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Author: The Editor

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Review

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    Welcome to the 2014 Samsung Galaxy S4 review. We know our quick review is a bit late but since the new S5 is due to be released and that our latest benchmark phone is a Z Ultra we decided to do this write up. Furthermore we know that the S4 will be around as a 'budget' model for at least another year or two! So if you've being holding off here's our review on one of the best mobile phones for sale a the moment. In terms of construction the S4 looks cheap than its competitors for its price tag BUT it is a solid phone. It is the glossy back and seemingly slim frame that disappoints. That said the vast majority of phone users including iPhone almost always purchase cheap looking and generally tacky protectors. So in the end overall good but not fitting of a top end phone we expect. Of course thanks to the design its signal reception is notably better than metal/alloy phones. Only Nokia seems to be able to construct plastic phones are are both sleek aka expensive and hard wearing. In terms of hardware the Galaxy S4 has everything you could possibly want in 2014. Of note is the ever useful IR Blaster or infrared for controlling TV, the highly sensitive 5 inch touch screen and very good image and colour reproduction. There are many standard Apps that utilise its hardware features that it is quite daunting to start off with. The sound quality is also pretty good on both ends of the line. There is not much to complain about or that it is deficient in any way . The camera is one of the best out there too according to more reputable publications that said the images we took and examined are just as good as any other bar the Nokia 1020. The expandable memory so means you can store and view what ever content you want! In terms of use the Galaxy S4 is good and bad. Good and bad because what makes it good can be bad - in that it is easy enough to use but there are so many standard features that novice Andriod OS users will be over whelmed. The Galaxy S4 does require a short introduction before leaving the store especially if you've never had a smartphone before. For novice users we simply say to buy a Windows phone instead  which are much easier to use than the iPhone or Android. Nonethless the S4 is slick and fast and really shows those upgrading in particular, how quickly Android has matured. If you are youthful in mind and want a phone you can customise and can do everything you could possibly want than this is really all you need. Samsung Galaxy S4 Vs Sony Z Ultra: Ignoring size for obvious reasons the S4 has more hardware features than the Z Ultra. The Galaxy S4 screen is also brighter which help readability in sun light. The S4's camera is also very good! However where the Sony wins is in terms of speed - the Z Ultra is a noticeably fast phone. The lack of standard bloatware on the Z Ultra helps present a very convincing demonstration of the Android OS. If you want a mobile phone or smart phone with the lot in a easy to handle size, the Big Mac so to speak of mobile phones - the Galaxy 4S for the time being is THE model to get. It can do everything you could possibly want in a mobile phone in 2014. When it does become the 'budget model' there is no reason why its shouldn't very well indeed - if it's priced right! Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy S4
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/900/2100 Tri-band 4G 899/1800/2600
    • Design Touch screen
    • L136.6 x W69.8 x D7.9 mm
    • Weight 131 grams
    • Display 5 inch 1,280 x 1080 AMOLED
    • Camera 8MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera 2MP Video phone camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU Quad core 2.3 Ghz Separate Andreno 330 Graphics CPU
    • Memory 2Gig RAM Up to 32 Gig for user Up to 64Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope Proximity, Ambient Light, Humidity, Temperature Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others Google Play store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calendar SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 2600 mAh battery Up to 370 hours Standby Up to 17 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $650 AUD late 2013-2014 (Outright) Approx $750 AUD late 2012 (Outright)

