Virgin Mobile Lobster 320 review

Weaknesses
The handset does have predictive text, but it uses a system called eZi English rather than the T9 that'll you'll find on pretty much every other brand of phone. It works well enough, but we found that it was slower to compose messages using eZi compared with the normal T9 system. This is partly because you have to press the OK key after every word you enter before you can move onto the next one.

The lack of a speakerphone is also an issue because the handset doesn't come with a hands-free kit and doesn't even have a port that you can connect one to. It also doesn't support Bluetooth so you can't use a wireless headset. This oversight will mean those who want to use their mobile in their car will have to look elsewhere.

We expect the screens on these lower priced handsets to be pretty basic and although this one is relatively low-res, it is large enough to display full sized icons and a decent amount of text in SMS messages. However, one anomaly is that the display is brighter at the left and right hand edges than it is in the middle, which looks slightly odd. One other thing to bear in mind is that there's no external screen, so there's no way to tell who's calling without actually flicking the phone open.

The Lobster is also a below par performer when it comes to battery life. You'll only get around two and a half hours of talk time out of it and a measly 120 hours on standby.

Conclusion
The Lobster is a small and attractive looking handset and good value at around £25, but the lack of T9 predictive text and the short battery life means it wouldn't be top of our list if we were shopping for a budget pay as you go mobile.

Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Jon Squire