3 Skypephone S2 Review - Small Changes with Bigger Impact by:Jerry Smith

As promised, the mobile phone operator 3 released the much awaited second iteration of Skypephone with the S2 version

. Skypephone S2 upgraded most of the features of version 1 and significantly improved the functionality of the Skype mobile phone. Here let's find more about this lovely gadget from "http://www.mobilephoneonly.co.uk/phonereviews/Other-Mobile-Phone-Reviews/3-Skypephone-S2-Review_6183/243/".

What is in the Package?

Upgrades are apparent once you opened the Skypephone package. Besides the unit and charger, you will get a personal hands-free stereo kit with USB connector. Also included are the typical items such as the CD application installer, USB cable and user manual. However, 3 added 2 other technical manuals plus a Skype User Guide and another manual for simple troubleshooting.

What is New with the Skypephone S2?

The S2 version has a much more fetching design comapred with the Skypephone. The new unit has a stylish mirrored finish complete with metallic battery cover. These design upgrades transformed Skypephone from a drab looking mobile phone into a highly modern mobile gadget.

The keypad has been upgraded to a leaner look but it is still user friendly and definitely a right one for those who want to type faster when chatting or sending SMS messages.

The most impressive physical upgrade comes from its user interface. The new UI mimics the carousel-like icon organization of Mac OS. Icons now are in full color and can be scrolled down or up easily. A one-touch one-hand option is also available by using the dedicated side key switcher.

Skypephone S2 now packs a 3.2 MP camera and faster HSDPA connections at 3.6 MB per second. Screen resolution was also improved thanks to its new QVGA display.

Multimedia Quality

Skypephone S2 sports a better digital camera. However, it still lacks built-in flash, auto focus, and photographic mode options. Photo quality therefore is passable but not excellent.

The video feature still lacks sophistication and still performs at 8fps with QVGA screen capture. Lots of choppiness and crackling sounds can be heard if you take videos using the Skypephone S2.

Skypephone S2 as Modem

Skypephoen S2 can also double as a 3G modem. You can use this function through the integrated Bluetooth feature of the phone or via USB connector. Just plug the unit to your PC and it will be your instant modem for accessing to the Internet.

This feature can be very useful on emergencies. If you are in a place with no WiFi coverage but you need to access the Internet, then the Skypephone S2 can be very handy. Be careful though when using the phone as a modem if you do not have an unlimited data tariff. You might suffer a heart attack when you see your phone bill if your data allocation is limited.

Service Quality

With faster HSDPA connection, Skype to Skype call quality is also significantly improved. Audio quality clearly surpass the quality of PC to PC voice calls. Consequently, the delay in chat response time has been eliminated. You can now receive the instant message the moment you hear the audible notification.

All the other features of Skype such as contact management, automatic integration of phone book with Skype, and SMS have been retained. Skypephone S2 retained the user interface of Skype so new users will not experience any trouble navigating through the Skype mobile features.

However, you may still experience some voice call issues especially if the phone has a weak signal. Some echo and static could be heard which will affect the overall quality of voice calls. If this happens, you can drop the call then log out of Skype and log back in to make a call again. In most cases, this could solve connection and performance issues.

Are You Going to Get Your Money's Worth?

3 completely revamped the Skypephone version 1 and provided much innovations and functionalities with the S2 version. As a standard mobile phone offering free and high quality VoIP calls, you will surely get your money's worth from the new Skypephone S2.

About the author

Jerry Smith, the editor of http://www.mobilephoneonly.co.uk. An expert on mobile phone and an observer of UK telecommunication market. He writes reviews on latest mobile phones, and also suggests promotional deals and special offers from mobile phone retailers in UK.

POST COMMENT

Buy a Cell Phone - Complete Mobile Shopping Guide by:Aaron Siegel DECT Phones - The New Digitally Enhanced Cordless! by:Dennis Jaylon Cheap Pay As You Go Phones: For Your Complete Benefit by:Torie Wilson Wireless Cell Phone Options by:David Schrab Home Phones - Stay In Contact by:Dennis Jaylon Home Phone - The Fixed Lines or the Life Lines by:Dennis Jaylon Telephones - A Great Invention by:Dennis Jaylon Cordless Phones - The Charm Is Still On! by:Dennis Jaylon DECT Phones - Old Technology But Still Remains New by:Dennis Jaylon Top-Selling N series Mobile Phone by:Chrisitne Layug Cell Phone Accessories, A Must-Have! by:Ronnie Williams Heavyweight Fashion Phone that's Lightweight by:Simon Drew A Fun Business Phone by:Simon Drew