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  • Telstra BubbleTouch (T930) Review

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

  • Telstra T202 Review

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

  • Telstra T108 Review

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

  • Telstra T100 Review

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

  • Telstra F858 Review

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

  • Telstra T2 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Telstra T2 ''EasyTouch' mobile phone review. The Telsta T2 is based on the same operating system as the other Telstra/ZTE models so expect the same experience.  However it has been designed to target people who are upgrading from older mobiles non-3G mobiles or those who this is the first mobile phone. The operating system has been given a new 'theme' without flashy graphics.  It reminds me of the Nokia's of the late 90's.  The simplified menu system has been redesigned with large and easily recognized icons for the various features.  Although it does look simple all the basic features of a standard mobile phone is available.  The simplicity is only surface deep because there are quite a number of other menus that aren't all that simple to use after the in initial one. Based on a clam-shell or flip phone the construction is best described as sturdy.  The rubberised  rear of the case feels good but doesn't wear well.  Overall it is not flashy to look at but is quite sturdy.  It is much better than the older T7 though. Based on our other Telstra phones it will probably be reliable though.  The keys are big so that it is easy for the less dexterous to use.  The screen is a standard 2.4 inches although they would like us to think this is large for a phone - it isn't.  Strangely it has a smaller battery than the other models. The functionality offered by the phone is no different from the other related models so you get all the basics for voice and video calls, texts, music, pictures, contacts, calendar, FM radio and internet.  You have to purchase other apps to get more interesting stuff.  Like the other phones in the Telstra/ZTE product range the web browser is next to useless on all but the Telstra WAP site. If you've ever used a hearing aid you'll also know the squeaking feedback whenever you use a phone - apparently they have solved it and it is hearing aid compatible.  I suggest you try one first with your hearing aid to make sure its does work. Just activate T-Mode in tools menu for the function to work. Furthermore if Telstra where serious in catering for the older folk then they should have included an AM radio - at least for Australia to cater for country residents and a radio that does not need to have the headset connected to get a radio to work. All the latest Telstra branded mobile phones are now Windows and MacOS compatible.  However you must install the new 'JoinME' application on your PC or Mac before it you can Sync or backup data.  The 'JoinME' software is included with the phone and is relatively simple to use.  With the software installed you can also use the phone as a wireless broadband modem but you'd better have a decent data plan for that. Despite being a 3G or NextG phone it also has all the GSM and UTMS frequencies.  So you should be able to use the phone anywhere in the world. Conclusion All up the Telstra T2 is a perfect mobile phone for people new to or who haven't upgraded in years.  It is not flashy to use or look at but it does work.  Nice big buttons and sturdy construction phone.  This is the better choice than the F858 despite lacking the front music buttons.  Good phone. Specifications
    • Telstra/ZTE T2
    • Network Tri-band UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100 / MHz 3G HSDPA 3.6 Quad-band GSM 850 / 900/1800 /1900 MHz
    • Design Rugged - Standard L101 x W51 x D17.6 mm Weight 110 grams
    • Display/s Internal TFT 176 x 220 Mono-exterior display
    • Camera Dual cameras 2MP auto-focus main camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V1.2 - Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 8Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features FM Radio SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Video calling Voice memos Calender and organizer 180Hrs Standby, 180 minutes Talk Time 900ha
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable User manual
    • Price history Approx $xxx

