Even more annoying is the lack of a shortcut key to access phone features. In order to make a call you'll need to use the stylus or Start button to access the Start menu, before clicking the Phone option -- hardly ideal if you're in a hurry. The XDA Mini S is a quad-band handset, and can therefore be used to make and receive calls in most countries.
The XDA Mini S has many connectivity options. USB and Bluetooth links are available, as is 802.11b wireless, and for those who refuse to let go of the past, there's an infrared receiver on the right of the handset. Disappointingly, this device isn't 3G-compatible, so you can't make video calls or surf the Web at near-broadband speeds unless you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.
The XDA Mini S comes with just over 47MB of usable storage space, with a further 44MB dedicated to storing applications. That's not much space to play with, so we recommend you buy an add-on miniSD memory card. This plugs into a slot at the top end of the handset -- which is a better arrangement than some mobile phones that require you to remove the battery before inserting a memory card.
In a world where 2-megapixel cameras on phone handsets are becoming more commonplace, the 1.3-megapixel offered here is a minor disappointment. It's still good enough to take the odd snap here and there, but it's a poor substitute for a dedicated digital camera. On the upside, images look great on the 240x320-pixel 64k-colour display.
Performance
Audio quality on the XDA Mini S during voice calls is poor. The sound is muffled and tinny in comparison to even basic handsets, and things get even worse when you're using it in poor signal areas. Its battery life isn't particularly bad: O2 claims up to five hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby time depending on individual usage, but you'll probably need to charge it nightly to avoid running flat unexpectedly. The handset can be charged over a USB cable, so you won't need to lug the three-pin mains adaptor around.
On paper, the device isn't particularly quick, but it works just fine in practice. It uses a 200MHz CPU, which is fine for running the applications it ships with. You may struggle to run some third-party programs, though. Skype for Pocket PC (a Voice over IP application), for example, requires a 400MHz CPU.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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User reviews16
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Kevin Chan 21 August 2010
Good: camera, touch screen, qwerty keyboard
Bad: no 3g
Comment: great phone
Gude 12 February 2008
Good: It does EVERYTHING right.
Bad: Size
Comment: I've had this phone since October 2007, and i bought it second hand. I have only had one problem so far - and that was because i had it unlocked, occasionally it rejects my sim card, but that is solved by a simple turn off and back on again.
Design: The only fault for me is the size, its chunkier than my SPV C500 was, so sometimes at football matches i have a bit of a problem. The keyboard is great, the buttons on it are perfect size for typing. The MiniSD card is at the top of the phone instead of behind the battery which is great.
Rating For Design: 8/10
Features: Perfect. Does everything right and if there is something it doesnt have (i havent found anything yet), then it is so easy to put it on. With my SPV C500 it took me 5mins to put a new application on because it took so long to install, with this i can do it within 30 seconds. I don't use the microsoft office much but the occasional times i have used it, it has been great.
Rating For Features: 10/10
Performance: Perfect again. Everything works. And for the first time, The help feature actually helps!!!!!
Rating For Performance: 10/10
Overall: Superb.
PS - At people saying 'crap call quality'. you need you ears testing. There is nothing wrong with it. It is much better than any other phone i have had, and i have had a lot.
Hope thins helps.
Thanks
Steve
David Blastock 13 January 2007
Good: Everything about it
Bad: Nothing
Comment: Good phone, perfect
10/10
See all 16 user reviews