Mobile Phone News Blog » mobile

Mobile Phone :Mobile Phone Review Round Up: HTC Evo 3D, Blackberry Bold 9900, Samsung Galaxy SII, Orange Stockholm, LG Ego WiFi, Samsung Tocco Icon

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:32:29 +0000

TechRadar HTC Evo 3D review Verdict A decent contender for the best 3D phone crown, but this can’t quite make it to the top spot. The idea has potential, but it’s not as good for overall smartphone use as the Samsung Galaxy S2. – Check out all the HTC Evo 3D deals at OMIO today! [...]

=============
Article Content:
TechRadar
HTC Evo 3D review

Verdict

A decent contender for the best 3D phone crown, but this can’t quite make it to the top spot. The idea has potential, but it’s not as good for overall smartphone use as the Samsung Galaxy S2.

- Check out all the HTC Evo 3D deals at OMIO today!

Blackberry Bold 9900

Verdict

It’s hard not to recommend the Bold 9900, because here we have a fantastic piece of kit that we can confidently describe as RIM’s best BlackBerry to date. That’s saying something, because the manufacturer has pumped out some cracking handsets over the years.

Yes, we’re dismayed by the lack of a decent camera and slightly disappointed about the web browsing experience, but all of this is irrelevant if you’re just buying this as a messaging device, which many people will. And if email is your bag, you can’t do any better.

If you want this as a media player, it’s definitely adequate and performs well – but given the smaller screen size, it’s only really going to be used for music over video.

The Bold 9900 is certainly bold in its ambition. It may fail in some places, but in the most part, it really impresses. We can see this one shipping by the bucketload, especially compared to the keyboard-less Torch 9860, as it ticks all the normal boxes and adds in a premium chassis to boot.

- Check out all the BlackBerry Bold 9900 deals at OMIO today!

Cnet.co.uk
Samsung Galaxy S2 review

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S2 crams a gorgeous display, lightning-fast processor and powerful camera into one of the slimmest, lightest smart phones we’ve ever had the pleasure to hold. The Android operating system could be more user-friendly, but it’s never felt faster.

- Check out all the Samsung Galaxy S2 deals at OMIO today!

Orange Stockholm review

Conclusion
The Orange Stockholm is pretty standard fare as budget Android smart phones go. Its specs are nothing to get excited about and some of the Orange apps are lamentable, but you probably won’t be overly concerned with such criticisms if you’re seeking an Android handset for less than £100.

Although the Stockholm offers a solid route into Android, we’d still advise you to consider the likes of the Vodafone Smart and Samsung Galaxy Mini before handing over your cash. If you’re not fussed about Android, then you may also wish to consider the Stockholm’s Qwerty-packing sibling, the Orange Rio 2.

- Check out all the Orange Stockholm deals at OMIO today!

Mojo Chat review

Conclusion
The Mojo Chat is clearly aimed at younger users. But, while it’s fine for texting and making calls, the rest of the phone’s functionality is so half-baked that most kids will want to happy slap it into oblivion. When you consider that there are proper Android smart phones out there for around £50 to £80, the Mojo Chat seems even more pointless.

If you really crave a Qwerty keyboard on a budget, we recommend you save up a little longer and opt for something better, like the Orange Rio 2 or LG Optimus Chat.

- Check out all the Mojo Chat deals at OMIO today!

LG S310 review

Conclusion
It’s testament to how good the LG S310 looks that we had colleagues passing by our desk and assuming it was a new and expensive smart phone. Despite the low price point, LG has crafted a seriously attractive handset. Its thin and elegant frame is likely to turn heads.

Slightly less appealing are the average screen, low internal memor, and lack of 3G connectivity. Even these faults, however, are balanced out somewhat by the solid battery life and easy to understand menu system — not to mention the bargain price tag.

As a phone for a youngster or an elderly family member who is new to all this mobile malarkey, the LG S310 is highly recommended. It leapfrogs over other budget phones like the Nokia 2220 Slide and Motorola Moto WX295 to become one of the best (and most attractive) phones you can buy for under £50.

- Check out all the LG S310 deals at OMIO today!