  • Telstra Easy Smart (T809) Review

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    Welcome to the 2014 Telstra Easy Smart T809 mobile phone review. Based on our own hands on test and specifications the 'Easy Smart' is essentially an entry level Android based smartphone. The entry level phone market is filled with lots of Android OS based phones to choose from so unless a particular model has something unique it is not going to sell in large numbers. That said the Telstra Easy Smart is selling for $99 as a prepaid package which is not very much money - but is it worth buying even at this low price? In terms of construction the Easy Smart is a well made phone that looks OK. The materials and design is much like those of Nokia but clearly not quite as well designed. The oddest thing about the phone is the inset screen - it seems like there is a huge gap between the glass of screen and the actual surface. This  was common to all the units we look at and is a design issue rather than quality control. Apart from that obvious it is what you'd expect in a cheap phone in 2014 but other brands do much better for around the same money. Overall its a very normal looking smart phone. In terms of hardware specifications the Easy Smart has all the usual features that are one or two generations behind the latest with only a quite low powered dual core CPU with a older graphics GPU and a low resolution screen but it looks actually looks OK. The screen resolution may be low but the graphics were still clear without any of the fuzziness or blockiness of phones a few years ago. The camera pictures looked Ok on the phone... The 3G only radio means that it is quite slow compared to those with 4G and faster CPUs of course the price means it's OK. Note that the Easy Smart still has a limited number of frequencies for GSM and 3G radio so it won't work in every country you may visit. In terms of operation the Easy Smart is quite good. Overall smooth enough with the occasional pause as the radio downloads new data. Since we have the latest Sony Z Ultra with a 2.2Ghz processor and 4G to directly compare - this feels a little sluggish. However for the price the Easy Smart is quite acceptable. However once again - it may be psychological but the screen design makes it 'feel' laggy? Try it out your self first before buying we guess... There are now more than enough Apps to try on the Google Play store to cover any functionality that you may require your phone to do.  The ability to display live widgets with genuinely useful updates without wasting time running Apps helps this any other Android OS phone prove more useful on a daily basis. The Telstra Easy Smart T809 takes over from the entry level Telstra and ZTE models prior and as always, is an improvement. There are only a handful of branded mobile phones in this price range and none with these specifications are that cheap - yet. It will do everything you want just not as well as the phones priced a little higher. The Easy Smart is selling at a pre-paid price of $99 dollars so it is an OK sort of deal for what it is. However we think you should spend a little a more for something better and for your own longer term happiness. Specifications
    • Telstra Easy Smart (T809)
    • Network Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 Mhz Tri-band 3G 850/2100
    • Design Touch screen
    • L126 x W64 x D12.4 mm
    • Weight 137 grams
    • Display/s 4 inch 480 x 800
    • Camera 2MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 640x 480 pixels
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 1.3 Ghz Dual core (Cortex A7) Separate Graphic CPU (Mali)
    • Memory Up to 2.5 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Proximity Ambient Light Accelerometer Google Play store Virtually any App for Android OS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 1500 mAh battery Up to 300 hours Standby Up to 4 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $99 AUD March 2014 (Pre-paid)

