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Tag: zte

  • Telstra Smart Touch T3020 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2011 Telstra T3020 review page otherwise known as the Telstra Smart Touch T3020. This model was released in late March 2011 and is the cheapest touch screen and Android 2.1 based mobile phone you could buy at the time. The main issue is that it only comes as part of a pre-paid package locked to the Telstra 3G mobile network - which is not a bad thing thanks to great coverage. The T3020 was priced at $99 at release for the package which is great. How great? - read on. The Smart Touch T3020 in the hand is like all Telstra/ZTE branded phones - a bit on the cheap side.  The phone has plastic front and back with a metal like frame but it was well made though. This is not a criticism because it is a cheap phone. The main thing that you are probably concerned about is the responsiveness of the screen since it is a resistive model. To answer that question we can honestly say that T3020 touch screen is pretty good. Our finger gestures and responsiveness where registered quick enough to be satisfied. However it is lacking that instant activation of the capacitive screen. However the Smart Touch is probably best in class with a $99 price tag. The screen quality is quite good although low resolution, as good as the more expensive $179 Galaxy 5 and the $299 HTC Wildfire. The 600Mhz CPU is fast enough but not noticeably faster than the other two. Again we have to stress that at the $99 price level there is not much competition and it works great on that basis. (Although the forth coming Wildfire S looks very promising.) The internet browser worked well likewise the apps that you could run was good too. The camera was OK for a cheap phone likewise video.  There is nothing exceptional good about the phone or bad that we could obviously pin point. However the most noticeable issue we found with the T3020 is the on-screen keypad.  It replicates a standard mobile phone which means 4 touches for the letter c for example. We couldn't find if there was a setting to change it either.  The other issue is that you require a Google ID in order to activate the most basic features like the calendar. Sure its also got Wi-Fi built in but the phone is about wireless mobility and when you don't have a computer. As a result if you want the whole phone to work as intended then you need an extra data plan.  Hence if you don't want a Google ID, Gmail address, etc... and the essential data pack or plan then this phone is not for you -stick to the regular mobile phone. Apart from these issues, there are less dramatic stuff common to the Android OS on low powered CPUs but they are annoying rather than deal breakers. Since it is inevitable that it will be on our best value page there are various short falls in the hardware side of things you should be aware of.  The main shortfall is that a GPS module isn't included - although we did not expect it to be included at this price, We were wrong about GPS! the T3020 does have A-GPS built in but without dedicated navigation software.  In regards to the screen - we tested various resistive screens like the one on the Nokia C3 and the other cheaper HTCs, Samsung Galaxy 5 and there was no difference in terms of responsiveness. The T3020 leaves a great first impression and if it doesn't 'slow' down like the Galaxy 5 we and hence you should be happy too. It is difficult to complain about the T3020 too much since it is very cheap and easily the best of the Telstra pre-paid range at the moment. If you are happy with getting the required data plan and yet another email address then the T3020 is for you. Forget any other pre-paid phones offered by Telstra at the present (Early 2011). However if you just want a mobile phone for talk and texting then try something else. Note that if you prefer any other mobile network eg. Optus, Vodaphone you should consider the Huawei X1. The X1 also priced at $99 as a pre-paid package is a better phone that the T3020. Specifications
    • Telstra Smart Touch - T3020
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 850/2100 HSDPA 7.2 Mbits data speed (download) Not mentioned data speed (upload)
    • Design Resistive Touch screen
    • L102.8 x W54.8 x D14.8 mm Weight 103 grams
    • Display/s External 2.8 Inch TFT 240 x 320 pixels
    • Camera 3.2MP
    • Video Camera Yes - no specifications
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V2.1
    • CPU 600Mhz
    • Memory Up to 150MB available to user 2GB MicroSD card included MicroSD up to 32Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, vibration and others
    • Features Haptic feedback Accelerometer FM Radio Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 1100mAh battery Up to 200 hours Standby Up to 150 minutes Talk Time
    • Price history Under $100 AUD 2011 (Pre-paid)

