC Sensation doesn’t get our pulses racing like other models in its range have.

HTC Watch needs to a larger range of movies and TV shows before we can even begin to assess whether it’s going to take off or not – and the price seems a little high at this early stage.

We love the Sense UI still, and the ‘Unlock Ring’ is a cool addition to the party – we still want the notifications to be more interactive, but overall it’s still a neat idea.

The design of the phone is different and, in our eyes, pretty premium with the metallic feel and steel grill – the weight feels solid in the hand and the screen size is impressive and sharp.

It’s still not one of HTC’s best, but one we’d definitely recommend over a number of other phones in the marketplace and if you’re an HTC fan or just looking to get one of the cutting-edge dual core devices, we suggest you seriously think about the HTC Sensation.

HTC ChaCha review

Verdict

The ChaCha is not a revolutionary device. Yes, the Facebook button is new and a few of the elements in there are premiered here but ultimately, it’s an evolution, not a revolution.

Having said that, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. You know what you’re getting here – a stable OS with an extra skin on top that has proven to be more than competent. And for the 14-21 year-olds who have their eye on this ‘Facebook phone’, it’ll be enough.

The price certainly is closer to the budget end of the scale, which we really like, and the quirkiness of the phone makes it a real breath of fresh air in a sea of indentikit black-slab touchscreens.

However, with the cramped screen it feels like the HTC ChaCha is a one trick pony at times – get bored of the Facebook integration and you’ll probably start casting envious glances at your friends’ whizzbang phones and thinking ‘do I really love having a keyboard?’

When you turn the ChaCha on, you’re greeted with HTC’s logo and slogan: “Quietly Brilliant”. There’s certainly nothing quiet about the ChaCha – and while ‘brilliant’ may be pushing just a little, it’s certainly not far off for the Facebook generation

Cnet.co.uk

Vodafone Emporia RL1 review

Conclusion

No camera, no Internet, no touchscreen — the Emporia RL1′s specifications read like something from the depths of mobile history. Don’t expect a pay as you go handset to challenge the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Mini and Orange San Francisco -– the RL1 has been designed to please elderly consumers rather than young gadget fiends. We can’t help feeling the relatively high price tag is slightly exploitative, making too much of the phone’s simplicity.

Still, if you favour usability over functionality, this could be your dream handset. But if you feel you’re able to master something a little more demanding, explore some of the other budget options out there, such as the Motorola Gleam or Sony Ericsson Cedar.

HTC Salsa review

Conclusion

The HTC Salsa offers decent power, impressive battery life and a good screen, as well as handy Facebook features. If you’re after a Facebook-focused phone, we reckon the Salsa’s a better bet than the HTC ChaCha and INQ Cloud Touch. Even if you abhor social networking and shun status updates, that friendly blue button is easy enough to ignore when the rest of the package is so appealing.

Samsung Solid Immerse review

Conclusion

The Samsung Solid Immerse is well hard, but it’s let down by its disappointing software, a dismal camera and lacklustre battery life. If you’re deadly serious about acquiring a phone that you can depend on when Mother Nature turns nasty, we’d recommend the Motorola Defy. Should your budget not stretch to a smart phone, the Solid Immerse is a worthy contender — just make sure it’s fully charged before you go for a long walk in the hills alone.

Trusted Reviews

HTC Salsa Review

Verdict

The HTC Salsa may be a smaller, budget device, with Facebook at its core but it’s actually a surprisingly grown up smartphone. It’s smartly styled, speedy in operation, packed full of features, and can get you to Facebook nirvana quicker than you can say toasted Tortilla. Whether your desire for Facebook fripperies is strong enough to overcome the slightly high price is more of a personal preference issue but if you do like the idea then it’s very well executed.

HTC Sensation review

Verdict

The HTC Sensation is a frustrating device. Why? Because it comes so close to perfection but doesn’t quite manage it. The high resolution screen is great but the quality of it lets it down a tad, some of the software tweaks are great but yet video support is poor, and while the performance is amazing, battery life isn’t so much. Nonetheless, if battery life proves to be better once usage has settled down then the screen quality issue is certainly something we can overlook as the rest of the device is so delightful. It’s beautifully made and styled, it’s incredibly fast, the camera’s good, and call quality isn’t half bad either. All told, despite a few niggles, it’s definitely up there with the best dual-core smartphones.

