Lumia Nokia 800
Key Features
Operating System Windows Phone 7.5 Mango
Processor / speed Single-core 1.4 GHz
(Qualcomm MSM8255)
Memory / Storage Internal Storage: 16 GB
RAM: 512 MB
No SD expansion
Screen technology and definition
Multipoint capacitive touch screen 3.7 inch
ClearBlack 480 x 800
Camera 8 megapixel autofocus with LED flash (opening to 2.2)
GPS Yes
FM Radio Yes
Battery 3.7 V 1450mAh non-removable
Dimensions 116.5 × 61.2 × 12.1 mm
Weight 142 g (with battery)

Design and components

The simple design of Lumia 800 (almost identical to N9) is particularly successful. Profile lines are simple and fly. Not to waste anything, the first impression of the visual is reinforced by the flawless finish implementing materials that inspire confidence. Smartphone in hand, we immediately understand that we are dealing with a high-end device.

Nokia has nothing to learn from the best in this area: the manufacturer confirms the excellent expertise in hardware design. Moreover, even if the terminal is robust, the manufacturer provides a silicone case for excellent craftsmanship in the basic package. An excellent initiative that we welcome to see more often in competition.

The screen AMOLED capacitive multi ClearBlack (480 x 800) is also attractive. Even with a maximum brightness, the darkness is so deep that it is impossible to distinguish the edges of the matrix LCD black frame that surrounds it! All this gives a futuristic effect. One gets the impression that the matrix LCD gives life to an object that seemed inert. Effect guaranteed!

Lumia 800 from the front: the impression of quality everywhere. We also note the striking contrast of the matrix 3.7-inch AMOLED ClearBlack: united blacks can not be distinguished from the part of the screen! However, we regret still the lack of objective video front.

On the technical side, there is a Qualcomm MSM8255 processor clocked single heart at 1.4 GHz which provides a gain of 400 MHz OMAP 3630 compared to that fitted to the twin brother of Lumia 800 (N9). Still no double heart, reflecting the lack of support for these processors for Windows Phone 7.5. On the other hand, divide the amount of memory by two compared to N9: it will be satisfied with 512 MB of RAM. It will not panic if: not content to be very responsive and smooth, the Lumia 800 overcomes the heavy tasks (Web, GPS navigation) without showing weakness!

The RAM is not alone in having been on a diet: for storage, only the 16GB model is available while the N9 is available in 16 versions and 64 GB Finally, the design choices are walking in the footsteps Apple: it is impossible to expand the memory via Micro SD card and the battery is not removable.

The photo and video capture (720p) is based on an 8 megapixel sensor (Carl Zeiss) providing an opening to 2.2). Not found, however, the objective front of N9.

For communications, the GSM module circuit is completed by a Wi-Fi (b / g / n) with a compatible chip Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP . Again, we note the lack of NFC chip from its twin in MeeGo, but we can not say that she will be missed.

Telephony layer

No problem to report on the quality of telephone conversations. Whether moving into the ear, or through the headset, caller and called can benefit from quality sound. Two small points still on the helmet. First, we regret still the lack of remote volume buttons. Next, we must not rely too much on a possible attenuator noise when the wind picks up, or in noisy environments, the conversation will be greatly disrupted. On the software layer this time, Windows Phone 7.5 shows satisfaction.

Internet

Windows Phone 7.5 requires this Lumia 800 to acquire a mobile browser based on Internet Explorer version 9.0. The presence of heart with a single processor 512 MB of RAM left some doubt cast on Web performance. Fortunately, they dissipate very quickly.

In this area, the Lumia high as 800 peaks while rising at a Galaxy S2 or 4S iPhone , no less! The heavy sites displayed almost instantly and scrolling page are made with a smooth flawless! The usability is also enhanced with automatic resizing of paragraphs with a double tap.

The Web browser appears at ease on Lumina 800

Multimedia side, still no flash in the program, but the HTML 5 is supported … provided that the resolutions and sampling rates of videos are not too high.

In contrast, requires Windows Phone 7.5, we always regret the button “search” is exclusively associated with Bing. Can not choose Google without putting hands dirty by grinding the registry of the phone (after taking care to unlock.) In other words, the handling is not addressed in the first quidam really.

Capture photos and video

On the high end, Nokia has made a habit of treating the layer photo. This Lumia 800 departs there to the rule? Good news, we must recognize that the 8-megapixel camera (Carl Zeiss optics, aperture F 2.2) produces images of excellent craftsmanship! On average, 4 / 3 to 8 megapixels, the Lumia 800 generates. JPG approximately 1.6 Mb with a resolution of 3264 x 2448. In photo, Lumia 800 manages to do better than S2 Galaxy (although the colors are less intense), but do not be hoisted at an iPhone 4S. Lumia The 800 still offers a good performance in teasing the best camera phones on the market, which is not an easy reference!

Lumia 800: a camera phone quality!

The performances are with go, now see if the software layer manages to keep pace. Again, Nokia does not disappoint by offering many options. We can Geotagger clichés or enable video effects (black and white, sepia, negative, solarize). Nokia also proposes to take control of some parameters of shooting. For example, several preset white balance are available. You can also customize the exposure value, or change the sensitivity (100 to 800 ISO). Sharing opportunities have not been forgotten: the photos can be sent on Facebook or SkyDrive (25GB free of charge).

The good performance of the party are confirmed by video camera. Although the Lumia 800 fails to surpass the 720p (1080p for the Galaxy against S2 and iPhone 4S), the result is up to the expectations. MP4 AVC files of 1280 x 720 (29.9 fps) are fluid and net.

