Samsung G800 launch event: A night at the museum

Internet power

We have to admit, the Internet-labeled devices were by far among the most interesting. Samsung F700 and Samsung i780 are the new star signings in the company's mobile portfolio and were both keen to impress us in one way or another.

Samsung F700 is a flash-based device with full QWERTY sliding keyboard. Only a quick glance revealed it is far thicker than it looked on the official photos. However the rotating flash interface deserves praise. It is very intuitive and easy to work with and therefore is sure to earn itself quite a number of fans. On the other hand, it bears significant resemblance to the LG flash interface used in the Prada and KU990 Viewty phones. The keys on the QWERTY keyboard are smaller than we imagined but still very comfortable for typing. Based on our short experience, we can give an excellent mark on the messaging and all other typing-related activities.

Samsung F700 official photos

Samsung F700 live photos

The other internet-centered device, Samsung i780 sports a large square display with great picture quality and Optical Joystick that controls a fully functional mouse pointer on the screen. There are three different scrolling speeds, to suit every taste. Unfortunately, due to the fact that the event was indoors, we were unable to test the GPS and the built-in Navigation client.

Samsung i780 official photos

Samsung i780 live photos

For the fashion-savvy

The last two devices showcased in London were the fashion proposals by Samsung. The Giorgio Armani and Serenata phones are both produced in joint venture, Giorgio Armani and Bang and Olufsen contributing to the two, arguably best looking handsets in Samsung's portfolio.

Our guess is that Samsung Serenata will hardly live up to the expectations. The incredibly thick phone is quite uncomfortable to hold and almost impossible to squeeze in any pocket. Besides, the design somehow failed to impress us in the beginning and our first-hand encounter confirmed that. Still, fashion is solely a matter of taste, so everyone that is about to buy this phone should judge for themselves. And finally, it's a lifestyle gadget, with a price tag meaningful enough.

Samsung Serenata live photos

The other fashion-labeled Giorgio Armani phone however did manage to grab our attention. It feels great when held in hand and the large touch-operated display makes it look even smaller than it actually is. There is no second battery in the leather case regardless of the tradition of the Samsung P-series. We remind you that when the phone was initially announced, it was named P520. Anyway, the phone features the same flash interface as F700 and is, as we see it, destined to enjoy a great demand. Mostly with the fashion-phone lovers, that is. It's also said that the handset will be a free gift to everyone who buys one of the selected Armani suits in their fashion stores.

Giorgio Armani phone official photos

Giorgio Armani live photos