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Category: Samsung

  • Samsung Google Galaxy Nexus Review
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung 'Google' Galaxy Nexus review. The Nexus has been around for a few months now and we've finally managed to get some time with one hence this late review. The Nexus is a high end phone when released by Samsung on behalf of Google and showcased the latest version of Android OS (Ice-cream sandwich). It's now reasonably priced if you're buying off the internet, priced around the $400-450. Strangely retail shops are selling them at around $600 which is a significant markup - at the time of writing. In terms of construction the Google Nexus is very good. The pictures disguise the size of the phone and the curved screen adds an unexpected designer touch. The phone may be made of glass and plastic but it doesn't feel cheap, its solid construction and weight helps give the Nexus a more expensive feel. In terms of size the Nexus is on the large side of things but that's due to the large screen. The size works to its advantage as you can easily see the text on the screen and you can actually hold the phone securely. In terms of use the Nexus runs Android 4.0 in its basic format which is noticeable improvement over 2.3 and 3.0, everything is smoother, and faster. Since the interface can be modified there is nothing you can really complain about that can't be modded to your liking. There still a few micro lags every so often but we are now pretty confident to say that it is caused by slow 3G data speeds or poorly designed designed apps. Once again like the iPhone there is nothing really to dislike about the Nexus. The live backgrounds and widgets on the Nexus really help differentiate it from the iPhone and Windows Mobile and one of the key selling points. The web browser is excellent which is another selling point, as is the ability to play FLASH files. Unfortunately like all the other mobile phones Android's default  internet browser still cannot run Facebook games - but at least it can play virtually any media file you choose to copy on it. The new Google Play store has plenty of Apps and other content you can download for free or pay for. However you do need to be careful as the privacy requirements of some apps are quite intrusive and often completely unnecessary. Lots a purely spyware in our opinion- however since you can see what sort of data they steal off you you get to decide if the App is worth the download. That said a lot of Apps in the Apple store are exactly the same spyware - unfortunately there is no way to know since Apple does not let you decide which is a big mistake. Overall the Nexus is one of the best mobile phones or rather the version of Android OS is a much improved. The only thing wrong with the Nexus is that there is nothing special about the internal hardware. However that is expected since the purpose of the Nexus is to introduce the world to Android 4.0 in the first place. Specifications
    • Samsung 'Google' Galaxy Nexus
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Five-band 3G 850/900/1700/1900/2100
    • Design Touch screen
    • L135.5 x W67.9 x D8.9 mm
    • Weight 135 grams
    • Display 4.65 inch 1,280 x 720 AMOLED
    • Camera 5MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 GSM and 3G networks
    • CPU Dual core 1.2 Ghz Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 1Gig RAM 16 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS Compass Accelerometer Proximity Ambient Light Dolby Digital Music and Media player Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others AndroidApp 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 1,750 mAh battery Up to xxx hours Standby Up to xx hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $400-600 AUD early 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Note Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Note (GT-N7000) review. This is the first ever Galaxy Note model made by the company with its amazing 5.3 inch AMOLED screen! - and it is a fantastic piece of mobile phone technology!  Some seemingly reputable BLOGs and other reviews websites - you know who we're talking about dismiss it as a novelty or a stupid idea. We say you people are so out of touch or perhaps you are trying to stay in Apple's good books? Hmm regardless we think the Note is an excellent phone and perfect size for those wanting a very portable tablet and phone  in one package. We even asked one lady owner while in Singapore why she bought one and answer was exactly what we expected - she said it was perfect size to use for a long time without getting eye strain like on her pervious iPhone. She was a petite lady and the Galaxy Note didn't look bulky at all! We agree and hence on our shopping list for our next phone purchase. When we told her that infra-red was on option on other Samsung models she that it would be perfect and started searching Google! Anyway we are digressing slightly... The construction of the Galaxy Note is pretty good, better than the Galaxy SII. It also looks good in Grey or Blue if you can find one. We were impressed by its lightness which makes it easy to hold for a long time. However we wished that Samsung would start making cool looking phones with equally cool materials like Nokia and now HTC. In terms of size everyone (incluing various so called reputable websites) initially thought the iPhone was way too big, now the same people dismiss any other screen size which we think is so pathetic. Incidentally the same people who said that getting rid of infra-red was the way to go. On the other hand we have and will always be disappointed at the lack of infra-red in any phone. The Galaxy Note's touch screen has also been optimised with software for use with a S-pen or stylus.We don't think that finger pointing or stylus use exclusively is not the answer to everything and that is why the Galaxy Note succeeds - it works great using both methods.  