This is a global GSM phone and it can also be used with T-Mobile USA's 1700MHz 3G and AT&T's 2G network.

Introduction:

The first dare-devil to boldly venture into the Android universe was the T-Mobile G1, also known as the HTC Dream. He was a lonely explorer at first, but one of his younger siblings, the HTC Magic was soon to come and help out (aka T-Mobile myTouch 3G in USA and T-Mobile G2 in UK). At the end of April 2009 Samsung officially announced they were to launch their own battleship to conquer the Android universe and named it the Samsung Galaxy I7500. The handset looks quite similar to the Magic and we consider the handsets direct rivals. Unlike the HTC Magic, the Galaxy is equipped with 5-megapixel camera, additional microphone dedicated to better audio tracks to the captured videos, touch sensitive AMOLED screen, D-Pad instead of trackball and 8GB internal memory. The list of archrivals of the Samsung´s first Android device can be expanded to include the HTC Hero, although we do think the Samsung´s device doesn’t stand a sporting chance against the latter. Well, the denouement is forthcoming, so let´s sit back, not underestimate the contenders and see what happens.

What´s in the box?

•    The Samsung Galaxy i7500
•    Case
•    microUSB charger
•    microUSB cable
•    Stereo headset with 3.5mm jack
•    Software CD
•    User guide

Just like the Magic, the Galaxy I7500 is equipped with 3.2-inch capacitive screen with resolution of 320x480 pixels. There is quite a significant difference however, because the Samsung´s device features light sensitivity sensor, utilizes AMOLED technology and delivers 16mln color support unlike the feeble 65k-capable display on the Magic. The result is superior, more vivid and pleasing image quality. It remains usable in direct sunlight, but its love for fingerprints becomes rather evident when you take the phone outdoors.

Unlike the Android running handsets by HTC, Samsung has staked on a 5-directional D-pad instead of a trackball. We are of the opinion, however, that the trackball is much easier, handier and faster to control. There is a button on the left of the D-pad with an arrow on it that calls up the phone Menu. The smallest button of all has no inscription on it, gets you to the home screen when pressed or opens the multitasking menu if held pressed for a while. We do not have any gripes concerning the feel and travel of all the buttons, although they could have been aligned better - if you use the phone with one hand, reaching the innermost keys creates an unpleasant feeling of your fingers being overstretched, especially after prolonged use. Ultimately, we think the trackball provides more ease and comfort and we rather prefer it to the D-pad.

There is a screen lock/unlock button on the right hand side of the device that fully replaces the end key function widely adopted in the HTC´s army. The additional microphone supposed to improve the audio track quality of videos that you capture is on the top side, along with a 3.5mm jack and microUSB slot and we welcome the latter two with open hands. The lonely volume rocker is located on the opposite side and is fairly easy to press. Finally, the back houses a loudspeaker and 5-megapixel camera equipped with LED flash.

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