Samsung Focus Review

The world has been waiting to see if Windows Phone 7 will be able to rescue Microsoft’s foundering mobile operating system from the depths of obscurity among smartphones. If the new Samsung Focus, one of the initial releases among many Windows Phones, is any indication of things to come, the answer is probably yes. Ultimately, public acceptance will judge the success of the OS. While iPhones, Android-based devices and BlackBerries have set a blistering pace, Windows Mobile has fallen farther and farther behind. Though there are detractors who believe that any mobile OS from Microsoft is now DOA, we found the Samsung Focus to be an excellent device to show off the new capabilities. As a result, we’ve designated the Samsung Focus smartphone as the TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award winner for smartphones.

Design:

The most striking physical feature of the Samsung Focus smartphone is the eye-popping, 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen. It boasts an impressive 480 x 800 pixel resolution and is superb for all your multimedia and communication needs. We’ll have to admit that it doesn’t amaze to the extent of the Apple iPhone 4’s 960 x 640 stunner, but by any other standard, it’s a real winner. The phone is slim and light, despite the large display, and is comfortable in the hand.

Not only is the display attractive, but the touchscreen functions smoothly and quickly. Scrolling is smooth and responsive and the gesture functions work well. The live tiles on the start screen can be interchanged in any way you like based on the Windows Phone OS. Anything you don’t want to be on the start screen can be easily removed and anything you want can be added. That includes individual webpages, maps, photos and playlists. These can all be pinned to the start screen with little more than a long tap. The idea behind this functionality is to allow you to get into and out of frequently used sites without having to first launch the associated app. As an example, you can access a specific webpage without having to first launch the mobile Internet Explorer browser.
The other major design feature of Windows Phone 7 is the organization around six categories of related content, called hubs. They include People, Pictures and Camera, Games, MS Office, Music and Videos, and Marketplace. They represent a new way of organizing and consolidating information that works very well.

Multimedia:

Speaking of hubs, Music and Videos is one of the best. Microsoft demands several hardware requirements of phone manufacturers in order to use the Windows Phone 7 OS and one of those is that the complete functionality of a Zune multimedia player is included. This means that you can drag and drop music and videos to the Zune client on your computer and the next time you sync, whether wired or via Wi-Fi, the content will be automatically transferred to the phone. Synchronization works with Macs as well as PCs.

New music and videos can, of course, also be purchased from the Zune Marketplace and downloaded to your computer or over-the-air to the phone. If you choose to invest in a Zune Pass subscription, you add the ability to stream unlimited music to the device. Windows Phone 7 devices also can stream using the built-in FM radio feature. Using it requires the use of a wired headset as the headset’s cord serves as the radio antenna.
The Samsung Focus smartphone offers a 5MP camera, which is also a Windows Phone requirement. It includes 4x zoom, LED flash and can record video in 720p high definition.

Call Features/Quality:

The Samsung Focus smartphone incorporates all of the calling features that have become commonplace on cell phones. It includes call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding and conference calling. Call quality was excellent in our area. The speaker phone worked well doing a good job of filtering out unnecessary background noise.

Memory/Storage:

The Samsung Focus smartphone has a substantial 8GB of integrated memory that can be expanded with up to a 32GB MicroSD card. The downside of this expandable memory story is that it requires a card that has been specifically certified for use with Windows Phone 7 devices which, at this point, are very hard to come by.

Battery talk time is an estimated 390 minutes which is acceptable, but not remarkable, in this sort of device. You can expect about 10.4 days of stand-by time.

Additional Features:

The MS Office hub is one of the most useful features of the Samsung Focus. It includes mobile versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as a very handy application called OneNote Mobile which allows for quick memos, lists and other reminders and even allows for the attachment of voice recordings and images. You can view, create and edit Word and Excel documents using the phone, but PowerPoint files can only be viewed and edited. Unfortunately, the Windows Phone OS was released before copy and paste functionality could be incorporated. We expect it to be added in the relatively near future.

