Camera Phones Plaza

It seems like Samsung is still rebranding and repositioning every phone in their portfolio. It's not just the camera phone orientated, or multimedia phones, or even the business phones that are getting a rebranding over the limit. It's quite clear that Samsung is mostly trying to put on the market some brand new lines. And yes, some of these lines do contain products with the same overview but different feature approach and distinctive price tag.

On a previous occasion I wrote about the Samsung entry level audio orientated phone, which delivered under average and average performances for a small price tag. There were two sliders and one clamshell. These three phones were announced in June this summer, and released two months later in August. However, Samsung didn't release the "M" line for cheap music orientated phones.

The first of its kind was released this year in February and by know it still the proud owner of an excellent design. The Samsung M7603 or Samsung M7600 Beat DJ also known as Samsung Platine includes an excellent design. Although, it clear that packs the same strange colors found on the three cheaper models, the M7600 Beat DJ looks more attractive and successfully integrates several designs, because at a first glance you can't really understand that this is a phone. It might look like jewelry, or a mobile game platform, but M7600 Beat DJ is at its core a mobile phone.

Beside the unique design, the Samsung Platine also sports other key features such as the WQVGA AMOLED touch screen display, 3.2 megapixel digital camera, 8 GB memory card included in the retail package, GPS receiver, 3.5 mm audio jack, Office document viewing, and excellent music player. Even so, this Samsung model also includes several main disadvantages, such as the slightly slow interface, and no full keyboard either mechanical or digital on screen.

With the new M7600 Beat DJ Samsung is trying to improve its music line, and this phone might just be a strong competitor for that matter of fact. Samsung M7600 Beat DJ can easily fight Sony Ericsson Walkman phone models and Nokia Xpress Music phone models. Even so, it is impossible for the Platine to be compared with the iPhone (especially the 3GS model), or the new X6 from Nokia which is certainly a new instance in this game. Even if, the M7600 Beat DJ sports an excellent design, the materials used in the build are all plastic. These plastics are painted in three different colors (the M line colors). However, Samsung included in this design nice finishes like the metallic frame and the glossy surface that surrounds the touch screen display. So, the metallic frame with black glossy cover and dark grey with vibrant violet might be something that only a few users are looking phone.



Again, Samsung is not conservative at all and included in the market a strange looking with strange colors phone. I am just going to say it. It frustrating not to know which the bottom side is and which is the top side of this phone. You probably have to look on the back cover to see where the camera lens is to understand how you should hold this phone. Even so, above the display you get the small earpiece and the ambient light sensor. Beside these two elements, Samsung also included a second digital camera for enabling the video calls. Below the display you will find a dark grey looking line. Believe it or not that line actually contains both the call key, the end call key, and centered between them the back key.

Unfortunately a point in minus is the fact that these keys are not visible at all. Even more frustrating is that between this keys line and the display you get the virtual keys for controlling the music. Not even these keys are noticeable. Better read the user manual before starting to use the M7600 Beat DJ. On the left side of the phone you get the volume controls, the lock display switch and the micro USB port which is covered by a purple plastic (what else). On the other side you can easily find the memory card slot (micro SD), and the special camera key. On the top, Samsung added the 3.5 mm audio jack, also covered by a purple plastic cap, while on the bottom you get the stereo speakers. Everything with this phone is symmetrical.

If you enjoy geometric figures and element like median and other special features then this phone might just surprise you day by day with something new. On the upper center of the M7600 Beat DJ you get the 3.2 megapixel digital camera lenses with a dual LED flash. Overall, if we let the design apart, this phone is extremely well built, and it proudly caries on the Samsung quality build. Samsung M7600 Beat DJ runs in 2 G network - GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and in the 3G networks UMTS 900 / 2100. Because of its dimensions, this phone doesn't sport a 3 inches display. With a height of 112 mm, wide of 51 mm, deep of 13.9 mm, the M7600 Beat DJ weight about 99.7 grams.