Reghardware

Motorola Atrix dual-core Android smartphone

Verdict

The Motorola Atrix may look standard at first glance, but a feast of features, along with those accessories, offer hidden depths. Whether this mobile gadgetry will set the tone for future, more powerful smartphones remains to be seen. But as far as roadmaps go, Motorola has certainly taken an interesting turn.

LG Optimus 3D dual core Android smartphone

Verdict

The stand-out feature, obviously, is the gimmick that is 3D and it’s very well-executed. And yet the LG Optimus 3D has a lot more going for it, thanks to a great screen, easy connectivity for video playback on a flatscreen TV and a fast dual-core processor. Lest we forget that whopping 4.3in screen means this is a big phone: if you’re one of those people who finds the iPhone largish, this one is a behemoth in comparison. Get it in your hand before you buy – anyway, you’ll want to check the 3D out first, too. If the size suits you, this is a highly attractive phone.

HTC Sensation dual core Android smartphone

Verdict

Another quality handset from HTC and this is the hero of the bunch, with a fast dual core processor, the latest Sense user interface goodies, Android 2.3 and, for once, the company manages to build a half-decent camera.

UK Leads the World in Mobile Phone Recycling

Around 8 million mobile phones were recycled in the UK in 2009 according to a Ovum, which is double the number that was recycled two years ago.

According to the report the UK is the most developed and competitive handset recycling market in the world, with over a quarter of recycled phones in Eurpoe coming from the UK (Ovum).

The report also says that while UK consumers are increasingly aware of the opportunities to recycle phones, the focus tends to be on financial rewards, rather than environmental benefits.

Nevertheless, phones chucked in the rubbish not only add to landfill – they contain many harmful substances and complex parts that make them hazardous if not disposed of properly.

Whatever your reason for getting rid of your old phone though – be sure to check out Omio’s section dedicated to recycling your mobile phone, which lists the different services available to you.

Course: Mobile Business

Top 10 Mobile Phone Stories Of 2009 – Omio Round Up

As journalists run out of steam across the land, it’s time for top 10 lists of everything!

Whilst we have stopped short of doing a top 10 list of the best top 10s from other sites (although it’s still top of our ‘ideas’ pile), we have rather decided to round up some of the best mobile phone tales from the last twelve months.

Some are funny, others heartwarming, but all are quite literally mobile phone related in some way, shape or form. Hold on for an exciting ride!

1. Nokia N97 mini leaked early…by Vodafone forum?!

We loves us some mobile phone leakage here on Omio, where grainy pictures of unannounced phones and whispers from anonymous tipsters get our hearts racing on a daily basis.

However, when the diminutive pseudo-sequel to the Nokia N97 was unwittingly revealed by a Vodafone Ireland forum moderator of all people, we were beside ourselves!

Loose-lipped ‘Ev from Vodafone’ claimed that the network was holding off on snapping up the N97, instead opting for the attractively priced Nokia N97 Mini…which was unannounced at the time. Uh-oh!

Not only that, but he also revealed that Vodafone was not getting the Palm Pre (which ended up an O2 exclusive), and the arrival of the equally nebulous (at the time) BlackBerry Storm 2. This was back in June, months before either handset had seen the light of day…

Overzealous official mouthpieces privy to sensitive information – more of them please!

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2. Palm Pre released in US and UK.

What many believed to be the first legitimate competition for the iPhone launched this year, with smart phone manufacturer Palm planning an ascension into the ranks with the sleek and sexy Pre, which went into stores this June.

Network spokesman Mark Elliott told The New York Times that neither Sprint nor Palm not only didn’t expect long lines for the Pre at its 1,100 stores, neither did they want them.

There may not have been queues round the block or tech geeks whipped into a frenzy by the Pre’s relatively muted launch, but critical acclaim was significant.

The Palm Pre sold steadily thanks to its appealing form factor, an intuitive user interface, and the addition of a full QWERTY keyboard offering the choice of touch and physical typing – one over the iPhone!

Arriving as an O2 exclusive in the UK might have done the curvaceous device as much harm and good, jostling for shelf space in the same shop that Apple’s iPhone was dominating made it a tough choice for consumers…

Still, it was a great phone, and a sign that iPhone’s lead was not unassailable. Sure, if you look at the facts then the Pre sold a mere 50,000 on it’s launch weekend against the 3GS’ one million plus – but what are you, the FBI?