Summary:

Windows Phone 7 isn’t a perfect OS and it will inevitably be compared to other top smartphones. Nonetheless, it represents a giant leap forward from previous editions of Windows Mobile. The user interface is innovative and has a great, contemporary. The live tiles offer up-to-the-minute information that isn’t available with conventional icons. We’re also particularly fond of the Zune integration for multimedia functionality. The Samsung Focus smartphone is a great representation of the system at the leading edge and is very worthy of consideration when comparing options.

HTC EVO 4G Review

The 4G network is about to become fully fledged, and it's bringing America’s first 4G phone, the HTC EVO 4G with it. This fourth-generation network has spread to only a few dozen cities in the U.S, and until it expands, the EVO is just another Android out on the market. However, it isn’t just a phone to be set aside and ignored. This HTC phone has many advanced features, such as the 8MP (mega-pixel) camera, ability to connect to an HDTV and the latest version of the HTC Sense User Interface making it a strong player on the Android team. For a side-by-side comparison and objective reviews visit the smartphone review page.

Design:

The EVO not only has increased speed and power compared to other Droids, but also increased size. This HTC is a big and thick phone. With the generous screen-size of 4.3-inches, this phone needs to be bulky and firm to deal with the demand media it likes. Sharp colors and vibrancy are also important with such a grand display, and the EVO will not disappoint with a screen resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, which is the same sharp resolution you will find on both the Nexus One and Droid Incredible.

Multimedia:

The EVO 4G is not shy when it comes to multimedia features. This HTC phone features both an 8MP primary camera and a 1.3MP front-facing camera, supported by two white LED flashes. However, a drawback to the photo setup is that the lenses are flush-mounted on the back of the phone and not recessed into the metal case, which could make it a target for scratches--an easy way to ruin a prized feature on the phone.

A top feature of the EVO is the ability to download, view, edit and share High Definition (HD) content directly from the phone. The HTC device features an HD video capture which then easily lets the user watch the video on an HDTV using an HDMI cable. It also features the option of outputting pictures and slides into an HD format and live video sharing with Qik.

Call Features/Quality:

As previously stated, the 4G coverage is great for those who live in select areas and are able to bask in its glory. But even for those who don’t use it on a regular basis, this phone includes a mandatory ten dollars per month “Premium Data add-on” for using WiMAX when in the 4G market. An extra ten dollars per month can add up for rarely using a network. Well, at least until it expands drastically. New metropolitan areas are being added to the 4G network each month, so chances are you'll be near one of them soon enough.

Memory/Storage:

Running on the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and using Android 2.1, the EVO is similar to the Droid Incredible’s processing features. However, only 1GB of internal memory is stored on the phone, making it a poor comparison to the Incredible’s 8GB. But similar to other HTC phones, there is provided a microSD card slot that will support up to 32GB of additional storage. 

Additional Features:

A new feature that will make all the other Droids jealous is the kickstand found on the back of the phone. This is a great tool for allowing easy media or web viewing. And of course the EVO 4G includes the Google mobile services such as YouTube, Gmail, Google Talk, Google Voice, Google Maps and more.

The award-winning user interface, HTC Sense, is also found on the EVO. The HTC Sense includes a “leap” thumbnail to switch between home and other screen panels, which improves multi-tasking, and also Friend Stream, which takes the contacts from Facebook, Twitter and Flickr and brings you updates in one place. This user interface also includes interactive widgets and a polite ringer.
The EVO 4G is similar to all other Droids with features such as GPS Navigation, Bluetooth technology, digital compass, proximity and motion sensors and a loud speakerphone. It also has a pinch-to-zoom feature and automatic text reflowing which provides easy web page views.

Summary:

Even though the 4G network is getting all the hype, until it expands to a broader area, it is hard to get too excited. HTC EVO 4G is one of the best smartphones out there and will only improve once the 4G network grows.