Trusted Reviews
LG Ego WiFi review

Verdict

With 3G, Wi-Fi and a touchscreen, the LG Ego appears to have everything more expensive smartphones offer. But it doesn’t. The small resistive touchscreen makes navigation frustrating and the feature phone operating system rules-out the additional levels of customisation and app-based exploits available to Android smartphone users. A year or two ago, the LG Ego would have made a lot of sense, but now it’s way behind the pack.

- Check out all the LG Ego deals at OMIO today!

Samsung Galaxy Pro GT-B7510

Verdict
Despite some plus points, such as its relatively low price tag, we couldn’t help feeling that the Samsung Galaxy Pro is a bit of a disappointment. The screen and keyboard are the two areas you need to get right on a messaging device and Samsung just hasn’t managed to do that here. Also, Android just feels awkward to use on a landscape device such as this. Still, if you’re determined to get a messaging phone that runs Android, we’d advise you to check out the HTC ChaCha instead.

- Check out all Samsung Galaxy Pro deals at OMIO today!

Samsung Tocco Icon

Verdict

The Samsung Tocco Icon looks better than many of its price rivals, but in spite of pumping Wi-Fi into this latest model, the Tocco series is in danger of becoming irrelevant. Its price is perilously close to that of perfectly good low-end smartphones, and when the capacitive touchscreen isn’t much fun to use in operation here, we suggest you seriously consider one of those models. Unless the Tocco’s shiny black ‘n’ silver look already has you transfixed.

- Check out all the Samsung Tocco Icon deals at OMIO today!

Reghardware
Samsung Galaxy Fit Android smartphone

Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Fit is a low-end Android with a poor screen and underpowered processor, but just about redeems itself with a decent camera.

- Check out all the Samsung Galaxy Fit deals at OMIO today!

———————

News on Mobile Phone :Mobile Phone Review Round Up: LG Optimus 3D, Nokia E6, LG Optimus Chat, Motorola ATRIX, Nokia X7

admin — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 09:59:24 +0000

TechRadar LG Optimus 3D review Verdict If you’re happy to take a punt on glasses-free 3D being here to stay, the 3D features of the LG Optimus 3D are certainly enough to warrant its high price. The 3D video’s great, with a genuine sense of depth coming across in the footage.

=============
Article Content:
TechRadar
LG Optimus 3D review

Verdict

If you’re happy to take a punt on glasses-free 3D being here to stay, the 3D features of the LG Optimus 3D are certainly enough to warrant its high price. The 3D video’s great, with a genuine sense of depth coming across in the footage.

The worry is, if you take a load of 3D photos and videos now, are they going to be viewable five or 10 years down the line? Or will you be left with a big, undocumented gap in your life, where all your photos and videos were taken in a format that no new devices support?

Also, for those looking for a high-quality smartphone as well as a 3D conversation piece, there are many better, faster, longer-lasting options out there – for less money.

The success of the LG Optimus 3D boils down to how willing people are to pay a premium for its nice 3D features – and whether they are happy to sacrifice style and battery life in return.

- Check out all the LG Optimus 3D deals at OMIO today!

Nokia E6 review

Verdict

The Nokia E6 is a well-built, very capable business phone with plenty of apps and features to suit business users. It’s built for text heavy users, with a powerful camera for good light photography.

However, while Symbian Anna is a step forward, it still feels like it’s hamstrung by previous iterations with a slightly clunky feel and long time to open some applications still present.

With MeeGo, Nokia has proven it can make a more modern smartphone interface, and while the thumb-friendly touchscreen is an ace move, we still can’t recommend the Nokia E6 if you’re looking for a next-gen smartphone rather than just an above-average communication device with decent camera

- Check out all the Nokia E6 deals at OMIO today!

Cnet.co.uk
Samsung Tocco Icon review

Conclusion
The distinction between smart phones and feature phones is usually quite clear, but the Samsung Tocco Icon certainly blurs the line somewhat. Samsung has been able to factor in a considerable number of smart phone hallmarks into this cheap device, including a slick and customisable UI, powerful email options and live widgets.

For the price, the Tocco Icon stands head and shoulders over fellow feature phones, but when placed alongside the new breed of sub-£100 Android handsets — such as the Samsung Galaxy Fit and Mini — it makes less sense.

You may wonder why you should settle for a smart phone impostor when you can have the real thing, but it would be unfair to totally dismiss this likeable handset. Like the Tocco Lite before it, the Icon could well provide younger mobile users with the experience they need before they graduate to a fully-fledged smartphone.

