With a built-in swiveling camera lens and sleek, silver style, Samsung's V205 is a real head-turner. However, this mobile isn't all looks and no brains; it has its share of high-end features, including world roaming and an IR port. Plus, it works on GPRS networks. We just wish the company included a better way to share images. As it stands, the V205 faces tough competition from Sanyo and Nokia. At first glance, the V205 looks conspicuously similar to its sibling, the S105. Only the square-shaped external LCD and the Samsung designer label on the top of the phone set it apart. But take a closer look, and you'll notice that the V205 weighs less (3.0 ounces) and is slightly longer (4.3 by 1.8 by 0.9 inches) than its T-Mobile cousin. The extra length is attributable to the built-in rotating camera lens tucked into the hinge of the phone.
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Beam me up: There's an IR port, but you can't use it to send pictures. | Samsung's version is smaller than other camera/phone hybrids. |
On the side of the phone, you'll find a headset jack, an IR port, and two volume-control buttons, which can be used to scroll through the V205's menus. When the phone's closed, there's a translucent strip that can be set to light up various colors--or not at all. Once you flip open the phone, you'll appreciate that you can choose between a list-type or an icon-driven menu interface. The keypad is similar to the one found on other Samsung models such as the S105 and the A460, which we prefer since it keeps misdials to a minimum. Above the keypad is a four-way rocker key for maneuvering through the V205's menus and a button in the middle that launches the T-Zone services. While that's convenient, we kept mistaking it for an OK/Enter button. The V205 has all the features you'd expect, including caller ID, conference calling, voicemail, text messaging, an alarm, a 500-name internal phone book (you can store more names and numbers on the SIM card), a calendar, a calculator, a to-do list, a currency converter, and wireless Web access, as well as Spanish, English, and French menus. There are three games, 25 polyphonic ring tones, a vibrate mode, and a couple of wallpaper options onboard. If you opt for the T-Zone services, you can download additional ring tones, pictures, wallpaper, and games, as well as send e-mail and chat with friends via AIM.
![]() Candygram: Send sweet pictures to friends. |
![]() Candid camera: Take pictures on the sly. |
There's one other quirk: The V205 has an IR port, but you can't use it to send or receive pictures. While sending an image via IR would be a sluggish affair, we think it should at least be an option, especially when you consider that the Nokia 3650 supports this feature. We tested the tri-mode (GSM 900/1800/1900) world phone using T-Mobile service in San Francisco and found call quality to be good overall. Callers said we sounded clear, and we heard them just fine.
![]() Charging options: Use the extra battery or compact travel charger to keep on chatting. |
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