University students will find this phone perfect for their daily lives as pen input is so much faster and neater than typing and all in one device. Older people and those with bi focal glasses will find the larger buttons and text easier to deal with as well. It even has changeable batteries which is a rarity these days. In terms of performance and use the Galaxy Note is quick and very responsive.  There are slight micro second lags despite the fast 1.4 Ghz CPU, every so often as with all Android based phones, we believe it is caused by genuine multi-tasking of apps and poorly programmed and usually 3rd party widgets that require faster data connections rather than anything faulty with the OS. The updated widgets are cool too, along with the animated backgrounds. The calendar, email and news widget for example are live and are much more convenient than having to push different buttons to run apps all the time. It honestly makes the iPhone OS look dated. No wonder Apple is suing Samsung. To conclude, we like the Galaxy Note very much. It is an excellent phone and one that many people including those with regular sized hands like us will appreciate. It does everything you could want and more except for infrared! We still refer the 7 inch version purely due to the larger screen ie. used as an e-book reader but the Note is yet another model we can serious consider and so should you. We leave you with our final thought after putting down the Galaxy Note - anyone who claims that the Galaxy Note is too large has a really small mind and hands! Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Note
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Quad-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 Single band 4G LTE
    • Design Touch screen
    • L146.5 x W82.95 x D9.65 mm
    • Weight 178 grams
    • Display/s 5.3 inch 1,280 x 800 AMOLED
    • Camera 8MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 GSM and 3G networks
    • CPU 1.4 Ghz Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 1Gig RAM 16 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS FM Radio with RDS Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Proximity Ambient Light Dolby Digital Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calendar SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 2,500 mAh battery Up to xxx hours Standby Up to xx hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $800 AUD late 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 GT-P6800 review. This version of the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the model up from the regular Tab 7 Plus which we are trying to buy - purely due to that model having infra-red.  Despite not having infra-red the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is definitely worth a look if you want a mega sized mobile phone or small tablet. In fact this is the biggest question and problem you need to ask yourself. Thankfully you can buy a Wi-Fi only version! The Galaxy Tab 7.7 phone version would be used for the same thing as our current Galaxy 7 but thanks to its larger screen using it for typing up emails would be even easier.  Like the majority of office workers we leave in the satchel during the work times and it comes out during lunch or on the train if not busy.  Otherwise it's tethered to our main phone for internet data access. Yes it's a mobile hotspot and secondary phone, proper ebook reader and internet browser and thanks to the large battery it can work all day. In terms of construction the new Galaxy Tab 7.7 is very good. Although the 7 inch is probably the optimal size for mobility the 7.7 is not much bigger. The construction is mainly gloss plastic which does feel secure to hold. It still doesn't beat the HTC Flyer in terms of feeling expensive but at least once you use it that impression falls away. The internal hardware is very good too - all the features you'd expect in a high end phone and tablet! The screen resolution and AMOLED technology is excellent with great colors and contrast. It makes the iPad1,2 and even the iPad 3 screens appear cheap and under saturated or washed out in color despite their 'retina display' technology - which happens to be Samsung's anyway! See for your self which is true to life and which is not. The Galaxy 7.7 runs the latest version of Android 3 and includes a telephone dialer with integrated functionality the first we've seen for this version of the OS and we enjoyed using it. The galaxy Tab is fast and smooth - probably better than the 10.1 inch versions. There are no lags apart from the usual Android features but when combined with live wallpapers