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Category: Mobile Phone Reviews

Mobile Phones, Smart Phones, Cell Phones and anything like them review and comparisons.

  • LG Craze GW382F Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 LG Craze GW382F mobile phone review. The LG Craze is marketed as a Cheap handset for pre-paid packages in selected parts of the world. In 2010 pre-paid pones bundled in these packages are no longer simply basic phones and to an extent the latest LG Craze is one of them. We have only seen Telstra sell this phone at around $150 which is OK but not good since there are now much better models for around the same price (October 2010). The LG Craze is a slide out QWERTY phone as you can see by the pictures.  Its keyboard and colors reveal it to be a phone targeted at younger users.  It overall quality is actually pretty good with since solid buttons on the front and the keypad its self.  The screen is relatively large and clear.  It is a bit 'chunky' but relative to the other models in the price range. Relative to the other models in the same category we can not complain about much. However a cheaper price would no doubt help sales - say in the $99 bracket? First impressions of using the LG Craze is good.  The OS works fast and the front keypad and navigation keys work with immediate responsiveness like all new models.  There are plenty of standard Apps installed since the currently do not have an Apps store.  All the usual social networks and free email Apps are present as well as all the usual multi-media and video player.  The internet browser was good but the small screen doesn't help as with limited web browser by iPhone standards anyway.  The Telstra portal Apps for Foxtel worked quite well considering the relatively low spec CPU. There is however one problem that would bug potential owners.  In portrait mode the phone works well, it even has haptic feedback as with most LG phones on the 2 sub-menu buttons.  However in this mode you will find the input of numbers and text is handicapped by the onscreen half touch keypad - weird.  It is very much like the ZTE models in implementation which is are definitely not a fan of.  We doubt anyone would actually like it.  In landscape mode the LG Craze works much better but the need to display the 2 sub-menu titles which you cannot activate is a waste of space. The LG Craze is designed as a messaging phone more than a games or other apps since the keys are all over the place. Overall there's not much we can say about the LG Craze other than it is a cheap phone with some navigation issues.  Otherwise is responsive and very stable.  As a bonus it actually looks quite good in the hand. We can not recommend it as a primary phone at its current price. Specifications
    • LG Craze GW382F
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 850/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 3.6 Mbits data speed (download)
    • Design QWERTY keypad
    • L103 x W49.9 x D15.3 mm Weight 140 grams
    • Display/s 2.4 inch External TFT 240 x 320
    • Camera 3MP
    • Video Camera 640 x 480 pixel main video camera
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2
    • CPU xxxMhz
    • Memory Up to 80MB MicroSD up to 16Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Compass Accelerometer JAVA Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 950mAh battery Up to 400 Hours Standby Up to 4 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $149 AUS 2010 (Pre-paid)

  • Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Sony Ericsson Experia X10 Mini Pro review. The SE X10 Mini Pro is the smaller brother to the X10 and the bigger bro to the X10 Mini that doesn't have a slide out keypad. It is also one of the company's first Android based mobile phones, although running the old version 1.6.  The X10 Mini is available from all networks including the Telstra NextG compatible. We are going to be completely blunt to say the this review is going to be really short.  The main reason is that we simply lost interest in going too deep into the user experience. The user interface uses the first version of the Google Android operating system and it shows.  It cannot do a lot of things you would expect in a mobile phone priced in this category for 2010.  Cheaper Sony Ericsson phones like the Vivaz have a better user experience.  While everything worked smoothly it was a relatively slow experience. The quality of construction is good but it does not give the impression of premium quality.  Even the cheaper HTC Wildfire and Samsung Wave look and feel better.  The X10 Mini Pro may have a good keypad but that doesn't compensate for the bigger screen size required for an interface that is designed for touch screens.  The small and low resolution 240 x 320 pixel screen doesn't help matters wither.  The surface of the X10 Mini may be small but the keypad makes it quite a thick phone. We tried to like the X10 Mini Pro since it had high level marketing but in the end it does not live up to expectations.  There are better phones in the Sony range and for cheaper prices.  The 2010 X10 Mini Pro is what we can call a good phone but not at its present price. In all honestly this phone is perfectly suited to sell as a pre-paid package price? - say under $350 because the HTC Wildfire priced under $350 is a better phone.  Without a low price tag the X10 Mini Pro has short falls in design that cannot be overcome.  In the lower price bracket it would be our recommended model but until then there are better models. Specifications
    • Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/1900/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 10.2 Mbits data speed (download) HSUPA 2 Mbits data speed (upload)
    • Design Touch screen and QWERTY
    • L90 x W52 x D17 mm Weight 120 grams
    • Display/s 2.6 inch External TFT 240 x 320
    • Camera 5MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 640 x 480 pixel main video camera 30FPS
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V2
    • CPU 600Mhz
    • Memory Up to 128MB available to user MicroSD up to 16Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS JAVA Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Andriod Store FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 930mAh battery Up to 360 hours Standby Up to 4 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $500 AUS 2010 (Outright)

