text2fans.com- All about mobile phone and telecommunication » review

LG GD510 Pop review: Mobile pop culture

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:23:03 +0000

It looks like LG have been playing their own version of will it blend. There’s no need to tell you they’re not playing for fun – they’re rather trying to squeeze some more cash off a couple of hot-selling handsets. So, here’s the deal. Get your blender, throw in an LG Arena and a Cookie and set the speed to “budget”. And there you have it – an LG GD510 Pop – ready to be served to the happy masses. The “pop” LG are going for is definitely “popular”, as opposed to the “popstar stuff” some of you may have hoped for.

You can go ahead and call it the new Cookie, or the low-cost Arena, but the LG Pop is quite obviously keen to have its own purpose and personality. The optional battery cover fitting a solar panel and the all-round eco-friendliness are one way for it to stand on its own two feet as a phone.

LG GD510 Pop official photos

Apart from that, the Pop is just another midrange touchscreen. And this is by no means a guilty verdict. The LG Cookie used to be just another touchscreen too. Certainly not now – over 5 million units sold later. The Pop is perhaps setting its hopes high as well. Let’s see if the classic unisex design, the feature mix and the affordable price tag can do it for it too.

Key features:

3.0″ 256K-color TFT LCD touchscreen display (240×400 pixels)
3.15 megapixel fixed focus camera, QVGA video @ 15fps
Quad-band GSM support
Bluetooth with A2DP and microUSB v2.0
microSD card memory expansion
Standard microUSB port
FM radio with RDS
Widget interface and LiveSquare homescreen
Accelerometer sensor for automatic screen rotation and turn-to-mute
Landscape on-screen QWERTY keyboard
Office document viewer
Smart dialing
Nice battery life
Optional solar panel battery cover
Allegedly affordable price

Main disadvantages:

No 3G support, no Wi-Fi
Display has poor sunlight legibility
No DivX/XviD video support
Camera lacks autofocus and flash
Video recording maxes out at QVGA@15fps
No standard 3.5mm audio jack

There’s something about the styling of the Pop that might misguide users to expect Arena-like functionality. In fact, the only Arena stuff inside is the S-Class-styled main menu – the rest of the interface is like on the LG Cookie. The important features for the mass user are there but the expected price bracket doesn’t really imply high-end specs.

Many people might miss the camera autofocus and 3G support. And yes, some would have been delighted to get Wi-Fi support on the spec sheet. To us, the most important omission – given the potential target audience – is DivX/XviD support. Anyway, the reason for all that is more than clear: specs are sticking to the basics to keep the price tag comfortably low.

LG GD510 Pop live shots

We guess, there’s no reason to construe the GD510 Pop as an upgrade to the LG KP500 Cookie. The Pop is simply the next LG handset to try and tap on the demand for basic affordable touchscreens. An inevitable response to what Samsung are doing with the Star, the Preston and the Corby. To set it apart from the Cookie, the Pop was given some of the LG Arena styling, an optional solar panel and has taken an altogether greener stance.

We praised the Cookie for its handling and style, and the Pop has quite a lot to live up to. The first impression is promising enough though. The Arena-like looks and absolutely minimalist exterior may receive a warm enough reception.

More on the LG GD510 Pop coming up after the jump. We can safely say the LG Pop looks above its class but let’s see how it handles.

Palm Pre review: A Pebble in your hand

admin — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:39:26 +0000

pany but the Palm Pre is not the kind to walk around a with “Will work for food” sign on its neck. No sir. It’s looking to elbow its way through a crowd of apples, androids and PocketPCs.

Palm Pre official photos

Are we talking the mother of all comebacks here? We honestly don’t know. But it looks like a debut of the same magnitude as the iPhone OS, Android and Maemo. The Palm Pre seems to have all the things that made the iPhone so special: multi-touch display, an Application Store, fluid and creative UI and a good web browser. But Palm didn’t stop there – the webOS is all about multitasking – to an extent that gives quite a point to those who wouldn’t call the iPhone a proper smartphone.

The webOS and all the touchscreen gadgetry will sure keep us busy enough. It’s the interface and the handling that will earn the Palm Pre its deserved share of admirers. But before we power up this multitasking monster and start navigating its new and unique system, let’s look at the package itself.