this thing looks like a working prop from Star Trek. Use a wired or blue tooth headset and you won't need two devices. With built in A-GPS it works brilliantly as a mobile GPS navigator you can actually read the screen You may enjoy repeating the often quoted disadvantage of the 7.7 being too big for a phone we say STOP following the crowd. A lot of arguably reputable websites claim this as a disadvantage and debase it because of size but we have lost any respect for them now and so should you. The same websites who said the iPhone was too big and missing the point of Netbooks and tablets! This is a short and sharp review because we understand the concept of the Galaxy Tab 7.7 phone/tablet. One device - a tablet and phone that's just about the right size for everything aka very portable. Install a infra-red transceiver and it can control any home theater system too!  Sure Samsung should have designed the case to be more stylish but I'm sure they're working on that for the next version. Note we still prefer the Galaxy Tab 7 but this the next best thing. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 (Phone version)
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Quad-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (dependent on country) HSDPA 10.2 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 2 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L196.7 x W133 x D7.89 mm
    • Weight 340 grams
    • Display/s 7.7 inch 1,280 x 800 AMOLED
    • Camera 3MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd video call camera 2MP Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera 720p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 GSM and 3G networks
    • CPU 1.4 Ghz Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 1Gig RAM 16 or 32 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Proximity Ambient Light Dolby Digital Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 5,100 mAh battery Up to 1500 hours Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $800 AUD late 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsug Galaxy Y Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Y mobile phone review page. The Galaxy Y is one if the latest iteration of a cheap Android based phone from Samsung. We were not exactly thrilled to have to do a review but felt it was necessary as a public service. You see we couldn't fully recommend it on the simple basis that the screen is too low resolution. No you don't need glasses folks, the screen is actually fuzzy to look at. Less than 12 months ago (prior to March 2012) a touch screen phone priced at $129 in a pre-paid package would interest us but today and for not much more money you can get something that you would be happier with for much longer - eg. Huawei Vision. All Andriod OS phones are 90% the same so the main points of comparison are really simple. The price is OK, the design is OK, the modifications to Android are OK, there are enough hardware features to keep most users occupied and dependent on your network the reception and call quality is OK too. The only thing not oK is the small and low resolution touch screen. In terms of construction the Galaxy Y is quite light and a reasonable size.  While the buttons feels cheap to use it shouldn't break due to the larger sized components? The plastics would appear to scratch easily around the case but the capacitive touch screen should be a little more resistant. You pay for what you get in this model. However the Galaxy Y is infinitely better than the Telstra branded models released less than 12 months ago and even better than the latest effort the Active Touch T28, although the T28's screen is slightly better. In terms of daily use the Galaxy Y works in a relative fast and efficient switching between apps and menus thanks to the higher quality touch screen and for being low resolution hence less pixels to push around. Like all Android based mobile phones it does the lot, email, text, skye navigation with relative ease. The low speed CPU does not work with high def games but works well with Angry Birds. The low definition screen means that battery life is quite good for a touch screen phone. The Galaxy Y is an annoying cheap Android that could have been a little better ie. improve screen to make this recommended model in the low end mobile phone market and compete with the influx of 2nd hand iPhone 3G's and 3GS. Despite the screen the Galaxy Y does work well to cope with everything we tried with it. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Y
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 900/2100 HSDPA 7.2 Mbits data speed (download) 384kpbs data speed (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L104 x W58 x D11.5 mm Weight 97 grams
    • Display/s External 3.0 Inch TFT 240 x 320
    • Camera 2MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 800 x 480 video camera 15FPS
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 830Mhz
    • Memory Up to 512MB available to user MicroSD up to 32Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Proximity Compass Accelerometer (G-Sensor) Light Sensor FM Radio with RDS Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 120mAh battery Up to 850 hours Standby Up to 7 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $129 AUS 2012 (Pre-paid)