  • Sony Smartwatch2 Review

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    You've been waiting for this one. This is our long term Sony Smartwatch2 review. This Smartwatch2 is Sony's latest attempt at the emerging wearables technology category that will inevitably become mainstream. While Apple is still floundering or rather copying ideas from other manufacturers Sony has been trying the market with this line of watches. The only competitors to the Smartwatch2 are the Samsung Galaxy Gear and the Pebble watch and are very different from each other. In terms on construction the Smartwatch2 looks good! It's quite stylish really dependent on the band you choose. We chose the metal band since it looks like a movie prop from Aliens or Star Wars. The face is made of hardened glass so it is difficult to scratch and the sine physical button is a solid metal.  The other buttons are touch sensitive but only once you've activated the screen by pressing the main button on the side. As you can see from our comparison picture against a Casio Pro-trek Triple sensor vs Smartwatch2 its not unusually big. The Smartwatch2 is also water resistant which implies its ready for the outside world. Furthermore as you can see, the Sony screen can be easily read in bright light! The only thing amiss in terms of construction was that the back of the watch - it was plastic. Note: The Casio Pro-trek series is a pretty smart digital watch that has a thermometer, digital compass and pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can measure height above sea level and under water along with general atmospheric pressure or barometric pressure. The large bezel houses the solar panels which means that it won't need battery changes for the life of the watch - whatever that may be. This version is circ. 2008.  It's a cool watch. In terms of hardware the Smartwatch2 has the latest tech featuring NFC, Bluetooth and micro-USB. The clever screen which can be read in daylight and looks great but the  color screen resolution is a mere 220 x 176 pixels but is capable of displaying at least 16 bit graphics? It's not bad but could be better. The CPU is reportedly rated at 180Mhz In terms of use the Smartwatch2 is a smooth experience. The single button activate the main touch screen and whatever apps you choose quickly and the only delays if it needs to get live data like weather or pictures from your photo album.  The bluetooth connection is quite strong we estimate about a 10 meters range before it loses connection with the phone. There are a number of Apps which you have to install via your phone first in order for it work and it can take a few minutes on first pairing. After pairing it is mostly automatic apart form the variables to do with bluetooth. Notifications are via vibration which is strong enough not to be missed. Battery life is an excellent 3-4 days unless you have a busy day or playing with it often which then reduces life to at least a day. The main function of the Smartwatch2 is telling the time and notifications which is does very well!  We love the messages showing on the screen rather then having to check the phone. For example new emails will be shown and you can actually read the entire message. Other than that there are a number of Apps than can be installed to keep you busy. Make sure you use the Smartwatch2 versions not the ones for the original Smartwatch. Apps need to be installed through the phone which is seamless once you've installed the main Smartwatch2 App (Smart connect). The same App cleverly integrates the controls of any Sony product with the feature. In terms of stability - nothing went wrong since we installed the latest updates! Make sure the Apps are for the Smartwatch2 and not for its predecessor. When we tried the older Apps it caused some instability. For our usage we only needed to charge it every 2 days! The SW2 works on any Android OS phone running version 4 and above whch means virtually any new Smartphone. The only competitors are the Samsung Gear and the Pebble watch. So why you'd choose the Sony Smartwatch2 over the others? The original Pebble is cheap to look at and wear. The screen is mono scale and not nice to look at. We're sure it will improve quickly though. The Samsung Galaxy gear is big and flashy with lots of state of the are hardware including a camera! but it is over $100 more expensive and can only be used at this point by the Galaxy Note which is thoroughly disappointing. It's appearance cannot be customised but it actually looks quite good. Despite lots of potential the main problem is the Galaxy Gear's instability and lags, there is just too many at the moment.  But otherwise all the hardware features like microphone etc.. but once again given time and software updates it will improve. To conclude, we like the Sony Smartwatch2. It is the best one at the moment for notifications and viewing SMS and email content actively retrieved from your connected phone. It is very stable hence works without any problems. If that is all you want than this is the device to get. If only Sony included GPS software and the latest health tracker functionality and the usual speed and design improvements in the next model the future looks bright. Specifications : Sony Smartwatch2
    • Design Aluminum digital watch with silicone strap/leather/metal
    • L41 x W42 x D9 mm Weight 122 gms
    • Display/s Transreflective TFT 220 x 176 1.6 inch screen
    • Camera N/A
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2 NFC Micro USB
    • Memory Enough
    • Ring tones Vibration only
    • Features IP57 Water resistant
    • Power Up to 4 days Standby
    • Package contents USB cable
    • Price history 2014 Approx $269 outright.

  • Telstra Easy Discovery 4 (T4) Review

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    Welcome to the Telstra Easy Discovery 4 mobile phone review otherwise known as the T4, our first review for 2014. The Easy Touch Discovery 4 was released around Christmas 2013 and is a replacement for the Discovery 3. Like it's predecessor the T4 is a clam shell or flip phone with all the features for text messaging and phone calls. The Discovery 4 is usually  available on a plan or we believe can be purchased out right for approx  $189. Purchasing the Discovery 4 outright of course is not recommended as there are plenty of much better smartphones that can be purchased in the price range! The construction quality of the Easy Discovery 4 is actually very good despite being an entry level mobile phone. The flip mechanism and plastic panels fit tightly and it can even be described as stylish in terms of overall look! That said we think its just due the silver flat color and surround that give it a modern look. The keypad feels very good for traditional keypad and looks great. The case is larger than the older models but so to are the specifications for the internal hardware or circuitry. How the nice exterior will wear over time will be interesting to watch. It also looks better in real life than the pictures! The hardware inside the Telstra Easy Discovery 4 is essentially an upgrade to the T3. The T4 now features a new bigger and higher resolution screen and a noticeably larger external mono-LCD external screen. The 3MP seems to have improved image quality but that's not saying much. The Discovery 4 also has T-Mode or Tele Coil to prevent feedback on hearing aids. There is also the inclusion of GPS hardware that can provide GPS co-ordinates but no navigation software that we could find. The lack of 4G was also missed when using the basic browser. In terms of use the Discovery 4 is as basic as it gets although presented in a good looking higher definition TFT screen. All it's features are very easy to use, for txt, reading emails, MMS, and so forth. However with the small screen, it becomes tiresome to read but clearly that's not what this T4  is all about! The operating speed is good but the old school 3G data download speed is noticeably slow. To conclude the review of the Telstra Easy Discovery 4, we can say that Telstra has addressed almost all the issues we wrote about in the T3 review and can say that it would be a great but basic phone for non-tech older folk and those who want just a basic phone features. Believe it or not there are quite a few people out there on the street that still use these phones! It's also is a robbery deterrent since any would be thief simply wouldn't bother for obvious reasons. However there is still room for improvement! Include a 4G antenna for faster data speeds for download and upload, proper GPS navigation software and we believe the category killer, 4G wireless hotspot technology and you will have a truly desirable phone for the growing number of tablet users! In fact if this feature was included and it was actually advertised and explaining the hotspot feature would probably bring in a few more customers but until then the T4 does not have any unique selling points. So the Telstra Easy Discovery 4 is a decent entry level mobile phone but it's quite expensive. Specifications
    • Telstra Easy Discovery 4 (T4)
    • Network Dual-band 3G 850/2100 Mhz Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz
    • Design Flip L107 x W51.5 x D18.4 mm Weight 112.8 grams
    • Display/s Internal TFT 240 x 320 2.4 inch screen
    • Camera Dual cameras 3MP main camera 0.3MP video call camera LED flash!
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V2
    • Memory 120MB internal memory 32GB microSD
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration etc..
    • Features A-GPS FM Radio SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Hearing aid compatible Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Video calling Voice memos Calender and organizer 250 Hrs Standby, 180 Minutes Talk Time 900mAh Li-Po
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable User manual
    • Price history 2014 Approx $180 outright but usually Plan only.