Key features:

3.1″ 16M-color TFT display of 320 x 480 pixel resolution and excellent sunlight legibility
3 megapixel fixed focus camera, LED flash
Quad-band GSM support
Tri-band UMTS support with HSDPA
ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz, PowerVR SGX graphics chip
256 MB RAM
Sliding-out full QWERTY keyboard
Palm webOS is an innovative multi-touch user interface, heavy on multitasking
Touch-enabled Gesture Area
Built-in GPS receiver
Wi-Fi
8 GB of onboard storage
Accelerometer, proximity sensor
3.5 mm audio jack
Bluetooth with A2DP support
Application Store for direct apps download and installation
Office document viewer

Main disadvantages:

No video calls over the 3G network
No memory card slot
Glossy plastics look cheap, love fingerprints
Camera has no auto focus… nor any settings at all, disappointing image quality
No video recording unless hacked
Web browser lacks Flash support, but it’s on its way
No DivX/XviD video playback support
No Bluetooth file transfers
App Catalog available in a limited number of countries
Small and fiddly QWERTY keyboard keys
No onscreen keyboard, portrait typing only
No smart dialing

The specs ring the iPhone bell and you may think the Pre is just another copycat – you’ll be wrong. The Palm Pre is pushing a brand new OS and doesn’t keep a stiff upper lip like some other smartphones – that goes to you Symbian and WinMo.

Palm Pre in our hands

But so much for the resemblance to iPhone. It’s a completely different form factor, there are some novel navigation solutions and there’s a QWERTY keyboard and multi-tasking. The Palm Pre is a fresh and exciting addition to the world of smartphones.

The webOS may have learned a lot from the iPhone OS, but it certainly is trying to do things its own way. The Pre is obviously limited much like the first iPhone and earliest Android handsets.

It’s not the list of do’s and don’ts that makes this phone though. It’s not the capacitive, multi-touch-enabled touchscreen, it’s not the QWERTY keyboard. The Pre hopes to be a symbol of a company’s rebirth and promises an exciting time for touchscreen. And it’s got a darn good reason to be hopeful: the webOS.

We’ll get there but let’s take this one step at a time. The Palm Pre gets unboxed, handled and described right after the jump.

Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO review: Pro toolbox

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:42:50 +0000

Introduction

Now that we have the B7610 OmniaPRO running on the much-awaited Windows Mobile 6.5, we’re finally up to speed. Omnia smartphones have a pretty wide reach already and they are known for their WinMo customizations and feature-rich specs sheets. The B7610 OmniaPRO however was the first family member to sport a full hardware keyboard and by the looks of it, Samsung have done a great job.

Side-sliding or not, the B7610 OmniaPRO is definitely a capable device in both hardware and software equipment. The QWERTY keyboard however is a convenience tool usually reserved for the competition’s high-end offerings, so you can bet the OmniaPRO will have to tackle some really capable contenders. But you can easily tell, it a tough nut to crack as well.

Samsung B7610 Omnia Pro official photos

Key features:

Quad-band GSM support and 3G with HSDPA
3.5″ 16M-color (65K effective) AMOLED display of 800 x 480 pixel resolution
Work & Life mode switch key
Full side sliding QWERTY keyboard
800 MHz processor with dedicated graphics accelerator
5 megapixel auto-focus camera with dual-LED flash and D1 video recording at 30 fps
Windows Mobile 6.5 fully skinned with TouchWiz UI
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, standard microUSB port
Standard 3.5mm audio jack
2GB built-in storage, 256 MB RAM, microSD (up to 32GB), 8GB card included
Wi-Fi with DLNA
GPS receiver with A-GPS
Built-in accelerometer for UI auto-rotate and turn-to-mute
TV out functionality
Nice audio output quality
Large capacity Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery

Main disadvantages:

Bulky and heavy
65K color limitation of display has color gradients banding
Poor sunlight legibility
Comes with OmniaLITE-grade HSDPA speed, and no HSUPA support
microSD card slot under the battery cover
The display and back pannel are finger print magnets
Performance under WinMo 6.5 not a good as it was under 6.1
No preinstalled SatNav software
No voice dialing
No web Flash support
No stereo speakers

Samung B7610 OmniaPRO at ours

Who is the OmniaPRO is a multiple choice question. And there is more than one correct answer. The original Omnia has produced such an offspring choosing names became a problem. They even had to name one of the kids after the uncle. If you’ve been keeping track, you’d know the OmniaPRO has an Armani-branded alter-ego – the B7620. But well, Giorgio was lucky. The B7610 OmniaPRO less so.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with the name except that there are another couple of Pros in the family. And perhaps too many of them in other houses.

