Reviews

Not so long ago, cell phones with QWERTY keyboards were a hit. These are now replaced by touch screen cell phones that let you explore and control your mobile phone in a swipe of a finger. How convenient can that be? Let's take a look at two popular brands that offer touch screen cell phones.

Cell phone review: Apple iPhone

When Apple released the iPhone, a lot of people were almost blown away that for months, they can't talk about anything but having their iPhone. It became almost like a status symbol and set the benchmark for other touch screen phones. What you'll truly love about the iPhone is its sleek design. This is true even for its first release. The stunning display with its wider screen is also something to rave about. All in all, Apple gives us as a very innovative user interface with multitouch functions. The easy to use applications make it almost practical to have an iPhone, not to mention that the Safari browser raises the web surfing experience up a notch. But iPhone itself is not perfect. The initial reaction among critics during its initial launch is that some features are missing, such as 3G and Bluetooth support, and that call quality is not at all superb. Much can also be done with its integrated memory. Some do not like the idea of having to sync it just to manage their music library. The later edition fortunately addresses some of these issues.

Mobile phone review: Samsung UltraTouch (S8300)

Samsung UltraTouch is not particularly a standout. Though the 8-megapixel camera works fin and the screen makes it look fab, under the hood, you might be a little bit disappointed. At first glance, you can say that the UltraTouch is something you'll use during the business hours. The applications, however, are just average. The common concern among users is the interface that lags. There's also the cramped keypad and the bulky headphone adapter. The price is also quite steep, considering issues with its usability. All in all, you can say that Samsung UltraTouch can work just fine but it's not a knockout.

Expect upgraded versions of touch screen mobile phones as these seem to be the rage in cell phone technology.

Nokia E63 is one of the newest offerings from the cell phone giant. This comes with a number of useful features in a sleek design that is characteristic of Nokia’s line of QWERTY phones.

Features of Nokia E63

Special features that make Nokia E63 a good buy include Quad band GSM support, 3G support, Wifi, 2 megapixel camera with LED flash, Bluetooth, micro USB port, FM radio, Nokia maps, comfortable QWERTY keypad and easy to use shortcut keys. And unlike other phones, Nokia E63 offers great visibility under direct sunlight.

Other things you can do with your Nokia E63

Aside from texting and calling, you can access the Internet with the E63 using the phone’s built-in WiFi capability. You can also take pictures and videos using the phone’s 2 MP camera. It can even take decent photos in low light and nighttime settings with the built-in LED flash. You can read documents on the phone as long as you have downloaded the appropriate document viewing software. The phone can support document viewing software for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Nokia E63 also has a headphone jack for listening to music that you can plug into the audio in your car if you want to listen to music while driving.

Nokia E63 is a cheaper alternative to the E7. Although it comes with tone-down features, it is still a great product for the price. It doesn’t come with the metallic sleekness of the E71, but Nokia E63 still exudes quality with functionality.

This mobile phone review will focus on the Nokia 5530, the company’s upgrade to the much bulkier Nokia 5800.

Mobile phone rating on functionality and design

In terms of features, the Nokia 5530 has:

2.9? 16M-color TFT LCD 16:9 touchscreen display (360 x 640 pixels)
Symbian S60 5th edition
ARM 11 434 MHz CPU, 128MB RAM memory
3.2 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and VGA@30fps video
Quad-band GSM support
Wi-Fi connectivity
FM radio with RDS
Bluetooth with A2DP and USB v2.0
Stereo speakers
Stylus, with its own compartment inside the phone
Office document viewer
OVI integration (direct image and video uploads, OVI Contacts)
* Good battery life

Nokia 5530 boasts of a sturdier software than what’s previously available through Nokia 5800. The upgrades are a worthy advantage for people who are looking for dynamic features on their mobile phones.

Mobile phone rating on pricing and practicality

Another great thing about the Nokia 5530 is that, despite all these features, the phone remains very affordable. Anyone looking for a full-feature phone know that the Nokia 5530 is a great deal.