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3. Google Phone becomes a reality.

Rumour has it that every time a mega-corporation does the exact opposite of what they state in official channels, a PR executive gets their wings.

With almost two years of constant chatter reinforcing the fact that Google would not be making a handset (given so many other manufacturers are on board with Android and are members of the Open Handset Alliance), the last thing we expected was a phone completely of their own.

Which they promptly went and did.

The Google Nexus One takes the Android name to a new level with a clever Blade Runner reference, tapping up HTC’s extensive mobile knowledge to build a handset that will showcase their operating system to its fullest.

Features are rumoured to include a super-fast processor, 3.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, 3D-graphics chip, Wi-Fi and a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash.

One thing is clear – this iPhone botherer means business.

What of the other companies that adopted Android to their bosom? A freshly resurrected Motorola will be shaken when Google gets into the hardware game, as they are staunch supporters relying on the Android technology for the DEXT and Droid/Milestone.

If Google’s Nexus One outspecs and undercuts offerings from phone manufacturers that were friends just five minutes ago, the Android landscape in 2010 might not be as lush and verdant for everyone as first thought…

Still, we’re waiting on Google for an official word (apparently a January launch is likely) and the Nexus One looks pretty awesome, so let battle commence!

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4. Apple iPhone 3GS.

Apparently a new iPhone came out at some point this year. July, we think. It was pretty good.

It also sold a million units in three days.

Apple have changed the mobile phone hardware, software and developer landscape forever with the iPhone, and the 3GS simply continues to stretch the lead.

With more powerful performance, an improved camera, video recording capabilities and voice control, Apple got away with simply tweaking brilliance rather than reinventing the wheel.

If you think apps are silly and pointless, you may be right. But this advert for some of the winter warmers in the App Store will make non-iPhone owners mistletoe green with envy.

2009 also marked the end of 18 months of O2 exclusivity enabling Orange, Vodafone and Tesco Mobile owners to get in on the iPhone action. Even more customers than ever will get their chance to bow down at the Altar of Apple come January…

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5. Nokia N900 changes the game.

This device almost slipped by us due to the choice of an entirely different operating system – Linux-based Maemo as opposed to the stalwart Symbian platform – as well as frequent protestations from Nokia that it was a computer rather than a mobile phone, which is (sort of) true.

Nevertheless, the Nokia N900 is the most exciting device to come out of Espoo for years.

Leaving S60 behind and opting for Maemo for their flagship phones makes the N900 a marked departure, finally offering a real contender to the swipe-happy mobiles other manufacturers have been wheeling out for some time.

The Nokia N900′s design credentials are far more in line with their internet tablet range, an solidly built slider with a 3-row QWERTY keyboard and little by way of flash and glamour…at least on the surface.

The mechanism is simple, and the 5-megapixel camera is almost identical in both feature and form to their current offering on the Nokia N97, but a lot of the N900′s grunt is below the surface…

The N900 bears all of the hallmarks of a Nokia device dragged willingly into the 21st Century with a cool minimalist interface, and awesome visual flourishes like overlaying current menu options whilst ‘frosting’ the screen behind.

Eschewing the shortcomings whilst evoking the spirit of S60, Maemo offers menu options in a structured fashion without the need for scrolling through a myriad of options, all selections are visible in a clear and concise fashion.

The ‘secret’ weapon in the N900′s armoury, however, is the Mozilla browser. For the those unfamiliar with the sub-category of internet tablets, the slickest mobile browsing experience they would have had is likely to be Safari on the iPhone. We certainly can’t knock it as the kinetic scrolling, the functionality and rendering speed on Apple’s device are all top notch.

This, however, is on another level. The size of the screen and speed of connectivity thanks to both Wi-Fi and HSDPA 3G means the Nokia N900 deals with this capably, but the full Flash 9.4 support and smooth scrolling on that native landscape display quickly reminds that you have never seen desktop-quality browsing on a mobile, until now.

If the Nokia N900 is any indication of the Finnish manufacturer’s intentions to recapture market share in 2010, we are on board.

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6. March of the Androids.

Android completed its transition from smart phone operating system to, well, any phone operating system this year, with a bevy of low-cost handsets that made the most of the online connectivity Google’s platform has to offer.

