We uncovered a few hiccups in the handset's software, though. For example, if we hit the cancel key while typing a text message, the phone sometimes crashed and restarted automatically -- but at least it saved a draft of the message.
The five-way navigation key can be programmed with four shortcuts, but there aren't any shortcuts on the home screen, so details like upcoming calendar events have to stay hidden until you open the relevant application.
Tunes on tap
The 830 has an MP3 player that runs in the background, so you can use
the phone for other tasks while listening to tunes. A mini player on the home
screen shows what's playing, but it can't be controlled with any of the
keys, which we would have liked. There's a function key that takes you right into the media player, though, so it's easy to get to.
Our tunes sounded pretty flat due to the 830's flimsy included earphones, and, because of the 830's proprietary headphone socket, we couldn't try it out with any decent headphones. The media player has an equaliser that significantly tweaks the sound for different genres of music. But, without good headphones, it's only worth using to admire the graphic equaliser go up and down in the media player.
Transferring music onto the handset via USB is easy, thanks
to Vodafone's basic but usable syncing software. We loved how the software installed
itself on our desktop straight from the phone, without
requiring a download or a CD. After a hideous installer straight out of 1995,
we were pleasantly surprised to find the sync software is modern-looking and easy
to use. It lacks advanced features, such as converting music and video files on
the fly, but dragging and dropping photos and MP3s on and off the handset is simple. Unfortunately, Mac users are left out in the cold yet again -- only Windows XP is supported.
Conclusion
The Vodafone 830 is an inexpensive phone that offers a decent 3.2-megapixel
camera, a handy MP3 player, speedy HSDPA and a big screen, all wrapped up
in an inoffensive design that won't embarrass anyone. But its flimsy plastic
body, lack of camera flash, and occasional crash bugs are disappointing.
At the moment, for the same £15-per-month contract price with Vodafone, you can pick up a branded slider like the Sony Ericsson W595 Walkman, which also has HSDPA and a 3.2-megapixel camera, as well as a few extra bells and whistles, like quad-band support, an included 2GB memory card and an FM radio. The W595 is getting long in the tooth, so it's heavily discounted from its original SIM-free price, and we think you'll get more phone for your money.
But, if you're looking to stick with a pay-as-you go deal, the 830's £70 price tag makes it a good option for a budget phone that packs a good selection of features.
Edited by Charles Kloet
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User reviews3
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Tracie Russell 10 November 2010
Good: Camera, Style, Easy to operate
Bad: Crashes. Problem with internal memory.
Comment: This is actually my FOURTH phone in a year! Not the one phone being repaired, but 4 of the same model. I'v always liked this phone as its easy to operate, it looks good, it takes good pictures and good videos and the music sounds clear. BUT it doesn't feel as sturdy as some and it keeps developing faults. The one before my present one was working fine, I plugged it in to recharge overnight and the next morning it refused to load up! It showed the Vodafone title screen but then crashed to the start and repeated the process. They do tend to crash often which is infuriating, especially if you've just written a several page text as it does NOT save to drafts as it states in the review. Bit my biggest problem that Iv found with all of these phones is the ever depleting internal memory!!! For some unknown reason, the memory is used up without actually using it! Everytime I connected to the internet it used up the memory until there was 0mb. I had to delete texts, pics, all music, all application INCLUDING those pre-installed or else a message came up, insufficient memory and I couldn't send any texts. Now, although its been working fine for a couple of months, yesterday it once again crashed, restarted but when I tried to send a text I had the same insufficient memory message, although I have nothing on my phone! I can't delete anything else, there are no texts, pics, music etc so I am left with a phone I cant text with, which is what I primarily use it for. Very disappointed with it as I can't keep forking out for a new phone every few months. If it wasn't for these faults I would be really pleased with the phone on the whole. The memory issue has happened with each phone so its not a one off. I would not buy again and am now looking to switch to a better mobile on contract.
Birstel 15 July 2010
Good: Looks like it should do the job
Bad: Battery life poor.
Comment: Had phone replaced within 6 months after 1st had 3 visits back to factory to correct thick dust on inside face of slider and the battery would no longer take a charge. Had replacement now 8 months and has now got the exact same problems. This phone in my experience is not fit for purpose and is again on its way back to the Vodafone retailer as we speak.Should have took it back weeks ago but I was hoping to accidently drop it and damage it beyond repair (No, it's not insured)
ronaldpoleson 30 July 2009
Good: easy to use
Bad: unreliable
Comment: i got my first one on saterday morning and had to return it on monday because some of the buttons would not work, by thursday the battery on the replacement was'nt takeing a charge. 2 phones in less than a week is not a good product.
It is a simple phone to use quite idiot proof really unfortunately only an idiot would buy 1.
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