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 GT-P1000 review. The Galaxy Tab 7 was released in late 2010 as one of the first phone/tablet to mount a challenge to the Apple iPad. We liked the Galaxy Tab from the start as it was a combination of a huge screen for tablet use and being able to use it as a regular mobile phone. In fact we liked it so much we bought one! However just because one of us uses it as a main phone doesn't mean that its perfect and there are a few things that can be improved. The construction of the Galaxy tab is solid and not too heavy compared to a regular mobile phone and it is quite light compared to other tablets like the iPad. It is made of plastic except for the screen which feels like glass. Down the side are the slots fro the SIM card and microSD while the top has the earphones and the bottom the stereo speakers and multipurpose connector. While the screen is huge and the thick bezel makes it bigger than it should - the latest 2011 HTC Flyer is probably what it should have been like from the start but then the Galaxy TAB is 12 months older. Overall not a bad effort for the first of its kind. In terms of size it is quite big but can easily be put in a satchel or hand bag. (We eventually did appreciate the large bezel because it allows for a place to put your thumbs.) Note that the screen does not use the latest technology like AMOLED and because it is huge and bright you don't really notice the difference. Sure the picture quality may not match the color reproduction of the N8 for example but the Galaxy TAB is still pretty good. The only issue you'll encounter is that the screen is quite reflective in daylight. In terms of OS our version runs Android OS 2.3 Gingerbread which is presumably upgradable with future Android OS for phones. There are rumors that it will be a 3.0 version for tablets, however considering that there isn't any phone functionally in 3.0 it is unlikely - but you never know. Regardless of OS the Galaxy is super responsive and works fast. The Samsung desktop software (KIES) is quite limited in functionality since Andriod is centered on online Google apps for data sync. In terms of every day use the Galaxy Tab is pretty cool, the large screen helps readability and the fully functioning phone software is excellent. The only issue is that you really need the wired headset or an optional bluetooth headset to make use of the phone functions - unless your at home and can use the hand free calling. Call quality is great and likewise signal reception. The integrated Goggle email, calendar and documents work brilliantly and no you don't need to sign up for Gmail to use the basic functions. The web browser works perfectly and quickly and can only improve in the future. The main problem is that if you use Outlook, which most do it is almost impossible to sync the two. The Galaxy Tab comes with a camera and flash for the odd occasion but the image quality is not impressive - it is just passable for a phone though. Strangely missing is a FM radio - we don't know why it's missing considering its size. The Galaxy's TAB battery life is OK but due to the large screen it sucks most of the power dry quite quickly. We estimate 3-4 hours if used on the middle setting. Standby time is 3-4 days since it is also a mobile phone and hence always on. Turn off all wireless and reduce the screen brightness and you could potentially get 6 hours continuous use. As we already said we liked the Galaxy TAB it so much one of us actually bought one and still uses it which speaks highly of the concept.  Unfortunately it relative size will put the masses off buying one - which is fine with us.  These days we carry so much gear that the combination of both tablet and phone works for us.  However for the average user it may just a bit too big to be used as a phone and a little too small for a tablet but to just as many its the perfect compromise. Final words? it is the best 7 inch mobile phone you can get and a pretty good tablet as well. (Much better than the Telstra and Optus offerings) Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 7
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (dependent on country) HSDPA 10.2 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 2 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L190.1 x W120.5 x D12 mm
    • Weight 385 grams
    • Display/s 7 inch 1,024 x 600
    • Camera 8MP LED Flash 2nd video call camera 1.3MP Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera 720 x 480 pixel 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 1 Ghz Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 16 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Dolby Digital Proximity 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 4,000 mAh battery Up to 1000 hours Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $500 AUD late 2011 (Outright)

