In a new feature on One Mobile Ring we are rounding up all the mobile phone reviews over the past week, from all of the other UK tech titles – all in order to bring you an all-inclusive and encompassing view, of the opinions of the various publications over the handsets they are currently reviewed.
Cnet.co.uk
Conclusion
‘ The BlackBerry Torch 9860 certainly represents RIM’s most successful touchscreen phone yet. It’s a solid and likeable handset. But the high standard of the competition and the relative shortage of compatible apps mean you should be certain it’s the phone for you before parting with your cash. ’
IT Reviews
Verdict
‘ The Alcatel OT 990 is certainly low cost. The compromises that have been made to meet the low price include an absence of Flash support and a low-resolution screen. The overall effect is a handset that feels compromised. ’
Pocket Lint
Verdict
‘ Some areas of the BlackBerry Torch 9860 feel a little antiquated as a consumer device. Diving into the menus you still need to “save” as you make changes. We also can’t help feeling that, although the sliding app tray, and the choice of homescreen menus is useful, it isn’t as dynamic as other operating systems. Without the app tray up, you’re looking at a simple wallpaper, so you don’t get the same sense of immediate control as you might from widgets, notification bar controls or lockscreen controls.
But some aspects of BB7 shine on the Torch 9860. Messaging, be it SMS, email, BBM, Facebook or Twitter, continue to be strong and integrated. We’ve also found that those essential apps work well. Sharing (or sending as it’s referred to) works as well as it does anywhere else. So barring a few exceptions, the Torch 9860 is every bit as effective a social communicator as any other device.
Pair that with strong camera performance, great video, and good screen and speedy browser, all packed into a phone that’s actually rather attractive to look at and there is something going for the 9860. It’s a shame then that minor software details are what really let the package down: the lack of app support for BB7 and tendency to become unresponsive are challenging, but not insurmountable, problems. ’
Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray review
Verdict
‘ There is virtually nothing we don’t love about the Ray. It’s compact, light with a mammoth battery that will get you through a whole day on a single charge – as long as you’re a little careful. What’s more, the screen is gorgeous, with exquisite detail and brilliant colours.
Our initial concern about the raised edge of the screen has proven to be a non-issue. We’ve been using this phone exclusively for several weeks now, and it has never once bothered us. The relative low processing power was never a problem either and as the phone isn’t really aimed at power users, we doubt anyone will find it slow. And even people who are used to dual-core phones won’t find this one too much of a slouch.
When it comes to scoring a phone like this, or any gadget, the best possible critera we can judge it on is how sad we’ll be when we have to send it back. And, with the Ray, we’re really sad that it’s leaving us to go on to another reviewer somewhere else. In the month we’ve had it, the Ray has performed beautifully and won over our hearts. ’
Reghardware
Verdict
‘ With Android smartphones getting ever cheaper the squeeze is on for lesser phones like the Mix. But its superior battery life and fine sounding music player means this Sony Ericsson could still have made an argument for itself if only it had more audio welly. It’s just too quiet to work on a train, plane or even an automobile, and surely that’s the point of the thing. ’
Verdict
‘ The HTC Evo 3D is a powerful smartphone with an interesting party piece, but unless you’re desperate to take 3D pics, watch 3D movies or play 3D games – and you’re willing to take a big hit on battery life – you’ll be better off with HTC’s Sensation or Desire. ’
Stuff
Verdict
‘ Overall the Blaze more than ticks the right boxes, given its aims to be the best budget smartphone out there. With full access to the Android Marketplace and running Gingerbread 2.3.4 straight out of the box, we would definitely recommend this as a top choice for those craving a decent Android experience at a more than generous price. ’
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S Review
Verdict
‘ There’s no doubt the Xperia Arc S is one of the best-looking Sony Ericsson has yet delivered, and the bonus of the sprightlier chip means an already accomplished handset now has more strings to its bow. If you admired the first one, you’ll like this even more. ’