  • Telstra T-Touch Tab Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra T-Touch Tab review.  The Telstra T-Touch Tab is a tablet and mobile phone and is the cheapest Android OS based combination you can buy in Australia for November 2010.  The Telstra Tablet which sells for $299 as a pre-paid package is quite an amazing mobile phone in  Tablet format.  Yes this is literally a very BIG mobile phone and there is nothing else to compare it with at the moment because of the price. (Note that the T-Touch Tab is not made by ZTE.) Build quality of the T-Touch is very good.  It is solid and relatively heavy in comparison to anything bar an iPad. It may not look as good as an iPad but at least its construction quality appears to be just as well put together. Of course the design is old school and design for use without buying additional protective case.  The low tech screen also make it less prone to smudges and finger prints to other tablets. The web browser, widgets active backgrounds and everything else except for Flash of course works perfectly and speed only limited by the quality of your wireless connection.  There are some games to keep you happy at first and then you can explore the Android market.  There's also A-GPS if you need it. If there was anything wrong was that it required a GoogleID before even the calender (and other basic stuff) would work.  We weren't pleased with that. The Telstra T-Touch Tab's main problem is the old technology touch screen.  While the screen image quality was good but it was the touch screen that was slow to relay the input occasionally or it doesn't recognize that something has been pressed. Thankfully they have included a stylus and a kinetic scrolling button on the surface which when used as the primary navigation is just as fast as any mobile phone running Android and the Apple iPad. We where impressed at the 'hidden' touch sensitive button and when found realized that that the T-Touch is fast! The other problem is the short battery life.  It comes with a small replaceable battery which you will find too small to get you through the work day if you use the T-Touch for longer than an hour or so but then neither will the iPhone and most smartphones. Think of it as a around the home phone and or work lunch usage and there will be plenty of battery life.  Turn down the screen brightness etc.. to get longer life. The speaker is nice and loud but like and the forward facing camera means that you can also do video calls as per a mobile rather than other methods, like Skype.  Used as a mobile phone it is best as a speaker phone or bluetooth rather than the wired headset.  Regardless any method works really well.  Seriously there are not many phones with this level of functionality for the price. Overall any legitimate review of the Telstra Tablet must take into account its price.  In terms of functionality it easily beats the Apple iPad which it will inevitably be compared to. Due to the tablet format the Telstra T-Touch is huge by mobile phone standards but because it is a mobile phone as well with full Android functionality you just need a nice bag to put it in for your daily travels. However it is obviously designed for bed or lounge usage rather than out and about. It also comes with a 2GD microSD card! Our T-Touch sits on the bedside table as the alarm clock and morning paper and live TV streaming machine and of course the spare phone. Hence despite the flaws we love the T-Touch format and it can only get better over the next few years. Sure it does not have the easy of use of smaller phones caused soley by the finicky touch screen but other wise for price it is an amazing bargain. Just ask yourself what other mobile phone can you get for $299 that has a 7 inch screen and everything communication option you can think of? None except for this particular niche. We will certainly be getting further upgrades. Note we saw all the negative reviews and realized how so many so called product reviewers just don't get it! We do thankfully! Specifications
    • Telstra T-Touch Tab
    • Network Tri-band 3G/NextG 850/1900/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 3.6 Mbits data speed (download)
    • Design Touchscreen
    • L103 x W49.9 x D15.3 mm Weight 500 grams
    • Display/s 7 inch External TFT 800 x 480
    • Camera 2MP
    • Video Camera Front camera - limited
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2
    • CPU 768 Mhz
    • Memory Up to 512MB MicroSD up to 16Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Accelerometer Android Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 950mAh battery Up to 140 Hours Standby Up to 150Mins Talk Time
    • Price history Under $299 AUS November 2010 (Pre-paid)

  • Telstra Explorer (T165+) Review
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra Explorer T165+ mobile phone review.  The Telstra Explorer was released in mid-2010 specifically for the Telstra 3G network.  It is a rare style of phone and one we where strangely attracted to based on the design.  This is a modern mobile phone yet has a retractable antenna that doubles as a FM radio antenna as well. The Explorer T165+ is a mix of modern electronics in a physical case which is clearly retro and for those to dedicated to live outdoors. As a bonus you can use it as a FM radio without needing to attach a wired headset.  It is not a Telstra T90 competitor since that phone has a 'toughness' rating. However like most of the Telstra branded phones the quality of materials in particular plastics used on the phone feels cheap.  Even the rubber surround could be made of better stuff likewise the keypad.  However the screen looks good.  Overall it feels like half hearted effort to replace the last T165i model. The network reception should be very good due to the design and it also has a external antenna plug which is very rare these days. We also do not know if the extendable antenna actually improves reception or whether it is a gimmick.  