Hype has followed Nokia’s N97. In this cell phone review, we’ll discuss if this must-have gadget is worth all of it.

Nokia N97's list of cellphone features

S60 5th Edition, Symbian OS v9.4 Operating System
HTML/XHTML over TCP/IP, WAP 2.0, RSS feeds, Flash Lite Browser
128MB SDRAM[8], 32GB internal storage
GPRS, EDGE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MMS, Video Calls
TFT touchscreen, 360×640 pixels, 3.5 inches
5 Mpx camera with f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Tessar lens
MPEG-4 Video Player
Stereo FM Radio with RDS, 64 channels Polyphonic tones
Up to 9.5 hours (GSM), 6.0 hours (WCDMA) Talk time
Nokia Maps 3.1 Touch, TV out, document viewer, Nokia Photo Browser, FM transmitter

Cell phone rating on functionality

The focus of Nokia N97 is connectivity, and this is where it also succeeds the most. Browsing and social networking via your mobile phone has never been easier. The media hungry will also like the video, music, and gaming capabilities of N97. The phone boasts of above average multimedia features.

Cell phone review on design

N97 is also a great-looking phone. And despite all its features and the impressive 32 gig built-in memory, it is not as bulky as expected.

Every minute, every second, we may capture a special detail out of life. I'm always armed and ready not with a fragile digital camera but with Sony Ericsson K750i. Just slide the lens cover and click on the camera to capture memorable images. That's the beauty of having a mobile phone. Anytime, anywhere, it provides you with comfort and ease. All you need is to press the button and it heeds to your commands. I cannot imagine life without my phone buddy. I'll be lonely without it, so I thank my K750i for all the good times we've shared.

A father always dreams of having a son. After five years of eager anticipation, we were at last blessed with a boy. It was a sensitive pregnancy so I made sure that I attend to her needs. But once, I asked my wife for a holiday treat. I've been so good that I feel like I deserve even a weekend break. So I was playing golf when my K750i rang to alert me with an emergency. Her water bag broke and she was sent to the nearest hospital. Without hesitation, I rushed to the delivery room with nothing to capture the moment but my K750i. I took my boy's first picture and recorded his debut to our world. Good thing that it has superb image quality. I was also able to share and store using a PC management software. I made a photo album and added photo effects before I emailed them to my boy's proud granny in Colorado. Thank God I have my Sony Ericsson K750i at hand to capture the joyous memory having a son.

It took 5 hours of excruciating pain before my wife was able to deliver our baby boy. I was worried sick for a while but at least music helped ease my mind. If I haven't been listening to a built-in FM radio in my mobile phone, I would have gone nuts. I even thought I was having an anxiety attack, but my Sony K750i kept me calm with its downloaded games, graphics, and music tones. Sometimes, at situations like this, there's no need for panic. I was cranky for a while until I thought of calling my friends for help. With an organized calendar, phonebook, and easy features, life was made easier with my Sony Ericsson phone.

Have you ever seen the girl of your dreams walking by the street. You clenched your fist, mustered the dopey courage, and chased her to finally ask for that number. You went up to her, she smiled at you, only, there's an icky food splinter in between her nice, white dentures. And you say, "Ewe, that's disgusting!" No, I haven't experience such humiliation but I almost had it for the Sony Ericsson W800i. Oh no, it's a shame!

It's walkman phone, a revolution of style and function from Sony Ericsson phone kits. It's built for easy listening that can even nix off your need for an iPod. It can store up to 150 songs or 10- 15 CD's, thanks to its 512 MB memory. It also has an FM radio station and it shuts off as easy when you have an incoming call. It catches life with 2-megapixel digital camera and video recording. But what's a high quality photo imagery if you can't share it? Don't worry, it has a Music Cable accessory, a wireless transition through Bluetooth and a USB connection to PC's where you can edit and upload images as well as tones. Do away with all these fun. It has an expandable memory and an easy store feature. Push the button and the genie will give you what you want.

