Samsung G600 Review by 3G.co.uk

3G's 30 Second Decision

Having had the Samsung G600 in our mitts for 30 seconds we say ... another black slider, good camera spec and music player, but huh no 3G or HSDPA.

Review Introduction

The Samsung G600 was first announced in July 2007 and at that time was Europe's first 5 megapixel cameraphone. Samsung have stated that they see the 5 megapixel plus camera phone market growing significantly and that they aim to capture this market, starting with the G600.

Of course, Samsung has proven camera phone leadership with the launch of a series of industry’s first camera phones : including the 5 megapixel camera phone (SCH-S250) in 2004, 7 megapixel camera phone (SCH-V770) in 2005, and finally the 10 megapixel camera phone (SCH-B600) in 2006 for Korean domestic market.

The Samsung G600 is a sleek new camera phone housed in a fashionable black two-toned slider shell and equipped with a 5 megapixel camera. You can read more about its launch here. ( click here ).

The only colour currently available is the Two-toned black version which some may say is a tad dreary but its still stylish. In terms of size the Samsung G600 is only 14.9mm deep. If you compare this to the Nokia N95 ( click here for N95 review ) which is 21mm deep then the G600 has a lot going for it in the beef stakes.

The Samsung G600's Best Features

5 Megapixel camera
Multi format music player with FM radio
Improved keys and navigation pad
Large bright LCD screen

3G or not 3G ?

This is NOT a 3G handset but a quad GSM, so you won't benefit from either 3G or 3G HSDPA speeds being offered by UK operators.

Display

The QVGA 2.2 inch TFT LCD display is nearing top-notch. Its bright with 16 million colours and hence its easy to see whats on the screen.

Keypad

On previous Samsung handsets like the U600 the touch sensitive key bleeps will drive anyone near a Samsung U600 barmy. Luckily, this no longer applies. You can see the navigation pad and all the various keys in photo 6. ( click here ). The keys and navigation pad are nicely placed and offer a good firm response.

Camera

The 5 megapixel camera comes with x4 digital zoom, auto focus, flash LED ( not xenon which performs much better ), white balace and makro mode for close-up detail work. The camera itself is hidden when the slider is closed and ready to use when the slider is open. See here

This is a high end specification camera phone. There is only one camera on the handset so video calling is not possible but video recording still is. The resulting camera shots are well above average but would not challenge a specialist camera phone like the Nokia N93i with its Carl Zeiss lens. But the camera is well above average and is likely to be the main selling point for this handset.

Choose from panorama, mosaic and macro, and then hit the button to use the camera's built-in editing and printing features.

For a better viewing experience, the Samsung G600 incorporates a multi-function imaging system and full Bluetooth v.2 connectivity. This will enable you to view larger pictures and graphics and helps users read text or Web pages in full.

Music Player

The G600 is no music slouch. It has a multi format Music Player and you can listen via the headphones supplied in the box or via Bluetooth capabilities with a wireless stereo headset.

Ringtone compatibility is 64 Polyphonic Ringtone, Midi Ringtone and MP3 Ringtone

Don't overlook the FM Radio which more and more phone manufacturers are putting on-board. The Samsung comes up trumps as the music player performs well.

Battery

The standard battery should last two days with average use. Samsung quote 215 minutes of good old talking time and 300 hours of standby.

Internet

The Netfront Browser offers PC like browser capabilities, while the clever Smart-Fit Rendering functionality allows internet web pages to fit mobile dimensions and it works.

The page pilot displays whole page layouts, allowing you to select the part you want to view and the Virtual Pointer is like a mini-mouse that moves freely for scrolling whilst selection is found to be easier.

Connectivity

The Bluetooth v2 and high speed USB 2.0 offers downloads, data transfers and wireless connections to headsets and mobile printing devices. Bluetooth V2 comes with dual headset function which enables you to share music or conversation instantly.

Truprint

Samsung has teamed up with Truprint for the G600 Camera Phone. The promotion is designed to show customers that they can replace their Digital Camera with the new phone, for their entire picture taking needs. More here

Availability

The Samsung G600 is available now.

Upside

A powerful camera in such a slim handset with a creditable music player. The TFT LCD screen is big and bright for viewing all those web pages.

Downside

Boring old black slider yet stylish. No 3G or HSDPA

Verdict

Samsung is intending to break into the 5 megapixel plus market in a big way and have made an impressive entry with the Samsung G600. No 3G but if you want a highly specifed camera phone this one needs to be checked out.

This review covers the above mobile phone only and does not address the performance of any 3G Network. The score is based on a 3G mobile phone checklist.

Copyright : You are advised that this material is the copyright of www.3G.co.uk and is our own personal view only. (C) All rights reserved 2007. Whist every care has been taken in the preparation of this review, the author nor 3G.co.uk cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of the information it contains, or consequence arising from it.