The HTC Tattoo went all old-school Nokia with changeable covers and extreme customisation, whilst the T-Mobile Pulse gave Android a once-over and came up with a novel user interface.

The Samsung Galaxy proved the Korean manufacturer was making its first tentative steps into the fray, whilst Motorola (see below) jumped in with both feet into Android’s open (source) waters.

With Sony Ericsson pinning their smartphone hopes on the XPERIA X10 next year, a host of new handsets from favourite son HTC and Google throwing their own hat into the ring with the Nexus One, it’s safe to say that Android has forced the competition to up their operating system game.

Thankfully they are doing, as Nokia promises a revamped Symbian interface and Samsung are showing off their new app-friendly ‘bada’ platform. As consumers expect more from their phones at every price point, manufacturers are being forced to meet those demands.

Arguably, it was Android’s availablility in the prepay sector and in the sub-£100 mobile phone category that has forced this.

Kudos to Google, but we are yet to see what their end-game is…sink Windows Mobile, perhaps?

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7. Hello again, Moto!

Just as we thought we’d seen the end of the American phone maker, Motorola bounces back with two great handsets powered by Google’s Android operating system.

Flying headlong into this new platform with great aplomb paid off handsomely as the Motorola Dext became part of the social networking zeitgeist, with the ability to tweet and update to your heart’s content, directly from the phone’s home screen.

The DROID (known to answer to ‘Milestone‘ in Europe, depending on who’s asking…) was the heavy hitter in Moto’s ’09 arsenal, a hulking monolith of black, gold and touchscreen testosterone.

Combined with a refreshingly aggressive anti-iPhone stance and the latest build of Google’s OS under the hood, the DROID turned heads, was well received by the press and sold pretty handsomely.

As an aside, check out the difference in adverts for the DROID in the US compared to those for our refined European sensibilities…

Whilst currently available SIM-free in the UK from eXpansys, we wait with baited breath to see what the carriers make of Moto’s phone with a cardiac muscle hewn from Fort Knox bullion…

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8. T-Mobile merges with Orange to create mobile network super group.

A few months on, and we still cannot fathom the enormity of the merger between T-Mobile and Orange.

With German firm Deutsche Telekom effectively offloading their UK arm to Orange’s owner France Telecom, this is set to create a carrier with almost 29 million customers and generating over £8 billion in sales.

This is a big deal.

Imagine Nintendo buying Sega (well, the old Sega), and you get some idea of the scale of what’s going on between the two corporations. Although, seeing Mario and Sonic on the same game box today still turns my stomach.

With changes remaining superficial at present, the ramifications of the shift will become apparent when the merger’s ‘efficiencies’ come into play…

More Orange stores popping up, price changes due to decreased competition – the UK mobile phone landscape is bound to change significantly as time goes on.

How it affects consumers currently residing on these networks remains to be seen.

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9. HTC Hero takes home the silverware.

Winner of Phone of the Year awards from both Mobile Choice and Pocket-Lint, Gadget of the Year according to Stuff Magazine and an Editor’s Choice plaudit from CNET UK.

The HTC Hero took the Android operating system, buffed it up to a sheen, performing hardware miracles all the while.

Presenting itself as a customisable, connected and indie alternative to the white earbud brigade, the HTC Hero was the perfect handset to epitomise the iPhone backlash.

Distinctive without aping Apple’s operating system at every turn, fun and functional with both Microsoft Exchange and Twitter support, and with a host of applications to download from the Android Market, the Hero was the perfect antidote to the touchscreen ennui that was beginning to pervade the market.

Unique in terms of design too, the Hero managed to be cool, and build its own niche in HTC’s soon-to-be burgeoning range of successful handsets.

All eyes are now on the ‘HTC Bravo,’ a smartphone sequel rumoured for a Q2 2010 launch, said to continue the Hero’s Google alliance but married to the HD2′s expansive display and minimalist looks.

A recipe for a winner we say. Time to clear the mantlepiece for some ’10 awards, perhaps?

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10. Omio tariff comparison.

Had to sneak in some Omio product placement somewhere!

If you haven’t noticed, Omio now has tariff data for all 500,000 + deals, meaning if you’re looking for unlimited data, text deals or some decent cross-network minute offers, you’re now able to sort through and find them easier than ever before.

