Sudden entrance of LG E400 Optimus L3 smart phone among the phone maker’s budget portfolio, continue to elicit mixed sentiments, most indicating the move was long over due. While other industry players like Samsung capitalized on the entry-level genre early enough with countless devices such as Galaxy Y S5360 and Galaxy Mini S5570, last time we checked, LG had less devices featuring in the same genre; therefore, the Optimus L3 E400 is anticipated to bring the electronics giant good tidings with its un-ignorable specs. The handset is specially designed for Android first-timers considering the price tag and available specs, painful compromises were enforced to maintain its competitiveness in an already saturated segment. LG Optimus L3 E400 comes with a surprisingly 3.2inches larger display screen, though this significantly affects the pixel density (pixels per inch) resulting in an over-pixilated user interface (UI).

Just a week after reviewing two of Nokia Asha’s product line, we’ve decided to extend our coverage and go hands-on on Nokia Asha 200. Asha 300 comes with an alphanumeric keypad while its low-end sibling Nokia Asha 200 follows closely in the footsteps of its senior sibling Asha 303 with a QWERTY keyboard. There’s no much to talk about Nokia Asha 200 for a staunch smart phone fanatic; however, given its pricing, we’ll cut short on expectation and give it due consideration for those searching a cheap feature-phone. The phone combines both dual SIM capability and QWERTY keypad goodies in a single body while keeping the price tag as low as possible. We expected various compromises on this handset at the expense of maintaining a low price tag; it does not feature a reasonable processor (1GHz to be precise) and does not even come with a touch-screen like the rest of Asha siblings.

On the brighter side, Nokia Asha 200 is a dual SIM device which allows users to assign a name, logo and ring tone for up to 5 SIM cards; it comes with an easy swap option that enables users enjoy best deals from up to five different operators. Double SIM cards can be used on this device concurrently and changing the second SIM doesn’t demand switching off your handset. Nokia Asha 200 is made from polycarbonate just like the rest of Asha siblings and comes with a Nokia browser onboard, which is powered by the cloud and compresses data up to 90 percent, saving users of unnecessary data expenses. The colorful QWERTY keyboard is specially designed to cater for the young urban users who need to stay connected at all times. The phone comes with a 2.4inch TFT screen at 320x240p resolution and 167ppi pixel density. At 167ppi pixel density, text and images appear crisp enough for a phone in its league, even better than the rest of Asha siblings that boast of a bigger display panel. Browsing web pages is therefore a pleasant experience though you’ll need to do some scrolling.

A year after the last Star phone model was unveiled, Samsung is once again thumbing the segment, this time with two Star models; Samsung Star3 and S5222 Star3 Duos, the later being a dual SIM phone. The obvious motivation behind Samsung’s Star3 models co-relates with users in need of cheap non-smart phone devices housing modern flourished features such as a touch-screen and Dual SIM capability. Samsung is notorious of unveiling new devices to replace its successful models once their popularity starts diminishing; in this case, Samsung Star3 and S5222 Star3 Duos will replace the Star and Star2 models. The phones have enjoyed a considerable market share since inception and their subsequent replacement a year after shouldn’t raise eyebrows considering today’s market trend. Both devices boast of advanced social networking and communication capabilities at unbeatable prices, they’re suited for socially connected individuals with a strong appetite for storing, playing, and sharing multimedia content.

Sony Ericsson Xperia mini packs some serious specifications in a tiny casing, and does not disappoint users interested in a budget device but are hungry for a decent display panel. Although the phone is noticeably tiny as the name (Mini) suggests, it’s packed with flourished features and impressive hardware, topping most devices we’ve seen in the same category. If you’re a smart phone fanatic with tiny pockets or a cheapskate searching for an efficient handset, Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini will fit the equation. It’s hilariously tiny with a simple user interface, so you won’t get mixed up when exploring the available goodies. The Xperia Mini comes as an upgrade to Xperia X10 with minor tweaks such as a newer version of Android OS (Gingerbread to be precise) and a larger screen while maintaining the low pricing portfolio. Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini’s display panel is noticeably larger than its aforementioned sibling; 3.0inches and 2.4inches respectively.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini’s 3.0inch screen can afford up to 320×480-pixel resolution and a decent 192ppi pixel density which is not the best we’ve seen but enough to guarantee crisp text and vivid images while browsing web-pages. At 192ppi pixel density, the phone outsmarts Samsung’s best selling and close competitor, Galaxy Ace S5830which has a larger 3.5inch screen at the same 320×480-pixel resolution. It has a 5.0 Megapixel camera capable of shooting 720p videos; you won’t be disappointed viewing at 192ppi pixel density.  Apart from the silver strip, there’s not much to talk about the left hand side, the power button sits on the top edge of the handset. The right hand-side houses a volume up/down rocker and an amazingly decent dedicated camera button. Unlike most devices, Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini has its 3.5mm headphone jack placed at its bottom alongside the USB connector. There isn’t a definite separation between the USB connector and 3.5mm headphone jack, causing some concern if both ports are connected at the same time.

