Mobile Reviews UK

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

2008-10-24T09:42:00.001-07:00

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 *****
"Solid and overall stunning"

Sony Ericsson are taking their first steps into the Windows Mobile domain. It's the Xperia X1. It doesn't look clumsy and it certainly isn't bulky, in fact it's compact and robust. A good start.

The sliding QWERTY keyboard works well, yes you can actually use this one. The 3 inch screen is pretty decent, with the UI working like a treat. But you may need the stylus outside the Sony's menus, for navigating through the Windows side of it.

Expect some brilliant web browsing with Opera Mobile 9.5 installed. At HSDPA and Wi-Fi level. There's a 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus, perhaps a little on the light side compared to other smart phones, but it, as we say alot, will do. Also with Sony Ericsson reluctant to supply one with their other phones, there's a 3.5mm jack included for some decent headphones, finally!

The Specs
Windows Mobile 6.1
Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth
MP3, AAC
FM Radio
3.2 Megapixel
microSD
Quad Band

Overall, finally a phone your proud to own, perhaps the best Windows Mobile phone on the market. It's worth a look. Thanks Sony Ericsson, you've done us proud.

News: Motorola Aura

2008-10-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Motorola Aura: Coming December

Well this looks like it's going to be expensive, and I can say $2,000 expensive to be precise! Motorola have been working hard behind the scenes creating this style icon.

The phone has a 62 carat sapphire crystal lens, which is one of the most scratch resistant materials on earth. The Aura has 16 million colours running through it's round screen, the first ever seen on a mobile phone. It also has an assisted opening feature, 700 plus individual components and it's all housed in stainless steel casing.

Some features include a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth and a microSD slot. The Aura may be something different, but I can't see us all flocking to the shops somehow, Can you?

Official Website

LG KC910 Renoir

2008-10-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

LG KC910 Renoir *****
"This looks like an absolute star to use, but is the touchscreen up to scratch?"

Is it all about the camera? Well the Renoir has an 8 megapixel beast! It's a real cam phone contender. It performs well, and if you want to focus on a particular part of the subject, you do this by touching the area of the screen you want to focus. nice touch.

But it can't be all about the camera, even if it is the main feature. This phones completely touchscreen. It can be inconsistent at times, but it's all fingers, there's no stylus. The phone doesn't need one, but tricky menus may catch you out.

Dolby and DivX come included, so your music and video will be crystal clear. You get GPS working alongside Google maps. Plus Wi'Fi and HSDPA. Others include: Bluetooth, Radio, 3G, 3 inch screen, MP3/AAC/WMA. And MicroSD compatible.

The designs an absolute winner, packed with plenty of features. But the touchscreen just can't cut it. When will there be a perfect touchscreen!

Check out the Renoir over at CNET.co.uk

LG KC550

2008-10-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

LG KC550 *****

I can't really say i'm too impressed with this phone. It's just ugly, who designed this phone? Inside it's all pretty standard too. Of course there's the MP3, Bluetooth, Radio, 5 megapixel camera etc. But it has nothing to shout about.

Auto image rotation is included for viewing pics and videos, but that's about it i'm afraid. This slider hasn't much to offer, steer well clear, there are much better phones out there.

News: Blackberry Storm

2008-10-09T05:33:00.001-07:00

New Blackberry Storm unveiled.

The new Storm promises to be one of the newest competitors to the mighty iPhone. Blackberry say they have improved on the iPhones awkward screen, by giving a more responsive touch. The handset will be available outside the US on Vodafone network before Christmas.