It’s small, but significant changes like these that make us the number one mobile phone comparison website!

Mobile Phones | Best Mobile Phone Deals Compared | Omio UK

As 2009 comes to a close, we thought it a good time to pore over some of the best mobile phones to be released over the past year.

From super-hot smartphones to fashionable feature handsets, join us as we select the few that stood head and shoulders above the rest!

HTC Hero

The strong design, slick social networking skills and beautiful implementation of the Android operating system with the ‘Sense’ UI has seen the HTC Hero snag an armful of ‘Best Phone’ awards this year, and rightly so.

Packing a 5-megapixel autofocus camera, 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen and GPS in a unique, angular form factor, the Hero is possibly the best phone to demonstrate what Google’s new operating system is really capable of.

Winning the hearts and minds of those not swayed by the iPhone, the Hero is easily the next best thing.

Check out the latest HTC Hero deals!

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HTC HD2

Representing Windows Mobile as the Hero has for Android, the ‘wow’ factor of the HTC HD2 is definitely marrying Microsoft’s mobile operating system to that mammoth 4.3-inch touchscreen display.

Bringing the smooth, refined Sense user interface as well as the first phone to offer multi-touch on Windows Mobile 6.5, the HTC HD2 is equally at home being a business device as it is a multimedia powerhouse.

With a 5-megapixel lens and dual-LED flash, GPS and support for apps thanks to Marketplace for Mobile, the HD2 is the perfect poster boy for the next generation of Windows phones.

Check out the latest HTC HD2 deals here!

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Apple iPhone 3GS

Getting the design so right first time has given Apple the ability to reiterate rather than revolutionise, and the iPhone 3GS is the second update to the groundbreaking formula.

Expanding on the iconic device with a 3 megapixel camera, video recording, voice controls and up to 32GB of storage, the Apple iPhone 3GS is able to do it all, faster.

View the latest iPhone deals here!

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Samsung Genio Touch

The Samsung Genio Touch continues the popular range with a cheap and cheerful handset that brings touch screen joy without the price tag.

The 2.8-inch display offers the same TouchWiz user interface spotted on higher end devices, and with customizable covers as well as a 2 megapixel camera, the Genio Touch punches above its weight in terms of both looks and specs and has customers snapping it up in droves.

Check out the cheapest Samsung Genio Touch deals here!

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Sony Ericsson Satio

A 12.1 megapixel wielding device that combines the strongest features of the Cybershot range, the Sony Ericsson Satio compliments them with the latest Walkman functionality, wrapping them together with a slick full touch Symbian powered user interface.

The 3.5″ display is clear, crisp and responsive to the touch, and the built-in 3G connectivity and GPS set it amongst the strongest smartphone contenders.

Strong advertising and an arresting form factor have seen the Satio fly off the shelves in the last few weeks, and showing little sign of slowing down.

Check out the latest Satio deals here!

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Palm Pre

Already a million-seller in the United States, the Palm Pre is a well-kitted device with a 3.1-inch touchscreen and 3.1 megapixel camera, a socially savvy handset that pulls contact information to be automatically from networking sites including Facebook.

The combination of cute pebble-shaped design, slide-out QWERTY keyboard and the debut of their smooth new ‘Web OS’ user interface has been snapped by many shoppers looking for a worthy alternative to Apple’s iPhone.

View the best Palm Pre deals here!

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Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic is the epitome of cool by committee. With a plectrum for a stylus, endorsement from today’s fashionable young things and a full touch interface, the 5800 was bound to be a hit.

A music phone at heart, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic ticks all the specs boxes with 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi support, a 3.2 megapixel camera and a hefty 3.2-inch high resolution touch display.

Your music selection is handled by an 8GB memory card, and a 3.5mm audio jack means that your favourite headphones can be plugged in with little trouble.

Outselling the iPod at one point as the UK’s biggest music player, the 5800 is one hot handset.

Check out the latest Nokia 5800 XpressMusic deals here!

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Nokia N900

A late entry for the new flagship phone from Nokia, as the N900 just makes it to stores in time to be a late Xmas present.

Taking cues from Nokia’s range of internet tablets, the N900 delivers a close-to-desktop browsing experience, as well as offering cutting edge smart phone functionality.

