By Crave UK
02/01/2008
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/mobilephones/0,39050603,62035681,00.htm

Samsung Ultra Smart F700

If you build it, they will come--and Samsung has definitely come to Apple's touchscreen party with this iPhone lookalike. But the F700 isn't a carbon copy of the iPhone even if it looks very similar, no, this touchscreen behemoth packs HSDPA (3.5G) for fast access to the Internet and a 3-megapixel camera.

But that's not all, underneath the F700's large color touchscreen hides a full slide-out QWERTY keypad that let's you tap out long emails or text messages. Add to all of that an expandable memory card slot and you have a substantial handset that's set to battle it out with the best of them.

The Ultra Smart F700 is expected to be available in Asia in Q1 2008.

Apple iPhone

This phone doesn't need an introduction--but can it hold its own against the competition? The truth is that Apple has created a superb touchscreen user interface that's second to none. It's highly responsive, well laid-out and the iPhone's screen is one of the best screens we've ever seen.

But as you might have expected, it's not all perfect. While the interface is easy to use, texting does take some getting used to and unlike the Samsung F700, there's no slide-out QWERTY keypad. There's also no 3G, so unless you're near a Wi-Fi hotspot, browsing the Web can be a little tedious.

The iPhone is expected to be available in Asia in 2008.

LG Viewty KU990

LG's most feature-packed handset to date, the Viewty takes LG a step up on the super-phone ladder and in line with the rest of the competition. We were seriously impressed with what it had to offer and in particular appreciated some of its more quirky offerings, including shooting video at 120fps.

But it's not all gimmicks with the Viewty, it also packs HSDPA (3.5G) for fast Internet access, a 5-megapixel camera with xenon flash, DivX video playback and, similar to the Samsung F700, a haptic feedback system that lets you know when you tapped the screen by vibrating the phone, which works very well.

The LG Viewty is currently available at S$798 without contract. For more information read our review.

HTC Touch Cruise

Windows Mobile smart phones are no longer the reserve of serious businessmen, busily tapping away on the commute into the office. HTC has released some fantastic handsets that not only provide good business features but also come with all the consumer trimmings--which brings us to the HTC Cruise.

Packed with GPS, HSDPA, a 3-megapixel camera and the TouchFLO interface, first seen on the HTC Touch, that lets you easily navigate the phone's menu using your finger, this phone is no spring chicken. Our only niggle with it is that it runs on Windows Mobile 6, which isn't always finger friendly.

The Touch Cruise is likely be available in Asia starting next year.