Music and radio: the choice of weapons!

Zune: Windows Phone 7.5 requires the Lumia 800 offers a Zune player that can be used for audio as the video. In this regard, we recall that, like the iPhone, it will be essential to go through a synchronization software ( Zune Desktop ) to send their favorite music tracks to the internal memory of 16 GB (no mass storage mode is proposed by Phone Windows 7.5). For a phone of this caliber, we also regret the total lack of audio profiles.

Zune music player

Red card for Microsoft that could integrate this functionality with Mango, or that Nokia may well have add via software (HTC had done well with Mozart, for example ). For now, it is not entitled to a second chance because the application “Nokia Music” (we shall return), which has yet strong assets is also silent on the EQ tone!

Another drawback, although the quality of the helmet is not to blame, it was expected to still be able to have a remote volume control on the headset. A detail for some, a lack for lovers of hands-free calling.

Nokia Music: We come back this time on the second application of the musical legacy Symbian Smartphones: Nokia Music is not dead it is found through a Windows Phone! First, the application is able to exploit the music tracks in sync with Zune Desktop. Both say that this is not the most interesting feature, since it simply clone Zune without filling gaps (no EQ tone).

Nokia Music: a radio module which must shade the Zune Pass!

The truth is out there as Nokia Music offers three features appendices, two of which alone the trip! First, the program provides access to many radio streams (web streaming) sorted by genre. If the idea is hardly new (Zune, Deezer, Spotify), the 800 Lumia offers unlimited free access to an entire catalog of more than 12 million titles! What to do in the shadow of the famous Zune Pass charged € 9.90 per month ( full details here ), even if the subscription of Microsoft is not limited to the service.

While it is impossible to choose the title you want to listen, and aficionados Shoutcast (iOS or Winamp on Android) retoqueront the radio module does them no good. Nevertheless, the initiative is noteworthy, even if the objective is primarily mercantile, in order to direct fans to the online store to validate the purchase of individual tracks (rates broadly similar to iTunes or Zune). Finally, we appreciate the presence of a location-based module capable of indicating the list of concerts to be played close to its GPS location. However, it is impossible to book a place via the program.

FM tuner 800 of Lumia

FM tuner: If all the tools offered by Lumia 800 were not enough, you can always fall back on the RDS FM tuner that works great as long as the wired headset (which then acts as antenna) is connected. The interface is minimalist, but the application still manages a list of favorite stations. However, the recordings (in mp3 format, for example) were not provided.

A word about video playback back to top

The Zune player is not limited to audio. It can also be used to read sequences have been captured with the mobile and video synchronized with software Zune Desktop . Let us briefly recall the strength of the program: unlike iTunes, Zune Desktop can automatically convert many formats to make the video compatible mobile.

GPS offers: an asset for the tandem Nokia / MS?

While comprehensive GPS solutions are billed at a rate significant. Out of the box, the Lumia has 800 native bases allowing it to run Nokia Drive, a free navigation solution (voice guidance and visual). Aficionados will recognize a port of Windows Phone 7 Nokia Maps , an application become free soon after the acquisition of Navteq by Nokia in October 2007.

Nokia Drive: an undeniable asset, even if the program is still in its infancy

To use the application, simply download and install the map data (about 20 minutes with Wi-Fi n for a map of US from 476 MB) in the first use of the terminal. Once this is accomplished, Nokia Drive can then be used without an Internet connection, as a tom-tom, Navigon and Sygic (by the way, multitasking Mango is well managed). More good news but not least: the GPS sensor is able to achieve an almost instant fix, even in poor conditions (in a building near the window). Good at all.

However, it is important to know that the version of Nokia Drive came with our test device can not stand the comparison with these giants of navigation. If the bet to propose a simple and accessible is undoubtedly successful, it is also due to the almost total lack of configuration options! With this release, it is not even possible to avoid highways and / or tolls! Exit also recalculations and other alternative routes in case of road block. Absent other significant: the info traffic yet present with Maps on Symbian. We also note the absence of text to speech, even if the female voice is very pleasant. Do not draw a bitter attack on Nokia, it would be surprising if these features do not point the tip of their nose quickly. Asked about the issue, an official indicate that the equipment available at the output (November 15) will receive a Nokia version of Drive most successful.

Nokia Drive: little or no options on our test device.

Nokia Maps

The phone also comes with Nokia Maps. Broadly, it is a mapping software ‘pedestrian’ similar to Google Maps. Compared to the Google service, Nokia Maps has still a little originality since mode “transit” views complement the classic “map” or “satellite”.

Nokia Maps: a sort of Google Maps

This feature is not limited to the simple display of tracks: once one starts calculating a route, these modes are offered in addition to traditional modes pedestrian and car! Nokia Maps is proposing a similar functionality to Metro , which is pretty significant! However, for pedestrian tracking, we regret the lack of posting on the position in the smartphone space (compass mode).

Integration of transport

The data sheet does not indicate the presence of a digital compass. The latter is still present since the applications “compass” function available on the Market to perfection. Let time to time, recall that the application is still in beta stage.

Transferring contacts back to top
With this utility, the Finn again proves its efforts to improve software. “Transfer Contact” is available from the applications menu. The program is for people who want to get the address book of their old phone without using a computer (Outlook synchronization, for example). To do so, the tool establishes a Bluetooth link to “suck” the valuable information.