  • Samsung B2710 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Samsung B2710 review. The B2710 is ruggerised mobile phone and is IP67 compliant which means it can handle physical drops, water and dust which means everything outdoors.  When initially released the B2710 has a number of features that where rare in these types of phones most specifically 3G capability and A-GPS.  There are a few people who want these types of phones but unfortunately not that many. The other feature is that the Samsung priced very well at around the $200 mark. We briefly tried out the B2710 and can report that it is actually quite a decent standard mobile phone.  The OS is standard Samsung which in turn is ancient but easy to use.  It works fast and not laggy at all. In the hand it feels pretty good to hold but it is bulkier than the usual candy bar. The best part of the B2710 is its construction. Unlike other manufacturers it feels like a more expensive model rather than a toy. The keys are a tad hard to press due to the extra rubber coating but get over that and it you'll be satisfied at the overall feel. The other most useful this is the over 2 weeks of battery life on stand by.  The voice and sound quality was also surprisingly good. Unfortunately there are a number of problems with phone. Firstly the GPS only works with Google Maps and requires a data connection.  There is no on board maps data. The second is the software package that combines the various social networks linked to Google which we found unstable to use. Unless Samsung offers software updates it simply won't keep up with the latest internet offerings. The final problem is the screen which is not bright enough to be clearly viewable outdoors - which is ironic.  Yes you can read the screen but it needs greater brightness and adjusting for a clearer viewing angle. The screen was also scratch resistant - how much we didn't want to find out. Overall the Samsung B2710 is the best ruggerised mobile phone we've had the pleasure to use to date (2011). It looks good, works well if you don't really need a proper web browser and only want the basics of text and talk. We like the ability to just throw it around with worrying about damaging it. Specifications
    • Samsubng B2710
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 900/2100 HSDPA ??? Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA ??? Mbps (upload)
    • Design Ruggerized Candy Bar
    • L120.8 x W52 x D17 mm
    • Weight 116.5 grams
    • Display/s 2 inch 240 x 320
    • Camera 2MP LED Flash Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera ???
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2 MicroUSB
    • CPU ??? Mhz
    • Memory Up to 30MB on board Up to 32GB microSD
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Compass Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 1300mAh battery Up to 20 days Standby Up to 7 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $200 AUS 2011 (Outright)

  • Samsung Omina 7 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2011 Samsung Omina 7 review. The Samsung Omina 7 or i8700 was a top range mobile phone that was released late 2010 as a part of Microsoft's Windows Mobile 7 initial partner launch. As we write this review other websites report that the market is wary of accepting the latest mobile phones with the Windows brand on the case.  We can understand the very low take up for quite a number of reasons but won't dwell on that in this review! As we've said before the latest version of Windows Mobile 7 is very impressive. In comparison Windows mobile 7 makes Android 2.x versions feel fussy and even the iPhone interface feel old.  We love the flashy transitions and information icons because they look and feel more like the systems we see on TV and in the movies. With the hardware restrictions Microsoft have imposed on the manufacturers mean that you should be getting the same look and feel.  However there are differences that set them apart. Build quality of the Omina 7 is also very good and it is a solid phone that does not break any styling or material standards.  The entire phone seems dated in particular the rear design in particular is just not 2010.  Since the rear does open up but lacks an extra memory slot is just pathetic.  Admittedly the standard 8Gig memory is quite a lot of space but the lack of the extra slot is simply not good enough. In the hand the phone is nice to hold but does not have the bespoke feel of the segment leader the iPhone. The camera picture quality is OK but like all mobile phones not as good a 2010 model cheap digital camera.  Likewise the video quality looks good on the small screen but not on a PC. The results are not surprising and enough for candid photos on the run. Like all the latest Windows Mobile 7 based phones the Omina 7 has all that you need to use for calls, SMS, emails, Facebook, Twitter, News, Weather and web browsing. Sure it can't do FLASH websites and there are still very few truly interesting Apps to download and missing simple things like a file manager limited codec support for videos (video format like flv that even the ancient Nokia E71 can play without any problems), a standard GPS application that does not require an internet connect, cut and paste etc... are shortfalls of the operating system. However like Apple we are sure they'll be there in the next version - but is it too late. We like still Windows Mobile 7 despite its short comings and often feel that it has potential but still work in progress, we also like the hardware in most parts.  We are sure that future upgrades to the OS will include the missing features although the lack of microSD card slot is unforgivable.  But for now the major let down is the hardware manufacturers, namely LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson.  Why? The flashy interface looks and feels great but the physical design of the phone is so unattractive. Surely it wouldn't cost much more to have someone design one that looks like a decent high end phone? So in the end the Samsung Omina 7 is slightly better than the HTC 7 Mozart because the interface feels that little bit faster, the screen is also sharper and brighter.  We did not notice this until they where side by side.  However the Mozart feels better due to a nicer aluminum back and dual tone construction. In isolation the Omina 7 is a very good phone and one you should definitely consider if shopping at this end of the market. Specifications