  • Sony Xperia Z Ultra Review

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    Welcome to the 2013 Sony Xperia Z Ultra review. Although the Z Ultra has been reviewed a number of times else where we decided to add our own voice with this focused review. Furthermore we dumped the iPhone 5s and replaced it with the Xperia Z Ultra, yes we actually bought one. It was perfect for the portable tablet and phone we wanted. We BLOG too honestly to be given anything for any manufacturer to test so you can be assured that if a phone or gadget is good it really is! The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is currently priced at around $700 but can also be purchased on various plans as most other top end mobile phones. Since the Xperia Z Ultra is a very large phone so it can be quite awkward to hold and as a result we also added the new Sony SmartWatch 2 as an accessory. A review on the SmartWatch2 will follow this review - naturally. In terms of construction the Xperia Z Ultra is made of metal and glass. The fit is tight and sturdy meaning that its quite difficult to bend but not impossible as with any other phone. We have accidentally dropped the phone onto concrete from our pocket and there was no damage or scratches apart from a tiny scratch on the side,we'll be much more careful next time! As a result we can say that the screen can take some punishment. It meets IP55 and IP58 standards so it can be dropped in water or easily used when walking in the rain or desert without any damage. Just make sure the flaps for the power via mini-USB, microSD card and SIM tray are properly closed. We are also impressed with the glass as it seems to clean its self when put in our pocket! We are not joking. We do not have any sort of cover or screen protection on the phone. In terms of hardware the Sony Xperia Z Ultra packs what is currently the fastest quad core CPU but rated at 2.2 GHz and the latest graphics CPU Adreno 330 and 2 Gigs of RAM. Furthermore it CPU is rated higher than the original Z and more equal to the Z1. The Z Ultra also has the latest screen technology on the massive 6.4 inch 1080p screen which looks much more amazing compared to say the iPhone5. The end result is a smooth or slick navigation with fast app operation including the web browser.  MicroSD memory expansion means that you'll never really run our of space! The specs are completely top end except for the camera which doesn't even have a flash which is disappointing. Overall very well made surprisingly light and thin phone! In terms of use it has all the FACs things for Android OS but adds few things like standard lock screen widgets and  drop down shortcuts which make day to day use much easier. There are so many more customisation options on Android that it can get daunting but that said the iPhone too has the same problem. Overall its very fast and rock stable! The other reason for choosing the X Ultra was that when we considered the Samsung Note 3 we found that the Note 3 included too much software that makes it seem less responsive than the Xperia Z Ultra. Both are fantastic phones though. The only issue we have with the Xperia Z Ultra is the quality of the camera pictures. It does not produce results good enough for printing on a a large scale but adequate for the social networks like Instagram and Facebook. The missing flash is also disappointing considering the price. We guess it so that people would buy the normal Xperia Z1 for the better camera. The screen brightness also needs to be brighter for use in direct sunlight. The Xperia Z Ultra battery life has extended after charging it a few times including draining the battery completely for calibration. The Xperia should last a day for frequent use or 2 days under normal its use with WiFi and Bluetooth turned on. Due to the large screen it does chew through quite a bit of battery life when in use but the quality is top end HD (it's not perfect though) only the Nokia 1020 screen is noticeably better a first glance. The Xperia Z Ultra is definitely on the limits of what can be called a mobile phone due to physical size. However despite its size it is amazingly light and solid to hold. Normal sized humans can use the phone quite easily and even one handed since you can customize the keypad to left or right small hand layout orientation! Yes - those who claim to have reviewed the phone clearly missed this feature or haven't really used one which is not a surprise! Overall the Z Ultra is very easy to use due to the large touch screen. The SWYPE keypad and superior spellchecker also help convince us that this phone was the right choice. Holding the Z Ultra  to your ear initially can be odd due to size but after getting used to the size it becomes second nature. Earphone sound quality is excellent likewise reception but loud speaker quality could be louder and better. Not too bad considering that the phone is essentially fully sealed unit due to being water resistant! Overall the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is an excellent phone with all the benefits and issues with Android based phones. However due to large size it is on the limit of what can be called a mobile phone! If you where a tall or larger guy or girl it would look much better than a dainty little phone. Of course you can go for the smaller 5 inch Xperia Z1 which has the better camera and easier to handle size. Else if you wanted a tablet and phone than the Z Ultra is a perfect compromise! Just don't buy it for the camera. We liked it enough due to its overall features and currently 100% satisfied it will be hard going back to a small screen phone. That said if we where to consider a replacement it would need to have a IR blaster, a better camera and flash, louder speaker and a few flashy lights wouldn't go astray either! Specifications
    • Sony Xperia Z Ultra
    • Network GSM All frequencies 3G All frequencies 4G/LTE All frequencies
    • Design Touch screen
    • L79.4 x W92.2.6 x D6.5 mm
    • Weight 210 grams
    • Display 6.4 inch 1080 x 1920 Trilluminos
    • Camera 8MP auto-focus 2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU Quad core 2.2 Ghz Krait 800 Graphics Andreno 330
    • Memory 2Gig RAM Approx 12Gig for user Up to 64Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS Gyroscope, Compass, Accelerometer, Proximity Ambient Light Dolby Digital Music and Media player Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others Google Play store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calendar SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 3050 mAh battery Up to 800 hours Standby Up to 11 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $700UD late 2013 (Outright)