Transfer Contact: the idea is good, but the operation remains uncertain

If the idea is great, in practice, Bluetooth illustrated again for its inflexibility and miscommunication. Here, it happens that we battle and be forced to reboot the system when the layer Bluetooth refuses to cooperate. At other times, the Lumia able to quickly access the address book target (iOS or Android, for example). These concerns are likely to be erased with the arrival of an update.

App highlights

App also highlights some specific applications provided by Nokia. In this case, there is not, however, climb the walls because it is simply a tool highlighting the best programs available on the Marketplace (or most popular). Nokia offers three classifications that filter programs to install priority, beating of the heart and the best games.

Highlights App

Little fun feature: you can shake the mobile to scroll through the suggestions proposed by App highlights. In short, the application is a little overlap with the Market Place, which already provides a good exposure to popular programs. Nevertheless, it still appreciates the push notifications that can be activated when a new program is suggested.

Battery Life

In this area, the Lumia 800 really does not shine. Like other Windows Phone (HTC HD7, HTC Mozart), the Nokia mobile is closer in the bottom. Please note that this assessment does not provide information on the standby that is the subject of a second test of moderate use on a day. The other event approaching a more practical use indicates that it will not count too much to use the Lumia 800 more than a day and a half between charges. The mobile heater sometimes quite significant (energy loss) and again, even if the deal is not dramatic, we expected better results.

Conclusion

All observers were waiting at the turn of the Lumia 800. Stalled on the high-end touchscreen, Nokia had to send a strong signal to get back on track. Let’s not beat around the bush any longer, this new mobile born of a partnership with Microsoft achieved the goal with flying colors!

However, this did not seem 800 Lumia put the odds on his side. We refer to the air of deja vu that mitigates the effect surprise (chassis N9), technical characteristics down compared to competition (single heart, memory, capture 720p max), and a few teething problems of Windows Phone 7.5. These arguments can be removed one by one.

N9 or not, even if it is above all a matter of taste, design is a great success. As we approach the subject, it is impossible not to mention the exemplary finish and the use of materials that exude quality. About the lack of simple heart, we must remember that only the user experience is authoritative. In this area, Lumia interface is characterized by a seamless flow. The terminal also manages to run heavy applications (Web, GPS) without flinching … what more?

Finally, it was essential to differentiate a Windows Phone 7 competition which was struggling to differentiate themselves (specifications imposed by Microsoft, and features nearly identical). Once again, the bet is successful. First, Nokia treats the hardware by offering a digital camera quality surpassing that of the Galaxy S2 (which is not an easy reference). Efforts will also experience with the software layer, since Nokia has already ported its two GPS applications (pedestrian traffic)! While the programs have yet to improve, but they are nonetheless perfectly functional. We also like Nokia Music that brings a lot of surprises from Zune.

In short, if you are tired of IOS and / or Android and looking for an alternative offer, or simply if you are looking for a good phone, please consider the case of the 800 forward Lumia .

Related articles

• Nokia’s first Lumia 800 software update begins to roll out (winrumors.com)
• Nokia Lumia 800 review: solid hardware marred by Windows Phone 7 (dvice.com)
• Nokia preparing Lumia 800 update for Windows Phone 7740 and battery improvements (winrumors.com)

• Memory

  1.5 GB Micro SD +

• Dimensions

  123 x 68 x 11.8 mm

• Weight

  164 g

• Formats read

  . Aac,. Amr,. Ogg,. M4a,. Mid,. Mp3,. Wav,. Wma / 3gp, .3 g2,. Mp4,. Wmv (Windows Media Video 9). Avi (MP4 ASP and MP3) . Xvid (MP4 ASP and MP3)

• Screen

  3.7-inch AMOLED 800 x 480 pixels

• Autonomy and Battery

  6:00 Communications 1230 mAh

• OS

  Android 2.2

• Photo and video sensor

  • 8 megapixel color camera with auto-focus and LED flash double-• 720p HD Video Camera

• Networks

  Quad

• Connectivity

  Bluetooth ® 2.1 with FTP / OPP for file transfer, A2DP for wireless stereo headsets, and pBabe to access the phone book from Car Wi-Fi ®: IEEE 802.11b/g/n jack stereo audio jack 3 , 5 mm plug micro-USB standard (micro-USB 2.0 5-pin)

• FM Radio

  Yes

• Internet

  900/2100 MHz

• GPS

  Yes

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• Memory

  128 MB, slot micro SD expandable memory up to 2GB

• Dimensions

  99 x 54 x 15 mm

• Weight

  104g

• Formats read

  JPEG, GIF, Animated GIF, PNG, SVG, BMP, MP3 (CBR and VBR Both, MPEG-1 layer 3: up to 320kbps MPEG-2/2.5 layer 3: up to 256kbps), AAC (up to 288kbps), AAC + (up to 128kbps), eAAC + (up to 48kbps), MPEG4-Part2 VGA – 30 fps, H.263 CIF – 30fps, H.264 (MPEG4-Part10) VGA – 30 fps

• Screen

  3-inch 320 x 480 pixels, 16777216 colors

• Brand

  Sony Ericsson

• Price

  219

• Autonomy and Battery

  446 standby, 5 hours in communication

• OS

  Android 1.6

• Photo and video sensor

  3.2 Mpixels

• Networks

  Band 850 – 900 – 1800 to 1900, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA

• Connectivity

  USB

• FM Radio

  yes

• E-Mail

  yes

• Internet

  yes

• GPS

  yes

• DAS

  0.84 W / kg

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BlackBerry Bold 9900
Key Features
Operating System BlackBerry OS 7.0
Processor / speed QC 8655 1.2GHz
Memory / Storage Internal Storage: 8GB eMMC
RAM: 768 MB
Micro SD slot (SD 2.0 compatible up to 32GB (optional)
Screen technology and definition VGA (640 x 480) capacitive
Camera 5 megapixel camera
with flash
(Capture video in 720p)
GPS Yes
FM Radio Not
Battery 1230 mAh lithium-ion removable
Dimensions 114.4 x 64.6 x 10.7 mm
Weight 130 g (with battery)

Design and components

Not surprisingly, the Bold 9900 takes the form factor of its illustrious predecessor. There are a candybar design wide enough to accommodate a screen (landscape layout) of 640 x 480 with a full keyboard (backlit) very comfortable. The aesthetic, the Bold is mainly distinguished from its predecessor by introducing a brushed steel strapping on the edge of the device that recalls a smartphone touch … Little anecdote: during the official presentation of the product, the commercial device did not fail to point out that this area was not playing a metal as an antenna, QED.

The capacitive touch screen VGA (480 x 640) multiplies the number of pixels by two compared to the Bold 9000. Of course, it is far from the resolutions of the Android mobile or iPhone 4. However, given the relatively small diagonal of 2.8 inches (the remaining area being occupied by the keyboard), the touch screen produces an image very thin. In addition to these two input modes (screen / keyboard), there is a clickable touch trackpad that is right.

On a purely technical level this time, the Bold 9900 double the power of the preceding series by including a Qualcomm processor running at 1.2 GHz. Memory is also revised upwards: the new Bold is equipped with 768 MB of RAM supplemented with 8 GB of onboard storage (expandable via micro SD card).

For multimedia, RIM team foal of a 5-megapixel camera (without autofocus) with flash. Note also that this time the device is able to do 720p video.

We loop this description by addressing the list of wireless circuits. Here, connectivity is complemented by a GSM circuit Wi-Fi dual band 2.4 GHz (b / g / n) and 5 GHz (a / n). For accessories, RIM has not forgotten to include a chip compatible Bluetooth A2DP . While this is less common, there is an integrated NFC chip that allows for validation of payments or title without contacts in the presence of compatible information systems (boxes store, or other terminal station, the explanation video here ) .

Call quality

The Bold has a sound quality slightly down compared to competition. In addition, for the duration of the test, we also observed sporadic cuts (with good network coverage). The concern is it related to the moving target? Is it due to the Bold? Given the random and infrequent side of the thing, it is difficult to isolate a cause. For its part, the headset microphone wired to the unfortunate tendency to pick out noisy surroundings.

OS 7: Change in continuity

The Bold 9900 is one of the first line of branded smartphone to integrate BlackBerry OS 7. According to RIM, this system provides improved performance mainly Web (40% faster), a graphics accelerator of the OS as well as support for Open GL ES 2.0 (paving the way video games modeled 3D).

The new multimedia API in the BlackBerry Java SDK v7 also allow you to capture video in HD. Finally, although prototypes shipping OS 6 compatibility NFC already embraced the new API set now allows the creation of applications that read or write NFC tags.

Little or no change in the side of the interface.

Side of the interface this time, RIM does not revolutionize the genre (to put it mildly). Overall, we find the organization and the machinery that characterized the previous version of the OS. If the interface is far from bad, we were expecting more developments. Layer provides a touch more undeniable, but the interface is not thought to enjoy. This aspect is not disabling hybrid everyday, but RIM has enjoyed the transition to version 7 to rethink its interface to avoid the cascading menus that remind us of the heyday of the late Windows Mobile (Windows CE, Pocket PC, etc.). which itself is more or less content to clone a desktop environment (Windows 95, CE 1.0 was released in 1996).

Internet

During the presentation of mobile device referred to a speed increase of 40% on the Web. If the number is difficult to verify, we see that efforts have been made: even if (or because) ignores the Flash (HTML5 is the compatibility of the game), the browser will pocket shows effective. Of course, software optimizations are not the only ones to participate in such good performance. Here, the boost provided by the doubling of the frequency and number of processor cores (not to mention the amount of memory revised upwards) plays a role.

Web browsing in landscape mode

To navigate and click on the links, you can use the mini trackpad (which then acts as a mouse), or multi-touch screen that responds to perfection (the pinch and zoom are well managed). Among the features annexes, RIM offers a tab manager that lets you open more than 11 pages at once. In fact, one should avoid falling into these excesses, the tabs are relatively memory intensive and CPU resources. The automatic resizing by double tap are also present, but they do not always like clockwork, and do not necessarily centered on the section width of the screen (sometimes, the text is truncated).

As far as multimedia streaming, the Bold 9900 offers a shortcut that links to the mobile version of YouTube. With this popular sharing site, the videos that we could test were performed without a problem. Even gives Daylimotion or Vimeo: the HTML 5 is supported for as long as the video codec used is compatible with BBOS7. Although the media is back to face Android (no Flash), the browser still offers great benefits.

Multimedia

By default, RIM offers a rather powerful audio player compatible with both formats as its main OGG and MP3 (playlists are also supported). Finally, RIM provides compatibility with the kiosk Amazon MP3, a paid service that provides access to 18 million shares. In terms of ergonomics, everything happens for the better since it is possible to sort by artist, album or genre. If the software side, RIM marks a no-fault, we can not be said of the wired headset.