The front panel isn’t as confusing as the phone’s bottom; there is a big physical Home button which is typical to most Sony Ericsson’s devices and the touch sensitive back and menu buttons are large and easy to find. Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini’s 1GHz processor coupled by 512MB RAM makes the device snappier the response under the finger isn’t disappointing. 5.0 Megapixel camera sitting at the Xperia Mini’s back is fair enough considering the pricing and additional touches such as auto-focus and led flash are a plus.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Features/Specifications;

• Operating System: Android v2.3 Gingerbread (Planned Upgrade to 4.0)
• Processor: 1GHz, GPU: Adreno205
• Display : 3.0inch (320x480p) (167ppi) LCD Capacitive touch screen, 16m colors
• Primary Camera: 5.0 Megapixel (2592x1944p) auto-focus, Led Flash
• Storage: Up to 32GB MicroSD, 320MB storage, 512MB RAM
• Connectivity: MicroUSB v2.0, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP
• Internet: 7.2Mbps HSDPA, 5.76Mbps HSUPA, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, WiFi hotspot
• Other features: FM with RDS, Sensors: Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass
• Battery: Standard Lithium ion 1200mAh

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Price in Kenya: Kshs.18k to 30k

Nokia might have focused much of its attention to high-end windows devices at the expense of budget handsets, but we didn’t, we’ve decided to go hands-on on Nokia Asha 300 bringing out its drawbacks as well as pros with respect to the entry-level genre. Although Nokia Asha 300 costs less than its sibling Asha 303, it houses some serious specifications that are dearer even to Asha 303 such as a 5.0 megapixel primary camera compared to a 3.2 megapixel on its sibling. it falls under the entry-level genre and costs about Kshs.12500 ($140) in Kenya, which means, we’ll cut short on expectations; but one thing is for sure; Nokia Asha 300 has a snappier processor than any device we’ve seen below its price tag, at 1GHz, the phone is fast enough to execute media rich applications without any noticeable lag. Since it costs less than Asha 303, we expected some hardware compromises such as a resistive touch screen instead of a capacitive touch panel as witnessed on its sibling.

The unending hype and attention given to Android based devices has rendered other decent smart phones such as Nokia Asha 303 invisible despite serious specs it brings in the segment. However, we were quick and alert to single it out giving the phone a break and due consideration against its peers in the segment. Nokia Asha 303 falls under the budget portfolio making it even harder to elicit due attention from the manufacturer; instead, Nokia is busy marketing Windows based handsets which have so far failed to effectively counter Android’s popularity.  Consequently, the phone maker is experiencing misfortunes in the handset business which is attributed to stiff competition from the South Korean giant (Samsung) and its failure to embrace Android OS. As Samsung strives to strengthen its grip on both high-end and entry level genres with devices such as Galaxy Ace S5830, Nokia is busy marketing its high-end windows phones at the expense of their entry level siblings.

Latest addition to Samsung’s Dual SIM portfolio is C3312 featuring a full touch screen and a couple of amazing features. The handset is specially designed for the developing world considering its low price tag despite presence of several top-class specifications housed within. Unlike Chat322/GT-C3222 Duos, Samsung C3312 Duos does not feature a QWERRTY keyboard; instead, it comes with a 2.8inch touch screen. Samsung has previously unveiled feature dual SIM handsets like the aforementioned Chat322/GT-C3222 Duos with QWERTY keypads, its change of taste to a full touch-screen entry level device with dual SIM capability further diversifies the phone maker’s presence in the segment. On top of the dual SIM capability, Samsung C3312 Duos elicits genuine admiration when it comes to social networking, widgets for major social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have been carefully integrated within its operating system and can be accessed from the home screen.