  • HTC Wildfire Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 HTC Wildfire review page.  Released in mid 2010 the HTC Wildfire is one of the cheapest Android based mobile phones you can get.  The Wildfire is the first smartphone and Android based pre-paid package you can get.  (pay-as-you-go for our international readers).  It seems like a great deal so we decided to give it a go. The Wildfire uses the latest Android 2.1 operating system hence has all the functionality that you'd expect in a high end phone.  They have just cut back on the specification of the hardware to achieve the lower price. So you get a slower CPU and smaller screen for the most obvious cutbacks.  The Wildfire is presumably a replacement for the older HTC Tattoo. We where impressed at the relatively speedy interface and that everything worked as per the HTC models with the faster CPU and screen. It is certainly as good or better than other smart phones in the this price category like those made by Nokia or LG as examples. However it is not completely smooth and occasionally has lags.  It is no different to other competing models.  We where not impressed at the very low resolution screen. The phone has all the features that make the Android operating system a leading competitor, with online widgets that display everything from emails to the daily joke and so forth. Construction wise the Wildfire beats most of the rest, it looks and feels good to hold in the hand.  (It feels like real metal) Sure its not as nice as the more expensive models but then its cheaper. Like most smartphones these days it is difficult to determine how good a phone is without looking at what sort of apps it can run.  In that regard you just have to search carefully and install only the best - to get the most out of the HTC Wildfire. Overall the HTC Wildfire is a very good phone for those wanting all the communication options at a cheap price.  It is not perfect but acceptable.  The Wildfire is just as good as our bargain priced favorite the Nokia E63 but in a different way.  It also makes the E63 interface very old fashioned.  In comparison to the cheapest LG Optimus series is slightly better since the screen and operation is looks better and just as smooth - the only problem is the older Android OS and it does not physically look as good.  If you must know we prefer the Optimus - in the end due mainly to the screen and the Wildfire for access to the latest Apps and of course the design. Specifications
    • HTC Wildfire
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 7.2 Mbits data speed (download) 384kpbs data speed (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L106.75 x W60.4 x D12.19 mm Weight 118 grams
    • Display/s External 3.2 Inch TFT 240 x 320
    • Camera 5MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 800 x 480 video camera 15FPS
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V2.1
    • CPU 528Mhz
    • Memory Up to 384MB available to user MicroSD up to 32Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Proximity Compass Accelerometer Light Sensor FM Radio Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 1300mAh battery Up to 690 hours Standby Up to 490 minutes Talk Time
    • Price history Under $349 AUS 2010 (Pre-paid)

  • Samsung Wave GT-S8500 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Samsung Wave GT-S8500 mobile phone review. The Samsung Wave is a feature phone released in early-2010.  It is available to most networks including Optus, Virgin and Telstra's NextG. The Wave is a full touch screen phone with specifications that matches the top range models from other leading manufacturers but at about 2/3 their outright price tag.  The GT-S8500 is a relative bargain based on specifications. The Samsung Wave may not boast uni-body construction or exotic materials, just the usual metal and plastic but it is well made and does feel good in the hand.  It is solid and not slippery like other phones.  It looks and feels like a phone priced much more - so you will not be embarrassed to use it in front of anyone.  This one phone that looks better in real life than pictures! The screen is amazing to look at for the price range too! The OS menu system is a custom Samsung Bada version that works amazingly well for a non Android, iPhone etc.  It is just as good as an Android or iPhone easy and definitely easier than Nokia S60. We could get the hang of the phone in a short amount of time.  There are no lags and the speed excellent in the user interface. We also enjoyed the amazing video and music quality and options that the phone can play. The web browser included on the Samsung Wave is called Dolfin 2.0 which is based on the code used by other manufacturers and is FLASH compatible.  It is very well equipped to handle Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and what ever else you might want to so. We would have tried to load Farmville on Facebook but didn't have enough time to try. We don't think it would work anyway despite the 1Mhz CPU. We where impressed with the hardware that was packed into the Wave GT-S8500 and its impressive operating system. Top end hardware at a cheaper price. Of course not all is perfect.  The main problem is the Samsung App store there's not much to choose from and expensive. its also missing a few high end features like foward camera and the compass. You shouldn't need much though because it comes with apps for Facebook, Twitter, emails and so forth.  It can also run on screen widgets so you can keep up to date without running specific apps. The Wave is better than a number of the latest mobile phones we have tried.  It is better than the Sony Ericsson X8, the LG Optimus and even the Nokia N97 and the Mini. Conclusion We love the 2010 Samsung Wave S8500. The Wave may be over shadowed by the latest marketing spin and PR associated with Android based mobiles and the iPhone4 but in all honestly it works just as well.  So be different and give it a go you'll be very happy - we where. Specifications
    • Samsung Wave GT-S8500
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz Dual-band UMTS 850/900/2100 MHz 3G HSDPA 7.2 3G HSUPA
    • Design Touch screen 118mm x 56mm x 10.9mm Weight 118 grams
    • Display/s 3.3inch 480 x 800 pixel TFT AMOLED
    • Camera 5MP main camera HD video at 720p resolution
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi USB Bluetooth V2
    • CPU 1GHz
    • Memory 2 GIG available to user Up to 32Gig MicroSD cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features A-GPS SMS, MMS, WAP, IM, EMAIL JAVA MIDP 2.1 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Document Viewer (Picsel) Picture Viewer Voice memos Calender and organizer 400 Hrs Standby 300 Mins Talk Time 1500mAh Li-ion battery
    • Price history Less than $599 AUS 2010 (Outright)