BlackBerry Bold’s music player

Apart from the lack of remote control remote, which is unfortunate on a high-end segment (here, it is limited to play / pause), the sound quality is passable. Music lovers will soon replace the grass in the helmet by a model that offers an optimal (see here and there when needed).

Photo viewer

For its part, the image viewer does its job perfectly. The pictures open quickly, and the touch screen scrolls his works in a perfectly fluid. If necessary, you can also synchronize with the BlackBerry Desktop Software (available for Mac or PC) to carry your favorite photos anywhere.

Video Options
To transform the Bold 9900 in a small pocket cinema, RIM offers a more powerful player. While Android and iOS are still limited to MP4 (except players alternative) BBOS 7 adds native support for most codecs and variants Divx (XVID) with a perfect fluid. In contrast, HD (MKV and others) should be re-encoded (download MediaCoder or Super if needed). Good at all.

Capture photos and video

The BlackBerry Bold is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera lacks autofocus, but with a small LED flash. The lack of development could do fear the worst, but in practice, the sensor selected by RIM to a depth of field large enough to compensate for this absence. Better yet, clichés. JPG 2560 x 1920 (from 1.2 to 1.3 MB per file) are detailed, clear, and provide an accurate rendering of colors. Simply put, even if it does not reach the heights of Galaxy S2 and other iPhone 4, the report lies in what is the best resolution sensor equally. In addition, it also appreciates the presence of a geotagging option.

Do not spoil the good indicators of the party are confirmed by video camera. The sensor of excellent craftsmanship associated with 1.2 GHz processor able to swallow a stream 720p AVC (.3 GP file in 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps) without flinching offers excellent results. Good at all.

Applications

For office, natively integrates RIM’s famous mobile suite Documents To Go Recall that this application is able to open Office files (. Doc,. Docx,. Xls,. Xlsx,. Ppt, etc.). To read, or edit. While Documents To Go is often proposed trial in the competition, here we are dealing with the full version. This bonus can be explained by the fact that RIM has acquired DataViz (the software) in September 2010.

Social networks have not been forgotten since customers found Facebook and Twitter. In both cases, it is more of shortcuts pointing to the mobile version of site. The page can still access the main features (post messages, news of loved ones, mailbox, address book, buddy list, geolocation).

GPS and augmented reality

The Bold 9900 is equipped with an integrated GPS chip. This can be exploited with BlackBerry Maps, a small program similar in principle to Google Maps (here, the map data is provided by TomTom). The application is still more basic than the equivalent Google, and although it is possible to calculate a route (with options bypass highway), no voice guidance and visual and no possibility of storing cached maps were provided. You must not rely too much on the App World to catch up the situation: the blockbusters such as TomTom or Navigon (road version) were not suitable for this platform. Exit also Nav4All, a browser program Java compatible with many phones (including Blackberry) service which has just closed its doors in January 2010 following the termination of the license agreement provided by NAVTEQ (now owned subsidiary 100 % of Nokia).

At the same time, RIM natively integrates Wikitude, an augmented reality application available on virtually all mobile platforms (iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Symbian, Bada). The concept is similar to AroundMe , but Wikitude goes even further. When the mobile turns around, points of interest nearby are shown superimposed on the screen. And unlike AroundMe, Wikitude is also capable of displaying POI from Wikipedia, YouTube, Twitter, Filckr, Starbucks, to name only these services.

This version also offers an integrated BlackBerry Messenger to identify and if necessary, to converse with other users of the service nearby. Note that it is possible to disable its position to avoid being detected by other users.

NFC Tag

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is equipped with an NFC (Near Field Communication). If this technology is a lot of attention, its practical applications are little known to the general public and for good reason, the use of NFC is far from being democratic.

Simply put, over time, allow compatible devices to make contactless payments, or validate a ticket (to name a few). Read NFC tags can also contain a contact card, a URL, plain text, advertising or promotional offer.

Performance tests (Web, battery life)

Here the Bold 9900 is hardly better than the EVO 3D. In fact, once the request is completed, the pages load with a heavy fast honest.

Battery Life

RIM terminals are known to provide a data push energy-efficient. The Bold 9900 he departs to the rule? Good news, despite the presence of a processor running at 1.2 GHz, the device maintains a satisfactory self. In moderate use, it is possible to consider the two days to 2.5 days between charges. Our test of independence in use confirms the positive trend since the mobile is positioned in a rather high average.

Conclusion

BlackBerry Bold 9900
Let the debate critics who oppose the physical keyboard for those who defend it tooth and nail the time of conclusion. Whether we like it or not this input method, it must recognize that the full keyboard backlight appears comfortable. Since it addresses the physical attributes, the Bold is made of materials that inspire confidence and offers an excellent finish. However, we can not be said of the wired headset unworthy of a smartphone of this caliber (poor audio quality, materials and finish on the cheap).

Side of the operating system, the contribution of touch is not to question, but we regret that the interface did not use the upgrade to version 7 of BlackBerry OS to evolve significantly. There are always the famous cascading menus, the setup pages austere (black characters on white background) and in some cases, the touch-sensitive layer is not used when it could be (for example: when to video playback, it is impossible to change the ratio by simply double tap on the screen).

Despite these small criticisms, the Bold has strong arguments to satisfy the fans of mobile users smartphone keyboard. If you enroll in this class of users, or you want to go to the physical keyboard, do not hesitate to consider the case of the Bold 9900 with all the interest that it should be. The features are there, the ergonomics are good, the quality is excellent and, best of all, autonomy is better than most of its competitors.