We’ve never had a doubt about the quality of the Omnia genes but such a strong and versatile lineup perhaps exceeds the most optimistic scenarios. Samsung are obviously not only trying to update their portfolio but confront their key market rivals by matching competing devices spec for spec.

The B7610 OmniaPRO will be engaging the enemy on the high end of the performance and pricing scale. And that’s where even the smallest details count. The B7610 doesn’t have a unique defining feature like the Omnia HD to give it an edge against some unforgiving rivals. So, it will have to squeeze every bit of performance out of its system. It can count though on Samsung’s solid record in multimedia and interface customization.

Speaking of which, the custom-made TouchWiz looks and feels better than ever. So much that it’s worth the spoiler. And the mode switch for toggling Work and Leisure is keen to make a point that this here Pro knows good fun too.

So, the B7610 OmniaPRO will be trying to make its mark. And so will be Windows Mobile yet again. Because the OmniaPRO is certainly not running against PocketPCs only – the competition’s finest will stand on its way. That’s Symbian, and Android, and Maemo.

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic review: Winner by design

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:19:09 +0000

Introduction

The XpressMusic lineup is fired up and coming after you with all they’ve got – from QWERTY smartphones to touchscreens. In fact, with the arrival of 5530 XpressMusic, the Nokia music line has more touch phones than the Nseries. We told you, they’re dead serious about it.

With the 5800 XpressMusic shaping up as quite a blockbuster, Nokia had hardly any choice but to build on that momentum. The way up from the 5800 goes into Nseries territory really, so a lower spec’d device with an even sweeter price tag seems quite the right thing to do to reach the masses. And well, strategically expand the user base for the Touch UI edition of Symbian S60.

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic official photos

The Nokia 5800 offered value-for-money that very few could match. The 5530 comes in even more affordable but tries to deliver as much goodies as possible, pushing the value-for-money meter well towards the “must have” end of the scale. Here’s what the 5530 XpressMusic offers and what was left out to keep the cost down:

Key features:

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
microSD card memory expansion, ships with a 4GB card
FM radio with RDS
Bluetooth with A2DP and USB v2.0
Standard 3.5mm audio jack
Stereo speakers
Stylus, with its own compartment inside the phone
Proximity sensor for screen auto turn-off
Accelerometer sensor for automatic UI rotation, motion-based gaming and turn-to-mute
Office document viewer
OVI integration (direct image and video uploads, OVI Contacts)
Landscape on-screen virtual QWERTY keyboard
Excellent audio quality
Price tag on the cheap side

Main disadvantages:

No 3G support
No built-in GPS receiver
Display has poor sunlight legibility
Default font size is a bit small due to the smaller screen
Somewhat limited 3rd party software availability
Average camera image quality
Video recording quality is unimpressive
Doesn’t charge off its microUSB port
No smart dialing
No DivX/XviD video support out of the box
Shaky back cover compromises build quality
No TV-out functionality

Trade-offs were obviously inevitable but many of the important features are on par with the 5800 – the CPU, the Wi-Fi support, the camera. And further on the positive side, the 5530 is much more compact than the 5800.

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic live shots

The XpressMusic badge usually guarantees great music experience – from the audio quality to the way music is organized, played and delivered. With Nokia’s recent track record of excellent audio quality in the headphone department and the pair of nice sounding stereo speakers, the 5530 is a mini-jukebox.

What hurts it the most is the lack of 3G, especially for those with unlimited data plans. Others will barely wait to jump at this affordable touch-operated and WLAN-enabled smartphone. As always, we’re here to help you make the decision.

Size comparison between the iPhone, the 5530 and the 5730

It’s time that we set off exploring the Nokia 5530 ins and outs – so join us on the next page where a proper unboxing is due.

LG GD900 Crystal review: Crystal clear

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:12:40 +0000

When talking about good design it’s usually all about placing the right elements in the right places. And in the rare cases when an R&D team actually comes up with something innovative, they usually reserve it for a 2000 buck handset like the Motorola Aura. The LG GD900 Crystal and its see-through keypad, however, prefers walking among the mortals to sitting on mount Olympus and drinking ambrosia.

LG GD900 Crystal official photos

And luckily the sleek handset is much more than a pretty face. The rich feature set of the GD900 Crystal places it only a short step away from LG’s multimedia flagships. However the lack of GPS is easily made up for with cool features like gesture shortcuts and multi-touch input. Sure, these may seem like fancy additions rather than key features, but sometimes it’s all about winning the hearts of the users rather than their minds. And the Crystal seems pretty well designed to do that.