  • Nokia Lumia 925 Review

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    Welcome to the 2013 Nokia Lumia 925 review. The Lumia 925 running Windows Phone 8 at the start of 2013 was the former top end of  Nokia's Windows phone line up designed to compete directly with Samsung S4 and the iPhone 5. Of course this is all history now since Microsoft bought the phone division off Nokia then Apple released the Less than impressive iPhone 5S and Nokia presumably released its last ever range topping smart phone the Lumia 1020 with the world's best camera on a phone. The 925 is now available on various plans and outright purchase for around $500. In terms of design the Lumia 925 is more conventional than other Nokia phone's. It's basically a alloy frame sandwiched between glass front and plastic rear. Unfortunately it is definitely not elegant or stylish compared to other Nokia's but it is very well made. In fact we prefer the plastic or polymer case on other Nokia's of late as it's feels different yet quality and hard wearing that you don't really need as case for protection. The glass touch panel is 'Gorilla' so scratched are hard to come by in normal usage. In terms of hardware, the Lumia 925 is high end and one of the best specs for a Windows Phone 8 that you can get at the moment. Mind you like the iPhone it doesn't need the latest quad core CPU to work smoothly. Unfortunately there are 2 keep features missing from a phone of this class, they are expandable memory and the ability to change batteries on the go. The 4.5 inch screen is a good size in late 2013 and the screen resolution and colors are  excellent. If you see the specifications below, the 925 will work with any network available so not point in being to geek like about it! The camera is also slightly better than any other smartphone to date except for the Lumia 1020 naturally... In terms of software the Lumia 925 has all the key benefits and shortfalls that any Windows Phone 8 based phone. However Nokia have added their own touches that addresses any issues for example, free music streaming, downloadable GPS map data, decent internet browser and so forth. More 3rd party Apps will come in time. We still don't like the requirement to have a a Outlook email address before the Calendar and other functions will work. Sure it is required for every Android and iPhone these days for very good reasons but we don't like it. If you don't mind using Windows Phone 8 you'll be very happy with the Lumia 925. It is a great smart phone all round and better than any other Windows phone at the time of this post anyway (November 2013) but can't help thinking it should be a little cheaper, only because it is an all rounder and no key selling point - which may by the ultimate purpose of the phone? Specifications
    • Nokia Lumia 925
    • Network Quad-band GSM (all of them) Penta-band 3G (all of them) Penta-band 4G LTE (all of them) HSDPA Very fast - dependent on phone company HSUPA Very fast - dependent on phone company
    • Design Touch screen
    • L129 x W70.6 x D8.5 mm
    • Weight 139 grams
    • Display/s 4.5 inch External 1280 x 768
    • Camera 8MP
    • Video Camera 1080p HD pixel main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU 1.5 Ghz Dual-Core
    • Memory Up to 16 Gig on board No expandable memory
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features Micro-SIM MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint A-GPS Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient Light Windows Mobile Store for Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 2000mAh battery Up to 450 hours Standby Up to 18 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $500 AUS November 2013 (Outright)

