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Finding a phone that effortlessly juggles between communication and
entertainment is a tough task. As the consumer becomes increasingly demanding,
complaints regarding the price being too high, or the camera not being good
enough or the music playback lacking depth and clarity, are not uncommon. The
K790i came closest to becoming a perfect mix of phone, music and camera when we
tested it way back in Oct 2006; and now the K810i ups the ante even further.
Possibly the only downsides to this phone that I would like to mention at the
outset are that it's not a proper smartphone (but that may not matter to many)
and the similarity with the K790i CyberShot phone.
It has the same pin-sharp screen from the K790i, a similar layout, the same
velvety soft-touch texture and the same xenon flash. But that's also where the
similarities end. The K810i adds 3G capability (and a front-facing VGA camera),
unique round metallic keys and the bulky active lens cover from the K790i has
been trimmed down to sit almost flush with the back of the phone.
t first, I thought the keys will be a little hard to use but I was pleasantly
surprised. The good tactile feedback coupled with the more-than-adequate spacing
ensures easy operation. The keys themselves aren't backlit, but the panel behind
them is. This has another, somewhat hidden advantage-in camera mode, some of the
keys double up as shortcuts for camera functions. And only those keys are
highlighted thanks to the selective backlighting that is possible now.
So why should you choose the K810i over a 5 megapixel phone like the Nokia
N95? For starters, it's cheaper (street price of about 17k). It has much better
low light imaging abilities. The camera starts up faster, it has much better
battery life (3 days standby and 7 hour talktime) and is smaller and thinner.
Overall, the K810i needs to be lauded for what it is-a much-welcome upgrade
to the already excellent K790i CyberShot phone. Though it doesn't make sense for
an existing K790i owner to upgrade, everyone else who wants a good camera phone
should make a beeline for it.
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