Features:
Wireless email
Organizer
Browser
Phone
Camera (3.2 MP)
Video Recording
BlackBerry® Maps
Media Player
Built-in GPS
Corporate data access
SMS
MMS
3.2 megapixel camera
3.5mm stereo headset capable
Video format support: MPEG4 H.263, MPEG4 Part 2 Simple Profile, H.264, WMV
Audio format support: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, WMA ProPlus.
Polyphonic/MIDI ringtones
MP3 ringtones
Vibrate mode
LED indicator
Expandable memory – support for microSD™ card
1GB onboard memory
128 MB Flash (flash memory)

Press Release: Samsung Pixon

2008-10-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

SAMSUNG PIXON: THE WORLD’S SLIMMEST 8-MEGAPIXEL FULL TOUCH PHONE
New handset allows users to capture and share unexpected moments in quality and with ease

UK – September 29th 2008: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the UK’s second largest mobile phone manufacturer, today unveils the Samsung Pixon (M8800) – the world’s slimmest full-touch 8-megapixel camera phone.

With a 13.8mm design and a 3.2 inch full touch screen user interface, coupled with outstanding portability and beautiful design, the Samsung Pixon looks set to lead the way in camera and phone convergence. The Samsung Pixon is the second highly-anticipated 8-megapixel camera phone launch from Samsung, following the unveiling of the Samsung i8510 in August 2008.

Not only does the phone look like a camera, thanks to the 3.2 inch screen, but it also boasts a remarkable array of features more regularly seen in standalone cameras. x16 digital zoom, auto-focus, fast-shutter, face detection and geo-tagging are all part of the package, enabling users to capture and share unexpected moments with ease and without compromising on the style and size of the handset.

To ensure this functionality is achieved, the Samsung Pixon also comes with an integrated Photo Browser which allows easy photo sharing and viewing, to compliment the high quality picture capability of the 8-megapixel camera.

Mark Mitchinson, Vice President of Samsung Mobile UK and Ireland said: “Samsung is a company which constantly innovates, to improve our consumers’ experiences and to make things easier and more fun.

Now everyone will be able to ‘get their pics on’ so much more quickly and easily. For the first time you will have a camera on your phone capable of delivering the quality of image of a regular camera.

The big benefit is not just the ease with which people will now be able to capture and share camera-phone shots, but the quality of those shots when taken.”Missing those perfect moments will become a thing of the past thanks to the new Samsung Pixon which is available in the UK and Ireland from 1st November 2008.

Follow the adventure!

Samsung Tocco (F480)

2008-10-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Samsung Tocco *****
"Nicely designed, with some really cool features"

The Tocco turns out to be quite a nice piece of kit. I just love it's size and design, but underneath that sexy exterior, can the Tocco have us kneeling at it's almighty presence?

It's got an appropriate name, Tocco, meaning "touch" in Italian. Inside it's slim and sleek design, the interface is quite easy to use, with drag-n-drop widgets on the home screen, a really cool feature. Saves you time sifting through menu's.

Equipped with a 5 megapixel camera, you can be ensured of getting some high quality snaps. But we found the camera can struggle in low light situations, and using the flash whilst in a case can be disastrous. Camera options include image stabilisation, face detection and smile shot, meaning when the camera detects a person smiling it will take a shot.

3G, Bluetooth, MP3/AAC, microSD card slot, FM radio, MP3 player software included. Perhaps a let down is that there is no Wi-Fi, surely a mistake. Apart from that it's a neat piece of kit, The touch screen can be tricky at times, but hey this ain't no iPhone anyway, it's the Samsung Tocco. Well done.....

See some user reviews over at Stuff.tv

HTC Touch Pro

2008-10-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

HTC Touch Pro *****
(Is this the Diamond killer?)

Essentially all this phone is doing is ironing out what problems the Diamond had and improving them. On the face it looks similar, but you would have no trouble telling them apart, especially when that QWERTY keyboard slides itself out, causing shock and confusion, well only for a second anyway.

The Touch Pro comes in more bulkier than than the Diamond. Well there's the QWERTY keyboard of course, makes it thicker and contributes to the overall weight too. The keyboard operates ok, but fat fingers may struggle, my advice as with any phone, is to try before you buy.

It's TouchFLO UI isn't really up to scratch either, something which Apple can only seem to master at the moment. But times will change, hopefully. Windows Mobile powered, includes an Opera browser, HSDPA, Wi-Fi. Your not now restricted to 4GB memory, a microSD card slot is now included. And the 3.2 megapixel snapper with LED is an improvement on the HTC Touch Diamond's.