Samsung included in this phone an 2.8 inches AMOLED capacitive touch screen with a maximum resolution of 16 million colors and a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and an included accelerometer sensor for a better usability.  The display is great, offers vibrant colors, and it delivers good brightness even in direct sun contact. Samsung included in this phone about 50 MB onboard (small unit for a music oriented phone). Therefore, the memory card was necessary to be part of the retail box. The Platine is compatible with micro SD memory cards (Trans Flash memory cards) up to 16 GB. The connectivity is ensured by the BPRS Class 10 with 4+1 / 3+2 with a various speed starting from 32 Kb per second to 48 Kb per second, HSCSD, Class 10 EDGE with a maximum speed of 236.8 Kb per second, version 2.0 micro USB connectivity, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, and HSDPA.

However, this phone lacks Wi-Fi. Therefore, it lacks a full connectivity package. The digital camera included has a value of 3.15 megapixels and can take pictures with a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. It sports auto focus, LED flash, face and smile detection and Geo tagging. Although this camera is not state of the art, these features with the quality pictures taken provide excellent user experience. You can also use this camera to record some videos in VGA mode with 15 frames per second.

The Touch Wiz interface is good. The phone works not extremely fast, but it does the job in optimal time. This interface it is fully customizable. Also the operating system includes excellent features such as the media player, the Office document reader, the organizer, calendar, phone book and many others. Samsung included in this phone a rather small battery for a touch screen device, a Lithium Ion with 960 mAh, which should provide about 400 hours of standby time in 2G networks and 300 hours of standby time in 3G networks.

Also, the talk time vary from 7 hours in the 2G network to 4 hours and 30 minutes in the 3G network. For an average user these values mean about 3 days of battery autonomy. In the retail box, Samsung added beside the phone and battery, the charger, the 3.5 mm headset with remote, the CD software, the USB cable, and the 8 GB memory card. Overall, the M7600 Beat DJ is a solid phone with a nice retail box. Probably the decision factor over to buy it or not will remain the "love it or hate it" design, which is found on every phone in the "M" line from Samsung.

It is no surprise that manufacturers are continuously trying to improve all the phone ranges, in order for their portfolio to be up to date. Unfortunately, this is not always good for some of the mobile phone manufacturers. To understand the bigger picture, let's take two manufacturers, Nokia and Samsung. As you might have noticed by now, Nokia is more conservative when it comes to entry level models. It never really released a true entry level range. However, Nokia does include in its portfolio several entry level models, which provide (depending on their price tag) different features for all the potential customers.

Most of this Nokia phones carry the logo "classic" end are labeled as being part of "2xxx". Samsung, on the other side, is trying desperately to improve its leadership positioning by adding on the entry level phone range not only middle range features but also a complete line with different form factors phones. One of this new lines, released by Samsung this summer, is the M2x10. It contains three models, M2310 a clamshell mobile phone, M2510 slider phone, and M2710 also a slider. The Samsung M2310 can be considered the entry level in this new line.

Its design respects the line's pattern providing a nice silver finish (plastic) with purple on the outside, while once opened the M2310 sports a matte black plastic with a purple keyboard. The design is either lovable or hate able. Basically, it is up to you if it worth even looking at it. The dimensions and weight makes the M2310 ultraportable and easy to slide into any pocket. This phone has a height of 93 mm, wide of 45 mm, deep of 17.6 mm; the M2310 weights about 84.7 grams. The build quality is good, not exceptional, due to too much plastic used, but good. All the keys offer a nice feedback, but they feel kind of cheap when you touch them.

Samsung enabled only GSM calls within this device, with the 2G network GSM 850 / 900/ 1800 /1900. The external 1.1 inches display is too small with only 96 x 96 pixels resolution. Compared with the lid's height a 1.1 inches display is way too small for a 2009 phone. The internal display sports a 2 inches diagonal screen with TFT technology rendering up to 256000 colors on a 176 x 220 pixels resolution. Nice features are the dedicated music keys, the integrated 3.5 mm audio jack, and not only the MP3 - WMA - eAAC player but also the MP4 and 3GP player. However, the small internal memory (9 MB) won't be enough not even for your pictures. Therefore, Samsung added in the spec list a memory card slot, compatible with micro SD memory card and Trans Flash memory cards up to 8 GB.


