Clamshells aren't the most exciting handsets around, but the Nokia 2720 Fold isn't half bad. Not only does it have some decent features, it comes with looks that does seem just a tad more attractive than other phones with a similar form factor.
Physically, you'll most likely love the smooth lines, stylish appearance and glossy finish. While good-looking, the surface is an absolute magnet for fingerprints. Weight is extremely light, making it very easy on the pocket. Despite that, overall construction feels sturdy, with extra thick hinges to inspire further confidence.
The black and white external display measures 1.36 inches and displays only the most basic information. Flipped open, it shows off a 1.8-inch LCD, with 128 x 160 resolution and 65,000 colors. Both the T9-style keyboard and the navigation array are designed really well, making input largely trouble-free.
As a phone, the 2720 Fold makes for high-quality calls that are noticeably clearer and better-sounding than other handsets in the same price range. Callers, on the other hand, can detect some amount of sharpness, but reported excellent conversations anyway. Speakerphone was decent and usable, but is far from the best. Battery life is rated at three hours, which should make it good for a day or two of regular use (maybe more if you seldom make calls).
Being a cheap phone, features are obviously a little on basic side of the spectrum. You get a 500-entry phone book, Bluetooth, messaging capabilities (SMS, MMS, IM and IMAP/POP email), WAP browsing (Opera Mini) and PIM tools.
More advanced features include a 1.3 megapixel camera and a music player. The camera module barely offers any options, but manages average quality for such low-resolution hardware. Music player is basic, which is expected, but the 2.5 mm jack just makes it downright disappointing.
Want a cheap phone for North American use (yep, it's strictly for local users)? The Nokia 2720 Fold is absolutely down there in terms of value. Features are very slim, but at the price ($20 on T-Mobile, $9.99 on AT&T and $125 unlocked), I can't see anyone complaining.
The Samsung Stunt SCH-r100 may have a name fit for an extra-durable phone, but it's no action hero. What it is, however, is a small and impressively sturdy basic phone with a few extra comforts thrown in.
Physically, it looks like another slim rugged phone, with a side panel that looks intended to absorb serious shock. It isn't, though. Regardless, it's a solidly-built candy bar with a very sturdy feel, enough to let it survive most common drops.
It sports a 1.7-inch LCD (128x160 resolution), which is to be expected for a phone of this class. Colors are bright, but most things on screen come across pixelated. The T9-style keyboard is roomy and flush.
As a phone, the Stunt makes for average quality calls. Voices come through clearly, but there's a noticeable (but soft enough to be ignored) sound throughout conversations. Speakerphone had ample volume, but got too tinny at the upper ranges. Battery is rated at 3.3 hours of talk time. For a simple phone such as this, that could probably be good for two days (or more), depending on how often you place calls.
Features, as you may expect, are severely lacking. There's the usual stuff, like a 500-contact phone book, some common PIM tools and basic messaging (SMS and MMS). Extras include Bluetooth, a WAP browser, voice commands and voice dialing. That's it. There's not even a camera or a music player onboard.
When it comes to "basic" phones, the Samsung Stunt SCH-r100 is about as barebones as you can get. At only $39 without a contract, though, that's about all you can really ask for. And, yes, it's good enough.
Like Sanyo's previous cellphone releases, the Sanyo SCP-3810 comes with solid basic features and an easy-to-use design. Beyond that though, there's little to look forward to.
Physically, the clamshell phone sports a stylish, albeit non-remarkable, aesthetic, marked by a boxy profile, lightweight frame and compact dimensions. The external monochrome display, which is partially hidden when turned off, is a little too small to be of any real use. Inside, the larger 2.4-inch display is a little more agreeable, delivering a 320x240 resolution and a very vibrant quality. The navigation array, keypad and menu are all laid out in a sensible way, are comfortable to use and a breeze to manage. Even elder technophobes can probably get into it.
As a phone, the SCP-3810 can manage very good calls (on Sprint's network), with plenty of volume, natural-sounding voices and zero interference. On occasion, a slight metallic quality finds its way into the conversations, though it's rare. The speakerphone, while loud, didn't perform as well, adding a very odd tone to the voices. Battery is rated at close to 6 hours of talk time, which should make for several days of use, given that it doesn't come with plenty of draining extras.
Being an entry-level handset, it doesn't come with a lot of features. All the basics are onboard, however, including a 300-contact address book, a decent messaging suite (MMS, threaded SMS, IM, web-based POP3 and IMAP emails), stereo Bluetooth, a simple music player and the rest of the usual capabilities. There's also a 1.3 megapixel camera (no video), with a few editing options and generally acceptable shot quality.
Available free from Sprint with a contract, the Sanyo SCP-3810 is a decent choice if you've been angling for a budget handset that does the basics well. You can also buy it for around $250 (more or less, depending on where you shop) unlocked, which doesn't sound half as good as getting it with an agreement (you can find better unlocked phones at that price).
The recently-released Samsung SGH-T239 is a throwback to around two years ago, when the Korean company was releasing one budget slider after another. Meant for prepaid use, it hosts a decent feature set and a largely basic aesthetic.
You won't find any surprises here. At 3.77 x 1.87 x 0.68 inches, the phone is slim and lightweight with a good feel in the hand. Overall build is sturdy, but the battery cover is a little loose. It comes in red and gray colors, neither of which are particularly appealing.
The 2.8-inch LCD features 220 x 176 pixels, managing bright and clear graphics. Keys are big and slightly raised, making for a great experience when you're typing and navigating the interface.
As a phone, the T239 works well enough, with good voice calls and a complete set of basic features (300-entry phone book, simple applications and more). Volume is a bit too low, though, which makes it near-impossible to use in noisy environments (e.g. traffic). Speakerphone is below average, requiring you to move closer to the handset when you're speaking into it. Battery life is great, with a rated talk time of up to 7 hours, making it usable for up to three or four days of regular handling before a recharge.
Despite being a basic device, the SGH-T239 does throw in a few small extras. Apart from SMS and MMS, it comes with IM and audio postcard capabilities, although there's no email support. It rocks a VGA camera with a couple of editing options (4x digital zoom, brightness control, color tones, etc) and average photo quality. There's also stereo Bluetooth and a basic music player.
Overall, the Samsung SGH-T239 is a phone for those in search of a reliable, though not particularly outstanding, prepaid unit. Available for $59 with no contract, it should prove a decent choice.
Like other phones in their Classic line (e.g. Nokia 6700 Classic), the Nokia 6303 Classic marries style with basic handset capabilities. Elegant and simple, it's the kind of phone we would have been be drooling for just a few short years ago.
The 6303 sports an interesting design that curves inwards at the lower end, right where the T9-style keypad is lined across. It creates a fascinating effect that makes it look like a slider handset from some angles - a nice touch on an otherwise regular form factor.
Sturdy and well-built, it's decked with a stainless steel case, making it feel considerably better in the hand than most plastic-bodied basic phones. Screen is a bright and sharp 2.2-inch panel that manages to give even small fonts and icons plenty of detail.
Voice calls are topnotch, with a great sound quality and no interference. The onboard speakerphone is decent too, with loud volume. Messaging features are standard for basic phones, with support for IM and email. What makes it standout for the 6303, though, are the use of larger-than-usual keys, which makes texting just a tad easier, overall.
Features, as you can expect, aren't high end, but Nokia splurged on the 3.2 megapixel camera, throwing in a dual LED flash and a dedicated shutter button. Image quality is great (accurate colors, nice detail) for a basic phone, although the shutter lag can be frustrating. Other details include an onboard music player, FM radio, stereo Bluetooth and microSD card expansion. There's no 3G, Wi-Fi or GPS support.
Even with the dearth of features, the Nokia 6303 Classic manages to be a very attractive phone. It's good-looking, easy to use and works better than the glut of basic handsets out there. It's even (mildly) extensible, as it supports downloads from the Ovi Store. Priced at around $100 unlocked, anyone looking for a basic cell phone should place it high up in their consideration.