Nexus S: Photos and screenshots of the new Google Phone

The new Google Phone and successor to the Nexus One is the Nexus S, made by Samsung and available on T-Mobile. See photos from every angle and screenshots of the new Android 2.3 software.

 

Google Nexus S box

 

Google Nexus S, side of the box

 

Google Nexus S and Samsung Galaxy S

 

Google Nexus S, Near Field Communications (NFC)

 

Google Nexus S, home screen

 

Google Nexus S, left side

 

Samsung Vibrant, Nexus S, and Nexus One

Google revived its line of Nexus “Google phone” products at the end of 2010 with the Nexus S — manufactured by Samsung, running the stock Android OS, using standard T-Mobile smartphone plans, and sold through Best Buy.
As I noted in Google raises the white flag on transforming the US wireless industry, the Nexus S is much less ambitious than the Nexus One, which set out to move the US wireless industry toward the European model of wireless service. As it turns, the Nexus S also doesn’t live up to the standard of Nexus One as a top-of-the-line Android device.

 

Droid X Review

The Android smartphones family is growing, and with each new addition they keep getting better. The Droid X is a new addition to the Android smartphone market and provides numerous features that makes it one of the top smartphones today. With a gorgeous 4.3-inch touch screen, the ability to capture stunning HD video and the potential to be used as a mobile hotspot, the Droid X is one of the toughest smartphones to beat and as such, has been awarded the TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award. For more side-by-side comparisons and objective reviews, visit our smartphone page.

Design:  

Motorola created a wireless cellular device with an overall stunning and beautiful display. The 4.3-inch touchscreen makes viewing images on your phone enjoyable on the clear and crisp display. We were pleased that this phone was easy to use out in the sun and in brightly lit areas compared to many other smartphones.

A hump towards the top of the Droid X makes this smartphone’s design unique compared to other Android smartphones. The phone is thin, super thin, so they needed someplace to store the camera module and chose to create this strange hump for that purpose. We didn’t mind the hump, and it really didn’t get in the way much as we first thought it might when we saw the device.
For those who like the feel of a physical keyboard when using smartphones, this is not the cellular device for you. The Droid X provides a virtual keyboard with the Swype feature, which allows the user to drag his or her finger from key to key without lifting the finger. We found Swype to be difficult to use at first, but once we got used to it, we found we could type long messages very quickly

Multimedia:

The Droid X is the ideal multimedia phone. It features an 8MP (megapixel) camera and HD camcorder. The ability to record HD video is being seen more and more frequently on smartphones, and they blow your basic camcorder away. The camera provides a vast selection of scene modes, including landscape, portrait and Macro. It also offers a face-detection feature which automatically focuses on a human subject.

Call Features/Quality:  

Basic call features are found on this device, along with several voice features. These voice features, which include a speakerphone, speed dial and conference calling, can each enhance the overall quality of your conversations while using smartphones.

Memory/Storage:

Basic call features are found on this device, along with several voice features. These voice features, which include a speakerphone, speed dial and conference calling, can each enhance the overall quality of your conversations while using smartphones.

Additional Features:

The Droid X has many multimedia and camera features that are found on the Apple iPhone 4. However, the Droid X beats out the iPhone 4 with its ability to become a mobile hotspot. This allows for other devices that use Wi-Fi connectivity, such as other smartphones, to use the Droid X to receive an internet connection. To use the hotspot you will need to have the Mobile Broadband plan, which costs a little extra money each month.

Summary:

The Droid X has a few flaws. We would like a longer standby time in regards to the battery life, and even a physical keyboard would be nice. If you are looking for a smartphone that has many similar features as the Apple iPhone 4, but don’t want to fall into the Apple fan club, the Droid X gives you what you want and a little bit more on smartphones.

Apple iPhone 4 Review

Rarely do smartphones create such an uproar as the Apple’s iPhone 4 did when it entered the smartphones market. The retina display, video calling features, access to thousands of applications and the ease of multitasking were a few of the features that made this phone stand out among the others. It's numerous superlative features, flexibility and ease-of-use have earned the TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award for the Apple iPhone 4. For a side-by-side comparison and more objective reviews, visit our smartphones page.