Overall a great smartphone contender, much improved from the last HTC, but issues are still there, and the UI could be better.

HTC Touch Diamond

2008-10-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

HTC Touch Diamond *****

I think other smartphones these days always get referred as iPhone contenders, perhaps that's all they will ever be, but at least their having a bloody try!

HTC are certainly having a try, not everybody "loves" the iPhone, even that has it's flaws. The design of the diamond is quite sleek and stylish, modern in a way, perhaps risky. That's why you've got to love it.

The Spec
Wi-Fi - 3G, MP3/WMA/FM Radio
4GB internal memory, Bluetooth
3.2 megapixel camera. GPS.
Windows Mobile 6.1 OS

A disappointment comes where extra memory is needed, there isn't any. You only get 4GB, that's your lot. Ok it may not quite match up to the iPhone, the black interface may be annoying, and Windows Mobile may need restarting every hour, but the HTC Touch Diamond deserves just a little respect. (see how the HTC Touch Pro serves up)

Interested? get an in-depth-review over at Trusted Reviews.

Motorola ROKR E8

2008-10-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Get rockin' with the Motorola ROKR E8. *****

There's a nice feel to this candybar style phone. It's design, I quite like it. On the front you have the keys, there not touch sensitive, but give out a vibe when slightly pressed. Also depending on what setting your on, the keypad changes. For example, in music mode the keypad numbers disappear and get replaced by play, pause etc.

An unusual scroll wheel gets prime position, but can be tricky to master, as with anything it just takes a little practice. The phone comes with 2 GB storage, thankfully there's also a microSD slot for more. The 3.5 mm jack is handy for your own bass boosting headphones. Incorporates an FM Radio and supported music formats are MP3 and AAC. Bluetooth connectivity.

As the ROKR E8 is built for music, the cameras a very basic 2 megapixel job. Perfect for the odd photo message snap, not perfect for any budding photographer. The glossy black finish rounds it off, neat phone, for a neat music lover.

Watch a video review on You Tube

Sony Ericsson W980

2008-10-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson W980 *****

Anyone remember the the old Walkman's? Who ever thought that one day they would be incorporated into a mobile phone. Although Sony have done a nice job in doing it, at least for the sound anyway. The design of these style phones is a slight let down, but it does look robust and solid. Let's see what's inside.

Using the clamshell design the W980 packs 8GB of storage for all your music needs. Perhaps not as much as other leading phones, but for a clamshell it's leading the way. It's easy to use and navigate too, with that display on the front, control your music without even opening the phone itself.

As it's a Walkman phone there's a pretty sound equaliser in it. I can't really say the 3.2 megapixel camera lets it down, because the average camera just tops of a really average phone.
If you like good quality sounding music, and that's a must for your mobile needs, then this is a great contender to consider. Lets just see what Sony Ericsson packs into the W980's predecessors.

Read some convincing reviews at Stuff.tv

Nokia 7310 Supernova

2008-10-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

Something for the girls?........ *****

Ah yes, it's got lipy and handbags written all over it. This is the Nokia 7310 Supernova, available now, it's the fashion icon everyones (not) been waiting for.

With mirrored screens, interchangeable cases to match your mood, this is definitely one for the female market. But only expect basic functions. They include, MP3, WMA, AAC, FM radio, Tri-band, 2 megapixel camera, 32MB internal and up to 4GB external storage (microSD)

A major let down for this phone is the camera flash, there isn't one. So it looks like Supernova won't be making all those guest appearances in nightclubs after all, can't have dark pictures now. Shiny and cute just isn't enough now days.

Nokia N96

2008-10-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Nokia N96 *****

Introducing the successor to the mighty N95. The N96 proves to be even more mighty, packing 16GB of internal memory. But if that's not enough for you, there's a microSDHC slot to overspill all your entertainment needs onto. Well, this is supposed to be phone dedicated to entertainment.