- Check out all the Samsung Tocco Icon deals at OMIO today!

LG Optimus Chat review

Conclusion

The LG Optimus Chat stands out from other budget Android phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Fit and Vodafone Smart, thanks to its QWERTY keyboard. If you’ve struggled with touchscreen typing in the past and hanker for the feel of proper, physical buttons, then it’s well worth a look. Just don’t expect cutting-edge hardware and software.

- Check out all the LG Optimus Chat deals at OMIO today!

Samsung Galaxy Fit review

Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Fit manages to outclass the Galaxy Mini with a larger screen, better camera and more attractive appearance. In terms of raw power, though, the two phones are practically identical.

The market in cheap Android phones is becoming increasingly crowded, but the Fit’s solid design and excellent camera make it a viable choice if you’re shopping on a shoestring.

- Check out all the Samsung Galaxy Fit deals at OMIO today!

Nokia E6 review

Conclusion
The Nokia E6 is most definitely an improvement over the E5, offering a touch-screen interface, improved Symbian^3 ‘Anna’ OS and a more robust and aesthetically-pleasing design. It’s just a shame that Nokia didn’t see fit to bolster the anaemic processor and add in an auto-focus camera.

The E6′s natural rivals are the ageing (yet still popular) BlackBerry 8520 and the BlackBerry 8900, but the presence of a QWERTY keyboard puts it in direct competition with similar phones, such as the Android-powered Acer beTouch E210.

Compared to all of those devices, the E6 fares extremely well, and if you can put up with its faults you’ll come away reasonably contented with your purchase.

- Check out all the Nokia E6 deals at OMIO today!

LG Optimus 3D review

Conclusion
The LG Optimus 3D can stand tall as the first phone in Britain to deliver glasses-free 3D. If you’re planning to invest in a 3D camcorder anyway, or you’re a 3D addict with a telly to match, the Optimus 3D does a solid job creating and displaying 3D on the move. But if you’re not that bothered about 3D — or the paltry content that’s currently available — the Optimus 3D isn’t much to get excited about. It’s a powerful, zippy Android smart phone, but it’s on the chunky side and it lacks stylishness inside and out.

We’ll have to wait until the autumn before the Optimus 3D’s main competitor, the HTC Evo 3D, shows up on shelves. In the meantime, we prefer the slicker, lighter, 2D-only Samsung Galaxy SII or HTC Sensation to the Optimus 3D.

- Check out all the LG Optimus 3D deals at OMIO today!

Trusted Reviews
Motorola Atrix review

” src=”http://mobilenews.omio.com/wp-content/ATRIX4G_Front_Home_ATT_thumb.jpg” alt=”Olympus_Front_1, 10/25/10, 10:50 AM, 8C, 4800×2700 (536+2632), 100%, bent 6 adjuste, 1/20 s, R66.9, G51.0, B78.7
” width=”271″ height=”480″ border=”0″ />

Verdict

As a standalone phone, the Motorola Atrix competes well against the dual-core Android competition due to its high res screen, unique fingerprint scanner, great battery life and comfortable form factor, though is let down by a mediocre camera, some unnecessary interface tweaks and limited video support. As such, it rather depends which you prioritise. Add in its dock accessories, though, and it shines out brightly. There is something undeniably cool about having one device perform so many of your daily functions. Unfortunately these docks don’t come for free and the lapdock in particular simply can’t compete for functionality with a laptop, netbook or even tablet. If and when Android updates come that more comprehensively support it then it could be amazing but as it stands, it’s a nice to have, not a must have

- Check out all the Motorola Atrix deals at OMIO today!

Reghardware
HTC ChaCha review

Verdict
The HTC ChaCha is a sturdy little smartphone with a fine QWERTY keyboard and a good-looking, if rather squished screen. The Facebook facility is well integrated and though it doesn’t offer anything really different, it does make posting simpler and quicker. The small display means it’s a bit of a jump from a standard smartphone, but BlackBerry users will certainly want to take a look

- Check out all the HTC ChaCha deals at OMIO today!