  • Telstra Dave 4G T83 Review

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    Welcome to the 2013 Telstra DAVE (T83) mobile phone review. Released in October 2013 this model is the first ruggedized touch screen smart phone offered by Telstra. Prior rugged phones have been designed based on the push button and candy bar style. Admittedly this old fashioned design does work better for those using the phone outdoors since it's easier to use with dirty or wet hands than a touch screen. However the outdoor types these days want more features which the traditional candy bar format just can't offer hence the new touch screen! The Telstra DAVE is available on a plan and can be purchased outright for around $390(recommended retail). Note that the biggest problem with the Dave is that it has limited phone network and 3G/4G frequencies meaning that it is really on useful on the Telstra network in Australia and not if you want to use it overseas. Note the ZTE have a similar if not exactly the same model called the ZTE G601U.  Also before you buy make sure you check its competitors. The Telstra Dave is not an Easytouch 4G or Frontier in a different body, since the DAVE has different CPU and slots. However whether these are the only changes is debateable unless you break open the case and compare. Furthermore it is based on Andriod OS and there's not much to differentiate the Telstra Dave from any other Telstra branded ZTE based smart phone. The name 'DAVE' is an interesting choice being based on a guys name in many parts of the world. It would be pity if you know a 'Dave' that you don't particularly like... In terms of construction and hardware the Telstra Dave has a reasonably fast CPU and graphics with all the usual sensors. The screen resolution is average likewise the camera and other 'entertainment' hardware. The resolution is Ok despite being 480x800 so it wasn't blurry or anything like the cheaper Android phones. Considering that the Dave is currently only available on a plan we expected and you should demand higher specifications. Regardless the body of  Telstar DAVE is the coolest part of the phone. Clearly it is made from toughened plastic with some metal screws on the back to highlight its toughness. We think the screws are only for show since the SIM card, power and expansion slots only have tabbed plastic covers. The Telstra Dave is easy enough to hold and feels solid with no creaks but the feel of the plastic is a little on the toy side of things especially with some sharper edges. It honestly looks like a phone with a rugged 3rd party case like the Otterbox... However overall not too bad but not as good as say the Casio G Z'one.  Check out the Nokia 625 for an example on how plastics should feel!. In terms of software the Telstra Dave is pretty good, being sold with the latest Android OS. The OS does not depart from standard Andriod OS very much with a few customised widgets and mostly smooth in operation. We didn't encounter and serious pauses. There's not much point going on about it since you can install the thousands of Apps for the Google Play store to fill in the missing functionality gaps. Overall the Telstra Dave 4G T83 is a decent mid range-ish smartphone wrapped up in a cool new case.  There are other 'rugged'  mobile phones with better specifications out there and the one that comes to mind is the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active which is noticeably better than the Dave but quite expensive. Since both phones can be bought on mobile phone plans for the same amount of monthly payments the obvious choice is not the Telstra Dave but the Samsung... Update: Check out the very similar Aspera R5 if you are after this style of smartphone. Specifications
    • Telstra DAVE 4G T83 Review
    • Network Dual-band GSM 900/1800 Mhz Tri-band 3G 850/2100 Mhz 4G or LTE 1800 / 2600 Mhz
    • Design Touch screen
    • L128.4 x W66.1 x D12.1 mm
    • Weight 160 grams
    • Display/s 3.5 inch 480 x 800 pixel
    • Camera 5MP Video Camera 640x 720 pixels @ 30fps
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 1.2 Ghz Dual core Snapdragon Separate Adreno 305 Graphic CPU
    • Memory Up to 2.5 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store FM Radio Compass Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass and Ambient Light Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 2500 mAh battery Up to 375 hours Standby Up to 8 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $N/A AUD October 2013 (Plan Only) Approx $390 November 2013 (Outright)

  • Nokia Lumia 625 Review

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    Welcome to the 2013 Nokia Lumia 625 review. The Lumia 625 released in mid 2013 is the latest Windows OS based phones designed to complete with the low end of the mobile phone market. It also happens to be one of the last from Nokia, now that Microsoft have bought the company. The Recommend retail price of the Lumia 625 is $365 but you can easily find it priced nearer $300 and as low as $199 as part of a pre-paid package. At this of price in 2013 there are very few phones that approach it in terms of functionality and value for money! In terms of construction the Lumia 625 has a soft tactile plastic changeable back and a gorilla glass screen. Thanks to the removable covers it means that you don't really need to purchase a phone case for it. It is durable and dropping the phone is unlikely to damage it. It is solid to hold and not overly big or small. It's actually quite classy compared to any Samsung model and easily more expensive looking and feeling the the iPhone 5c. In terms of hardware specifications the Lumia 625 has a lot of up to date features but at this price point misses out on the best components. The 4.7 inch screen is large and very clear despite only having 480 x 800 pixels is genuinely a good thing, it is not the fuzzy experience you get on Android based phones of similar pricing. Sure the screen resolution be be better especially when you compare it side by side against the 925 series but that's twice the price so for 2013 no complaints against the 625. Ignore the other reports that it is sub-par screen because clearly they haven't used one. The camera, A-GPS, microSD memory slot, FM radio, camera are perfectly acceptable at this price point in 2013. The bonus of extra fast 4G or LTE download speed capability is also an amazing inclusion - at this price. Nokia truly knows its hardware and pricing - pity about the it's previous corporate short sightedness. In terms of use the Windows 8 based Lumia 625 is very slick. The menu navigation is smooth, the apps run pretty quickly in fact there is nothing to really complain about at this price point. It is better than virtually any Android based smart phone around this price. Any complaints can be solely leveled at the various issues with Windows 8 rather than Nokia's implementation. Sure there needs to be more Apps but the competitors store didn't get built in a day either!  Of note and as always is the free Nokia Drive and Maps which allows you to download maps and data for any country and use it as a without using data and as a stand alone navigator for free is a excellent incentive. We liked the Lumia 625 and purchased one as a reference model. It's a great package for the average user who wants an easy to use large screen phone for calls, emails, texts, Skype and the odd game of solitaire. By our own experiences the strangely popular jewel matching games that the vast majority play on the train to work really well on the large screen. Surprisingly, thanks to the smaller viewing angle keeps what we're doing more private than any other mobile phone we've tried to date and yet offering very good image quality! The Lumia 625 is fast and has enough features for the majority of phone users and well worth a look if you want a new mobile phone purchased outright. It is also better than the smaller Lumia 520, one of favorite budget smart phones. In the end the only thing annoying about the phone  was the side located power switch and the separate camera button. Both buttons are convenient but you end up pressing them accidently all the time which is annoying. So if you can live with that you have a truly great value mobile phone the Nokia 625 is the model to get. Specifications
    • Nokia Lumia 625
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Dependent on network) Tri-band 3G 850/900/2100 (Dependent on network) Dual Band LTE 800/1800/2600 (Dependent on network)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L133.3 x W72.3 x D9.2 mm
    • Weight 159 grams
    • Display/s 4.7 inch External 480 x 800
    • Camera 5MP
    • Video Camera 720 HD pixel main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU 1.2 Ghz
    • Memory Up to 8 Gig on board Up to 64GB MicroSD
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features Micro-SIM MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint A-GPS Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient Light Windows Mobile Store for Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 2000mAh battery Up to 550 hours Standby Up to 24 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx Less than $300 AUS November 2013 (Outright)