It also has a A-GPS receiver but no dedicated software which means you can only use Google Maps hence need a data plan to go with the phone.  Technically the Explorer has multiple 3G and GSM frequencies so it will work in most countries when traveling overseas. The Explorer T165+ can do all the basics you need voice, video calls, text, picture messaging and emails. With the built in browser you can get mobile versions of Facebook, Myspace and so forth. However due to the small screen (although good image quality) and lack of a proper qwerty keypad you can't do very much. You can also purchase apps from the pricey Telstra online store. The Explorer 165+ is not currently available as a pre-paid package thus not cost effective.  Why? There are lots of better phones you can get for the same plan level.  Put it on pre-paid guys Conclusion All up the Telstra/ZTE Explorer T165+ is yet another typical phone for the brand.  Its selling point is network reception.  Apart from that there is nothing to commend it.  The older T165i is a better quality phone only lacking a few up to date features. Specifications
    • Telstra Explorer T165+
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz Tri-band UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz 3G HSDPA 3.6
    • Design Touch screen 115.4mm x 51.5mm x 15.5mm Weight 110 grams
    • Display/s 2.4inch 240 x 320 pixel TFT
    • Camera 3MP main camera 2nd video call camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V2
    • CPU
    • Memory 130MB available to user Up to 4Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features A-GPS CTM (Hearing impaired) External antenna plug SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Voice memos Calender and organizer 400Hrs Standby 240Mins Talk Time 1300mAh Li-ion battery
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable
    • Price history Available on a monthly plan only. Less than $xxx AUS 2010 (Outright)

  • Telstra BubbleTouch (T930) Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra BubbleTouch T930 review. The Bubble Touch was released in mid-2010 to cater for those who want a very cheap 'touch screen' phone.  When we first saw it on the shelf we didn't realize it was a Telstra branded ZTE model, we thought it was made by some other manufacturer!  The construction quality of the Bubble Touch is excellent. Very tidy seams, nice metal frame and buttons. It is certainly one of the better quality phones we've seen to date (2010) from Telstra/ZTE and at a bargain price.  The only thing that spoils it is the cheapish screen surround and the stylus.  Mind you for less than $100 you can't really complain. The BubbleTouch is clearly a fashion phone, its slim shape and small overall size and design will attract many to this phone.  Held in the hand it feels like a smooth and light rock or like a smaller iPhone.  We think its a great design. Along with the design is a very good display that has the standard 240 x 320 pixel resolution but slightly larger in size than the normal.  It is not pin point sharp buy good enough considering the price. Other features like Bluetooth and micro SDcard slot and a 3MP pixel camera with a flash makes the Bubbletouch well equipped for the price range. However not all is as it seems.  This may be a touch screen but it requires you to use a stylus to use it properly.  The stylus slot is cleverly hidden in the back.  It does work with your finger but the stylus is more precise.  The menu system unfortunately has not been sufficiently redesigned to accommodate for the new interface - it is like the standard Telstra/ZTE menu system with widget abilities tacked on for the main standby screen.  It is simple enough to use though. The biggest problem though is the on screen keypad.  The keypad is a regular numeric one so typing in the letter 'c' means tapping the '2' key 4 times.  Very frustrating - since there doesn't seem to be any easier option!  That said they have tried to make thing easier by offering a dictionary function. Regardless it is a huge problem when it comes to texting or anything involved with the input of letters.  The other annoying thing is the sluggishness of the interface.  While slow it isn't laggy if you get our meaning.  There is a simplistic gesture control system that also requires stylus to work properly. Functionality included does not expand beyond the basics, but like all NextG phones the BubbleTouch has access Telstra's app portal so you can get additional apps but at a hefty price.  They cost about $7 each! so it is very pricey.  The BubbleTouch also has tri-band 3G frequencies along with quad-band GSM which means it will work overseas - unlike past cheap mobiles. Overall the BubbleTouch has all the basics you need for voice, video calls, SMS, picture messaging and emails. With the built in browser you can access mobile versions of Facebook, Myspace and even Twitter.  This is perfect for the fashion conscious or those wanting something different but only need to do the basic - namely voice. Older folk will not like it but the the BubbleTouch should give something for the younger customer another model to consider. Conclusion All up the Telstra BubbleTouch is a different phone from the rest, it looks good and works well to a certain extent.  We think the BubbleTouch is one of the best pre-paid packaged deals currently available.  It is a combination of design and price but with a huge flaw. If you can live with that then go for it. Specifications