Nokia X7 Symbian Anna smartphone

Verdict
There’s no denying it, Nokia is a class act, capable of delivering some of the best-looking handsets around. This metal-cased phone is well-designed and has great build quality. There are lots of features, all handled well and Nokia’s ability to make a smartphone run for a decent length of time should not be underestimated. In many ways, the Nokia X7 is a simply terrific phone, if a bit on the large side.

But it’s powered by Symbian and although this is the best version of the operating system yet, and the version which should have been on the N8, it feels creaky. In the autumn, when Nokia releases its first Windows Phone handset, expect the world to change.

- Check out all the Nokia X7 deals at OMIO today!

———————

Mobile Phones :Omio’s Mobile Phone Reviews Round Up!

admin — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:51:32 +0000

In a new feature on Omio, we are rounding up all the mobile phone reviews over the past week from the major UK tech titles, in order to bring you an all- inclusive and encompassing view of the opinions of the various handsets reviewed. TechRadar HTC Sensation review Verdict:

=============
Article Content:
In a new feature on Omio, we are rounding up all the mobile phone reviews over the past week from the major UK tech titles, in order to bring you an all- inclusive and encompassing view of the opinions of the various handsets reviewed.

TechRadar
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.

– View HTC Sensation deals on OMIO. –

LG Optimus Black review

Verdict:

If you’re both a fan of the black bar aesthetic that seems to be the current go-to design of smartphones, and a fan of lightweight machinery that does exactly what it ought to, then the LG Optimus Black will suit you great.

While its only truly outstanding feature is the NOVA display screen, it performs well enough in other areas to stand as a competitor to the Apple iPhone 4 for those who prefer Android phones.

– Sign up for LG Optimus Black release information on OMIO. –

—

Cnet
HTC Sensation review
Verdict:

The HTC Sensation looks unassuming, but its hefty aluminium case, hugely powerful processor and fabulously whizzy, customisable software make it feel like a giant among smart phones.

– View HTC Sensation deals on OMIO. –

—

Trusted Reviews
Samsung Galaxy Mini review

Verdict:

It has all the core specs of a top-notch Android phone, with Wi-Fi, GPS and high-speed HSPA on-board, but the 240×320 pixel screen ensures the Galaxy Mini isn’t as desirable as some alternatives. Last year, we’d have given this phone a warm welcome but competition in this budget Android sector is simply too savage.

– View Samsung Galaxy Mini deals on OMIO. –

HTC HD7 review

Verdict:

The HD7 is one of the better looking large screen smartphones and feels speedy to use. We also like the modern looking and straight forward Windows Phone OS. However, the phone feels a bit like a missed opportunity, because what could have been a great entertainment device, is hampered by its disappointing screen and below par battery life.

– View HTC HD7 deals on OMIO. –

Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 review

Verdict:

The Samsung Galaxy Ace isn’t as spectacular as its name suggests but it is a competent budget smartphone. As ever, the Orange San Francisco makes for a compelling alternative thanks to its larger, higher resolution screen, but the Ace has a nicer design, faster processor and better camera.

– View Samsung Galaxy Ace deals on OMIO. –

—

Reg Hardware
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.

– View HTC Sensation deals on OMIO. –

Samsung Solid Immerse rugged phone

Verdict:

If you’re out in the wilds, or even working on a building site, it’s good to know your phone can take a few knocks or a drop in water. Just don’t push it too hard as the Samsung Solid Immerse appears tougher than tests suggest it actually is, but you can’t knock the battery life.

HTC Wildfire S Android smartphone

Verdict:
It’s not top of the range but then it’s not meant to be, and the HTC Wildfire S makes some very reasonable compromises between flash and cash. It’s not that cheap though, and there are a few rival Android handsets offering a similar performance and features that cost less. But it’s still a solidly capable little device, with plenty to entice the Android newbie or smart phone fan on a budget, and who’s not in too much of a hurry.

– View HTC Wildfire S deals on OMIO. –

———————

Mobile Phone News :HTC HD Mini Review

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:43:20 +0000

The HTC HD 2 was one of the surprise hits of last year, a huge device sporting a massive 4.3 inch display, with a host of features that made it one of the best Windows Mobile smartphones of 2009. But the HD 2 was not to everyone’s taste and there are many users who would [...]