The N900’s gorgeous 3.5″ touchscreen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard and 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens all impress, but it is the brand new experience that Nokia’s Linux-based Maemo platform offers that has early adopters in a frenzy.

Take a look at the latest Nokia N900 deals here!

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LG Chocolate BL40

The latest in LG’s exclusive Black Label series, the BL40 boasts a 4″ LED touch screen, a 5-megapixel autofocus camera and an exciting new user interface.

Watch movies without the borders and browse web pages in all their horizontal glory, thanks to the screen’s unique 21:9 widescreen ratio, also giving the Chocolate BL40 an tasty form factor.

The quirky shape and multimedia credentials have definitely given shoppers a sweet tooth in recent months, with the Chocolate selling strongly since its September release.

Check out the latest LG Chocolate BL40 deals here!

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Blackberry Curve 8520

Courting the casual user and breaking taboos seem to be the primary aims of the Curve 8520, getting rid of the famous trackball and replacing it with optical pad, and also becoming the first to have BlackBerry dedicated media buttons.

The Curve 8520 is still very much a messaging device, sporting the familiar QWERTY keyboard and e-mail functionality that the Blackberry brand has become famous for.

With additions like BlackBerry App World and a headphone jack to appeal to feature phone fans, the Curve 8520 strikes the perfect balance of fashion accessory and connected device.

Check out our BlackBerry Curve 8520 deals!

Sony Ericsson Satio vs. Samsung Omnia 2 Comparison : Mobile Phone Face Off!

This week has seen a raft of new handsets flood the market, from Windows phones to budget blowers and everything in between.

However, Samsung’s Omnia 2 handset seems to fly the flag for Windows Mobile 6.5, equipped with a touchscreen interface and sleek form factor to lure smart phone converts. How does it weigh up against Sony Ericsson’s Satio, a Symbian-powered masterpiece that promises the total package? Let’s find out!

Size:

Both the Satio and Omnia are on the big side, as all that technical gubbins has to go somewhere!

Samsung’s device is a significantly larger in both width and height, with Sony’s Satio 6mm shorter, 4.6mm narrower but 2.1mm thicker than the smart phone sequel.

If size is a factor then the Satio is a shade smaller, but both would cause a bit of a bulge in the pocket.

Winner: Sony Ericsson Satio

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Weight:

Neither handset is stick thin, nor are they light as a feather. The Satio may weigh a substantial 126g, but the Samsung tips the scales at an even heftier 129g.

Winner: Sony Ericsson Satio

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Screen:

Ah, so this is why the Omnia is so big! A 3.7″ AMOLED resistive screen on the Omnia 2 makes up much of the phone’s real estate, dwarfing the Satio’s 3.5″ display.

It may be a higher resolution at 480 x 800 pixels versus the Satio’s 360 x 640 display, but the Omnia only shows 65,000 colours against the vibrant 16 million on Sony’s device.

The combination of a larger screen size and higher resolution gives the Omnia 2 the slight edge this round.

Winner: Samsung Omnia 2

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Camera:

Sony Ericsson’s Cybershot credentials are the multimedia phone’s strongest suit, with the Satio packing a 12 megapixel lens with xenon flash, geo-tagging, touch focus and smile detection.

The Omnia 2′s 5 megapixel affair is decent, with mobile blogging available in addition to the Satio’s features, but the image resolution pales in comparison to the professional effort on the rear of the Sony Ericsson’s powerhouse.

Both phones handle video, with the Omnia upgrade recording 30 frames per second at D1 whilst the Satio has a second LED flash for moving images.

The Sony Ericsson Satio has one of the best cameras in the mobile market, soundly beating the Omnia 2′s sophomoric effort. The Pixon12 definitely is the pick of Samsung’s litter as far as taking photos is concerned.

Winner: Sony Ericsson Satio

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Battery:

The battery life on the Satio and Omnia 2 are both very powerful to handle the suite of multimedia features, and run an impressive length on a single charge.

The Satio might have an impressive battery life of almost 5 hours 3G talktime and 340 hours standby, but the Samsung Omnia 2 thrashes it with an epic 10 hours and 430 hours of standby time.

Winner: Samsung Omnia 2

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Memory:

Both are ready for boosting the stock memory in both devices, with Sony Ericsson finally seeing sense and allowing for microSD support.