The connectivity is ensured by GPRS Class 10 with 4 + 1 / 3 + 2 slots, 32 Kb per second to 48 Kb per second, HSCSD, Class 10 EDGE (up to 236.8 Kb per second), version 2.0 micro USB connection, and Bluetooth version 2.1 with A2DP. Both 3G and WLAN lack from this phone. Samsung included in the M2310 an 800 mAh Lithium Ion battery which should provide about 350 hours of standby time and 7 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. For an average user these values mean about 2 and half days of autonomy. Another feature of the M2310 is the built in VGA camera which can take pictures at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels (video recording is also available in QCIF with 15 frames per second). Overall if you like the design Samsung M2310 is an entry level music oriented phone.

The second phone model available in this line, M2510 provides a different form factor design, but keeps the same colors and curve lines. Therefore the phone is made out of black plastic (on the front cover and keyboard, this plastic will be a little slippery, but by far glossy) with several purple finishes. Just like the M2310, the M2510's design sports the "love it or hate it" motto. The build quality is the same as the one found in the M2310. The M2510 runs only in 2G network, GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. With a height of 99.5 mm, wide of 46.5 mm, deep of 15.7 mm, the M2510 weights about 90.5 grams, making it, just like the M2310, very portable and easy to handle.


You basically get the same resolution of the M2310 (176 x 220 pixels) on a 2.2 inches display found on the M2510. The display has the TFT technology sporting about 256000 colors. Also present on this phone, are the 3.5 mm audio jack and the dedicated music keys. The onboard memory is in the M2510 about 15 MB; expandable using the micro SD memory cards (Trans Flash memory cards) up to 8 GB. The connectivity is ensured by the Class 10 GPRS  (4+1 / 3+2 slots) with a various speed from 32 Kb per second to 48 Kb per second, HSCSD, Class 10 EDGE with a speed up to 236.8 Kb per second, micro USB connectivity and 2.0 Bluetooth with A2DP.

The 1.3 megapixel digital camera included in the M2510 provides even with the maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels mediocre pictures. Samsung included in the M2510 the same battery as in the M2310, the Lithium Ion with 800 mAh, offering about 360 hours of standby time and 8 hours of talk time. Overall, the M2510 doesn't bring many changes that M2310. The main difference is the form factor. The last phone in this line, M2710 sports a clearly better design. You get nice plastic materials, that don't feel cheap. The black really works with the blue, and the keyboard has a nice metallic finish.


The build quality was improved, and the functionality was raised with the improved feedback of all the keys, either navigational or alphanumerical. Unfortunately, M2710 lacks 3G, and runs only in 2G in GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. With a height of 96 mm, wide of 46 mm, deep of 16 mm, the M2710 weights about 95 grams, keeping a small profile. Samsung included in the M2710 a 2.1 inches TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels capable of rendering about 256000 colors, and featuring an accelerometer sensor. This phone also includes the dedicated music keys and the 3.5 mm audio jack. However, the built in memory (of only 20 MB) has to be expanded using micro SC memory cards, Trans Flash memory cards with the highest accepted value of 16 GB.

The connectivity is basically the same, sporting the Class 10 GPRS with 32 Kb per second to 48 Kb per second, Class 6 GPRS with 177.6 Kb per second, HSCSD, Bluetooth version 2.0 with A2DP and micro USB connectivity. The same Lithium Ion battery is included in the M2710. Overall, Samsung created an interesting cheap music orientated phone line. However, it lacks conservationism, trying too hard to look attractive (while in fact for some M2310 and M2510 might look horrible). For now, Nokia still offers better entry level phones with its "2xxx classic" phones.

Not everyone needs or wants a high end phone. Sometimes you need a basic model for call and texting. The reasons can vary, from just needing a second or third phone, to not needing a multimedia phone (maybe you own a solid player such as iPod). The manufacturers know that basic phone range has to be well represented into their portfolio, after all not everyone is willing to pay in these uncertain times $400 to $600 for a high tech phone.

Even more, many customers understood that the merged products (phones with media players and digital cameras) have a tendency to break more often than the basic models. Therefore, if you are looking to protect your investment you should definitely buy a basic phone, a nice point and shoot camera, and a great media player, by all means an iPod if you can (the quality is extraordinary, and the value seems to be kept in time).

