Updated 13 Feb, 2012, 6:30 pm IST

REVIEWS / SMARTPHONES / SAMSUNG

Samsung i8510 INNOV8

29 Oct, 2008, 5:14 pm IST | Shayne Rana | Smartphones

The integration of a digital camera with a mobile handset is obviously not a new concept but we’ve been stuck with 5 megapixel cameras for quite a while now, so I think it’s about time the tech ante was upped a bit. LG and Samsung are running neck and neck with their 8MP camera phones, but Samsung managed to get to us first with their i8510 INNOV8, and here’s what I have to say.

Form Factor
There’s no denying the INNOV8 is a good-looking handset, with its large 2.8 inch (240 x 320) TFT display and optical joystick that also works well as a fifth key in the nav-pad. There are some strategically located shortcut keys for all purposes. On one side is a slider switch that allows you to swap between video mode, normal camera, and the gallery. The microSD card slot (in addition to the 16GB of onboard space) is located just below that, followed by a dedicated camera key.

The volume/zoom keys, 3.5mm earphone socket, and microUSB port for the charger and USB cable are located on the other side. The auto kick slider is extremely smooth and very responsive. The keypad is large and easy to use – ALL keys, including the top row. Flipping over to the camera, the rear of the handset looks like a compact digicam more than a cell phone. What’s disappointing is that the INNOV8 is equipped with an LED flash instead of Xenon.

Features and Performance
Interface and Navigation
The INNOV8 is yet another instance of Samsung adopting the more popular Symbian Operating System (v9.3) and a Series 60 (rel. 3.2) UI. This will make a switch from Nokia a piece of cake. Although the icons are similar, there are subtle variation. Still, everything will have a familiar look and feel.

Navigation with the optical joystick is convenient. Its sensitivity can be adjusted to your preference. It can also be shut off if you prefer the conventional five-way nav-pad as is. One odd thing about the handset is that if you cut a call it will still show up as a missed call

Tags: 8 Megapixel

Would you buy it?

Nokia is burning some serious dough, in trying to promote their Lumia series and their next stop after London, ...

Mobile Grudge Match - Samsung Galaxy S II vs Motorola RAZR XT910

Nokia and Microsoft get bitter over comments on Lumia 800 review

Motorola RAZR XT910 Review

Nokia announces Lumia 800 limited edition for the Dark Knight Rises

Nokia Lumia 800 Review

Upcoming smartphones to look out for – The Christmas Wish List

How We Test

What do the ratings mean?

Ratings are simple - higher the score, the better the product. A brief listing of the features and what they mean are given below.

1 - 3

The product is bad in almost every aspect. We strongly advise against purchasing this product.

4 - 6

An average product that isn't the best you can buy, but isn't the worst either.

7 - 8

Product with this rating is highly recommended because it's priced sensibly, has a good set of features and performs well.

9 - 10

Exceptionally excellent product with features and performance unlike any we've seen in the past. A must-have for everyone!

What is the Average User Rating?

We at Tech2 take product reviewing very seriously and every product is tested with the utmost care and level of objectivity. The end user who buys a particular product and uses it over an extended period of time has his own take on a product and there might be nuances that he or she can shed light on. The Average User Rating is present to help readers get the complete picture of how good or bad a product is. The Average User Rating is calculated by averaging the ratings by the thousands of readers visiting Tech2.com every single day. To record your own rating of a product, simply click on the user rating bar. If you disagree with our ratings or our community's product rating, please don't hesitate from voicing your opinion in the comments section below the review.