Just as well as the Satio’s meagre 128MB of internal memory needs a boost to make the most of that camera, not to mention showing movies on the near-HD screen. Thankfully the Satio has an 8GB memory card out of the box.

The Omnia 2, however, has a in-built storage of between 2 and 16GB depending on the model, with an extra potential 32GB with the card slot.

Winner: Samsung Omnia 2

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Connectivity:

Both are top-flight smart phones, with the expected raft of features like GPS, Wi-Fi, and 3G connectivity present and correct.

The Omnia supplements the Windows internet browser with the popular Opera, whilst the Satio is equipped with Google Maps to improve the GPS functionality.

A close one.

Winner: Draw

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Media:

First and foremost, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack on the Satio. WHY?!

The best multimedia phone from Sony Ericsson in ages, and they hobble it with such a strange omission. An even stranger decision considering the W995 did have one.

The wide array of supported video and audio formats, availability of apps with the Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Samsung Application Store and 3D interactive games see the Samsung Omnia 2 entirely dominate this category.

Despite a dedicated graphics chip, the lack of an app store and the omission of a 3.5mm audio jack see the Sony Ericsson Satio falter on a very important point.

Winner: Samsung Omnia 2

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Verdict:

The sheer all round strength of the Omnia 2 in so many departments makes it a tough phone to beat.

The combination of Windows Mobile’s versatility with Samsung’s strong handset feature list makes the Omnia 2 one of the best phones on the market.

The Sony Ericsson Satio is an impressive camera phone, but fails to tick a few of the boxes that one might have assumed as a necessity in this high-end price bracket.

The lack of an audio jack and a dedicated application store will be absences that will only continue to grate more as time goes on.

HTC Hero vs. Apple iPhone 3GS – The Ultimate Smartphone Comparison!

There’s only one thing in a smartphone fan’s mind when they are presented with the latest slick and sexy device from another manufacturer – “is it as good as the iPhone”?

For once the immediate reaction isn’t a fawning apology but a long pause, as the Android powered HTC Hero finally brings that combination of decent hardware and an appealing user interface to offer a genuine alternative to the fruity behemoth.

So…which is better, the revolutionary HTC Hero or the evolutionary Apple iPhone 3GS? Let’s take a gander, shall we?

This is a category where we will have to focus more on the form factor than anything else… The iPhone 3GS is taller and wider but shallower, but none of this matters unless you are happy with the ‘chin’ on the HTC Hero.

The bottom quarter of the device juts out at a 40 degree angle, presumably to both protect the device’s screen when placed face down, as well as fit more ergonomically to the face when using it. This portion is separate from the rest of the device, acting as a home to the trackball, a number of buttons for receiving and ending calls, and a shortcut to Google Search.

This striking look, far more pronounced that the slight protrusion found on the HTC Magic, has really divided opinion on whether the Hero is an unconventional beauty, or a stylistic step too far. Even a teflon coated model cannot offset the disdain many have for the Hero’s looks.

No such difference of opinion on the unanimously gorgeous iPhone 3GS. Unless it is white. Like mine.

Winner: iPhone 3GS (by default)

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Weight:

Exactly the same, both tipping the scales at 135g.

Winner: Draw

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Screen:

The underdog comes out swinging with a multi-touch capacitive touchscreen that can at least equal the iPhone 3GS in terms of clarity and responsiveness, whist both have auto-rotate capabilities.

Unfortunately, the 3GS responds with a screen of 3.5″ (against the Hero’s admirable 3.2″), and a 16 million colour display as opposed to the 65,000 colour HTC effort.

The trackball supplements the touch control method for the Hero, but the anti-oil coating and scratch resistant display of the 3GS cements the lead.

Winner: iPhone 3GS

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Camera:

A strong effort from the HTC Hero, a 5 megapixel effort with autofocus sets a benchmark that the 3GS cannot compete with, thanks to a 3.15 megapixel affair. It isn’t all about numbers, and the richness of the 3GS’ screen offsets the lower image quality before uploading the pics to a computer.

The 3GS has a manual touch focus solution which is less assured than the Hero’s effort, but both are docked points for lacking a flash. The video recording and editing functionality at 30fps in VGA drags the 3GS up to a draw, but the clearer image quality steals a march and earns the Hero a hard-fought round.