Nokia knows what customers want, and also knows how to deliver it. In the beginning of 2009, Nokia launched a few entry level models to cover the market demands in this range. The first model is Nokia 2323 classic. The name inspires Nokia's future plans regarding 2323, probably a slider or other form factors in future. The Nokia 2323 classic sports a nice design with a grey with a plastic grey cover. The look doesn't inspire luxury but it is conservative and works just fine. The front cover also sports a glossy black plastic surrounding the display. Above the display you only get the earpiece, while below it you get the navigational keys, also inserted in the glossy finish.

The four way keys (down, up, right, and left) surround the OK button. Also, you get two soft keys (fully customizable) with both call key and end call key. Under the navigational pad you get the alphanumerical keyboard which is basically integrated in the matter grey cover. All the keys are well build and provide good feedback. With a height of 107 mm, wide of 46 mm, deep of 13.8 mm, the 2323 classic weights about 78 grams. The overall design is quite good for this price range. Nokia 2323 classic runs in 2G network - GSM 900 / 1800 and in the US 2G network - GSM 850 / 1900.


Nokia included in this model a 1.8 inches TFT display with a resolution of 127 x 160 pixels, sporting up to 65000 colors. As you can imagine this display is not state of the art, but it does its job even outdoors. Unfortunately, you get no EDGE or 3G, WLAN or USB connectivity, but you do get Class 10 EDGE with 4 + 1 / 3 + 2 slots with a speed from 32 Kb per second to 48 Kb per second, and you also get HSCSD.  No other features are on board, but you do get an inbuilt radio. In terms of battery, you should know this phone pack a great battery for its features, Lithium Ion 1020 mAh the BL 5C model. This battery should be enough for a standby value of 528 hours, and a talk time of almost 5 hours.

The second phone in the basic range, launched by Nokia in their rebranding process is the Nokia 2330 classic. As you have noticed this phone also carries the classic logo. Basically the 2330 classic is the slightly improved version of 2323 classic in term of design and features. You get a nice look like aluminum silver cover to replace the matte plastic grey. The display, the navigational keys and alphanumerical keyboard remain almost the same. The only difference you might find is in the keyboard which looks a little different. Even so, the design feel solid and all the keys provide the same excellent feedback as the ones from the 2323 classic.

The compatible networks were kept the same (both versions of 2G networks, GSM 900 / 1800 and GSM 850 / 1900). The 2330 classic sports even the same 1.8 inches TFT display with a 128 x 160 pixels resolution. The connectivity was left the same. The only hardware difference is the integrated digital camera found on the 2330 classic, a VGA camera, sporting a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, also capable of video recording in CIF resolution with 15 frames per second. You get the same battery capacity, but with a standby value of 528 hours and a talk time up to 4 hours. The "high end" basic phone model released in July 2009 is the Nokia 2700 classic.


This phone sports a very nice design for its price tag. The front cover is made out of glossy black plastic, which is a fingerprint magnet, but on the other hand looks great. Above the display you get the earpiece, while under the TFT display, you get the navigational keys with the five directional keys (up, down, left, right, and OK in center), two fully customizable soft keys, and the call key and end call key. The alphanumerical keyboard is nicely built and the keys offer good feedback.

The only main disadvantage is the glossy finish which makes the keys feels slippery. The back cover is made out of matte black plastic. In the upper center side you get the 2 megapixel camera lens. On the bottom of the phone you get the loudspeaker. The build quality is average. The materials look nice. Unfortunately, the phone doesn't feel as nice as it feels. The overall quality is average. The 2700 classic runs in 2G networks - GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. This Nokia phone has a height 109.2 mm, wide of 46 mm, deep 14 mm, the 2300 classic weights about 85 grams. Nokia included a 2 inches TFT display with a 240 x 320 pixels, which sports up to 256000 colors. The internal memory has a value of 64 MB, expandable with micro SD memory cards or Trans Flash memory cards, up to 2 GB.