Design:  

The display on Apple’s iPhone 4 is easily the sharpest and most clear display we have seen on the smartphones. The iPhone 4 features 960 x 640 pixel resolution, which holds no comparison to the 480 x 320 resolution that is found on its predecessor, the Apple iPhone 3GS. With such a high resolution, your eyes are unable to see each pixel on the iPhone 4, which results in a much clearer, crisper and more enjoyable display.

The display’s pixels were developed at 78 micrometers wide. According to Apple, because of their small size, Apple was able to pack four times the number of pixels onto the 3.5-inch screen. This results in 326 pixels per inch on the iPhone 4’s, display and it also means your images and text don't appear choppy and pixelated.
The sturdiness of this device is also a key feature of the iPhone 4’s design. The device is small, weighing only 4.8 ounces, but it feels indestructible. The retina display glass is made from the same materials used in helicopters, so if dropping smartphones is a common occurrence for you, the iPhone 4 is one of the best smartphones for you.

Multimedia:

iPhones have always been considered strong multimedia smartphones, and the iPhone 4 is no exception. However, this cellular device provides many advanced multimedia features that have taken this Apple iPhone leaps and bounds ahead of others. For example, two cameras are found on this device. One camera can be found above the front display and the other is found on the rear exterior next to the new LED flash. The primary 5MP (megapixel) camera, found on the rear of the device, also features a 5x digital zoom.

Not only is the ability to capture beautiful images simple with the iPhone 4, but the ability to shoot video in HD is also easy. This Apple product is no stranger to the new technology available on the smartphones market, and the ability to shoot HD means you can capture clear, bright and vivid images on the smartphones that you will want to share with everyone around. Also, this cellular device has the ability to perform basic editing tasks directly on your phone, so you can create a perfect HD video each time.

Call Features/Quality:  

Even with each of the advanced features the Apple iPhone 4 offers, smartphones still provides its users with basic call features and high quality. This product features your basic call waiting, caller ID and call holding.

However, smartphones offer a little more than making just your basic calls. The iPhone 4 features FaceTime, which allows you to video call anywhere, anytime. What makes FaceTime one of the best features we found on smartphones was the simplicity it offers the user. Tap a button and you could be seeing your best friend in China or watching your son ride his bike while being miles away from home.
FaceTime also worked directly from the box, which is rare for smartphones that we didn’t have to go through some tedious installation program to begin. The front camera on your device has been created so it has the correct field of view and focal length for the FaceTime feature. However, with another tap of your finger, you can show whomever you may be video calling what is happening from the back of your smartphone using the rear camera.

Memory/Storage:

For smartphones, this cellular device offers its users 420 minutes of battery life, which we found impressive. This product will make it through the day on a single charge. Like every phone, the battery life will depend on how much it is used. Overall, this was not the longest battery life we saw, but we were not disappointed with what the iPhone 4 provided.

Additional Features:

Compared to this smartphone’s predecessors, the Apple iPhone 4 has the added ability to multitask. This multitasking ability on smartphones enables the user to run third-party apps and switch between them effortlessly and quickly. It allows for audio to be played in the background while you have several applications running. Also, apps that use GPS can be running while your smartphone is performing several other tasks.

This multitasking capability is made possible because of the iOS 4 operating system. We were greatly impressed by the intuitive interface it provides on smartphones. It makes smartphones easy and simple to use, yet it gives rise to one of the most powerful and enjoyable devices as well. The iOS 4 is also the platform for the thousands of available apps.

Summary:

Apple’s iPhone 4 is easily one of the best smartphones available on the market and is several steps ahead of its competition. It is easy to get caught up in the vast selection of high-end features offered on this phone, but the basic features also provide the highest quality. The Apple iPhone 4 really shows what smartphones should be able to do, and it will be quite some time before anyone can truly match it.

