Speed up with a 3G mobile phone

By Staff writers, CNET.com.au on 01 December 2005

Third-generation handsets offer video calls, music downloads and streaming services. They're generally a bit bigger than their 2G cousins but offer a whole lot more multimedia functionality.

NEC N600i

NEC's N600i is a 3G clamshell with a 1.3-megapixel camera that supports a wireless Internet service called i-mode to access to sites such as eBay, Whereis and Citibank from your phone.

  • The good
  • High-speed i-Mode access with video content
  • Detailed menu options
  • Large screen
  • Nifty external display
  • 1.3-megapixel camera takes sharp photos
  • The bad
  • Too many navigational buttons (13)
  • User interface is complex
  • Waiting period for some functions and network access
  • Inexplicable i-Mode errors
  • Slightly bulky build

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Motorola V1050

Exclusive to Vodafone live! with 3G, the Motorola V1050 is a matte black handset with a 1.3-megapixel camera, a 262K-colour screen and an MP3 player. It also supports up to 256MB of removable memory.

  • The good
  • 1.3-megapixel camera
  • Stylish -- if you like black
  • External colour display
  • Nice loud speaker
  • The bad
  • Stubby antennae
  • Only available through Vodafone

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Motorola RAZR V3x

Based on the design of the Motorola RAZR V3, the slightly thicker V3x is a 3G-enabled handset with a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth and an MP3 player.

  • The good
  • Two-way video calls and streaming
  • Large internal keypad with clear vivid images
  • Robust and stylish
  • Decent audio playback
  • The bad
  • Camera image quality very average unless in strong daylight
  • Disappointing battery life
  • Fiddly menu design

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Sharp 903

Australia's first 3-megapixel camera phone, the Sharp 903, is available exlusively on Vodafone's 3G network. It comes with Bluetooth, a 260K-colour LCD and 8MB of internal memory.

  • The good
  • Great camera
  • Superb screen
  • Easy to use
  • MiniSD cards are easy to swap, thanks to side-mounted slot
  • The bad
  • Large and heavy
  • Music quality is poor
  • Too little internal and bundled miniSD memory

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Samsung Z510

The days of the 3G brick are numbered, with Samsung's Z510 joining the Motorola v3x in the slim and sexy category.

  • The good
  • Slimmest 3G phone around
  • Dazzling 262K-colour display
  • Comprehensive, straightforward PC software package
  • The bad
  • Memory not expandable
  • Camera only 1.3MP
  • One port handles charging, PC synch and headphones

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Topics: ericsson, v1050, z500, u8380, 903, n600i, e1000, z800i, lg, samsung, speed, sharp, phone, motorola, nec, sony, mobile, 3g

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Comments (6)

  • lazy-bum commented on 04/04/2008 14:42 Report abuse

    anyone knows what's the best brand used ? pls email me .

  • Vizitor commented on 22/03/2008 00:44 Report abuse

    Does anyone know if the Nokia 3500 Classic is GSM or 3G?

  • 1st Timer commented on 08/02/2008 19:52 Report abuse

    Hey Barb, the software for SGA412 (and other Samsungs) is available for free download from the Samsung website.

  • Barb. Smith commented on 12/01/2008 15:47 Report abuse

    Think I was sold a pup with a Samsung SGH-A412 on a $30 a month plan. Has a U.S.B. cable but no software to run it - was really happy with the C.D.M.A. I had without having to fork out extra dollars.

  • StandardHuman commented on 26/08/2007 17:45 Report abuse

    Wow, that was random! While I dunno what the "next g3" might be, but I'm shocked they didn't give it to you. (Then again, I want the next Beamer and BMW say thet won't give me one of those either...)

    As for "g3s" not working where there's no reception, you wouldn't credit it!

  • *random*007* commented on 06/06/2007 14:03 Report abuse

    i wanted the next g3 but no they didnt give me it...dont trust them they suck any ways.the g3s dont even work out where we are no reception.get the next g3 they rule better **** and flasher and they even get reception out of towns

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