The connectivity is ensured by the Class 32 GPRS, HSCSD, Class 32 EDGE, Bluetooth version 2.0, and the second generation of micro USB connection. The 2 megapixel camera found on board the 2700 classic sports a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels, with the maximum resolution for video recording, CIF at 15 frames per second. Even, more Nokia embedded a MP 3 player and a MP 4 player. The same battery included in both 2323 classic and 2330 classic is found on the 2700 classic, the Lithium Ion 1020 mAh BL 5C model, which offers for the 2700 a standby value of 288 hours and a talk time up to 6 hours (in continuous audio playback mode the battery lasts for about 12 hours).

Overall, these three Nokia phones offers exactly what the entry level phone users might want, good design for less money, solid call and text features, maybe a camera for some small fun, and an excellent battery life. Because every purchase is subjective and depends on the potential customer, each and every one of you should decide which of these basic phones the best in its range is.

It is hard to understand Nokia some times, but you can certainly get their main goal. Nokia is refreshing its full mobile phone portfolio with new product ready to take over the competition. A significant plus, for Nokia could be the release of excellent phones with the classic logo without any touch screen technology on board. Let's face it, not everyone needs or wants a touch screen. Therefore, Nokia is successfully introducing not only great product in the N series, E series and the new created X series, but also in the classic range.


The first pioneer in the new classic range (2009, with a life cycle until early 2010) was the 6700 classic. The 6700 classic brought a businesslike design, but excellent features. Nokia released after a little while the 6720 classic, which brought almost the same features of the 6700, in a more stylish design. Depending on how you look at life, you might find the 6720 classic the entry level phone in the business range or just the simplest business phone with Symbian offered by Nokia.

As you might feel (or hopefully you do) you can't decide for everyone if a phone or laptop is good or bad. My opinion, your opinion, is just subjective and depend strictly each and every individual. Therefore, Nokia's new 6720 classic should be allowed to grab the title of the most compact entry level business phone. Once you take a look at its key features you are certainly going to start loving this new phone. Even the best phone has some disadvantages, so you must expect the 6720 classic to pack a few of this bad features (or lack of features) such as the lack of Wi-Fi, average display size, and a video recording VGA with 15 frames per second. As you can see, 6720 classic sports a few main disadvantages, leaving more places for key features.

The 6720 classic sports a stylish design, especially with the Chestnut brown finish which makes the 6720 classic more distinctive than any other glossy black phone on the market. The candy form design is not exactly common. It sports a more HTC Hero - like design. By doing so, Nokia improved this phones handling and also offered it a certain something. This Nokia phone has a height of 110 mm, wide of 45 mm, deep of 14 mm, the 6720 classic weights about 110 grams. On the front side the phone sports above the display the earpiece, an ambient light sensor, and the second video camera (QVGA type) for enabling the video calls. Under the display you get the navigational keys.


Therefore, in center you get the four way navigational keys (up, down, left, and right), while in the center of the S pad you get the OK / SET button. On the right side of the D pad you get a soft key, the menu launch, and the call key. On the other side you get another soft key, the back button and the end call key. The navigational pad is well sized providing a good feedback. Under the navigational keys you can find the alphanumerical buttons. Also, these keys are good sized and they resemblance a little the keys found on the old 6233. Even so, the keypad provides a nice user experience, lacking flex or bad movement when pressed.

Probably one of the best features in terms of design, for the 6720 classic is the curved lower body which provides a nice touch to the overall design. On the right side of Nokia 6720 classic you can find the shutter key and the volume controls. Also here you get one of the two stereo speakers included in 6720 classic. On the left side you can find the micro USB port and the micro SD memory card slot covered by the same piece of plastic. Also on the left side, the 6720 classic sports the second stereo speaker. The top of the 6720 classic lacks any buttons or ports. However, on the bottom side you get the 3.5 mm audio jack and the charger plug. Don't look for the power on and off button because this function is completed by the end call key.

On the back side, the 6720 classic sports the 5 megapixel camera lens with dual LED flash. Another styled feature is the nice gemstone surface around the camera which includes the LED flash. The battery cover is not made out of the same material as the rest of the case. The 6720 classic sports a plastic body, but the battery cover is made out of steel. Overall, Nokia 6720 classic provides a nice design, a stylish one as a matter of fact. The build quality is impressive and you won't find any bad features in matters of design or build. Nokia 6720 classic runs in 2G network - GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and in 3G networks - HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 and HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100.

