The good news for anyone who is thinking of embarking on the new operating system that is Windows Phone 7, but isn't sure which handset to pick, is that Microsoft has ensured they each have a strict set range of features, which should make choosing all the easier.

CHECK OUT THE GREAT DEALS ON THE SAMSUNG OMNIA 7 HERE.

Looking good

Here's how to decide between them. If you're after a high-res snapper, then go for the HTC Mozart; for a huge display, opt for the HD7. And if you want a device that oozes style, your choice has to be the Samsung Omnia 7. It feels well made and that metal rear casing is a joy to touch. At the bottom of the display you'll find the Search and Back icons are touch sensitive, while the Windows Start button is a pressable round button - it's reminiscent of the iPhone's home button and is in the same place.

As it doesn't stand out from the device it would be hard to press it by mistake. This means that, unlike other Windows Phone 7 devices, it is possible to use the Start button to start up the screen from standby. On the other handsets, you have to press the power button on the top of the device. It's not a big issue, but if you're an iPhone user, you will have been used to pressing on that home button to get started.

And you won't find the power button on the top of the handset - that's where a sliding door hides the micro USB connector. No, it's on the right-hand side, about three-quarters up the device. Samsung is fond of putting its power buttons in this position, though we're not sure why.

Super AMOLED display

The display is large at four inches and is a big plus point of the device. Samsung has really hit the target with its AMOLED displays, and with the vivid nature of Windows Phone 7 - and on our handset the bright colours of the Orange network - this is a really eye-catching feature. One of the appeals of Windows Phone 7 is its looks and styling, and a vivid display like the Omnia 7's really shows it off in all its glory - it looks better on this device than on any other Windows Phone 7 phone.

Those Microsoft conditions, by the way, are not minimum specs - phone makers have been instructed not to surpass a lot of the specs - so you'll find the same number of pixels on this phone's display as on the larger screen of the HTC HD7.

The operating system has two themes - light and dark. The dark theme becomes all the more dramatic on an AMOLED screen that offers more contrast and deeper blacks than an ordinary LCD. The display uses less energy if it's on the dark settings - a salient point when it comes to battery life. As we've seen on other phones, you pay for a large display with shorter battery life, and yet the Omnia 7's battery will take you through into a second day, which is a bonus.

Picture this

Cameras vary between Windows Phone 7 devices - the HTC Mozart boasts a camera with an eight-megapixel sensor for instance. The Omnia 7 doesn't reach such heights - its camera has a very acceptable five megapixels, which offers good results. You won't be disappointed with its HD video recording either.

While HTC has put its own identity on Windows Phone 7 with its two-tile hub, Samsung hasn't tried too hard. Yes, there are a couple of special apps (Now, a weather and news app, and Photo Sharing), neither of which are too much to write home about. However, the Windows Marketplace is expanding daily, so this might not be too much of a concern.

The verdict

The quality of the hardware and the fantastic screen are what really sets the Omnia 7 apart. Windows Phone 7 is proving to be a popular platform, and combined with the top-notch hardware from Samsung, the Omnia 7 offers a very appealing, good-looking and powerful device, all wrapped up in a smart metal shell.