Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000

What’s the big deal?
This phone falls firmly in the grey area between a tablet and a smart phone. Hey, it had to happen at some point...

Who’s the phone for?
If you wanted a tablet, but having a phone and a laptop has stopped you from buying one. And if you can afford the R8000 price tag.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Operating system: Android Gingerbread 2.3.5
Display: 5.3 inch screen (it is supposed to be the middle ground between the 4 inch smartphone and the 7 inch tablet)
CPU: Dual-core Cortex-A9, 1.4 GHz ARM
Memory: 16GB Internal memory, microSD up to 32 GB
Camera: Back - 8 MP; Front  - 2 MP
Talk time: Up to 820 hour talk time (3G)

Our 2 cents worth…
Even though it is bigger than an average smart phone, it is still quite easy to handle. The phone's performance is phenomenal and it has excellent video capabilities. That said, we would prefer the 10 inch tablet considering the very pricey price tag.

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman

What’s the big deal?
If you're the post Walkman generation, think of a Walkman as the iPod of the 1980s and 1990s. This device doubles up as a great phone, and a nifty portable music carrier.

Who’s the phone for?
If you like to listen to music on the go, at the gym and everywhere else and do not have an iPod, this is your jackpot!

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Operating system: Android 2.3.4 with Timescape skin
Display: 3.2 inch, 320 x 480 pixels, 180 ppi pixel density with Capacitive touchscreen
CPU: 1 GHz processor
Memory: Internal Memory 320MB storage, 512 MB RAM, microSD card with up to 32 GB sized cards supported, 2 GB card included. Very handy for all the tunes you can store on it.
Camera: 5 MP auto-focus camera
Talk time: Up to 14 hours and 15 min (2G), up to 6 hours and 42 min (3G)

Our 2 cents worth…
The Sonys xLOUD Experience speaker enhancements really gives your ear great listening time! The phone has the latest version of Android and we dig the panoramic photo taking ability. However, direct sunlight causes a bad glare on the screen. Bummer...

Vodafone 555 Blue

What’s the big deal?
Remember we reviewed the HTC ChaCha, which had a dedicated Facebook button, a few months ago? Here is another phone punting great Facebook capabilities.

Who’s the phone for?
This phone is extremely affordable (R749 on prepaid or R99 per month on contract) so if you're looking after your budget, this is the phone for you!

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Dedicated Facebook integration
Display: 2.4 inch, 320 x 240 pixels, TFT, 256K colours
CPU: 200 MHz MTK 6235 processor
Memory: 40 MB with microSD card slot up to 16GB
Camera: 2 MP
Talk time: Up to 3 hours

Our 2 cents worth…
We really dig the price, but find it strange that in this day and age, the phone has no Wi-fi capabilities.

Nokia N9

What’s the big deal?
Nokia was the handset of choice a few years ago. But with the arrival of smart phones, the Finnish giant faded into the background. This phone could be the comeback the brand needs.

Who’s the phone for?
For those who love Nokia and want smart phone capabilities too.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
    Operating system: MeeGo 1.2 Harmattan
    Display: 3.9", ClearBlack AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with 480 x 854 pixels resolution
    CPU: 1GHz Cortex A8 CPU, PowerVR SGX530 GPU, TI OMAP 3630 chipset
    Memory: 16 or 64 GB storage, 1 GB RAM, no microSD card slot
    Camera: 8 MP
    Talk time: Up to 11 hours 2G, up to 7 hours 3G

Our 2 cents worth…
There are not a lot of compatible apps for this OS but we like the great design and intuitive UI.

HTC Desire S

What’s the big deal?
This phone offers a great smart phone experience with a slick design everyone will love.

Who’s the phone for?
It is a good mid range smart phone offering, so if you're looking to tick those boxes, this is the one for you.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
    Operating system: Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread)
    Display: 3.7 480 x 800 pixels Touch screen
    CPU: 1 GHz Scorpion processor,
    Memory: 768MB with microSD
    Camera: 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus
    Talk time: Up to 9 h 50 min while on 2G and up to 7 h 10 min  on 3G

Our 2 cents worth…
This is far from the best phone out there, but what it does get right, it does so with flair - like the interface and quick response time. But the screen does not work well in sun light and there are phones with much better cameras.