Key features

Unique see-through alphanumeric touch-sensitive keypad
3″ 16M color capacitive TFT touchscreen of WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
S-Class Touch UI
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
3G with HSDPA (7.2 Mbps)
Wi-Fi
8 megapixel autofocus camera, LED flash, manual focus, geotagging, image stabilization, multi face detection (up to 3), smile detection
D1 (720×480 pixels)@30fps, VGA@30fps, QVGA time-lapse and slow-mo video recording
1.5GB storage memory
Hot-swappable microSD card slot(up to 32GB)
microUSB v2.0, mass storage mode
TV-out port
Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
Gesture shortcuts
Accelerometer for screen auto rotate
Multi-touch input
DivX and XviD support
FM radio with RDS
Dolby for Mobile audio enhancement
Office document viewer
Smart dialing

Main disadvantages:

Poor screen sunlight legibility
Below average camera image quality
No built-in GPS receiver
No standard 3.5mm audio jack
Records video in 3GP format
Email attachment size limit is 1MB (both ways)
Limited DivX/XviD video support
All-plastic build

So what we have on our hands here is a handset that’s dressed to impress and with a mind bright enough to keep your attention. We really like it when there’s something new thrown at us and a see-through touch-sensitive keypad is certainly a first in the mobile world.

LG GD900 Crystal live shots

The novelty factor is certainly there, we only need t to check if the delicate LG Crystal will pass our tests with flying colors. The ergonomics inspection is due right after the jump.

HTC Magic review: Practical magic

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:10:31 +0000

A cool looking touchscreen carrying a new mobile OS was enough to
get the attention of even the most hardened of them techies last time
we checked. Fair enough, the HTC Magic isn’t groundbreaking but the
Cupcake-ful of changes it brings, promise a whole new experience.

HTC Magic official photos

Well, for starters the Android sure looks more human. The formidable
and weapon-like G1/ HTC Dream needed every ounce of weight to stand its
ground. With an honestly lighthearted and disarming approach, the HTC
Magic is willing to play by the conventional touchscreen rules. And may
as well be eyeing massive sales. Compact dimensions and distinct
styling, decent all round functionality and system expandability, the
HTC Magic seems to have what it takes to keep both smart and feature
phone touchscreens on edge. The second edition of the OS should have
dealt with the issues of the forerunner and given the Magic that extra
bit of pace. So, what do you call a good platform getting better and a
gadget looking more mainstream but still creative enough? We call it
good sense but who knows, it may be Magic.

Key features

Android OS v1.5 Cupcake
3.2″ capacitive touchscreen of HVGA resolution
Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528 MHz CPU, 192/288 MB RAM
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
3G with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2Mbps
3.15 megapixel autofocus camera
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
GPS
Trackball navigation
Accelerometer sensor
Digital compass
Compact and stylish body

Main disadvantages

No video-call camera
No Flash support in the web browser
No file transfers over Bluetooth
No FM radio

In the beginning there was the unforgiving vastness of G1. Come to
think of it, mobile phone evolution has always moved from huge to
small. Android for one is quite aware and unafraid to press the
fast-forward on evolution. Anyway, Google and their HTC counterparts
feel confident enough to concentrate on style. Size mattered when they
were about to take their first dip in the shark pond. Size matters even
more when they’re gearing up to beat a legion of seasoned touchscreens
at their own game.

HTC Magic live shots

Full-touch handsets have been all the rage, and every manufacturer
is putting their best effort to not merely stay in the game but
influence it. Google DNA and HTC craftsmanship, the Magic almost has
the impact guaranteed but how it translates into actual sales is
perhaps the first thing on everyone’s mind.

The HTC Magic is in for a real challenge and we are keen to see what
it’s got. We’re back after the jump and ready to judge the game plan by
the kit.

Samsung S8000 Jet review: Airborne

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:17:36 +0000

It’s that time of the year and the living is easy: pool parties, blockbuster movies and new gadgets. The Samsung S8000 Jet sure knows good timing and gallantly promises a bit of everything – style, entertainment and impressively light and lively handling. It’s a thing to show off to your friends and help you enjoy and capture the hot moments of the season.