    • Telstra BubbleTouch T930
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz Tri-band UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz 3G HSDPA 3.6
    • Design Touch screen 92mm x 53mm x 13.5mm Weight 100 grams
    • Display/s 2.4 inch 240 x 320 pixel TFT
    • Camera 3MP main camera 2nd video call camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V2
    • CPU
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 8Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features FM Radio Media Player SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Voice memos Calender and organizer 200 Hrs Standby 150 Mins Talk Time 1000mAh Li-ion battery
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Stylus Travel charger USB cable
    • Price history Less than $99 AUS Mid-2010 (Pre-paid pack)

  • Telstra T202 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra T202 mobile phone review.  The T202 can be seen in two ways, a very cheap or budget mobile phone or niche mobile.  We consider it primarily a niche model for the elderly or those with physical issues.  However due to its limited functionality and price a great solution for your child's first mobile phone. Priced under the $60 pre-paid range it is like an expensive toy too! The T202 has the biggest keys for a modern mobile phone we seen and the key selling point.  Certainly helps those who find the keys of the latest mobile phones annoyingly small.  Even the buttons on touch screen phones are not big enough.  Although the buttons are big the screen is not so large however the numbers displayed are readable for those with poor eyesight. Once again the pictures distributed do not really look like the actual phone.  In your hands the phone is like an old style TV remote control, it works well nonetheless.  We like the design - its cute! The menu navigation is simple but with few graphics and just word to describe what option you are trying to access. In terms of functionality the T202 is rather basic GSM only phone but it does meet the the needs of the target users, elderly folk. Admittedly the T202 would also suit the younger crowd as something different or would cut down on phone bills since it can't access the internet.  It can only do voice and text messages.  This is cool for the school aged kids who demand to be different and do not care about the latest fashionable phone. Telstra have determined that the users of this phone need a medical reminders and programmable SMS and phone numbers, a selectable one touch 'short cut' key, a torch and a FM radio.  Excellent battery life is a given.  We like the voice announcements when you press the numbers.  It all seems fair enough considering it can be found for under $50.  One last thing, no-one would want to steal this phone that's for sure! Conclusion So if you want a very basic phone or just could not be bothered with the latest functionality in modern phones the T202 is a perfect choice.  Talk and Text are the T202 best functions. Sure there are other basic phones to choose from but they are not designed with big buttons and an easy to ready display.  Perfect for those who can't get the hang of the latest phones or child whose parents don't want them to waste their cash on data downloads and other unnecessary but entertaining apps. Specifications
    • Telstra T202
    • Network Dual GSM 900/1800 MHz
    • Design Candy bar 108mm x 49.5mm x 15.1mm Weight 82 grams
    • Display/s External QCIF
    • Camera N/A
    • Connectivity USB
    • CPU
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 4Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones Standard
    • Features SMS MyWords predictive text Speaker Phone/Hands free Calender/Phone Book 300Hrs Standby, 300Mins Talk Time 1000mAh Li-ion battery
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable
    • Price history Less than $50 AUS 2010 (Pre-paid pack)

  • Telstra T108 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra T108 mobile phone review.  After giving it a go we can say that the T108 is another low cost mobile phone for those who only need the basics and 'no-frills' mobile experience. It may be low costs but it is better than the even cheaper T100 model.  However it is not better than the T106. As usual there is no point in writing a full review because it uses the same operating system as all the current range of Telstra branded phones.  So here's the summary:  The T108 does all the basics you need voice, video calls, text, picture messaging and emails.  With the built in browser you can get mobile versions of Facebook, Myspace and so forth.  However due to the small screen (although good image quality) and lack of a proper qwerty keypad you can't do very much. You can also purchase apps from the Telstra online store. The T108 is much better made than the T100.  The plastics feel more solid and the keys do not move about when you press them.  The white colour scheme with orange highlights actually make the phone standout amongst other cheap mobile phones. The T108 would not be embarrassing to use in public, especially with the black version which does look quite stylish. The T108 is on the small side for those with larger hands but for the kids it works very well. Overall it feel still reflects its price - The T108 is not a premium product. Technically, the T108 has the major 3G and GSM frequencies so you'll be able to use it overseas or anywhere Telstra has a roaming agreement.  Having multiple 3G frequencies means that it will work on other networks! Conclusion All up the Telstra/ZTE T108 is yet another typically basic mobile phone.  It has better quality materials than the cheaper models and thankfully doesn't feel too much like a toy.  Perfect for those who only need old school talk, text and checking their emails but not replying till later, unless you're good at old fashioned texting. Specifications