Related articles

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• AT&T BlackBerry Bold 9900 Retail Packaging Pictured (pocketnow.com)

• Memory

  1.5 GB Micro SD +

• Dimensions

  160 g

• Weight

  119 x 60 x 14 mm

• Formats read

  MP3/WAV/AAC/WAV video: MP4/WMV/3GP

• Screen

  3.7-inch AMOLED 800 x 480 pixels

• Autonomy and Battery

  7 hours Communo / 1400 mAh

• OS

  Android 2.1

• Photo and video sensor

  5 megapixel autofocus with LED flash

• Networks

  EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA 7.2 Mbit / s / HSUPA 2.0 Mbit / s

• Connectivity

  802.11b/802.11g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Stereo

• FM Radio

  Yes

• Internet

  UMTS, HSDPA

• GPS

  A-GPS

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Key Features
Operating System Windows Phone 7.5
Processor / speed 1.5 GHz single-core
Qualcomm MSM8255
Memory / Storage 16GB of internal memory
(No expansion micro SD)
512 MB of RAM
Screen technology and definition 4.7”(480x 800) capacitive touchscreen
Super Sony LCD panel
Camera 8 megapixel autofocus camera + dual LED flash
(Capture video in 720p)
1.3 megapixel (Front Webcam)
GPS Yes + eCompass
FM Radio Yes
Battery 1600 mAh lithium-ion
Dimensions 131.5mm x 70.7mm x 9.9mm
Weight 160g (with battery)

HTC Titan

The large size is the main hallmark of Titan. The mobile then walk in the footsteps of the HTC HD7 . One year after the departure of the latter, HTC opted for a further enlarged screen, up from 4.3 to 4.7 inches.

Screen HTC Titan

One would imagine that this is accompanied by a change in resolution. Unfortunately, it remains unchanged since the Titan Super LCD keeps a slab of 480 x 800. Regrettable, especially as HTC, the feeling is much better. The onboard memory is seen, however, doubled (16GB for 8 against HD7) and processor (which maintains a single CPU core) earns 0.5 GHz to reach the threshold of 1.5 GHz.

HTC Titan: a super wide screen LCD of 4.7 inches for a non-standard size

The battery has been revised accordingly, as it goes from 1230 to 1600 mAh. We’ll see if this trend is paying off in terms of battery life. Finally, the Titan offers an 8-megapixel camera, 5 megapixels against the HD7.

Call quality

No problem to report on the quality of communications. Whether in the ear or through the wired kit, the Titan offers excellent sound quality. On the software, even if Windows Phone is a bit confusing at first, quickly found its mark.

Internet

The Web browser based on Internet Explorer appears perfectly at ease on this platform. The fluidity is almost perfect, even in the presence of sites “heavy”. In addition, the wide screen of 4.7 inches provides substantial comfort and meets the finger and the eye to different stresses (scrolling, zooming multipoint). The automatic resizing of paragraphs with a double tap and other automatic rotation based on the accelerometer are also present.

Only small dots of shadow, a “Search” button permanently associated with Bing Search (found on all smartphones Windows Phone 7.5), and a menu bar that is a bit too intrusive in landscape mode. The fact remains that the Titan offers a surfing experience that rises to the level which is best on mobile now.

Capture photos and video

The HTC Titan is equipped with a digital camera 8 megapixel autofocus supported by two LED flashes. If the solids are net of high contrast images (black on white), things go wrong in the pictures more complex (the motherboard or the brush on the stage of testing), giving the impression of a highly compressed snapshot . However, the powerful Titan shows where we did not expect really managing to make macros net.

The white balance also shows its limits (the images take on yellow), and the overall lack of brightness. Another small point: the physical key shooting is a bit too far from the base of the terminal, which is not practical to use.

Side features, the Titan generates. JPG approximately 1.46 MB for a resolution of 3264 x 2448. While a person is far from a Galaxy S2 , a Galaxy Note or iPhone 4S , the result is largely usable in everyday life.

Options of layer picture

As for options, even if the timer is conspicuously absent, HTC spoils us. In addition to the now traditional geotagging (built into Windows Phone 7) and video effects (sepia, black and white, etc.), the manufacturer offers a panorama mode with assistance based on the accelerometer (horizon with which he must line up for each shot). At the end of procedure, it does not distinguish between connections on the plate final, consisting of three photos. It also has a burst mode with five shots in a row.

About capturing video, small disappointment: while the majority of high-end now allow you to capture 1080p, the Titan is limited to 720p. A limitation due to the single processor heart? This would not be annoying with a sensor showing the height (which is the case of Lumia 800 for example). Here on the contrary, even if the videos are very fluid, there is a lack of clarity accompanied by defects on the part photo (red screaming, lack of light).

Video and audio

If video playback is always based on Zune (which must necessarily be synchronized with the Windows self-titled), HTC reiterated the efforts with the first Windows Phone devices . The Titan has 8 audio profiles which are accessed not directly in the music player, but via the Settings menu of the smartphone. An unnecessary complication. These profiles are complemented by an SRS mode (not combinable with profiles) to be convincing. In addition, there is also a small FM tuner that can be used in the presence of a wired headset.

HTC has not forgotten the sound profiles!

To place videos in the Titan, it will obviously go through Desktop Zune, Windows Phone 7 requires. While it is a shame not to manage the memory via USB as you would do it on Android. However, we appreciate that Zune Desktop includes a module to automatically convert many codecs / containers video to a format optimized for Windows Phone 7.5.