The S8000 Jet is not exactly jet set stuff but claims a big piece of the touchscreen action. And it knows who it needs to kill to get it. The Jet is the direct and brave answer to the LG KM900 Arena and boy isn’t it a tough call between these two. The S8000 Jet has the fancy 3D interface upgrade, 5MP camera with D1 recording, Wi-Fi, GPS and all the stuff to put this touchscreen phone in the desirable category. We have a thriller of a local derby and the high-end contenders need to do everything and do it well.

Samsung S8000 Jet offical photos

We were impressed in our preview with the new visual upgrades of the TouchWiz interface, which combine the best part of the 3D LG cube and page-organized iPhone menus. But now it’s time for the final and deciding round with the Samsung S800 Jet.

Here is the full ammo of the S8000 Jet, along with what might be the deal breakers.

Key features

3.1″ 16M-color resistive AMOLED touchscreen of 800 x 480 pixel resolution
800 MHz processor
5 megapixel auto focus camera with dual-LED
Geotagging, image stabilization, face detection, Smile Shot, Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)
Latest TouchWiz 2.0 UI with Motion UI, Media Gate 3D, Smart Unlock
Quad-band GSM support and 3G with HSDPA 3.6 Mbps and HSUPA support
Wi-Fi
GPS receiver
2 / 8 GB onboard storage
microSD card slot with microSDHC support
Built-in accelerometer for screen auto rotate and turn-to-mute
Proximity sensor for display auto turn-off
TV out
3.5 mm audio jack
Stereo FM Radio with RDS
microUSB port and stereo Bluetooth v2.0
Web browser has full Flash and Java support
DivX/XviD video support
DNSe and SRS sound effect
Smart dialing
Speaker Call

Main disadvantages

No smartphone capabilities
microSD slot is under the back cover
Smart dialing only works for numbers, not contact names
No preinstalled GPS navigation software

As the specs suggest, the Samsung S8000 Jet is nothing short of a multimedia monster. The picture is complete with full Flash support – still quite a rarity among today’s handsets – DivX/XviD video codecs and great music package. The camera is a high-end snapper with premium features that the LG Arena doesn’t have, while the Smart Unlock, Speaker Call and Motion UI just add to its uniqueness.

Samsung S8000 Jet in our office

Samsung i8910 Omnia HD review: Going to the movies

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:03:51 +0000

Introduction

There never seems a shortage of heroes in this industry but every now and then a new breed emerges to change the rules of engagement. Ranks and titles are hard earned and we’ve seen enough contenders that barely deserve a hero’s death. Now, here comes a gadget that knows the best shot at glory is the high-definition one. Will the Samsung Omnia HD be strong enough to bear its name with honor or will it crumble under the weight of expectations?

As all-in-one multimedia touchscreens are battling for dominance, the HD category is now making its way to cellphones. HD is a magical marketing word that has seen as many abuses as it has had just uses. In the Omnia HD case, it’s an insignia of its truly superior rank. It’s not the first time a handset has claimed this tempting acronym, but the Omnia HD hits it where it matters – video recording and playback.

Samsung were the first to announce and release an HD-video-enabled handset. In the not so short time since then, none of their major rivals managed to introduce a competitor. So, all heads are anxiously turned to Samsung to see if they can deliver.

Samsung i8910 Omnia HD official photos

By the way, the Omnia HD comes equipped with everything that Samsung can put on the table. HD video recording and playback is definitely top-notch stuff but these are just the fancy extras on a full battle suit. There’s also a huge AMOLED screen, powerful 600 MHz processor and dedicated graphics chip. The all-in-one count continues with an 8 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, generous 8/16 GB internal storage and DivX/XviD HD playback with subtitle support. Finally, the whole thing runs the latest Symbian S60 5th edition skinned with the new TouchWiz 3D interface.

Take the time to check out this genuine all-rounder.