    • Telstra T108
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz) Tri-band 3G HSDPA 3.6 UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz
    • Design Candy bar 106mm x 46mm x 13mm Weight 108 grams
    • Display/s External QCIF
    • Camera 2MP main camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V1.2 - Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
    • CPU
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 4Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Voice memos Calender and organizer 250Hrs Standby, 180Mins Talk Time 1000mAh Li-ion battery
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable
    • Price history Less than $69 AUD Mid-2011 (Pre-paid pack) Less than $90 AUD Mid-2010 (Pre-paid pack) Less than $129 AUD 2010 (Pre-paid pack)

  • Telstra T100 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra/ZTE T100 mobile phone review. After a brief demo it was clear that it is essentially T6 model with even more cut down features.  We will be keeping our F156 in operation for a little while longer. Arguably better looking but even cheaper feeling case that doesn't hide what is a basic 3G or NextG mobile phone. The whole keypad and navigation keys slide around as you touch it! (Ultra cheap feel) It has less frequencies than the T6 or its predecessors and omitting the 2100Mhz as a result it is not recommended as a global roaming phone.  However with less frequencies comes with focused 850MHz 3G with better transceiver.  It even has an external antenna connector for better reception - a rare sight these days.  The only redeeming aside from reception and single best feature of the T100 phone is the lovely screen, although small it at least looks good. The functionality offered by the phone is even more cut down than other Telstra or re-branded ZTE models so you get all the basics for voice calls, texts, music, pictures, contacts, calendar and basic internet. It has a traditional phone menu system (updated form other models) but works fast and lag free except when looking for emails. You have to purchase other JAVA based apps to get more interesting stuff. Bear in mind that the camera is minimal and next to useless. I consider this phone suitable for the sub-teen child since it looks and feels like a toy but like most toys your child will not be happy for long. Conclusion All up the Telstra/ZTE T100 is another typically basic mobile phone. It has less features than any other mobile we know off that is '3G' capable.  However you will be happy with the T100 if a basic mobile phone for talking is all you are after and at the current low pre-paid price there is very little competition in the 'NextG' end of the market.  However in this price range also consider the T106 which is more conservative in design but has a more sturdy, upmarket feel plus more features and can be used in many more overseas countries as a 3G phone. Specifications
    • Telstra/ZTE T100
    • Network Tri-band 3G HSDPA 3.6 UMTS 850 MHz Quad-band GSM 850 / 900/1800 /1900 MHz)
    • Design Rugged - Standard 107mm x 47mm x 14mm Weight 108 grams
    • Display/s External QCIF
    • Camera 0.3MP main camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V1.2 - Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
    • CPU
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 4Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Voice memos Calender and organizer 250Hrs Standby, 150Mins Talk Time 1000mAh Li-ion battery
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable
    • Price history Less than $79 AUS 2009 (Pre-paid pack)

  • Telstra F858 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Telstra F858 T2 ''EasyTouch' mobile phone review. The Telsta F8458  is based on the same operating system as the other Telstra/ZTE models so expect the same experience.  However it would appear that it is a relatively more stylish phone than the older F256 and the ugly T7.  Although branded an 'EasyTouch' the keys are much smaller than the newer T2 model. Based on a clam-shell or flip phone the construction is best described as OK.  It is not flasher to look than the other models but still a bit toy like. The screen size is smaller than the newest models which also counts against it.  As usual  based on our other Telstra phones it will probably be reliable though.  This model was released in late 2008 but we didn't get around to writing up anything about it till now! The functionality offered by the phone is no different from the other related models so you get all the basics for voice and video calls, texts, music, pictures, contacts, calendar, FM radio and internet.  You have to purchase other apps to get more interesting stuff.  