CNET Review: BlackBerry Curve 9360
Based on its specs, the Curve 9360 is an entry level smartphone that may appeal to BlackBerry fans, or those looking to upgrade from a feature phone. Although it does not boast high-end features like the Bold 9900, it will probably be an attractive proposition if paired with the right carrier plan.
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CNET Review: HTC One S
Outlook
If you're on the lookout for a dual-core smartphone and don't require top-of-the-line specs, the HTC One X is a worthwhile proposition. It may not have a 41-megapixel camera sensor, but its ImageSense technology adds noteworthy functions such as continuous burst mode and image capture during video recording.
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Announced at the same time as HTC's One X and One S at the Mobile World Congress tradeshow in Barcelona, the One V is the low-cost alternative to HTC's higher-end offerings. While obviously not in the same league as the quad-core One X, the single-core 1GHz One V still has features worth considering.
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CNET Review: HTC One X
Arguably one of the more exciting new devices announced at the Mobile World Congress tradeshow, HTC's flagship Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) handset is one that can claim good looks thanks to its polycarbonate shell and killer specifications.
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CNET Review: HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio
The good: Speedy; Beats Audio technology; good battery life and camera.
The bad: Hefty; speakers are a bit soft; bundled earphones not tangle-free.
The bottom line: The HTC Sensation XE provides a pleasing aural experience when used with the bundled earphones. Coupled with the faster 1.5GHz processor and subtle design accents, it makes for an overall excellent smartphone.
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GSMArena Review: HTC Explorer review: The start of a journey
Ever since the Aria, HTC have had a petite Android on offer and the HTC Explorer is the latest in the line. With an affordable price tag, the plucky little smartphone will appeal to people looking for a compact set or users who are just about getting started in smartphones.
The Explorer's outer shell is made of patterned plastic that has a rubbery feel to it - creating an impression of ruggedness to match its name. The plate of brushed metal at the center of the rear backs that up too. The phone is not actually shock proof but we still appreciate the tough feel.
The HTC Explorer earns extra points for handling too thanks to its compact size. The diminutive body and rounded corners make it feel like a pebble in the hand.
Small as it is, the Explorer has Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread with Sense UI 3.5 on top, just like its elders. Here are the rest of the specs along with the downsides.
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The bottom line:Â Like its competitor, the HTC Evo 3D, the Optimus 3D is a good smartphone with a cool gimmick. However, it does offer a bit more compared with the Evo 3D through its software-based 3D conversion abilities.
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CNET Review: Nokia 603
Upside: The Galaxy Ace Plus can boast of much-improved specs over the original. It comes loaded with a faster single-core 1GHz processor, a slightly larger 3.65-inch display and 3GB onboard storage. The smartphone features HSDPA, Wi-Fi, A-GPS as well as Bluetooth 3.0. That's quite a lot of connectivity to have on a low-cost device. The Ace Plus also comes with Samsung's TouchWiz UI, which is easy enough to use and learn, especially if a user is new to the Android operating system or switching over from iOS. Like the original Galaxy Ace, the Ace Plus sports a 5-megapixel camera. The faster processor allows for video capture at WVGA resolution (800 x 480 pixels), an increase from the 320 x 240 pixels of the older model.
Downside: While the handset gets a new larger 3.65-inch display--the Ace screen was 3.5-inch--that's almost as big as the screen on the iPhone 4/4S, the resolution remains at just HVGA (320 x 480 pixels). Some compromises have to be made to keep the cost low, but it's a shame the screen is not at least WVGA. While it comes loaded with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, there's also no word on whether the handset will get the Ice Cream Sandwich update. However, it's still better than the Android 2.2 (Froyo) of the original Galaxy Ace.
Outlook: The Galaxy Ace Plus should be able to recreate the success of the original Ace. While pricing has not been announced, we don't expect it to cost a lot. Samsung has not revealed when the handset will be made available in Asia, but a spokesperson has disclosed that the company is in discussion with its partners to bring the phone to the region.
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CNET Review: Samsung Galaxy Beam (Upcoming model)
The Samsung Galaxy Beam may look like your average Galaxy smartphone running Android 2.3 Gingerbread (this will change, by the way), but the ace up its sleeve is the pico projector situated at the top of the phone--and capable of beaming photos, videos, presentations, and anything else you want, onto surfaces.Â
CNET Review: Samsung Galaxy Beam (i8520)
The good: Excellent projection quality for its size; 3.7-inch Super AMOLED display; plays 720p videos without conversion; 8-megapixel camera with HD video capture.Â
GSMArena Review: Samsung Galaxy Nexus review: Opening new doors
Once again, it is the Nexus time of the year. This time, Google has left the Gingerbread cookies and, together with Samsung, has brought to us the Galaxy Nexus to deliver the Ice Cream Sandwich. And while a cold dessert is totally out of place this holiday season, the latest release of Android is more relevant than ever.
The Galaxy Nexus packs an impressive spec sheet, but it is (yet again) the OS which is the device’s main highlight. After all, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is widely expected to put an end to the fragmentation, which currently plagues Google’s mobile platform.
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CNET Review: Samsung Galaxy Note
The bottom line: It could either be the largest smartphone or the smallest tablet you can own, but the Galaxy Note is a great gadget to have, especially with its top-notch performance and high-resolution display.
CNET Review: Samsung Galaxy S II
The good: Speedy performance; gorgeous 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display; lightweight; good camera; TouchWiz interface is easy to use.
The bad: Social Hub doesn't work well with Twitter; short battery life; flimsy back cover.
The bottom line: The Galaxy S II is quite possibly one of the best Android smartphones released in 2011, though it is not without flaws. That said, it is a handset that improves on its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S, by leaps and bounds.
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GSMArena Review: Samsung I8350 Omnia W review: By the playbook
When Windows Phone launched a year ago, we were excited to first see it on the Super AMOLED screen of the Samsung Omnia 7. Twelve months or so later, Samsung are sort of in power-saving mode in the joint venture with Microsoft. Their Omnia W isn’t drawing all attention to itself by blowing the numbers out of proportion.
The Omnia W has shed weight and lost some of its predecessor’s screen estate. What you get in return is an upgraded processor and double the data speeds. The display technology, camera sensor and the general feel haven't changed much.
Well, yes, some would call it a half-hearted effort. Or maybe, Samsung are simply waiting for the dust to settle from Nokia’s grand entry into Windows Phone. Obviously, they didn’t want – or need – a European flagship along the lines of their US-based Focus S with AT&T. With a single Windows-phone handset on the Old Continent, it may’ve made sense to focus on the midrange instead of making another flagship without a fleet. Bottom line, as long as we remember that it’s not an upgrade of the original Omnia 7, the Omnia W is an easy phone to live with, for all its strengths and shortcomings.  Â
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The good:Â High-resolution 342ppi screen; attractive design; 12-megapixel camera gives great photos; 32GB internal storage.
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