Key features:

3.7-inch 16M-color capacitive AMOLED touchscreen, 640 x 360 pixels
Symbian S60 5th edition with TouchWiz 3D UI
ARM Cortex-A8 600 MHz processor; HW Graphic Accelerator
256MB RAM
8 megapixel auto focus camera with LED flash, geotagging, face detection, smile shot, image stabilizer, Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), ISO 1600
HD 720p@24fps, 720×480@30fps, QVGA time-lapse and slow-mo video recording
Dual-band 3G with HSDPA (7.2Mbps) and HSUPA (5.76 Mbps) support
Quad-band GSM support
Wi-Fi with DLNA technology
Built-in GPS with A-GPS functionality
8/16GB internal memory
Hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
TV out (Standard Definition content only)
FM radio with RDS
Bluetooth and USB v2.0
3.5mm standard audio jack
DNSe audio technology
DivX/XviD video support with subtitles (HD video playback)
Virtual 5.1 channel Dolby surround (in headphones)
Proximity sensor for screen auto turn-off
Accelerometer sensor for automatic UI rotation, turn-to-mute and motion-based gaming
Magnetometer for digital compass
Office document viewer
Full Flash support in the web browser

Main disadvantages:

No xenon flash
No camera lens cover
Sluggish browsing in the image gallery
HD video recording sometimes drops below 24fps or duplicates frames to equal 24
Samsung Mobile Navigator doesn’t come with any maps or voice-guided navigation license
No smart dialing
Touch web browser zooming needs tweaking
Somewhat limited 3rd party software availability
No office document editing (without a paid upgrade)

Well, the Omnia HD is packed with all kinds of goodies, but not without a few setbacks on the way to retail. If the whole thing is put together right though, the i8910 Omnia HD may have every reason to claim its rightful place on the throne as the unchallenged king of HD video.

Some of you must be wondering what took us so long to get an Omnia HD for a proper in-depth review as it’s been around for a while. Well, it’s true and it’s not. Samsung i8910 Omnia HD was released in the end of May through selected carriers but shortly after that Samsung froze production and stopped supplies, reportedly due to software problems. Now, the official release has been announced and the Omnia HD is available worldwide, all bugs fixed…though let us be the judge of that. But anyway, the i8910 Omnia HD is ready to roll.

This is our third and last meeting with the handset and we’re still excited about exploring an industry leading device. The verdict of course is a few pages away, but a device that ticks off the wishlist of high-end features and marries Symbian and TouchWiz is certainly worth a closer look.

Samsung Omnia HD in our office

We hope you’re as keen to join as the Omnia HD is eager to shoot those high-res videos. But first things first, let’s take a look at the design and handling after the jump.

Samsung S5230 Star review: Hot starlet

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:21:35 +0000

Samsung are going to great lengths to pile pressure on the LG Cookie. While the Samsung S5600 Preston aims to outdo it, the 5230 Star is set for a head-on collision course. This starlet’s middle name is Tocco Lite and that’s plenty to live up to.

The name itself is no shortcut to stardom but the Tocco pedigree certainly brings with it certain expectations of quality. So will this little Star still be going strong a year from launch? The S5230 certainly has all the ingredients, now all we need to do is see if Samsung has got the mix right.

Add a dash of touchscreen and nifty unlock, a pinch of smart looks and document viewer, DNSe and smile shutter to taste. Samsung’s widget-wielding TouchWiz makes reading the recipe a cinch.

It’s a dish that’s already proving popular – the Star is already shifting over a million units per month and Samsung expect to total 10 million sold by the end of the year. Certainly an ambitious plan, but they just might pull it off – the Star is set to become one of Samsung’s bestsellers.

Samsung S5230 official photos

Samsung S5230 main features:

GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS/EDGE class 12
Dimensions: 104.0 x 53.0 x 11.9 mm, 93.5 g
3″ resistive TFT touchscreen, WQVGA resolution (240 x 400 pixels)
50MB onboard storage, microSD card slot (up to 16GB)
3 megapixel fixed focus camera with smile detection
Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, USB v.2.0
Document viewer
Smart unlock
Accelerometer sensor
FM radio with RDS
DNSe
Find Music recognition service
1000 mAh battery, up to 800 h of standby

Main disadvantages

No 3G
Proprietary connectivity port
Slightly more expensive than the LG KP500 Cookie
No way to directly switch between running apps
The camera is quite basic – uninspiring picture quality, no autofocus or flash
Non-hot-swappable microSD slot

Samsung S5230 live shots

The Star offers a basic touchscreen package with little to no access to top-of-the-line technology. It still knows a trick or two though and is keen to treat the masses to Smart Unlock. It was initially dubbed Gesture lock but in the end Samsung went for Smart instead. This feature lets users unlock the S5230 Star and even launch apps by drawing a letter on the screen. It can be any letter: U to unlock the device, B to launch the browser, J to run your favorite Java app. It’s a nifty trick that adds a little speed and spice when working with the device.

Jump to the next page for a guided tour of the Star exterior. We’ll look closer at the few things that have changed since our early-bird preview.