Samsung Pixon

Introduction:
It’s an 8-megapixel camera, it’s a multimedia player… it’s the new Samsung Pixon. The latest model from the Korean company falls in the highest-class and is a direct rival to the Renoir by LG. It’s also one of the many contenders for the title “King of the multimedia phones”, which is currently held by the iPhone. Under the Pixon’s hood you’ll find many features, including an 8-megapixel camera marketed as “better than an actual camera” and multiple video file formats in order to play clips without having to convert them.



Design:
The Pixon is advertised as the slimmest 8-megapixel phone, though certainly not the slimmest of all. iThough it shares the same form-factor as the iPhone and OMNIA, the Pixon is considerably thicker than its two rivals. Unfortunately today’s technology has not reached the level needed to hide an 8-megapixel module and a whole bunch of extras in an extremely slim body. Do not think that Pixon is “fat”, but it doesn’t have the same profile as the fashion conscious phones on the market. Since the lens and the bottom are also protruding (resembling a regular camera), when placed next to INNOV8 it is nearly as thick, but feels slimmer in the hand.




Software:
In contrast to OMNIA, the Pixon is not a smartphone and uses software similar to the one used in F480. We weren’t happy with it when we did the review, but at first glance here, we noticed some changes so we’ll see what’s the story now.

Samsung INNOV8

Introduction:
Ever since the cell phone was invented, there has always been a trend to follow and the competition for the best one has been on. In the beginning, the manufacturers have tried to develop the technologies in order to diminish the size and weight of the units. Once gotten down to a pocket size, the phones transform into more and more complicated devices, trying to become mobile computers, assistants, cameras or multimedia players.



Design:
Design-wise, INNOV8 is the typical high-tech model. In contrast to G810 it doesn’t look as a business device but reminds us that it’s a gadget with many options. Because of that, and due to the similar size it has, INNOV8 resembles the rival models of Nokia to a certain extent, despite the fact that it has nothing in common with their design language. The small markings, indicating various specifications of the device (16GB, Wi-Fi, GPS, DivX) are noticeable here as well, so your friends looking at your new acquisition in awe, will know what it sports without you even telling them.





Similarly to a bunch of other cameraphones, INNOV8 resembles a pocket device when closed. On its back, there is a clearly noticeable bulge for the lens and the flash, and the right side (top one when used as a camera) houses three-way switch for choosing the mode (picture, video or preview) and the camera shutter. A strange decision on behalf of the manufacturer was made, to put the volume rocker on the opposite side, which makes zooming in/out quite hard when holding the phone in a horizontal position. It’s nice that the protective lens cover opens automatically once the software is started, and in contrast to K850 there is no glass, which is easily scratched, making it pointless.




Software:
As we’ve mentioned above, like G810, INNOV8 also runs on Symbian S60, made popular by the countless Nokia smartphones. Here, we have the latest version (3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2), seen as well in the top Finnish model N96. Samsung has added its own graphic themes, so you can change the style of the interface, to be similar to the other models of its series. Naturally, this only changes the phone visually and deep within, it remains the typical S60 smartphone, which is not a bad thing at all

Nokia N96

Introduction:
The Nokia N96 has a pretty hefty reputation to live up to. The N95 was a true powerhouse, and the finest converged device of its time. With a 5 megapixel camera, 3G data, the powerful S60 UI and eventually 8GB of internal memory there were few devices that could compete with it, and arguably no one could do it as well. Then along came a little device out of Cupertino and the cellular landscape changed. Not one to be reactive, Nokia has stuck to its guns with the retooled N96 and delivered an upgraded device that once again aims to sit atop of the mobile industry; improvements include 16GB of internal memory with microSDHC expansion and an integrated DVB-H tuner for mobile TV. But is it enough to compete with the almighty iPhone?



Design:
Though definitely inspired by the dual-sliding N95, the N96 is a much more modern and sleek device. Like the N81 everything on the device is flush with the exception of the directional pad and Multimedia key, giving the N96 a much more modern and minimalist appearance than its predecessor. The sharp corners of the N95 are now smoothly rounded, and the keys are only apparent when illuminated.




Performance:
The N96 retains the same 128MB RAM/256MB ROM found on the N95 8GB, but upgrades the processor from the 332MHz ARM 11 found on the original to Dual CPU ARM 9 running at just 2x264MHz.

We were not able to run our own tests, but according to Nokia the battery life is actually decreased from 5 hours of talk time on the N95 8GB down to a mere 3.66 hours on the N96. It is listed at 14 hours of music playback or 5 hours of video (4 hours of DVB-H TV.)




Conclusion:
On the whole we are impressed with the N96. It offers noteworthy upgrades to its forerunner, such as the DVB-H tuner (not usable in the States) and 16GB of internal memory with further expansion, and the design is also greatly refined. Running S60 Feature Pack 3 gives the N96 the flexibility to handle most anything the user throws at it. With an overall capacity of 28GB of memory (and theoretical capacity for 48GB) and a large screen it serves as a worthy PMP replacement. The camera and camcorder on the whole was very good, and would do as an everyday point and shoot.