You have all the usual support modes on it, MP3, WMA, AAC etc. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi make an appearance, also you get a built-in DVB-H reciver for digital viewing, nice. A 5 megapixel camera seems the norm these days, although there are phones out there with 8 MP. Two LED's make up the flash, handy for those dim situations.....

Not forgetting Sat-Nav, it's 2.8" screen and that lovely glossy black finish, there's only one thing letting it down, it's a Nokia.

Read some user reviews for this phone from Stuff.tv

Samsung Armani Night Effect

2008-10-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Samsung Armani Night Effect *****

The announcement of this phone just makes me say, why? just why?. I'm not sure what Samsung were thinking when releasing this phone. After the first model, which was awfull, they think this will do well?

From over the top branding to the 120MB of user memory, and a phone with no flash. A key selling point seems to be the shiny LED bar around the outside, to create the surposed "night effect".

Due to ship in November, can't say I'm jumping for joy.

But if you like the look of this stunner, check it out at Unwired View.

Contact Us

2008-10-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Mobile Reviews UK, which mobile phone suits you?

Link exchanges are most welcome.

Samsung Omnia (SGH-i900)

2008-10-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

Samsung Omnia - A truly all-in-one phone. *****
£Free W/Contract

Network/OS/Display
HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, EDGE/GPRS. Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. 3.2" WQVGA TFT LCD (240 x 400)
Camera
5 Megapixel, Auto Focus, Image Stablizer, Geo-tagging, Auto-Panorama Shot, Smile Shot, WDR, Face Detection.
Video
DivX/Xvid/WMV/MP4. Video recording. Video editing: Trim Video, Audio dubbing, Live dubbing, Add Subtitle, Image capture.
Audio
FM Radio with RDS. MP3/AAC/AAC+/WMA/OGG/AMR. Bluetooth Stereo Headset.
Value added Features
3.5 Ear Jack. GPS with Navigation. TouchWiz UI. MS Office Document Viewer, Advanced PIM Apps, Push E-mail, Auto Rotation, TV Out.
Connectivity/Memory/Size/Battery
Bluetooth 2.0/USB 2.0/Wi-Fi. 8GB/16GB Flash + External Memory Slot : microSDHC (up to 16GB). 112 x 56.9 x 12.5 mm. 1440mAh battery.

Review
Well what a brilliant, feature packed phone this is. I love the design, I love the features, I love the way it all fits together. The side bar widgets drag and drop system is excellent, enabling you to select what widgets you need on the home screen. It incorporates the Samsung menu and Windows menu, which work well together.

The touch screen is quite sensitive and works well. I especially like the optical mouse cursor, that gives you an extra way of controlling the phone. Or alternatively there's the stylus for those hard to reach areas. So plenty of ways to navigate through your Samsung Omnia.

Clicking "Main Menu" from the home screen brings up all the features and apps, access to media etc. I quite like that there's an Opera browser installed for internet viewing, alongside Internet Explorer. A nice 5 mega pixel camera on the reverse takes stunning pics, for every situation. And there's many features to try out with the camera. Spend a good few days searching through the phone, alot to see. And still so much to find.

Overall, truly stunning. Forget the iPhone, the Omnia is my choice. Feature packed, future proof, elegant design. What more do you need.

iPhone 3G

2008-10-03T06:45:00.001-07:00

iPhone 3G *****
Introducing iPhone 3G. With fast 3G wireless technology, Maps with GPS, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more amazing features in your hands. And just like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and full web browsing. iPhone 3G. It redefines what a mobile phone can do. Again.

The Verdict
So... it's cheaper, we get more apps, faster browsing, Sat-nav and OS tweaks. But same old 2mp bog standard camera. whats that all about? But hang on, this is the iPhone, we don't need a good quality snapper. Who really uses their 5mp+ cameras on other phones professionally anyway? The iPhone still has alot more to offer. How many mobile phones have Wi-Fi? Not many. The iPhone ruled from the start, but rules even more from it's re-launch.

If your thinking of bagging one, see which price plan suits you below: