We reviewed the SGH-F700 not too long ago and weren't impressed. Reason being it is hard to get touch-user interfaces right and the Croix UI on the F700 just doesn't cut it in many areas. You can read about the specifics in our full review. Fortunately, we didn't have to go through the same thing with the SGH-F480. Although we had only some time with the F480 at a recent Samsung roadshow, we thought the Korean manufacturer may have gotten the UI right with this upcoming touchscreen model.
Upside
The F480 is pocket-friendly, and a little bigger than Samsung's tiny Armani phone. If we had to compare it with other touchscreen models available in the market now, it would be the LG Prada phone. Both handsets have a clutter-free approach to their design with a size that feels just right in the hand.
Looks aside, the single most important thing that Samsung may have done right with the F480 is the user interface of this 2.8-inch touchscreen model. The F480 uses the Touch Whiz UI instead of the Croix software which isn't the best implementation for a touchscreen UI. We didn't spend enough time to make a formal judgement, but the Touch Whiz UI does look a lot more vibrant than the Croix and the widget interface adds a nice touch to the user experience of the phone.
Like the F700, the Armani phone and a couple of other touchscreen handsets out there, the F480 also supports haptic feedback. This is becoming commonplace for handsets that use a touchscreen LCD for data input. On the F480, this is achieved using the on-screen version of the standard alphanumeric keypad. We found the touch buttons large enough that typing wasn't too much of a problem.
Unlike the Prada phone, the F480 comes with a much stronger suite of features. Besides HSDPA, the tri-band handset supports Bluetooth stereo for listening to music via a pair of wireless cans. There's also a 5-megapixel camera module with autofocus, LED flash and face-detection capabilities.
Downside
There isn't a lot on the downside of things to dwell on for now. Since the unit we saw was a showcase model, we aren't sure to what extent customisation can be made to the software on the phone. And with a less-than-satisfactory experience on the F700, we are going to keep this high on the list of things to find out when we get a review unit.
The F480 doesn't have Wi-Fi connectivity, so that may be a deal-breaker for some.
Outlook
The SGH-F480 is something worth waiting for if you are in the market for a basic touchscreen phone, however, there's no news on a date for Australian launch at this stage.
Markeboy1234
24/06/2008, 12:09 AM
rating
9/10
After having an LG Viewity for a week and passing it back due to 18 hour battery life issues, I decided to go for the Samsung F480 Tocco. I can safely say that the Tocco is the best phone I have had yet. The battery life is fantastic and the camera quality is great, but video is not as good as the LG unit. The wigets are fun and the Touch screen is perfect. Get one and you will be happy for a ages.
Pros: Great Camera, Long battery life and well built solid chassis.
Cons: Poor Video and Unable to install your own usb transferred games. Hard to read in daylight
Report offensive comment
traXXEr
16/06/2008, 06:58 PM
rating
10/10
Best non-smartphone touchscreen phone. New touch interface does his job in speed en sensitivity
Pros: -Good touchscreen
-5 MP camera
-solid design
Cons: -No wifi
Report offensive comment
Cameronthdentist
10/06/2008, 04:01 PM
rating
6/10
Has it been released in australia yet?
Report offensive comment
f480
17/05/2008, 10:46 AM
rating
10/10
Looks like a fantastic phone! I want the iPhone but this is making me wanna convert...
Report offensive comment
i-luv-phones
15/05/2008, 06:18 AM
rating
10/10
I think it's great! Best phone I ever had!
Pros: -camera
-size
-touchscreen
Report offensive comment
corey worthington
14/05/2008, 09:52 PM
rating
1/10
rubbish,is cheap but still not worth the money and no battery life!
Pros: -cheap
-great camera
Cons: -slow
-heavy
-no sensitivity on touchscreen
Report offensive comment