Samsung i780 review

Ergonomics and casing

Though not a design marvel, Samsung i780 certainly looks and feels good. When it comes to ergonomics, Samsung i780 is well on par with the other QWERTY smartphones on the market. Of course, the square display has the full QWERTY keyboard using somewhat less real estate down the bottom but that doesn't stand in the way of friendly handling.

Working with the Samsung i780 is very pleasant, managing applications and phone functionality is problem-free. The entire back and side panels are finished in glossy plastic, which easily catch fingerprints.

The back surface is not scratch-resistant as it used to be with Samsung i600 (don't ask how we found this one out). The memory card slot and the universal connectivity port are suitably covered with soft plastic, adding to the phone's clean line and keeping dust and moisture away.

Samsung i780 in hand

Samsung i780 360-degree spin

What's new?

Samsung i780 is prominent for its unique dual mode touchpad navigation, à resourceful decision that takes the traditional D-pad control to a higher level. The touchpad navigation has two modes: mouse pointer and 4-way navigation.

The mouse pointer allows you to navigate and control the i780 just the way you would handle the mouse cursor with a notebook's touchpad. With the second mode, the 4-way navigation, sweeps and taps of the thumb on the surface allow traditional navigation as with a D-pad with confirming action.

The touchpad navigation of i780

There is a difference between the early official photos of Samsung i780, and the actual device. Initially, the two buttons on both sides of the touchpad were soft keys, while in our i780, which is the final version, they are the Start and OK. A fine adjustment, if you ask us - the soft keys are way more at home below the corners of the screen.

Samsung i780: early and final version