  • 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)

  • LG Optimus Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 LG Optimus (GT540) review page.  The LG Optimus released in early 2010 is the first Android based mobile phones we have tried from LG.  With such name that is derived from optimal we had high expectations as to its performance.  Thankfully we where not disappointed!  In addition considering its speed we where impressed by its outright price of under $280.  However there are a few missing things to bring down the price. The LG Optimus is an Android 1.6 (Donut) based mobile phone not the latest version 2.1.  It does not appear to be upgradeable but I'm sure some enterprising hack will find a way.  It is our opinion that you will not miss much functionality offered in the 2.1 version because the hardware behind the Optimus is not the top end anyway. You only get a 3 inch 320 x 480 pixel resistive touch screen that can only show 65,000 at the one time but it is still nice to look at. What you do get with the phone is pretty good which includes Wi-Fi, a reasonable camera and A-GPS. The Optimus has more features than our current favorite the Nokia E63 in terms of value for money.  Definitely value for money here! The LG Optimus is a very fast phone.  We encountered no lags of sluggish or any unexpected lags worth pointing out during our test.  The menus and transitions work perfectly and the apps open with minimal delay.  The touch screen in general and keypad work very well too. Construction wise the Optimus is well built but it is a bit chunky.  The larger size means it is not sleek to look at and its all plastic is reasonable quality.  You can't really complain due to the relative cheap price. Based on price the camera and video camera are on par with the competition.  From the demos it looks acceptable.  The Optimus appeals to all sorts of people so you can't really say this is a kids phone and so forth.  We think its the new mid-range paradigm. Overall the LG Optimus GT540 is probably the best of the value touchscreen phones in the price range. The Optimus is better than any other Nokia touch screen for example and our prior favorite the Samsung Preston ICON.  Nice screen well made and designed so it doesn't look low end and has all the connectivity options you need.  Along with the new Android Store for apps you have the what is a do it all phone.  We think you'll be happy with one. Specifications
    • LG Optimus
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 850/900/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 7.2 Mbits data speed (download)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L109 x W54.5 x D12.9 mm Weight 115.5 grams
    • Display/s External 3.0 Inch TFT 320 x 480
    • Camera 3MP
    • Video Camera 800 x 480 video camera 15FPS
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V2.1
    • CPU 600 Mhz
    • Memory Up to 200MB available to user MicroSD up to 32Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Accelerometer FM Radio JAVA Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Io 1400mAh battery Up to 350 hours Standby Up to 250 minutes Talk Time
    • Price history Under $279 AUD Mid-2010 (Outright)