BlackBerry Bold 9900

What’s the big deal?
Blackberry has enjoyed a phenomenal success in South Africa. This phone boasts to be the best Bold device around.

Who’s the phone for?
If you're a BlackBerry fan and want to stay loyal but with a better phone, this is the one for you.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
    Operating system: OS7
    Display: 2.8 inch screen, 640 x 480, 286 ppi pixel density, TFT capacitive touchscreen
    CPU: 1.2 GHz QC 8655 processor
    Memory:  8 GB storage, 768 MB RAM, microSD, up to 32 GB
    Camera: 5 MP
    Talk time: up to 6 hours 30 min 2G, up to 5 hours 50 min 3G

Our 2 cents worth…
This phone packs a stylish and thin design, OS7 is much faster than its predecessor (OS6) but it is not the most affordable Blackberry out there. 

Nokia E6

What’s the big deal?
Nokia seems to have taken a back seat with smart phones, but it seems they are still trying to gain the market share.

Who’s the phone for?
If you're looking for a phone for business purposes and better than average battery life, this is the one for you.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
    Operating system: Symbian Anna
    Display: 2.46 inch touch screen with 640 x 480 resolution
    CPU: 680 MHz
    Memory:  8 GB, 256 MB RAM, 1 GB ROM, microSD, up to 32 GB
    Camera: 8 MP
    Talk time: up to 14 hours while on 2G, and up to 7 hours on 3G

Our 2 cents worth…
While the Symbian Anna OS lacks compared to the iOS and Android devices, Nokia fans will be happy with this device.

HTC ChaCha

What’s the big deal?
Called the 'Facebook phone', though not created by Facebook, this phone has a dedicated Facebook button.

Who’s the phone for?
Those constantly updating their status, 'checking in' into various locations and sharing everything else on this social network.

The important stuff…

This device includes:

• Operating system: Android 2.3
• Display: 2.6 inch touch screen with 480 x 320 resolution
  
• CPU: 800 MHz
• Memory: 512MB internal with microSD slot
  
• Camera: 5 MP
• Talk time: up to 400 hours
  

Our 2 cents worth…
It has a great design, a keyboard that is easy to use and even though the Facebook button leads you to your status update and not your news feed, it is still a good phone all around.

Huawei IDEOS X5

What’s the big deal?
You do not have to break the bank to get a smart phone and the RRP of R2799 for the all new Huawei IDEOS X5 proves that.

Who’s the phone for?
It is difficult not to have a smart phone nowadays, so if you want one, and want to maintain your budget, this is the one for you.

The important stuff…

This device includes:

• Operating system: Android 2.2 Froyo
• 480 x 800 pixels 3.8 inches display screen
  
• 2 GB storage and external memory microSD up to 32 GB
• 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, auto-focus
• CPU: 800 MHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 205 GPU
  
• Talk time: up to eight hours 20 min

Our 2 cents worth…
It fits easily into your pocket, and it has a great, large display screen. But the camera sticks out and the Android Froyo is not the latest O.S for phones.

LG Optimus Black P970

What’s the big deal?
It has a great screen, two cameras, slim body and good performance. We like the fact that the phone name sounds like transformer Autobot leader and all around good machine, Optimus Prime.

Who’s the phone for?
Since the phone slides easily into your jeans pocket, it is for those that do not like the bulge from phones.

The important stuff…

This device includes:

• Operating system: Android 2.2
• 4 inch NOVA Display screen
  
• A gigabyte of internal storage and an 2 GB MicroSD card.
• Two cameras: a two megapixel front camera for video calls and a five megapixel back camera for photos.
• CPU: 1 GHz Cortex-A8 processor
  
• Talk time: up to six hours
  

Our 2 cents worth…
It is a phone that fits in easily into the mid-range smart phone market and we cannot think why users would be disappointed.

HTC Sensation

What’s the big deal?
It has been dubbed the 'multimedia super-phone' and it has finally arrived in the country. Does it live up to the hype?

Who’s the phone for?
If you enjoy a streamlined phone with a great interface, this is the one to get.