What else can you ask for right? Sounds perfect to me. It has all the vital elements of a mobile phone that's sleek with style, slender with design, bulky with intense features, but tainted in orange?! Com' on! You're not expecting a kid to afford one and use it. How could you paint it orange?! It only ruined everything. You may have a very nifty phone with you, but how do you expect to be taken seriously with an orange tone?! I was heart broken for a while. There are lots of discreet colors to choose from. Why do Ericsson have to choose the color of a raging diva?! I love the W800i, only I can't put my reputation at stake as a man.

The sleek steel finish will make you want to go "Wooooh"! I know, at first glance, it will be love at first sight. But don't be fooled because beauty is only skin deep for Nokia 6170.

It has all the amazing technology BUT an expandable memory. It will be the flop for this Nokia flip. It boasts of downloadable features like MP3, wallpaper, and images. Oh yeah, that's enticing! Where will we store it? It won't even fit in the phone's limited memory when there's no room for expansion.

Bluetooth? With a futuristic steel design how could you still get stuck with an Infrared. Com' on, why did you not install a bluetooth in the system?! It's the missing link of evolution. The only unique beauty in it is the double vision with an outside mini LCD display. Now, I don't know much what it does to you except for a perk in seeing more but I like it. The keys are also soft to touch and the image resolution is good. It's a fine piece actually that missed on little but important specifications.

I feel sorry for the Nokia 6170. It's beauty without brains. So next time, before you get all flashy with sales pitch, look for the minor details that will make you want to change your mind. After all, beauty isn't all there is.

There are numerous cellphones that are flooding the market today. Everyday, you would see mobile phones with different designs, ergonomics, and integrated technology features. One cellphone that strikes a balance to the berserk cellphone industry is Nokia 6305i.

It is not flawless but this handset offers outstanding features that elevate your mobile phone experience to the next level. This phone provides high-resolution and large TFT screen display. With its 262K color and 220 x 176 pixel content, you can have the most colorful and sharpest graphics and images. It can also download high-speed streaming video clips through the phone's VCAST service. It has a long battery life that can last for eight days! Whew! Now, that's the kind of phone I have to bring to my remote expeditions! This phone would definitely never leave you hanging because its outstanding reception is unquestionable, even in very rough terrains.

This handheld is also Nokia's first phone with EVDO high-speed information. It sports a 1.3 megapixel built-in camera with LED flash and video capture, stereo speakers, speaker phone, and voice speaker-independent dialing. One shortcoming of the phone is the absence of bluetooth wireless technology and expandable memory. It still eludes me why such a phone with EVDO has no wireless capability! Nonetheless, this cellphone is still fine without them, if you are the selfish type who never shares data. Anyway, its superb ergonomics and functional interface alone can fill that gap.

Cellphone manufacturers in the world are improving their technology and the functionality of their mobile phones to suit every customers needs. Nokia, a leading cellphone manufacturer, has come out with a very cool handheld gaming console for the video games buffs, the N Gage QD. This mobile phone is like a gameboy integrated with phone capabilities that would surely fire up mobile gamers all around the world.

N-Gage is integrated with Bluetooth wireless technology, making multiplayer gaming possible. You can now go head-to-head with a friend or play against each other through cooperative multiplayer infiltration missions. People without SIM cards can use the game to play because the package includes a dummy SIM card. Now, that is cool! It also has an extreme (clear) screen and loud speakers that make your mobile gaming experience one of a kind!

Unfortunately, the phone lacks camera, FM radio, and MP3 player. Text or SMS messaging is not that easy with this one-sided gaming phone. But, what do you expect? This is a gaming phone, people! Anyway, it does have multimedia messaging (MMS), allowing users to send messages containing images, text, and sound. Whatever luxury phone fans out there say, this device is for the mobile game generation and we are having fun with it.

Motorola is gaining ground in introducing aesthetically innovative handheld designs that surely intrigue and bedazzle cellphone buyers. While most of the cellphones are getting sleeker and thinner, the Motorola PEBL U6 go against the current trends with its radical clam shell design. This smooth dual hinge device not only radiates elegance and style but also offers communication functions such as built-in speaker phone, wireless phone technology via bluetooth, voice-activated dialing, and other multi-media features. These features, folks, are obviously very useful in this mobile world.

Motorola PEBL also features personal information management applications like datebook, calculator, voice recorder features, alarm clock, and email. This handset offers the most advanced voice recognition software, which enables user to direct commands with just the sound of the voice. You can also install and download Java-based applications and games. The device is also equipped with GPRS or general pocket radio service that enables you to surf the web at a speed of 48 kbps. One missing technology however is the 3G capability. Unfortunately, PEBL doesn't support 3G technology. Nonetheless, consumer can overlook its shortcomings because of this phone's unique appeal and simple yet sophisticated feel and look. If you like a phone with radical beauty but cutting-edge technology, this phone has got exactly that.

If you are a working parent, then you can't help but get worried when your kid is out somewhere and there's no means to contact him or her. Now, you don't have to fret because Cingular network unveils a phone that is meant for our kids, aged 12 and below. This is the Firefly mobile phone. This mobile phone is designed to provide parents peace of mind, freedom, and parental control when it comes to keeping in touch with their kids even when they are not around.

This handheld device contains only five keys unlike the others with regular keypads. Parents program the numbers for their children to dial with the use of an exclusive PIN. The "Dad" and "Mom" keys are very good since most calls would be coming from them. The phone is purely designed for voice calling so there's no cameras, MP3, or modern Bluetooth technology integrated in it. There's a caller ID system integrated in it so that the kids know who is calling. There is also a 911 key, in case of emergency.

The handset's exterior features are purposely crafted to fit a kid's little hands. The interface has lively animations and the weight is only 2 ounces, making it very light and handy. Hence, this phone is very functional in keeping in touch with your beloved kids while they are away or while you are away.

Imagine a cellphone that has music features greater than your iPod. You can now store, listen, and download thousands of modern digital music via the internet with this new offering from LG, LG Fusic. Integrated with the cutting-edge mobile phone technology, Fusic can push iPods to extinction. Although, realistically, that is unlikely to happen in the near future.

This new music phone product has a lot of audio features that will totally rock your world. With its built-in FM transmitter, you can also listen to the songs being played on air. This handset has also an outstanding Media player and micro SD cards for optimum music enjoyment while on the road. Fusic also comes with some essential tools commonly found on handhelds, such as alarm clock, calculator, notepad, scheduler, task list, voice control and memo, and world clock.

You can also play a lot of totally enjoyable and fun games like Tetris, Pacman, and even the popular Holdem Poker. With its Java 2 Micro Edition applications, you can download games online. It also has a 1.4 megapixel camera with video capturing and digital zoom capabilities. It's Bluetooth-enabled so you can access broadband internet. Indeed, LG Fusic is a model of continuing and evolving mobile phone technology.

Because of the indispensability of fast internet technology, a mobile phone with Bluetooth capability is a must especially to those individuals who like to always be connected on the internet. In this light, Nokia launches its newest cellphone, the Nokia 6102i, a remodification of its predecessor, the Nokia 6102. This new handset retains the cutting-edge design of 6102, but it is more powerful and has an improved functionality because of the added Bluetooth feature.

The addition of this wireless technology, combined with an infrared port, makes this mobile phone a formidable device with a lot of connectivity features. You can now download wallpapers, screen savers, and games via the internet because of this added feature. Also, this phone provides dual color screen, an FM band radio, plus a J2ME downloadable games and applications. The Nokia 6102i packages a reasonable multimedia set for users on the streets.

6102i's greatest strength is its ease of use; it provides intuitive design and functional keys for a different set of consumers. Perfect for solid communication, this handset comes with essential tools found on most devices today, including a 500-entry phonebook, alarm clock, calculator, calendar, countdown timer, notes, recorder, stopwatch, and digital organizer.

I'm an avid user of Nokia and Motorola phones. After getting weary of using the same brands over the years, I came to a decision to try something else and one day, I just found myself in front of authorized Samsung phone dealer store.