  • Telstra Glide (T870) Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2010 Telstra Glide T870 mobile phone review.  Released in mid 2010 as a pre-paid model it is targeted at people who want a cheap QWERTY based slider mobile phone.  We where surprised at the release of this model because not only does it have a slide out keypad but it is also has a touch screen!  Priced at around $129 for a pre-paid package when released it is a very good deal. The construction of the Glide was another surprise.  It doesn't feel bargain basement but a level or two up.  The quality plastics and the keypad although quite hard to press also good.  Besides the slide out keypad you also get a touch screen.  The screen is a bit bigger than the category norm and is a good quality.  Not the sharpest image but better than many in this category. In terms of operation the menu system has been updated with a widget capable standby screen.  There are not very many widgets available but at least it is an effort.  Overall the touch screen with a form of gesture control works it is not very responsive.  In some parts the system is sluggish but not laggy.  Interestingly when you slide out the keypad the screen changes into landscape mode.  However if you use it for text or SMS the on screen keypad is not the easiest to use. The Glide like all of Telstra models has 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, Twitter and so forth.  Since it has a QWERTY keypad you can use the Glide for more than just the message notification.  Sending emails, Text, Twitter and even Facebook become easy to send or update. Technically, the Glide has the major 3G and GSM frequencies so you'll be able to use it overseas or anywhere Telstra has a roaming agreement. We think the new Telstra Glide is a perfect first mobile phone or replacement for an older model.  It is not perfect but there are very few phones from any other brand that has the same level of potential to make your mobile communication easier.  That said the market is always changing so our opinion at the tiem this written. Conclusion All up the Telstra/ZTE Glide T870 a interesting model.  It works well and has all you need for a new mobile phone in 2010.  Sure it could work a little faster and have a better web browser but all up its quite a good phone.  You could do much worse. Specifications
    • Telstra Glide (T870)
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz Tri-band UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz 3G HSDPA 3.6
    • Design QWERTY Slider 92mm x 53mm x 13.5mm Weight 83 grams
    • Display/s 2.4 inch 240 x 320 pixel TFT
    • Camera 3MP main camera 0.3MP 2nd video call camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V2
    • CPU
    • Memory Up to 130MB available to user 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 1000 mAh Li-ion battery
    • Price history Less than $129 AUS Mid-2010 (Pre-paid pack)

  • 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)

  • Nokia 7230 Review
    Welcome to the Nokia 7230 review. The Nokia 7230 was released in late 2009 to cater for the sweet spot between the standard and mid-range 3G capable mobile phones.  Price wise the 7230 is in a great position at under $180 outright and even less as a pre-paid package. Construction wise the 7230 is built very well.  However it is a slider phone so expect some slack over time but the demo model we tried was still working perfectly despite obvious hard use.  The metal frame and patterned plastic works well and will be attractive to most people. Although one of the cheaper models in the range there is not much to complain about. Conservative and well though out slider. Nokia has been making variations on the same theme for ages and their experience shows in the functionality that the 7230 has.  A decent sized screen, responsive menu system and all you need for voice calls, SMS and emails, Facebook, IM etc.  The keypad is Ok to use but we think the button feel designed to cater for those who love to text message rather than the occasional texter..  We still prefer the bigger buttons on the Nokia C5-00 mind you. The 7230 comes with 2 web browsers, Opera and the Nokia Webkit version.  The latest Opera version is the better one to use on a small screen if you want to see full web sites.  The screen is larger than most in the category but like the others still too small for full websites regardless of browser.  You need to find 'bite size' internet sites to be of real use.  It also lacks fast internet data download and upload capabilities. Call quality was typical Nokia although sounded 'tinner' - it seems to be a trend with the company compared with say the Hi-Fi ish quality of the old 6233.  The network signal was relative good despite being in a marginal area - ie 2 bars. It runs the S40 OS so our software works well with it - just turn bluetooth off if the apps fails to start. This phone is perfect for those who only want a basic 3G capable phone with some ability to add new software.  The large buttons on the surface of the phone will make it easy for those who if the fiddly buttons on other types of phones including touch screens happy.  The slightly large screen will definitely make it easier to view what ever information on the screen.  The menu system is standard Nokia so you will be able to use it without resorting the the manual. Overall we liked the 7230 and quite sure you will be happy with it too.  It is a simple phone with all the functionality for most of your communication needs.  There are also plenty of apps from the OVI store or carrier network store you can download for free or cheaply to keep you happy until the next model arrives. The key selling point is the outright pricing of less than $180 AUD and a pre-paid package of around under $130. Get the outright version so you can use other SIM cards with it. Strangely we prefer the 7230 to the 6700 Slider.  Finally the 7230 is available on most phone carriers except for Telstra at the time of writing. Specifications
    • Nokia 7230
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (Dependent on country)
    • Design Slider
    • L98 x W48 x D14.75 mm Weight 100 grams
    • Display/s 2.4 inch TFT 240 x 320
    • Camera 3.2MP
    • Video Camera 320 x 240 pixel main video camera 8FPS
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2.1 Micro-USB
    • CPU xxxMhz
    • Memory Up to 45MB available to user MicroSD up to 16Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features JAVA Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 FM radio Speaker Phone/Hands free 3.5mm AV/headset BP-5CT 3.7V 1050mAh Up to 16 days Standby Up to 5.3 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $160 AUS mid-2010 (Outright) Under $130 AUS mid-2010 (Pre-paid)