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

  • Telstra/ZTE T106 Review
    Welcome to the Telstra/ZTE T106 mobile phone review. I our opinion this model is essentially a T6 model in a classier case. The T106 differentiates its self from the other models in the range by a partly metal body.  It's construction is solid but the design of the case and buttons are not exactly up there with the other manufacturers.  However higher quality materials are used than the T6 and predecessors. Probably one of the better made cheap pre-paid mobile phones you can get at the moment. The screen is a tad small or rather the same size as the other ZTE model.  Specs say it has a resolution of 176 x 144 but I think it looks better than that - it is definitely 176 X 220, regardless it is perfectly acceptable and readable whatever it really is. The functionality offered by the phone is no different from the other Telstra or re-branded ZTE models so you get all the basics for voice and video calls, texts, music, pictures, contacts, calendar. FM radio and internet.  You have to purchase other apps to get more interesting stuff.  Like T6 the web browser is next to useless on all but the Telstra WAP site. Being a dedicated 3G or NextG phone it also has all the GSM and UTMS frequencies. So you should be able to use the phone anywhere in the world.  As a bonus it has better transceiver hardware so it can still pull a signal in areas where a normal mobile phone give up. Conclusion All up the Telstra/ZTE T106 is another typically good but increasingly basic mobile phone.  It is the older T6 in a new more stylist case.  Yes it does look better than the other models in the ZTE range and low end phones but that is it.  You will be happy with it because it because at the current low pre-paid price there is very little competition.  Great for talk and text, receiving emails and the odd video call. Specifications
    • Telstra/ZTE T106
    • Network Tri-band 3G HSDPA 3.6 / UMTS 850 / 2100 MHz Quad-band GSM 850 / 900/1800 /1900 MHz)
    • Design Rugged - Standard L107 x W47 x D14 mm Weight 108 grams
    • Display/s Intenal TFT 176 x 220
    • Camera Dual cameras 2MP auto-focus main camera
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V1.2 - Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
    • CPU 270MHz Processor
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 40MB available to user Up to 4Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features FM Radio SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Video calling Voice memos Calender and organizer 200Hrs Standby, 3.5 hours Talk Time 1000ha
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable
    • Price history Under $60 AUD Late-2010 (Pre-paid) Under $90 AUD Mid-2010 (Pre-paid) From $99 AUD 2009 (Pre-paid)

  • Telstra/ZTE T7 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Telstra/ZTE T7 mobile phone review.  The T7 is not really a replacement for the F256 clamshell phones.  It is more like a new model above the F256. It's slightly smaller then it's predecessors but is NOT simply a clone of the cheaper T6! The T7 has much more functionality and specified to meet mid-range handsets of other manufacturers.  Hence it is better than the F256 in every way. The T7 packs almost all the industry standard hardware like a QVGA ot 240x320 pixel screen,  and A-GPS receiver is now included as part of the phone.   Unfortunately no navigation software but then you can always use Google Maps.  However you'll need a decent Internet data plan... The screen is better good but not as good as the Motorola V3xx which is still available Construction and finish, like all Telstra ZTE branded phones you really need to see the phone in real life because they arguably don't look as good.  It is constructed well but has a brick like feel due to it's size.  It's old fashioned when compared to the latest clam shell designs. Even the 3 year old Motorola V3xx as mentioned previously. Also like most Telstra branded phones there's an external antenna socket which does wonders when traveling to isolated regions.  It also has an FM radio which is handy but not AM which in isolated regions the only form of radio available.  Most younger users probably don't even know what AM radio is... A new 3 megapixel camera is also included but we haven't tried it yet so can;t tell whether its any good. It's got lots of functionality through various applications that are standard fare on most mid range range phones but being a NextG like all 3G linked phones is functionality offered through the network's internet homepage.  Customization functionality is limited to light levels and wallpaper.  Yes it plays music and MP3 ringtones... It's also  Tri-band UTMS and Quad-band GSM, one of the few mobile phone with the complete set of modern frequencies so you should be able to use it around the world.  Interestingly its got a ton of modem capabilities, most interesting is the Bluetooth and Dail-up networking profiles.  It would seem like an inexpensive wireless modem - with the right data plan. Conclusion All up the Telstra/ZTE T7 is a typically good mobile phone.  It's much better than the F256 and just as good other manufacturers in terms of features especially since it comes with a A-GPS receiver. So like most ZTEs another good, stable but cheap looking mobile phone.  Nice but there are better for the price in terms of looks. PS. If it had navigation software including localized map data - it would probably sell much better.  Unfortunately most Nokia mobiles in the price range have more capability. Specifications
    • Telstra/ZTE T7
    • Network Tri-band 3G HSDPA 7.2 / UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz Quad-band GSM 850 / 900/1800 /1900 MHz)
    • Design Clam shell L103 x W51 x D17.3 mm Weight 108 grams
    • Display/s Intenal TFT 240 x 320 External TFT
    • Camera 2MP main camera
    • Connectivity A-GPS Reciever USB Bluetooth V1.2 - Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
    • CPU 270MHz Processor
    • Memory 64MB internal memory 45MB available to user Up to 2Gig Trans Flash cards
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
    • Features FM Radio SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Video calling Voice memos Calender and organizer 180Hrs Standby, 160 Mins Talk Time
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger
    • Price history Between $379 AUS 2009