Given the low price tag on Samsung C3312, we are forced to cut short on expectations and review it according to the respective genre. Overall, it’s a decent device which possesses some downsides as well as advantages; it lacks a physical keypad, though a full touch-screen acts as an input interface. We decided to do some minor physical hardware evaluation of the Samsung C3312 Duos and it didn’t disappoint, though it looks plasticky, the handset is generally sturdy to withstand minor accidents. We were not surprised by its plastic built material as that’s typical to majority of Samsung’s devices, but what amazed the entire crew was its responsiveness, just as fast as its high-end compatriots. To maintain its low price tag status, Samsung compromised the C3312’s screen resolution at 240x320p (143ppi) making text and images not as crisp as its high-end siblings. Viewing web pages and videos is also a concern as you’ll need a lot of scrolling due to the low resolution.

Besides its touch-screen, Samsung C3312 features touch sensitive keys which make menu navigation a pleasant experience. The phone houses a 1.3 Megapixel camera which evidently comes as a compromise at the expense of pricing; however, you’ll still be able to take good photos, up to 1280x1024pixels which is not bad considering everything else. When it comes to connectivity, Samsung C3312 has the latest Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP. Though it lacks 3G as another compromise, you’ll still be able to browse on both GPRS and EDGE networks.

Samsung C3312 Features/Specifications;

• Dual SIM capability, Predictive text input
• Primary Camera: 1.3 Megapixel
• Display: TFT Touch-screen, 256k colors, TouchWiz UI
• Screen Size: 2.8inch (240x320p), 143ppi
• Connectivity: EDGE, GPRS, Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP, 2.0 MicroUSB
• Sensors: Accelerometer
• Battery: Standard 1000mAh Lithium ion

Samsung C3312 Price in Kenya: (not available)

The Sony Xperia S comes with tempting hardware and sophisticated design touches that will compete favorably among its peers. The phone is notably Sony’s first device after Ericsson’s break away, considering its flourished features and serious specifications; Sony Xperia S is bound to bring fortunes in a highly competitive market segment. It features 720p resolution, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and an amazing 12-Megapixel primary camera. Despite Sony Xperia S’s serious specs, the phone has some obvious drawbacks compared to others in its caliber such as the onboard Gingerbread software instead of the latest Android Ice Cream OS (an update is expected) and a relatively non thin body. Sony was keen to ensure a sophisticated design on this shiny black device to keep it afloat amongst its competitors, though it’s not the thinnest device we’ve seen so far in this category.

There is a transparent stripe a long the bottom that’s illuminated by touching three touch sensitive buttons sitting just above it. The stripe could be considered divisive although it’s intended to make the handset look unique and sophisticated. Sony Xperia S’s major design drawback surfaces when its thickness is put to test alongside peers in the same genre, its not as thin as expected or at least not as slender as its peers such as LG Prada 3.0/K2/P940, the handset is not bulky though and comfortably fits in your pocket with no difficulty. Turning to the positive specifications, Sony Xperia S has a 4.3inch screen boasting of an amazing 720x1280p screen resolution, enough to display sharp, crisp clear images and text. Browsing web pages is quite an experience as small text and images are crisp clear enough due to its undisputable resolution capability. In addition, the enormous screen resolution ensures on-screen icons look sharp and vivid as well as doing justice to your photos and high-definition videos.

Sony Xperia S is powered by a 1.5GHz dual core processor which is at par with most high-end devices; at this speed, the phone is capable of processing HD movies and other graphically demanding applications and games comfortably. Sony Xperia S is also capable of processing 3D applications as well as multitasking without any noticeable lag, the chip is fast enough to achieve comfortable performance, its does not record any lag while sweeping through various home screens. There’s a 12.0Megapixel camera nested in the back, when compared to its peers, that’s too much of resolution to snap those beautiful moments, it snaps with speed (1.5 seconds to be precise) too from standby.

Sony Xperia S (Nozomi) Features/Specifications;

• Android v2.3 Gingerbread OS (I CS update expected), Touch sensitive controls
• 1.5GHz dual-core Processor, GPU: Adreno220, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8260
• 4.3inch (720x1280p) (342ppi) LED TFT Capacitive touch screen, 16m colors
• 12.0MP (4000x3000p) Prim. camera, auto-focus, LED flash, 1.3MP front camera
• Geo Tagging, image stabilization, smile and face detection, touch-focus
• Sensors (Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro), GPS: A-GPS support, NFC
• No MicroSD card slot, 16/32GB Internal storage, 1GB RAM
• 14.4Mbps HDSPA, 5.8Mbps HSUPA, MicroUSB, Stereo FM radio with RDS
• WiFi 802.11/b/g/n, WiFi hotspot, DLNA , WiFi direct, Sony mobile BRAVIA

Sony Xperia S (Nozomi)Price in Kenya: (unavailable)