    • Samsung Omina 7 i8700
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 7.2 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 5.7 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L122 x W64 x D11 mm
    • Weight 138 grams
    • Display/s 4 inch External AMOLED 480 x 800
    • Camera 5MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 720 HD pixel main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V2.1
    • CPU 1Ghz
    • Memory Up to 8 Gig on board
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint A-GPS Compass Accelerometer Windows Mobile Store for Apps Proximity Ambient Light Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 15000mAh battery Up to 390 hours Standby Up to 6 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $850 AUS 2011 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy 5 (i5500) Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy 5 review. The Galaxy 5 or Samsung i5500 was released in November 2010 and is one of the latest Android based phones on the Australian mobile phone market.  We think do not think that is coincidence that the HTC Wildfire was released just a few weeks before.  Anyway both phones on first glance have very similar hardware specifications but which one do we think is better? read on for the the HTC Wildfire Vs Samsung Galaxy 5 review. Firstly the differences - the Samsung Galaxy 5 ($199) is cheaper than the HTC Wildfire ($299 December 2010) as a pre-paid package.  The price difference between the two is due to the Galaxy having a smaller 2MP camera but it does have a faster CPU which is essential to experience all the features of the Android 2.1. The lower resolution camera, less on-board memory but 2 Gig microSD card, and the not quite so obvious smaller screen size.  We didn't notice the lower spec hardware but we did notice the not quite so zippy interface we liked on the Wildfire and even the Optimus. The Galaxy 5's construction feels cheaper than Wildfire but not the LG Optimus yet all the phones where easy to use in the hand and appeared quite sturdy.  Out of all the cheap Android based phones we prefer the HTC Wildfire that said the lower price of the Galaxy 5 makes it appealing too. The buttons on the panel are a good idea and the quality of the screen images was The Galaxy 5 has all the usual features included in higher end phones so GPS, radio, decent web browser and of course Apps.  However the biggest problem with the Samsung and ALL Android based phones is the requirement for having a Gmail account to activate the phone.  We do not agree with this compulsory login before we can even use the basic features of the phone Eg. calender.  This goes the same with Apple and Microsoft phone these days.  Requiring access to a wireless internet connection or a data plan is we guess the basic requirement for these types of phones. However we are consumers and we should say NO. Overall we like all the features you get on the Galaxy 5 but grow wary of the Android OS - just like Apple's iPhone. We don't think any of the touch screen phones really address all types of users but try to meet the bulk of users. The Galaxy 5 is cheap enough mobile phone that does work well but there are better phones for not much more $$$.  Likewise there are phones that are cheaper and work just as well. Overall the Galaxy 5 It is easy enough to use and stable.  So if you can't afford say the HTC Wildfire ($50-100 more) then the Galaxy 5 is a good alternative if you needs are not too demanding. Update: After using the Galaxy 5 for a few months we encountered some issues with 'slowing' interface.  The Galaxy 5 does become laggy and we began to encounter reduced battery life for some reason.  So our conclusion changed slightly in that it gives a good first impression but needs more work for long term stability. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy 5 (i5500)
    • 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
    • L108 x W56.5 x D12.5 mm Weight 101 grams
    • Display/s External 2.8 Inch TFT 240 x 320
    • Camera 2MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 480 x 320 video camera 15FPS
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V2.1
    • CPU 600Mhz
    • Memory Up to 170MB available to user MicroSD up to 16Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Accelerometer Light Sensor Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 1300mAh battery Up to 690 hours Standby Up to 490 minutes Talk Time
    • Price history Under $199 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)