What really attracted me to this phone is the quality of its screen. I've never encountered one like this in my previously owned phones. Even under the heat of the sun, I still can read what's on the screen. At night time, especially in the car, I find the keypad lights proportionally dispersed to each key so it does not confuse my vision even in the dark; my full attention is just on the screen. Indeed, it's an excellent consideration from the manufacturer. Composing text messages is a breeze and key press is very responsive even using the T9 method. Those who got bigger fingers will, I guess, never make errors pressing the keys. SMS/EMS and MMS have lots of features to choose from to create your messages more dynamically and more vividly.

The phone is essentially a basic one with lots of added modern-day features, ideal for middle-end users. The phone's got an excellent digital video and camera 4x zoom. Pictures are of high quality with lots of effects and enhancements to choose from. There's a File Manager that stores your images, sounds, music, video, and more. Sound quality is superb in receiving and making calls. I just missed the FM radio but I can live without it. It's a pretty and cool phone. I bet you'll immediately dig this handset. Well, it cost me less than 200 USD and it's worth the money.

Are you the type of person who likes a cellphone that can be used for both leisure and business? Then, Nokia E50 is the right one for you. This stylish and sleek handset is specifically designed for those people who are always on the go. This device is furnished with built-in business applications and exceptional calling and voice functionality. This phone is dual-SIM capable, making you capable of having 2 cellphone numbers to use.

On the other hand, the lifestyle multimedia features contains a 1.4 total of megapixel video camera and an MP3 digital player, in case you want to be relaxed while listening to your favorite digital music. This device is wrapped in a lustrous metallic cover with some neat colors on the keypad. Cool, eh?

This device also supports mobile email solutions including Balckberry Connect, Visto Mobile, Microsoft ActiveSync, Altexia, and Intellisync Wireless Email by Nokia. Now that is what I am talking about! This small phone can support at least 6 hours of talk time, providing you with high battery performance. It also has a search function, making you access important data in your email and in the internet. Truly, Nokia has once again provided its diverse customers with a phone that is great for business as well for after-business needs.

The mobile phone market is one of the hottest and most dynamic consumer markets today. Driven by competition, cellphone manufacturers are coming up with a lot of innovative ideas and cutting-edge mobile phone technology. The physical design of latest cellphone products are now becoming slimmer and more sophisticated. Plus, the integrated features like the camera, MP3, and other multimedia capabilities are becoming more advanced and high-tech.

If you are the type who prefers excellent digital sound quality, MP3, and cutting-edge multimedia features, then Sony Ericsson W800i is the perfect choice. This product is certainly a brilliant combination of cellular phone, digital camera, and portable music player. Its chic orange and white cover features a familiar trademark of Walkman. It provides an MP3 player that can store more than 130 tracks of music. So, if you are really hooked into digital sound, this device will provide you a lot of good music experience.

Sony Ericsson W800i comes with one great two-megapixel cam for capturing fine photos. It has superb call quality for it can support more than 10 hours of voice calls. It has also a very easy interface plus Bluetooth and infrared capabilities. A lot of cellphone review sites in the internet is giving this product high ratings.

When buying a cellphone, I always opt for the one that can offer the best camera feature. This is because I am a person who doesn't want to miss any precious moment in life. I want them captured in fine and outstanding quality images. This superb camera features are all present in this fabulous new camera of Nokia, the N72 phone.

The outstanding built-in multimedia package of this cool handset is what I really dig. This beautifully wrapped mobile phone is integrated with a digital music player. You can download your favorite pop music and put them in a playlist. It is also equipped with an built-in browser and dynamic FM radio. So, you can enjoy listening to your favorite tracks anytime and anywhere.

What makes N72 stand out is its cutting-edge camera capabilities. It has a two-megapixel perfect for capturing quality images. You can also take quality videos with his handset. Plus, you can organize your image gallery through its built-in video and photo editor. Another cool thing about this handset is its chic exterior design. The cover comes in light girlie pink and glossy black.