Programs offered by HTC back to top

Even if HTC can not (yet) make revisions to the interface (a limitation imposed by Microsoft), the Taiwanese manufacturer confirms its efforts to improve the software layer. In addition to the audio profiles dedicated to audio and video players, there are many small utilities. HTC offers an LED flashlight, a basic photo editing program (under 14 effects), the weather, stock quotes and news.

HTC has some software annexes.

There are also “Location”, a sequel to Foot Print (on Android). This program allows for just geotagged photos to back up its POI (points of interest) suddenly of heart, or to share via the Web. A ‘Footprint’ (GPS coordinates along with a small photo of the location and comment) can be shared via email or SMS.

Location: back up your favorite points of interest

In parallel with the application “One Note” provided natively by Microsoft, HTC provides a virtual notepad. If the basic aspect also means ease of use, we regret still unable to share a note by email or SMS.

DLNA and HDMI output

The HTC Titan does not have a native HDMI output, but according to officials of HTC, it offers compatibility with the MHL standard that requires the use of a Micro USB to HDMI adapter. An adapter that is naturally not supplied with the unit, which will cost an additional thirty euros.

MHL Adapter

However, you can do without such a connection using the network capabilities of the phone, since the DLNA has not been forgotten, as evidenced by the application “connected media”. This allows streaming video and photo content present in the phone memory to a compatible HDTV and others.

Battery Life

In everyday life, the autonomy of the Titan can take a day and a half between charges if used lightly. This shows that the presence of a battery inflated compared to the HTC HD7 can offset the surplus of consumption driven by the processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. It is therefore in the middle of what is generally found on smartphone.

The information is confirmed with our test using four distinct mixing (video playback, 3G surfing, surf Wi-Fi, music). In this case, the Titan came to rest 36% of battery, which places still above the 800 Lumia. It also outperforms its predecessor, significantly, the HD7 positioning the end of the ranking.

Conclusion

HTC Titan
With the Titan, HTC confirms its expertise by providing a terminal at the flawless finish, carved out of quality materials. In practice, the situation is good, Windows Phone 7.5 lying at ease on the Titan. Even in the absence of double heart, Qualcomm processor running at 1.5 GHz appears to par. The OS is perfectly smooth and heavy activities such as Web browsing run with perfect fluidity.

Are a few negative points, starting with the display of Titan, whose generous diagonal is not really exploited. We find a resolution identical to that of the first Windows Phone 7 (480 x 800), which is a shame. Disappointment also for Part photo / video shots are of average quality, while the 1080p is conspicuously absent. A definition that is spreading, however, on the high end. We expected more of the spear in Mango.

Finally, the phone is ideal for mobile users who wish to acquire a terminal XXL to discover or rediscover the mobile OS from Microsoft , but not necessarily essential for current holders of an HD7 .

Related articles

• Windows Phone fan? HTC Titan will be the best Windows Phone and compete with the iPhone for top honors. (teechy.com)
• The HTC Titan’s monster screen is perfect for Windows Phone 7 (chron.com)
• Windows Phone 7 updates pop up today. Enables Internet Sharing. (gottabemobile.com)

• Memory

  4GB micro SD expandable up to 16GB

• Dimensions

  105.9 x 52.6 x 11.9 mm (L x W x D, phone open)

• Weight

  94g

• Formats read

  JPG / BMP / WBMP / GIF / GIFA / PNG, AAC / aacPlus / HE AAC v2 / MP3 / WMA / MIDI / SMAF / wave / AMR, H.263 / H.264 (decoding only) / MPEG-4

• Screen

  3 inch TFT 240 x 400 pixels 262k colors

• Brand

  LG

• Price

  169

• Autonomy and Battery

  Li-Ion 3:45 of talk time, 295h standby

• OS

  Owner

• Photo

  and video sensor

  5 Mpixels

• Networks

  Band 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA

• Connectivity

  USB

• FM Radio

  yes

• E-Mail

  yes

• Internet

  yes

• GPS

  not

• DAS

  0994 (W / kg)

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Here are the standout features of the Bionic Droid:

Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread
4G LTE
Heart dual processor 1 GHz
1 GB of RAM
4.3 “QHD
8MP camera w / autofocus, flash + before the device in front
1080p HD video
16GB of onboard memory w / 16GB microSD card included
HDMI
The high-capacity battery
Support wireless charger

Unboxing
According to the box Motorola Droid theme reminds me of the other phones Droid recently published:

Cosmetics
Droid Bionic style is fantastic. Like most Motorola phones, it’s not flashy or over the top, but just enough chrome ads get your attention. The back cover is rubberized, making the bionic feel good in your hands.

On the left you will find the charger, and HDMI ports on the left the volume buttons and the top right button standby / power and 3.5mm headphone jack.

On the back cover is the massive 1735 mAh. Still under the back cover is the microSD card included 16 GB and 4G LTE SIM stacked on each other. I am pleased that Motorola has found a way to remove the SD card without removing the battery.

Compared to the X Droid , Droid The Bionic is the same length and a little wider and thicker. (X on the left Droid – Droid Bionic on the right)

Screen
The 4.3-inch QHD screen is the same size as mobile 4G others out there, but the resolution is that the Droid Bionic win. It is 540 x 960, which essentially means that you can store more on the screen the same size. The Droid 3 Droix x2 and also share the resolution. (The screen of the Droid 3 is 4 “though) Glass Gorilla glass screen with a double layer antireflection coating.

