X

Samsung Illusion photos and camera test

The Samsung Illusion is a middle-of-the road Android 2.3 phone for Verizon, and has a 3.2-megapixel camera. We take a look at the phone and its photos here.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
35020066-720.jpg
1 of 9 CNET

Samsung Illusion

The Samsung Illusion quickly moved from rumor to reality, joining Verizon as one of its more budget-friendly phones.
35020066-4743.jpg
2 of 9 James Martin/CNET

Screen

The Illusion has a 3.5-inch HVGA touch screen and runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
35020066-4727.jpg
3 of 9 James Martin/CNET

Back

A textured backing with a lightly rubberized coating is better than a plastic finish, and there's a 3.2-megapixel camera on the back.
35020066-4744.jpg
4 of 9 James Martin/CNET

Slight curve

As with two other Samsung phones, the screen has a hint of a curve at the top and bottom edges.
Illusion_AmyDad.jpg
5 of 9 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Group shot

This candid photo was taken indoors, at night, in artificial lighting. Looks closely and you can see the lack of distinction in the hair, facial features, and hands. Colors looks bright in this shot, but are actually lackluster throughout--they were much more vivid in reality.
Illusion_flowers.jpg
6 of 9 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Flowers

In the real world, these flowers are darker and sharper. The Illusion wasn't able to capture the large dew drops nor the crispness of the jagged leaf edges.
Illusion_table.jpg
7 of 9 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Table

Taken outdoors in morning light, the Illusion gets the point across, but not sharply.
Illusion_AmyCartoon.jpg
8 of 9 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Cartoon mode

Every phone needs a fun, frivolous setting. For the Illusion, that's camera mode.
Illusion_C.jpg
9 of 9 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

CNET 'C'

Taken indoors, the CNET 'C' statue looks fuzzy and washed out, with plenty of artifacts.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos