Samsung Innov8
Network: 3.5G (GSM, HSPDA 7.2Mbps)
OS: Symbian 9.2, Series 60 V3.2
Connectivity: Wifi +Bluetooth 2.0 + GPS
Camera: 8 Megapixel CMOS with AF and Dual Power LED

First, lets start of with the design and aesthetics of the Innov8.

From Innov8 Features

See the earphone cable sticking out next to the Mini-USB port? I feel that putting the ear phone jack there makes the phone a little awkward to put it into the pocket, because it will be lying horizontally (unless you use the phone pouch), and making the pocket look very bulgy. On the extreme left side of the phone is the volume control buttons, which also acts as zoom button in the camera mode.

The earphone jack is of the standard 3.5mm type, so you can plug in your own ear phones as well.

From Innov8 Features

This is how the earphones look like. I tried it, and it fits my ear snugly, though initially, I had to adjust it a fair bit, thus causing a little discomfort. But I soon got used to it. The audio and visual playback is awesome.

Prior to accessing the main menu… there is a mini menu interface…

From Innov8 Features

This contains shortcuts to predefined functions, or customized to your liking (will come to that soon).
A quick glance through the various buttons will show if the FM Radio is running (shows the radio station), or if you are spinning MP3 tunes. “Shortcuts” options can be customized to one’s preferences.

Here’s a snapshot of how the main menu interface looks like

From Innov8 Features

See the media icon? with a little circle like thing at the top right hand corner? This indicates that an application in that category is running in the background. Nifty eh? The visual indicator helps to point out what the phone is doing.

They too, have thrown in Google applications such as Mail Reader and Google Maps.

From Innov8 Features

What you see here is the function of recording audio clips, and each clip can contain one hour worth of audio. The quality and volume of the clip can be set prior to recording. Extension of the clip is of MP4. Playback of recorded audio is decent, it can be even better, but I think the environment in which the audio was recorded plays a part too.

Ever come across a song you like that is playing on the Radio and want to record it? Now you can, because the Innov8 can. “Options” and then “Record”. These clips are then stored in the file manager.

Like some other phones, it also allow auto repositioning of the screen elements, when the phone is shifted from vertical to horizontal view.

From Innov8 Features

From Innov8 Features

Notice the keypad? It looks flat, but is actually very comfortable to key in messages or numbers, and suitable for people with larger fingertips as well. I found no difficulty using it with one hand. The sliding mechanism of the phone is also very smooth, and makes it easy to use even with just one hand. The Innov8 feels very “solid” in one hand itself, giving me the sheer confidence of shooting pictures too.

The photo quality is quite clear, as shown in then previous Innov8 post, so I shall not dwell too much on it).

The Symbian OS makes phone navigation a breeze, though non symbian users might find it a little harder to get used to initially. Apart from that, the Innov8 allows a great deal of customization of the shortcut keys (spoil for choice). It can be a boon or bane, depending on how you perceive it to be. Boon – It allows you to define what are the most accessed and frequently used functions. Bane – Hard time remembering which keys accesses which functions when activated. There are at least 6 to 8 keys that can be customized.

Last but not least, the English to Chinese and vice-versa dictionary. Suddenly I don’t feel so language handicapped anymore. The sms input supports Chinese and Malay characters input.

From Innov8 Features

From Innov8 Features

That’s all I have. These are the features that I will use most often if I do get an Innov8, and I believe that these are some features that people like you and I would want to find out before buying the phone. I hope you will enjoy the review that I have written, feel free to give me suggestions or tips I can improve on. Thanks!

This review was originally from Nicole.sg

Featuring: Daniel, NTT, Farinelli, Ryu, Nicole, Naveen and special cameo by DK.

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[09:50] Impressions of the new Samsung Innov8
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