The important stuff…

This device includes:

• Operating system: Android
• CPU: 1.2GHz dual-core
• Display size: 4.3 inches
• Internal memory: 1GB, with Memory Card Slot: microSD
• Access to video streaming service HTC Watch and the OnLive cloud gaming service
• Talk time: 400 minutes
  

Our 2 cents worth…
The user interface helps the Sensation really stand out, but you will either love or hate the 3D effects. The camera is remains mediocre.

SaFPWR Fusion rechargeable smart battery case for iPhone 4

What’s the big deal?

As phones become a tool for constant social media updates, battery life is becoming increasingly important, because yes, it is very annoying to have to charge your phone everyday. This week we look at the SaFPWR Fusion rechargeable smart battery case for the iPhone 4.

Who’s the product for?

SaFPWR delivers a smart battery case to iPhone users. It lets them protect their phone and charge it on the go.

Our 2 cents worth…

Even though it is more expensive than the Swiss Charger iPower we reviewed a few weeks ago, this one does not include a screen protector or kickstand. But it does charge your phone on the go, which is a plus.

Samsung Galaxy S II

What’s the big deal?
About 3 million people have already placed pre-orders for this phone. And it has been featured in 2011's Top 10 smart phone list...already.

Who’s the phone for?
For those who love clarity on their screens and for vivid colours to pop out at them. The screen as been described as "a 4.27inch touch-screen that can easily be mistaken for a serving platter."

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Thickness: only 8.5mm
  
• CPU: Dual-core 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A9 proccessor, Mali-400MP GPU, Orion chipset.
• Operating System: Android Gingerbread 2.3.2
• Weight: 116grams
• 8mp camera
• 16GB storage, 1 GB RAM

Our 2 cents worth…
The screen, dual-core processor and the slim body are definitely a plus but it's speaker phone can be a bit louder.

Swiss Charger iPower for iPhone 4

What’s the big deal?

We do not review a phone this week, but something just as useful: the Swiss Charger iPower for the iPhone 4.

Who’s the phone for?

Those who love their iPhone 4 and are tired of charging their phones on a daily basis. We know, the wi-fi, email, Tweeting and Facebook-ing eats away at battery life.

Our 2 cents worth…

We like the handy kick-stand that lets you watch movies hands free, and of course the 20 hour extension of battery life. But it is not easy to take the cover on or off, and it adds a little more size and weight to your phone.

Google Nexus S

What’s the big deal?
After the Google Nexus One, they proclaimed there will be no more phones. But here we have another, with an appeal for those Anroid users who want a simple approach.

Who’s the phone for?
The phone has been described as 'Pure Google' so if you're a fan, you will love this.

The important stuff…

• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• Google Earth, Maps, Search, Talk and Voice
• Up to 6.7 hours talk time
• 16GB memory
• 1GHz Cortex A8 processor
• Screen has anti-fingerprint display coating
• Contour Display with curved glass screen
• 5 megapixel camera
  

Our 2 cents worth…
We love the size and the simple and easy interface, but it could do with a microSD card slot and better video and photo quality.

Sony Ericsson Xperia arc

What’s the big deal?
Sleek and sexy in a phone? That would be the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc. The slim design with a curved back measures a slight 8.7mm in thickness at the center and 10mm at the ends. It also has the Reality Display with Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA Engine which makes photos and videos much more vivid.

Who’s the phone for?
If you love a light phone that fits easily in the palm of your hand.

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Up to 7 hours talk time
• Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread)
• SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push email, IM
• Memory: 320 MB storage, 512 MB RAM
• 8 MP camera, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
• 1GHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 205 GPU, Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon
• Google Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk
• Facebook and Twitter integration
• Document viewer
• Adobe Flash 10.2
  

Our 2 cents worth…
Sony Ericsson has taken everything that was good about the Xperia X10 to a better level, with a nicer look and feel overall. It is hard to believe that everything we like is crammed into such a thin body.

Motorola Defy MB525

What’s the big deal?
Say hello to one of the more rugged smart phones on the market. Even though it looks much like any other smartphone, we say rugged because the Motorola Defy is dustproof, water and scratch resistant. The screen is made from the same stuff used for the iPhone4: Gorilla Glass... and that even sounds fierce.