Are you going to buy a cellphone worth seventy five thousand dollars? Well, if you are rich and you like to spend for a luxurious but totally chic handset, you have the option to purchase Motorola SLVR L7, one of today's most pricey cellphone (the price I just mentioned, folks!). What makes this cellphone expensive and special? The answer: diamonds.

Yes, and these are real diamonds, baby. The frame of this cellphone is elegantly encrusted with 260 fine-quality precious diamond stones. Surely, everybody will be dazzled with the glitters of this phone. But it's not only about diamonds; this cellphone has a lot of cool features that you will surely dig!

Motorola SLVR L7 is slim and sexy to the eyes because it is only 11.9 millimeter thick. It has a TFT Screen that contains more than 25 million pixels, giving you the crispiest and most detailed images and graphics. Anytime, you can also listen to your most favorite digital music because it has a built-in MP3 player. This luxurious handset is integrated with a 4 times zoom, 3 megapixels video cam phone and is also Bluetooth-enabled.

If you are the type of person who likes to personalize your things to show your personality and style, you will really dig this latest Nokia phone, the stylish Nokia 7270. This chic and exquisite handset comes with a Style Pack that contains 2 textile covers for the cellphone plus other accessories like matching pouch, case for credit cards, handset jewelry, and finger straps. To further incorporate your own desired style, this handset also provides complementary wallpapers, color schemes, and screen savers.

This phone can also play the best digital music around because it has a built-in MP3 as well as a FM radio integrated in it. You will never lose the chance of recording or capturing a fun moment in your life, because a cam and a video camera are integrated in it. The active and colorful TFT display is really great because it holds more than 65,536 of various colors within a 128 x 160 pixels giving the finest resolution a cell phone can offer. It is also perfect for video streaming for it contains a 3GPP built-in VGA cam. You will never get bored if you have this phone for it also offers a pre-installed and downloadable Java game.

Messaging features includes SMS, email, instant messaging, and MMS. Plus, you can send and receive up to six messages in a single text message thanks to the built-in and improved Short Messaging System. If you are after style and exclusivity, this phone, with its cutting-edge features, will suit you.

If you liked the Nokia 6101 design, you'll probably like this new Nokia 6103. From the way I look at it, this new Nokia would give the Motorola clamshell designs a run for their money. With its conservative design, add to that its modern Bluetooth feature, this little thing is sure to captivate the hearts and the eyes of the gadget savvy.

Nokia 6103 is patterned after the 6101's design with all its sleek and conventional style sans all the tackiness and flamboyance. Nokia 6103 has an external screen which displays the phone's battery and signal level. It also has a 0.3-megapixel resolution VGA camera, its camera key placed on the phone's right edge for picture capturing. It also has volume keys at the left part for adjusting the phone's ringer and earpiece volumes, a speakerphone on its top, and a connection port at the bottom. You can also use the phone's built-in USB port for charging the device and for other accessories like headphones for stereo sound listening. With the phone's 5-way key, users can effortlessly navigate its menu. The phone's design emphasizes functionality more than anything else, which is not common among its rival manufacturer's slimmer designs.

Are you a gadget maniac? Do you dig a cellphone that as thin as your girlfriend's panty liner? Well, you better look at this one. Korean Company KTF Technologies unveiled the KTF EV-K100 phone, dubbed as the World's Slimmest Mobile Phone. At 7.9 mm thin, or a full 3.1 mm thinner, it makes slim phones look highly overweight. With a weight of just 60 grams, it is virtually 1 mm thicker than your iPod Nano.

It will surely make you drool! This super cool handset does not only boast its cutting-edge design but it also offer rich applications at a reasonable price. It manages to pack in a decent feature set for its size. This phone comes equipped with a 1.8 inch LCD display, 1.3 megapixel digital camera, it just gets better an MP3 player with 165 MB of built in memory which is great for your music.

Ultimately, this new cellphone specie will revolutionize the design and engineering of wireless phone technology. It will surely fire up the competition in the mobile market. Techno-savvy customers will definitely scramble to get a hold of this marvelous handset.