Nokia included in the 6720 classic an ARM 11 600 MHz processor and about 128 MB of random access memory. By doing so, Nokia successfully made a phone capable of running in the best conditions the excellent otherwise Symbian operating system, S60 version 3.2. Everything works perfectly when using the operation system. Multitasking is sharp in response, all the applications run smoothly without any freezes or crashes.


You get all business applications you might need, and if you indeed need more then feel free to install them, since Symbian is an open operating system. Therefore, the organizer, calendar, phonebook, and all other important features are going to provide an excellent user experience thanks to the processor used. The connectivity is ensured by the Class 32 GPRS, EDGE Class 32 with a speed from 178.8 Kbits to 296 Kbits, HSCSD, Bluetooth version 2.0 with A2DP, and version 2.0 micro USB connections. Nokia included in the 6720 classic a 2.2 inches TFT display with a QVGA resolution (240 x 320 pixels) rendering up to 16 million colors.

The display is good, and offers nice vibrant colors. Under direct sunlight the text visibility is affected badly. Therefore, the 6720 classic display is average in terms of quality. Not too brilliant, and not too bad, just the average TFT display. The 6720 classic has an on board memory of 50 MB, value which is expandable using micro SD memory cards or Trans Flash memory cards up to 16 GB. Nokia included in the 6720 classic a good 5 megapixel digital camera with Carl Zeiss optics, and a maximum resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels. Also the camera sports beside the editing picture options (white balance, brightness, ISO, and others) an auto focus and dual LED flash.


Believe it or not, the 6720 classic offers excellent quality photos comparable with the one taken by the N97. Unfortunately, the video recording is somewhat not that great, offering video recording at a VGA resolution with 15 frames per second. The battery included in the 6720 classic is a Lithium Ion battery with 1050 mAh (BP 6MT model). This battery should offer about 492 standby hours in 2G networks and 504 standby hours in 3G networks. In talk time this means, 8 hour and 30 minutes in 2G networks and up to 5 hours in 3G networks.

If you are interested in listening to music continuously then you should know that the 6720's battery will last you about 27 hours. Nokia included in the retail box of 6720 classic, beside the actual phone and battery, 1 GB micro SC memory card, a mandatory charger, a stereo headset, a micro USB cable, and a CD software.

Overall, Nokia produced a great phone, with an almost unique design and a full features package, all for an asking price of $270. If you are looking for a normal looking phone with nice design and a great camera, running the latest Symbian version, then Nokia 6720 classic might just be what you are looking for.

Look around you. What do you see, a wall, a bed, a window? Look out the window, what do you see? Maybe you can see a building, or traffic, or pollution. Take a closer look now. Try to see the trees, the sky, the nature, and all the manufacturers that are trying to take advantage over the last environmental problem. Yes it is true; you can't escape all the noise and pollution, unless you are able to make yoga mind exercises. It is not all about, the cars and laptops, and other devices. The environmental problem started to spread among the mobile phone manufacturers. That is how Samsung S7550 Blue Earth was born. Yes, Samsung imagines an eco friendly phone as being blue, not green, but just blue.

However, Samsung did quite hire the smartest advertisers out there, because Earth will always be blue, no matter the pollution, but green symbolizes nature, which is starting to disappear. Therefore, Samsung you whole nature eco friendly phone started its carrier with an inappropriate name. Even so, the action is good as a statement.

The whole direction of the human kind, should be more eco friendly, and friendly overall; because this nature friendly campaign is another way for the rich industrial people to influence the society in a new direction; which is bad, because society shouldn't be influenced, but is good because we are advised to accept a more peaceful state of being. Focusing our attention to Samsung S7550 Blue Earth, the first thing I can notice is the excellent design. It looks much better than any other Samsung devices; as a matter of fact it even looks better than any other touch screen phone on the market.

The main eco feature in the Samsung S7550 Blue Earth is the solar panels on its back cover. Also the phone is made out of recycled bottle water and the retail box is made out of recycled paper. Therefore, Samsung released the first solar powered touch screen phone on the market. the main disadvantages are quite obvious (however keep in mind that this phone is the first in its range) the S7550 is not that thin at all, the grip is not that good especially because of the solar panel on the back (you have to be really careful with this phone), and just a 3 megapixel digital camera with no auto focus. After a first look at the Samsung S7550 Blue Earth you firstly see a similar resemblance with the Samsung Corby (S3650).  At a better look you are probably going to notice some differences.