  • Casio G’zone CA-201L Review

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    Welcome to the Casio G'Zone CA-201L 'Commando' preview. We've decided to feature this model because it is the only G'zOne phone that can be used beyond the US or Japan. Yes, declare G'zone is THE toughest smartphone in the world! Released in March 2013 it's still pretty hard to purchase. Collectively we would purchase this phone in a heart beat as its unique and looks great. Casio as a brand is completely unknown quality in the mobile phone world and to the majority and a tiny manufacturer. Only digital watches including G-Shock will anyone recall the manufacturer. Being the only world wide model from Casio anyone who can buy one is onto something pretty good. In terms of construction the Casio G'zone is excellent. It is designed to meet and exceed the usual IP67 hence meeting the military standard MIL STD 810G standard . As a result it would take a very careless owner to really damage the phone. The G'zone is also a very heavy phone but that's what get for the ultimate ruggerized mobile phone you can get to date. It is the exterior design that is the key selling point. This is a futuristic looking phone which you don't need a case for. It is a think fo high tech Halo 4 style phone. Any geek would love to own one if they knew about it. In terms of hardware the Casio G'zone is built with all the latest tech. A fast processor, reasonable camera all the sensors including a themometer and barometer and even includes microSD expansion. In terms of software and usability the G'zone uses Android OS with excellent Casio specific apps and customisation. They are G-Shock themed called the G'zGEAR which covers all the outdoor type activities like the barometer, temperature, tides, Compass, Sun and Moon cycles and Star Gazer. Sound is catered for by front facing loud speaker with Dolby Digital Plus. If you don't mind using Android OS you'll be very happy with the Casio G'zone. The tech spec means it will still be a very decent phone after 18 months. We're sold on the concept and hope that Casio will officially release or make available to more stores. If you can find one buy it! Specifications
    • Casio G'zOne CA-201L
    • Network CDMA - GSM - LTE
    • Design Touch screen
    • L129.9 x W68.1 x D13.7 mm
    • Weight 173 grams
    • Display/s 4 inch External 480 x 800
    • Camera 8MP
    • Video Camera 720 HD pixel main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V2.1
    • CPU 1.5 Ghz
    • Memory Up to 8 Gig on board Up to 32GB MicroSD
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features IP67 and MIL STD 810G Micro-SIM A-GPS Barometer, Theometer, Compass, Pedometer Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient Light Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Google Play store, Maps etc.. Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 18000mAh battery Up to xxx hours Standby Up to xxx hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $N/A AUS 2013 (Outright)