=============
Article Content:

The HTC HD 2 was one of the surprise hits of last year, a huge device sporting a massive 4.3 inch display, with a host of features that made it one of the best Windows Mobile smartphones of 2009. But the HD 2 was not to everyone’s taste and there are many users who would appreciate a device with the functionality of such a handset, but not at that size. The buying power of such consumers is recognised by other manufacturers who have or are looking to have, Mini versions of their top selling devices. So HTC have come to market with the HTC HD Mini, a scaled down pocket friendly version of the HD 2.

Now, it seems obvious to point out that if you want a small device you are going to have to be content with a smaller display, and although the HD Mini offers just a 3.2 inch display, it still packs in a pixel resolution of 320 x 480, which should provide sharp image presentation, and be acceptable for video playback too. Supporting up to 65,000 colours, the HD mini display is a TFT capacitive touchscreen, with auto rotate and a proximity sensor for auto turn off. The screen supports multi touch input, and the device runs on the glorious Sense UI, which is probably the best interface laid over a Windows Mobile device, ever. The Sense UI allows quick and easy access to a host of services and applications, looks good and is so simple to use, it really is the making of the phone.

This device may be Mini in name, but it is certainly not Mini in terms of functionality. HTC have fair crammed pretty much every top end feature a modern smartphone needs into this small package, and there should be enough to satisfy the inner geek in all of us. The Mini offers a 5.0 Megapixel camera, with autofocus and video record facility, and there is also a stereo FM radio with RDS support and a full media player for audio and video use. Multiple formats are supported, including MP3, AAC and WMA for audio plus MP4, WMV and DivX for video. There is ample memory available on the HD Mini, with 384 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM plus support for memory expansion via MicroSD memory cards up to 16 GB.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As you would expect, social networking gets star billing, with the handset offering bespoke applications for Facebook and Twitter, so you can keep updated with the latest from your contacts when out and about. The contact information integrates with the contact facility on the handset, so you can also follow updates via the built in phonebook on the phone. There is also a native application included for Flickr, which allows you to instantly upload images straight to the Flickr service from the phone, without having to transfer them to a PC first.

The HTC HD Mini is powered by a Qualcomm 7227 600 MHz processor, and runs Windows Mobile build 6.5.3 Professional. There is support for multiple email accounts on the phone, and push email is also available. Connection to the web is via 3G Mobile Broadband, with HSDPA at up to 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA at up to 2.0 Mbps. The HD Mini supports quad band GSM frequencies for greater roaming options, as well as dual band HSDPA on 900 and 2100 frequencies. WiFi 802.11 b/g is included, and there is also Class 10 GPRS and EDGE; in total, everything you would expect from a modern smartphone. For local connectivity the handset supports Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and has a MicroUSB connector. GPS is available, along with aGPS support, and there is also a digital compass on the device, which can help you orientate yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.

Considering the HTC HD Mini is just over 11mm thick, and weighs in at just 110g, there has been a lot of technology packed in to this tiny device. Windows Mobile devices have never really had much of an appeal to a wider audience the way some other smartphone devices have, but the HD Mini may change all that. From the excellent Sense UI, the amazing specifications and compact dimensions, the HTC HD Mini could become one of the most popular Windows Mobile handsets of all time.

The HTC HD Mini should be available to buy from late April 2010.

———————

Mobile Phones News :Early Windows Mobile 7 build tested, incompatible with previous WinMo apps?

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:21:13 +0000

One of the first bits of Windows Mobile 7 news to hit here, this time from an Engadget source. It turns out the Russian, Eldar Murtazin of Mobile-Review, has got his hands on one of …

=============
Article Content:
One of the first bits of Windows Mobile 7 news to hit here, this time from an Engadget source. It turns out the Russian, Eldar Murtazin of Mobile-Review, has got his hands on one of the first examples of Windows Mobile 7.

Here’s what he’s saying:

The OS has been built on scratch, and none of the old WinMo 6.x apps worked. There’s “a lot of horizontal movements, a lot of additional info by clicks… for WM users it will be a great step ahead. For market it’s a copycat of Android 2.1/2.2 or iPhone.

Still too early to tell whats going on really, I can’t imagine Microsoft will be totally excluding previous app capability to it would be a sensible assumption that they will be offering a two-tier platform, perhaps pushing a new more elegant programming language for Windows 7 onwards.

source: Engadget via WMPoweruser via Twitter

———————