Winner: HTC Hero

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Battery:

One round the iPhone 3GS is bound to lose is on battery life. The handset is a veritable gas-guzzler, and even with Apple proclaiming vast improvements in longevity, the 3GS’ 300 hours of standby and 5 of 3G talktime pale in comparison to the 7 hours talktime and 440 hours standby of the HTC Hero.

Winner: HTC Hero

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Memory:

The fixed memory of the iPhone 3GS at 16/32 GB is leagues ahead of the HTC Hero as standard, but that microSD slot allows for as much as 32GB of swappable storage. The flexibility of being able to switch memory up on the move makes this another win for the HTC Hero.

Winner: HTC Hero

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Connectivity:

This is a far more contentious round than previously fought, and the chance for the HTC Hero’s customised Android ‘Sense’ interface to really shine.This interface evokes many aspects of the iPhone’s user experience, but presents them in a new and often improved way.

Both devices support the usual suite of text, e-mail and instant messaging software, but the Hero’s ability to run applications in the background allow them to run as intended. A single swipe brings up a constantly updating Twitter feed, allowing users to keep abreast of trending topics without firing up a dedicated app.

The ‘Scenes’ profile switcher allows pertinent applications, options and even the layout to change according to time of day or situation. A ‘work’ profile might be home to a world clock, stocks and business site links, whilst a ‘home’ profile might have footy score tickers, a more cool clock and a less suitable ringtone.

All of these can be changed at will, or set to switch at clocking off time, giving two mobile experiences in a single device.

Basic stats are very similar, with fast 3G data speeds and wi-fi holding up, as well as Bluetooth.

Both have GPS with an in-built digital compass, making them more accurate than ever before, as well as applications to turn them into fully-fledged sat-navs for the road.

The iPhone’s often peerless Safari web browser experience even finds a match in the Hero, as multi-touch is supported with Google’s mobile Chrome, and even takes the lead with Flash support for embedded videos and media…one thing there isn’t currently an app for!

Tough to suggest a winner, but the fact that there is another handset on the market that even holds a candle to Apple’s finest speaks volumes!

Winner: Draw

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Media:

In the format wars, the Hero takes a valuable scalp in the amount of different formats that can be played back. Supporting MP3, AAC, WAV and WMA9 audio, as well as MP4, H.263, H.264 and WMV9 video, HTC’s device is robust and also has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The iPhone’s media experience is nicer as the iPod credentials shine through with shake to shuffle and voice control, but then does not support the breadth of media offered by the Hero. What it does do, however, is handle TV out, whilst iTunes is a media management resource like no other.

Apple’s App Store with thousands of games, applications and productivity software makes the Android Market look a little amateurish in comparison. There are some fantastic Android apps to be found, but the lack of quality wares on display is palpable when searching.

Nothing touches the App Store at the moment, and with DS-bothering games on the iPhone whilst Android languishes with tarted up Java games, the 3GS takes this round.

Winner: iPhone 3GS

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Verdict

The iPhone is a known entity to almost everyone at this moment, you know some smug friend in the pub constantly showing you their apps, or continually trying to prove how terrible your current phone is in comparison.

The HTC Hero is the antidote. It is different in entirely new ways, is fun and appealing to use, and the looks will certainly draw some heated debate. One thing that is for sure, the HTC Hero is a good enough smartphone in its own right to be considered an alternative to the iPhone 3GS, which is no mean feat.

Android has been caroused into a beautiful and intuitive interface by HTC, based on their great work on Windows Mobile with TouchFLO, and the Hero more than holds up in terms of specs.

Apples are not the only fruit as far as smartphones go…

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Looking for a price? Check out our latest HTC Hero deals and iPhone 3GS contracts on Omio.com!

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Sony Ericsson C905 vs. Sony Ericsson W995: Friday Faceoff!

Sony Ericsson might be finding it tough these days amongst the touchscreen divas, but there’s no mistaking that they have some top flight mobiles on their roster.

The two hero handsets from the Japanese/Swedish phone factory are both highly-specced, classy slider devices, but is the Cybershot mightier than the revamped Walkman?

We shall see, as we pitch the Sony Ericsson W995 against the Sony Ericsson C905 Plus (8GB) in a battle for feature phone supremacy!

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: See Authors Posts (1684) | Friday, August 21st, 2009 | 2 Comments