The Best Budget Smartphones "part2"

6. Samsung Intercept: Free - $99

Samsung

Most of today's new Android smartphones are all about being bigger and better than past models. That's fine, if you want a smartphone with all the bells and whistles -- and don't mind paying for it. But you do have another option in the Samsung Intercept. This full-featured Android smartphone may lack the flash found on some of its higher-profile rivals, but it's still a very capable device -- and one that comes at a very affordable price.

7. BlackBerry Bold 9650: $100

Palm

The original BlackBerry Bold impressed me when it debuted on AT&T's network a few years back. But not everyone likes AT&T's network. Not to worry: you can get the Bold 9650, a handsome, business-friendly

8. Palm Pre Plus: Free - $99

Palm

The Palm Pre Plus boast something that only one other phone on this list can offer: Palm's excellent webOS platform. The webOS software, also found on the Palm Pixi Plus, is fun to use (I love tossing apps off the screen to close them) and offers some impressive features, like true multi-tasking, so you can get more done.

9. T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide: $50

T-Mobile

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide is an excellent update to its older sibling, the myTouch 3G. It features a similar attractive design, but adds a full QWERTY keyboard for easier typing and sports a bigger display; its screen measures 3.4 inches, while the original myTouch 3G features a 3.2-inch screen.

10. BlackBerry Curve 8500 Series: Free - $50

RIM

The BlackBerry Curve 8500 series of phones is available from all four of the big cellular carriers: Verizon and Sprint offer the Curve 8530, while T-Mobile and AT&T offer the Curve 8520. Both devicesa top-notch BlackBerry smartphones that won't break the bank. And you still get top-notch messaging and access to BlackBerry App World, where you can find plenty of apps to download.

The Best Budget Smartphones

You don't have to break the bank to get a smartphone. You don't even have to break the bank to get an iPhone -- not anymore, anyway. Here's a list of smartphones that are all available for $100 or less. You'll find some of the most popular handsets available today on our list of the best budget smartphones.
Prices typically are set by the service providers, who offer discounts in order to get you to sign a service contract. It's usually worth it to sign the contract, as you'll need a voice and data plan to use the phone, anyway. Just make sure you read the fine print.

1. Apple iPhone 3GS: $99

Apple

No, the iPhone 3GS is not the latest and greatest iPhone. But, while it may not have all the features found on the Apple iPhone 4, the iPhone 3GS remains one of the best smartphones on the market, hands down. Plus, it doesn't come with those pesky antenna problems that have plagued the iPhone 4 since its launch. And, with its price lowered to $99, the iPhone 3GS is one of the more affordable smartphones, too.

2. HTC Droid Incredible: $100

HTC

With a name like the Incredible, this smartphone has a lot to live up to. But the HTC Droid Incredible manages. Like the EVO 4G, it runs the latest version of the Android OS, and also offers a 3.7-inch display and an 8-megapixel camera. The Droid Incredible is available from Verizon Wireless.

3. BlackBerry Style: $100

Sprint

The BlackBerry Style is not as high-style as its name would imply; it's actually more of an old-fashioned-looking phone. But that's not a bad thing. Even though it lacks a cutting-edge touch screen and a big, giant display, the Style's style makes it an eminently usable phone.

4. BlackBerry Curve 3G: $50 and up

RIM

RIM's BlackBerry Curve smartphones have long been among my favorite devices. They offer the excellent e-mail handling that BlackBerry phones are known for, but in a sleek, curved device that's appealing to consumers. And the BlackBerry Curve 3G offers all of that, plus 3G connectivity and an affordable price.

5. BlackBerry Tour 9630: Free - $49

RIM

There's a lot to like about the BlackBerry Tour 9630 smartphone. It has a gorgeous display, a sleek design, excellent e-mail handling, and offers voice and data service both inside the U.S. and outside the country. In fact, the BlackBerry Tour really has just one major flaw: a lack of Wi-Fi support.