Who’s the phone for?
Those who tend to tend to drop their phones in toilet bowls, and everywhere else and don't want to pay for repairs.

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Up to 6 hours talk time
• CPU Speed 800MHz
• Operating System: Android 2.1
• Weight: 118grams
• 5mp camera
• 2GB storage, 512 MB RAM
• Accelerometer sensor, proximity sensor
• Twitter, MySpace and Facebook integration
• Voice memo, dial commands
• Screen display: 3.7 inches

Our 2 cents worth…
We love the fact that it will still stay in one piece and look good from the damage of keys, drops, scratches and water accidents. We don't like that it runs on the older version of Android and the video quality can improve greatly.

HTC Mozart

What’s the big deal?
What makes this phone stand out is it's clearer and more expansive audio qualities (hence Mozart). Put plainly, it gives a richer listening experience. Plus it has Window Phone 7!

Who’s the phone for?
For those who love to have their tunes on their phones. And it has the added benefit of other smart phone capabilities.

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Up to 7 hours talk time
• Windows Phone OS 7 with 1GHz CPU processing speed
  
• 8 megapixel camera, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, Xenon flash,
• Internal storage 8 GB, 512 MB ROM, 576 MB RAM
• Internal music and video library - powered by Zune
  
• Play console-quality video games with XBox LIVE integration

Our 2 cents worth…
Though we like compact design, great video, audio and photo quality of the device, Windows Phone 7 has a lot of growing up to do compared to other operating systems like the Android and Apple's iOS.

Nokia E7

What’s the big deal?
A slimmer, sleeker upgrade to the N97, this device retains some of the better features of its predecessor, like the slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and implements some new technology, like HDMi and pinch-to-zoom functionality that makes for easier browsing.

Who’s the phone for?
Nokia lovers who are too impatient to wait for the Nokia Windows phone.

The important stuff…
This device includes:

• Up to 9 hours talk time
• Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel
• PDF
• Symbian operating System
• 8MP camera with fixed focus, digital zoom and dual LED flash
• GPS
• HDMi out
• 360 X 640 ClearBlack AMOLED touch screen
• Internal memory: 16 GB storage, 256 MB RAM, 1 GB ROM
• HD-ready video recording

Our 2 cents worth…
While this is a good-looking device with solid hardware, its operating system is soon to be outdone by Windows. Coupled with the inability to customise your home screen widgets as easily as in an Android, this makes the phone a bit of a dinosaur in the making.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X8

What’s the big deal?
Not as high-tech as the X10, the X8 is the middle child in the Xperia family of the X10 and Xperia mini.

Who’s the phone for?
Budget-conscious smartphone seekers.

The important stuff…

• This Android device includes:
• 320 X 480 pixel touch screen
• 3.2MP camera with digital zoom
• GPS
• Up to 4h45mins of talk time
• Android 2.1 operating system
• Extrenal memory: microSD, up to 16 GB, 2 GB included
• Internal memory of 128 MB storage, 168 MB RAM
• Video recording

Our 2 cents worth…
With a solid but outdated operating system and software, this phone will date fast. Unless your needs are very basic, you’ll quickly become frustrated with this lower-end device. Invest in something smarter.

Red Bull Mobile

What’s the big deal?
The Red Bull-branded Huawei smartphone from Cell C comes with a bucket-load of cool Red Bull-related stuff to download. Wallpapers, games apps, videos and news are all included, as well as access to Red Bull TV and radio where fans can watch and listen to pre-recorded sports content.

Who’s the phone for?
Motorsports junkies and label worshippers

The important stuff…
This Android Huawei U8800 IDEOS X5 includes:

• GPS
• 5mp camera with LED flash and digital zoom
• Up to 6 hours talk time
• 400 X 800 pixel touch screen
• Android 2.2 operating system
• External memory: MicroSD up to 32 GB supported
• Internal memory: 512 MB RAM, 8 GB memory
• Video recording
• Google Maps software

Our 2 cents worth…
With all the added extras, you’d be wise to take out the 500MB package. No doubt you’ll be devouring data at Sebastian Vettel speed.