Telstra F858 Review

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