Nokia 6210 Navigator

Introduction:
Does it happen to you frequently, to be travelling in a new area not knowing where exactly you are? You are tired of consulting with the map and planning trips? The 6210 Navigator by Nokia is a solution to your problems. It is the second generation from the “Navigator” line, following the 6110 and is one of the first phones of the manufacturer to employ the Symbian S60 OS with the latest 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 interface. In addition, the new entry is equipped with a built-in magnetic compass, integrated maps depending on your region and a free six-month navigation license. If you are travelling overseas, you can download the necessary maps on the go, thanks to the high-speed HSDPA (3.6 Mbps).




Connectivity:
Nokia 6210 Navigator is a quad-band GSM with dual-band high-speed (UMTS/HSDPA 900/2100 MHz) 3G support, but 850/1900 MHz and 850/2100 MHz versions will be offered as well. Unfortunately, there is no built-in Wi-Fi.




Performance:
Nokia 6210 Navigator runs very fast, but not as fast as one of the quickest Symbian phones we have seen, Nokia 6120 classic. There is a light lag when the accelerometer rotates the screen, but you’ll get used to it.

According to the official data, the battery should provide up to 3.7 hours of talks, 244 hours in standby mode or 6.2 of using the GPS. Compared to all the other phones, the first two values are low, but the time it allows you to use the GPS deserves a praise.



Conclusion:
If you are looking for a user-friendly, navigation phone, 6210 Navigator is a good solution. However, you’ll have to live with the partial maps for some regions which can be a huge drawback. An alternative option is 6220 classic. It is in the same price range and functionality-wise, the differences between the two are that the latter is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera and offers three (as opposed to six) months of free navigation. We would’ve preferred the second option, because of the higher class of the camera.

HTC Touch Pro

Introduction:
Touch Pro – the name clearly hints that we are dealing with a phone, created for work. The HTC model with the richest functionality is based on the popular Touch Diamond, but adds some to the specifications, sports a hardware QWERTY and is larger of course. It is the successor of the Tilt and targets the QWERTY dependent audience.

The very box shows the desire of the leading Windows Mobile manufacturer to raise the bar even higher. It reminds us of a diamond, it’s made of quality materials and houses classy accessories.



Design:
The front view of the Touch Pro is identical to the beautiful Touch Diamond, and on the back, it is similar, but it’s not shiny and the diamond pattern has a smaller relief. The main difference between the two is visible from every other angle. Pro has a “waist” of 0.7”, meanwhile, Diamond measures at only 0.5”. This definitely wouldn’t bother you when holding the “fatty” in your hand, but the contrast becomes apparent when you carry it in your pocket. In addition, you’ll feel the weight, which has been increased by 50%.




Performance:
As we’ve already mentioned, we are not happy with the fact that there is lag when navigating through the TouchFLO plug-in, and sometimes the phone performs inadequately. We believe that this will be fixed soon, but on the other hand HTC shouldn’t release products which are not finalized.
The overall sound quality during a talk is good although the incoming sound is below the necessary level. The sound in the speaker is moderately loud and the voices are muffled. Nevertheless, the collocutor will hear you very loud and clear, which is of utmost importance for a business phone.




Conclusion:
Touch Pro did live up to our expectations: it offers all features seen in Touch Diamond, including the same TouchFLO 3D interface, adding an extremely good hardware keyboard, which makes writing a pleasure. Unfortunately however, it doesn’t bring anything else to the table, becoming just another “old” device. If you have to have the keyboard, is a very good solution, and if not, then the slim Diamond is a better choice.

Nokia 7310 Supernova

Introduction:
The Supernova line was announced by Nokia with the idea to offer budget phones, balanced between an attractive appearance, features and price. Similarly to the higher classes, here the main thing for the design is not only to be easy to use but also to be striking and become the reason for the consumer to purchase it. Bold colors are used, including electric green and pink as opposed to the basic boring grey, black and white; a phone with such a panel rarely remains unnoticed, and that’s exactly what the creators of Supernova wanted to avoid.




Design:
The design language of 7310 is typical for the Supernova line and is something new for Nokia. All three color variants have a pattern on the panel, but when touched the plastic reminds us of the low price of the phone.

The numeric keypad and the area around the display are silvery and shiny, which not only creates an interesting contrast but also transforms 7310 in a pocket mirror. We’ve seen this effect in other phones as well, but here, it is very well expressed. It’s a bit darker than the conventional mirror and you’ll have to clean it from the fingerprints, but it’ll do the job. As a result of this of course, suffers the display, making it totally useless in direct sunlight (even if it’s not too bright). Because of the glass, the image is pale even indoors. The QVGA resolution is good and overall is OK for this display, but compared to other models the quality is poor.




Performance:
As we’ve mentioned above, Nokia 7310 Supernova is relatively slow during menu navigation, which we consider as a drawback, easily noticeable in the daily use. Despite not being a serious problem, it will be annoying for some.





Conclusion:
Is Nokia 7310 Supernova worth it? It really depends if you like its appearance. The unconventional image is its key feature, having pleasant, rarely used colors and a slim body. Nevertheless, the materials used for the make, remind us of the low class that the phone belongs to. In theory, Supernova offers multiple functions, but all of them have a mediocre performance, which makes using the device as anything different than a phone pointless. If the music player offered decent quality in addition to the user-friendly interface, the Nokia would have been an attractive model but now we consider it only a handset with an interesting design and mediocre functionality. The alternatives are 5310, which has good musical capabilities and 6301, offering a metal panel and a business image