If you were to hold the screen next to the Super AMOLED screen on the Samsung support Droid , Droid would load more contrast, but the Droid Bionic would be less.

Keyboard
Wow! With the processor and multi-touch, you can really fly strike. The haptic feedback is a “tight” and as fast as you can be used. This makes the typing experience wonderful. Swype is also included but not enabled by default.

Software
The Bionic Droid comes with Android 2.3.4, like the Droid 3 and Droid X2 . They share both interfaces very similar and the same photo gallery, application views, viewer contact, and phone dialer.

Here the lock and home screens (5 in total but only three have things on them):

The phone comes pre-loaded with Citrix GoToMeeting, Receiver, and Quickoffice MotoPrint (which lets you print wirelessly from your phone) to name a few. Motorola has also included a task manager. Here are the screens of the application, that scroll horizontally:

Motorola threw in some “transitions” that add to the user experience. It’s hard to describe without a video, but icons and widgets appear to be from the rear when going between screens. The same effect is added between application screens. When the screen goes to sleep it looks like an old tube television to turn it off.

I guess they could afford these transitions display with dual-core processor and I wanted to show slightly. I’m glad they did because it really adds to the overall experience of the user of the phone.

Motorola has also thrown in some software updated when you connect the phone to your computer. I do not know how much it will be used, but it’s there when you need it.

Navigation & Data
Like its counterparts 4G browsing or doing anything that involves uploading or downloading is incredible. With the help of navigation on dual-core processor on bionics is a Breeze off a wi-fi. Heck, it is difficult to discern when WiFi is not connected to the (assuming you have a good connection 4G).

Results seem to vary a bit depending on the Speedtest server connected to it, but whatever they were fast. Results may vary depending on your location.

Performance & Battery
Obviously, the dual-core 1 GHz processor TI OMAP will beat the other 4G counterparts hands down. Did I mention that this is the first phone I’ve ever used with 1GB of RAM? It’s crazy. I remember when a 200MHz processor and 32MB of RAM for a desktop computer a lot! The results Quadrant. In comparison, the HTC Thunderbolt had a score of 1775, the charge Droid – 941, and LG Revolution – 1917

The results were very similar to that of 3 Droid (2244) and Droid X2 (2477).

Browsing through programs is a joy. Not once all flicker or hesitation. You certainly will not be disappointed with the processing power.

1735 mAh battery is the biggest I’ve ever seen come with a phone. It is estimated at 10.83 hours of discussion and 200 of standby time. Very impressive considering the Revolution HTC has a 1400 mAh battery and 6.3 hours talk time. I had no problem using the Droid Bionic every day then. You may be able to spend a day and a half without having to load if you are not able to eat a couple of things.

Camera
The 8-megapixel main camera is good, but it could be better to be honest. He left me disappointed considering that there are better cameras out there. The exterior colors are somewhat dull, and the shots are too low light grainy.

On the good side, the camera software is fast. I was able to take pictures and go through the menus with ease. Here’s how it looks:

(You can minimize options)

I really like the addition of the “Scenes Audio”

1080p video is remarkable. Here is a sample I took the walk. The only thing missing from the video on cell phones is now a sort of anti-shake.

Conclusion
I’m glad he took some time for Motorola to get the Droid Bionic door. I’m glad Motorola took their time and something that does not suck, something that was not only filling a phone, but it is well rounded and a milestone. How long will the Bionic Verizon be the cream of the cream? Probably not long, but for now this is the best phone you can get Verizon. With all its features impress, you will not be disappointed.

Reasons for the Bionic Droid:

You 4G LTE in your area and want the best phone available
4G phones other available are too slow for you or for the poor battery life
You need a phone that can run many applications
You can pay the price tag of $ 300 & plan data

Reasons for something else:

You do not have 4G in your area
The $ 300 price tag & data plan is too expensive
Bionics is too big
You want a physical keyboard
You do not need all the features of the Bionic

Related articles

• How would you change Motorola’s Droid Bionic? (engadget.com)
• Motorola Droid Bionic gets unofficial Ice Cream Sandwich ROM (intomobile.com)
• Motorola Droid Bionic Price Officially Drops to $199.99 with a 2-year Contract (buyitorfryit.com)

If the above documents are true, the BlackBerry Curve 9360 will be offered on the prepayment of $ 229.99 and will come with the following characteristics: run BlackBerry OS 7, 2.4 inches (480 x 360 pixels), Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, HSDPA, GPS, 5MP rear camera, VGA front camera, a 800MHz processor, 512MB of internal memory, MicroSD card support and a battery 1000 mAh.

We will keep you posted on this BlackBerry Curve 9360 to when it will really start.

Related articles

• RIM Launches BlackBerry Curve 9360 in India (91mobiles.com)
• BlackBerry Curve 9360 to cost $230 at T-Mobile USA (off contract) (unwiredview.com)
• BlackBerry Curve 9360 To Hit AT&T On November 20th For Just $29.99 (gadgetian.com)

Regarding the second smartphone for Verizon, the illusion of Samsung, is unclear about this handset yet, but it’s expected or assumed that the device will run on Android Gingerbread thus have an HVGA screen, but will not be an LTE device.

Related articles

• Verizon makes the Pantech Breakout official, coming on Sept 22 (gadgetell.com)
• Verizon’s Pantech Breakout LTE Android phone officially announced (unwiredview.com)
• Verizon’s Samsung Illusion and Pantech Breakout Android phones leaked (unwiredview.com)