Like the other phones in the Telstra/ZTE product range the web browser is next to useless on all but the Telstra WAP site. There are some enhancements to the OS interface by the inclusion of a 'Active' menu bar on the the home screen but that about it.  It is not as fast as the new models like the T2. All the latest Telstra branded mobile phones are now Windows and MacOS compatible.  However you must install the new 'JoinME' application on your PC or Mac before it you can Sync or backup data.  The 'JoinME' software is included with the phone and is relatively simple to use.  With the software installed you can also use the phone as a wireless broadband modem but you'd better have a decent data plan for that. Despite being a 3G or NextG phone it also has all the GSM and UTMS frequencies, including the more popular 2100mhz.  So you should be able to use the phone anywhere in the world for voice and data. Conclusion All up the Telstra F858 is OK if you want something different to look at compared to other Telstra branded phones but the new models are probably better looking then this one.  Even a T90 ot T106 would cause a stir style wise than the F858. Specifications
    • Telstra/ZTE F858
    • Network Tri-band UMTS 850 / 2100 / MHz 3G HSDPA 3.6 Quad-band GSM 850 / 900/1800 /1900 MHz
    • Design Rugged - Standard L98.5 x W50 x D18 mm Weight 105 grams
    • Display/s Intenal TFT 176 x 220
    • Camera Dual cameras 2MP auto-focus main camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V1.2 - Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 2Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features FM Radio SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Video calling Voice memos Calender and organizer 180Hrs Standby, 180 minutes Talk Time 830ha
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable User manual
    • Price history Approx $xxx

  • Telstra T90 Review
    Welcome to the Telstra/ZTE T90 mobile phone review.  This is one of the newest models (late 2009) that has been released.  The Telstra/ZTE T90 as you see a is a ruggerized phone meaning it for those who drop phones or like to keep one handy for outdoor activities.  It's IP54 rated which means its much tougher than your average mobile phone.  The stand out feature is that it is one of the few ruggerised 3G capable phone. Sure its not designed to the extent as the Sonim XP3 for example, which also has GPS but the T90 looks as if it could. (The new T90 is not a  replacement for the Testra/ZTE F159 since the 159 has A-GPS) The T90's construction is solid and the edgy design makes it one of the best looking and practical phones in this category.  Sure the pictures does not reflect the actual physical phone but it is pretty close.   However it is still toy like but may just be a best seller based on this purpose.  It's a man's phone!  It is not a small phone but light enough and feels quite sturdy.  Not sure how the screen would stand up to scratches so an additional screen protector is probably essential.  The T90 is better than the F159 in this regard. The functionality offered by the phone is no different from the other Telstra or re-branded ZTE models so you get all the basics for voice and video calls, texts, music, pictures, contacts, calendar, FM radio and internet.  You have to purchase other apps to get more interesting stuff.  Like the other phones in the Telstra/ZTE product range the web browser is next to useless on all but the Telstra WAP site. They say the screen can be read in day light but we think it is a tad dim.  The F159 seems to have better go at day light visibility. Being a dedicated 3G or NextG phone it also has all the GSM and UTMS frequencies. So you should be able to use the phone anywhere in the world.  As a bonus it has better transceiver hardware so it can still pull a signal in areas where a normal mobile phone give up. All the latest Telstra branded mobile phones are now Windows and MacOS compatible.  However you must install the new 'JoinME' application on your PC or Mac before it you can Sync or backup data.  The 'JoinME' software is included with the phone and is relatively simple to use.  With the software installed you can also use the phone as a wireless broadband modem but you'd better have a decent data plan for that. Conclusion All up the Telstra/ZTE T90 is a perfect phone for outdoors adventure types, in particular trades people.  Although the underlying functionality is identical to most of the other Telstra/ZTE phones available but at least this one has a genuine selling point compared to most.  Unfortunately the outright price is quite high too. Specifications
    • Telstra/ZTE T90
    • Features IP54 standard compliant shock resistant water and dust protection
    • Network Tri-band UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100 / MHz 3G HSDPA 3.6 Quad-band GSM 850 / 900/1800 /1900 MHz
    • Design Rugged - Standard L107 x W47 x D14 mm Weight 108 grams
    • Display/s Intenal TFT 176 x 220
    • Camera Dual cameras 2MP auto-focus main camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V1.2 - Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 8Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features FM Radio SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Video calling Voice memos Calender and organizer 200Hrs Standby, 3.5 hours Talk Time 1000ha
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable User manual
    • Price history Approx $xxx Available only on a monthly plan.