Samsung is making its way to the touch screen mobile phones with the P520 model. The fashionable version for the same mobile phone is proud to be under the signature of Giorgio Armani. The small size, which matches the characteristics of a credit card, and a comfortable combination of the latest technology with a branded outfit, makes it look especially appealing. Its weigh is 84 grams and its smooth edges are effective enough to replicate the form of your palm. This makes the phone fit any pocket with ease. The phone is available in only one color and features a metallic finish on the cover that protects the battery compartment. The style and protection matters are being cared by a metallic frame which surrounds the entire phone. The display is also fitted in a glowing structure. These elements create an excellent visual illusion of a shiny piece of art.
Design
The most important part of Samsung Armani is the display. It manages to render images in a resolution of 240x320 pixels and a capacity to display up to 262k colors. But it also serves as the main control tool. The base of this technology is a sensitive mechanism which unlikely to other models, is designed to have a better feedback using your fingers then a stylus or other appropriate instrument. Above the display the loudspeaker is situated, beneath it – the answering keys. On the left border, we found the volume rocker, which could have been positioned higher for a more comfortable usage. The hot-swap option for memory cards is enabled by the external slot, which is present here. On the opposite side another slot is incorporated, which is dedicated to serve the charger or the headset. There are also two shortcut keys. The red button is the camera shortcut-key; whilst the Hold button is used to lock/unlock the display which is now the keypad also. The bottom of the phone houses a tiny switch, which locks the battery compartment, one similar in concept to what we found on Samsung P300.
Navigation
The standard package delivers a solid leather case, which is eminent in order to keep the phone safety, but not only. It is somehow connected to it, as it comes alive automatically every time you open the case. The home screen displays a traditional set of information, like the time and date, signal strength, battery status, or an indication that other applications are running. In the center of the display an animated square is placed. By tapping on it, you are redirected to a simplified menu which lets you access the phonebook, media-player, call logs and the messaging center. Or you can visualize the main menu in the standard grid mode.
Functions
Making a call can be made via selecting a contact from the phonebook, which can store up to 1000 entries, or by dialing from the keyboard that is shown on the display. The voice quality is on the top level. The Armani model has a branded Bluetooth headset too. Texting is based on the same approach, as the alphanumerical keypad is displayed again and can be used as on a regular phone. In order to eliminate accidents, when multiple characters are introduced, and to assure the user that it has received its command, the phone is also equipped with the VibeZ function. Thanks to it, the phone now responses to any submitted task with a small vibration.
On the entertainment side Samsung P520 is equipped with a media player which is able to playback many popular audio format files. Within this application you are able to create playlists and rate songs. But you’re also able to check a log of files that had been played, so that you could check the recently played tracks. The rear part holds a 3.2MP camera. Photos that are taken with it can have a resolution as big as 2048x1536 pixels and 352x288 pixels if you are recording a video clip.
Samsung P520 and the Armani model are much the same. However some elements of the User Interface differ. And for both versions of the handset there is the need of an adaptation process regarding the navigation. Sometimes this happens because of some lagging applications but because of the unusual solutions, which the touch-sensitive mobile phones are based on through the transit of times to a new trend in the market.