The phone brings nice curve shapes, and the dark to light coloring really makes this phone more attractive than it is. The build quality is remarkable, especially when you take into consideration that it was made out of bottles of water. On the front cover, above the display you can find the earpiece and the second digital camera for enabling the video calls. Under the display you can find three keys, the call key, the end call key, and the back key positioned in the center point between the calling keys. The top of the S7550 Blue Earth doesn't sport any ports or buttons.

The bottom of the S7550 Blue Earth includes the microphone pin hole. On the right side you will find the hold key and the shutter key, and also the connectivity port (which is covered). On the opposite side you can find only the volume control key. On the back side, the Samsung S7550 Blue Earth sports in the upper center the 3 megapixel digital camera lenses.

The loud speaker and Samsung logo are placed on the bottom of the back cover. Between the logo and the camera, Samsung included the solar panel. Under the back cover you can find the battery, the SIM card slot, and the micro SD memory card slot. The building quality is great, no flex and no weird noises. The phone looks somewhat stylish. With a height of 108 mm, wide of 53 mm, deep of 14 mm, S7550 Blue Earth weight about 118.9 grams. The only disadvantage of this phone's design, is the somewhat fingerprint magnet found on the back cover where the solar panel is located.

Therefore, for some people this phone will seem slippery. Samsung S7550 Blue Earth runs in 2G networks - GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and in 3G networks - HSDPA 900 / 2100. Samsung included in S7550 Blue Earth a 3 inches TFT capacitive touch screen with a WQVGA resolution (240 x 400 pixels).


This display can sport up to 16 million colors. As features you get an accelerometer sensor and smart unlock. Everything is quite great until the touch screen hits the sunlight. When this happens the visibility is affected pretty badly. And this is somewhat strange, since this phone includes solar panels. Therefore, why didn't Samsung thought that people will keep their phone under the sunlight. The phone comes with the latest user interface, Touch Wiz II. This interface is not only great to look at but also fully customizable. Basically if you are familiar with Samsung Jet, you will know who everything works in the S7550 Blue Earth. You should install a weather widget, since you need to know when the sun will not be in the clouds.

The menu is well structured and doesn't create any problems at all. Feel free to create any shortcuts you might need and move them on the first page of the menu. If your concern is regarding the basic functions of this phone then rest assured that everything works just fine.


The call function is great, organizer and calendar are business quality applications, and the phonebook provides sufficient details for every entry.

You even get good audio quality playback. Basically this eco friendly mobile phone is extremely well built in the inside and on the outside, with a few minor drawbacks, but then again what regular phone doesn't include beside great features some drawbacks also. The connectivity is ensured by the Class 12 GPRS (4 + 1 / 3 + 2 / 2 + 3 / 1 + 4 slots) with 32 Kb per second to 45 Kb per second, EDGE Class 12, HSCSD, HSDPA with 3.6 MB per second, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, USB version 2.0 connectivity, and Bluetooth version 2.1 with A2DP profile.

Samsung ships the S7550 Blue Earth with an internal memory of 180 MB, expandable by using micro SD memory card slots or Trans Flash memory card slots up to 16 GB. This phone is definitely not camera orientated, because it only sports a 3.15 megapixel digital camera, with a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, fixed focus and featuring a smile detection program. It can also record videos in QVGA mode with 30 frames per second. The camera performs well, average for these times. Samsung included in S7550 Blue Earth a 1080 mAh Lithium Ion battery. A certain time of standby or talk time is impossible to determine hence the solar panel, recharges the battery continuously. One hour of solar charging means about 2 hours of standby time, 15 minutes of talk time in 2G network and 10 minutes of talk time in 3G networks.

Just like the watch mobile phones, the solar power mobile phones, have still some major improvement to suffer. However, for the time being Samsung S7550 Blue Earth can be considered a milestone in the mobile phone history, because other manufacturers already announced similar products on their way. Therefore, green all the way or maybe in Samsung style, blue all the way, for a non polluted environment.