Why You Can Trust CNET Samsung Z150 review: Samsung Z150
While the mid-level price may be too much for some, its feature set is well worth the cost. The unit could definitely do with more storage options to go with the 3G functionality, but otherwise this would be an excellent choice.
Design
Continuing in the current range of thin "candy-bar" style phones is the new Samsung Z150. Again, this is an extremely thin phone, measuring just 46.5mm by 9.8mm by 118mm. This leaves a phone shaped more like a small remote control -- longer and wider than many phones, but so thin it can go in any pocket and barely feel like it's there. To add to this, the handset weighs only 86 grams (with battery). It's finished in a matt black with a large 1.9-inch display screen, and features a full number pad, along with the usual answer and release keys, as well as five other action buttons and a four way button with selector key. With such a large screen and extra buttons, the number pad feels cramped at times, which can lead to some issues quick-dialling numbers and keying in SMSs.
Samsung Z150
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
Features
This triband phone is fully 3G enabled, featuring video recording, calling, messaging and streaming. It has a clever dual camera system that allows the user to aim and take pictures in front of them, or to take self-portraits while still being able to aim with the screen. However, the camera only has 2x zoom and VGA resolution, which could have been better in a phone otherwise full of features. Internet browsing is available via WAP.
The phone can be connected to your computer through a USB 1.1 interface, however the cable and connector are custom. As a downside though, the software for this functionality is not included in the package. Bluetooth 1.1 is also included on the unit, allowing for a variety of peripherals. However, the handset only comes with 50MB RAM and has no card adaptor slot, which is a shame for a phone of this type, as you could easily use a lot more storage with all the features available.
The phone uses 64-channel polyphonic ringtones, as well as MP3 tones. It will also handle MP3 and regular AAC music files for playback, however again, this functionality is limited with little memory and no memory card slot. All the usual personal organiser functionality is present; however the Z150 does not have an FM radio.
Performance
As one of the thinnest phones on the market, the Z150 is easy to hold and easy to use, with good audio quality and a variety of other features. It's a solid and attractive phone that would suit many different kinds of users. While the mid-level price may be too much for some, its feature set is well worth the cost. The unit could definitely do with more storage options to go with the 3G functionality, but otherwise this would be an excellent choice.