Until recently, mobile devices equipped with a full-fledged QWERTY keyboard could be counted on the fingers. But progress does not stand still, and today the buyer has complete freedom of choice, both expensive devices and more affordable ones.
For clarity, all phones are categorized according to their market price. This will help you quickly find interesting offers, and cut off uninteresting ones. It should be noted right away that when writing this article, we did not try to cover all available solutions on the market.
Up to 900 hryvnia
There are three very similar devices in this price segment. All three devices are manufactured by Alcatel. The cost of the phones is about the same, but the most affordable QWERTY device is Alcatel OT-255, with which we will start.
Alcatel OT-255
Alcatel OT-255 is the most affordable QWERTY background that you can buy for just 500 hryvnia. True, as for the functionality, there are few reasons for joy. The phone has the following features: a small 1.8-inch display with a resolution of only 128x160 pixels, an e-mail client and an FM radio. This, perhaps, is all. There are no such delights as support for memory cards or a built-in camera module. Besides the e-mail client, the handset offers traditional functions: organizer, sms-chat, converter, calculator, alarm clock (several ringtones) and voice recorder. The main target audience is undemanding users, for example, schoolchildren, for whom a radio receiver and sms messages will be enough.
Alcatel OT-800
The Alcatel OT-800 mobile device was announced at the end of 2009 and went on sale at the beginning of this year. At the time of its release, this model was considered one of the most affordable on the domestic market. Alcatel OT-800 is made in a classic candy bar form factor. In addition to the fact that the device is equipped with a full-fledged QWERTY-keyboard, it also has a good functional set: support for EDGE, JAVA, built-in Bluetooth module, a camera with a resolution of 2 megapixels, support for Micro-SD memory cards, and a mini-USB connector. There are plenty of color solutions: from classic gray to extraordinary light green.
The Alcatel OT-800 is definitely worth the money. It has several interesting features, such as a side Jog Dial (very convenient), an accelerometer, and a high-quality polyphonic speaker. The main quality feature of the device is its excellent performance. The only thing you have to get used to is the keyboard. Despite the fact that the hardware platform is in many ways similar to the Chinese "pipes", the software from the manufacturer Alcatel has been significantly redesigned and differs for the better.
Alcatel OT-802
This model is the direct successor to Alcatel OT-800. The similarity can be seen here in everything. The price is about the same, and the functionality is basically the same. Alcatel OT-802 has been completely redesigned. The changes also affected the keyboard, which became similar to the Nokia E72. The navigation key has undergone an upgrade and is now optical.
The device's own memory has increased to 80 megabytes (its predecessor has 20 megabytes).
Output:
If you have an amount of about 800-900 hryvnia and want to buy a phone with a QWERTY keyboard, then there are as many as 3 good options. Which phone to choose is a matter of personal preference. Alcatel OT-800 and Alcatel OT-802 have a significant difference only in appearance. Note also that it makes sense to buy Alcatel OT-255 for those who have a small amount to buy a phone. This model offers too little functionality.
From 900 to 1800 hryvnia
This segment includes four devices, among which there is a smartphone - Nokia E63. The other three manufacturers (Samsung, LG and Alcatel) have equally interesting solutions in their arsenal.
Alcatel OT-880
In this price category, the cheapest is the device from Alcatel - OT-880, the body of which is made in the form factor of a side slider.The keyboard of devices of this form factor has always been very comfortable. The only drawback of this solution is the increased thickness of the case. If we compare this model with the Alcatel OT-800 monoblock, the difference in thickness is three millimeters. Note that due to its rounded shape, Alcatel OT-880 is quite comfortable to carry in the pockets of clothes.
Of the pleasant features, it is worth highlighting the presence of a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. The QWERTY keyboard is not the only highlight of the device. Touchscreen lovers will appreciate the touchscreen. In the sun, the image on this screen is hardly distinguishable, in contrast to the same Alcatel OT-800. by the way, in technical terms, this device has a lot in common with its predecessor, it's a pity that there is no accelerometer here.
LG Onliner GW300
Onliner GW300 is a classic QWERTY candy bar, which is mainly aimed at the youth audience. The technical characteristics for the most part coincide with the Alcatel OT-802 model. Improvements to the LG model include a large 3-inch display and a 3.5mm input. The manufacturer promotes this device, focusing on integration with social services through Idea Widgets and Yandex. However, all of these applications can be installed on other JAVA-enabled phones as well. The device has a pre-installed ABBYY dictionary, as well as a training game called Typing Game for quick mastering of the QWERTY keyboard.
In general, the model is quite interesting. The cost of LG Onliner GW300 is about 1200 hryvnia. This device is recommended for those users for whom the monoblock form factor is essential, as well as for those who like the shell from LG.
Samsung GT-B3410
The Samsung GT-B3410 features a high-quality 2.6-inch touch screen, as well as a convenient proprietary shell. The display of the device is made using capacitive technology. This, in turn, means that the screen is able to perceive only finger touches (although this is not a fact, because there are special digital styluses on the market based on a radio frequency module). In addition, the device has a standard 3.5mm jack for wired headphones, Bluetooth 2.1, EDGE, a slot for Micro-SD memory cards, and a 2MP camera. There are also annoying omissions. For example, there is no DATA cable included in the package. Another disappointment is the memory limitation for JAVA applications (only 4 megabytes). Before purchasing this model, we advise you to thoroughly "surf" the Internet in search of not only technical information, but also user reviews (there are a lot of negative things to read about the Samsung GT-B3410 software).
Nokia E63
And the latest model in this price segment is the Nokia E63 smartphone. The price of the E63 is on average 1600-1700 hryvnia, which is quite a bit for the functional set that the device is equipped with. For wireless data transmission, you can use both 3G and Wi-Fi 802.11b / g (support for WPA, WPA2, WEP, 802.1X). In addition, there is a huge amount of all kinds of software for the Symbian operating system on the network. Other features: Bluetooth, radio, 3.5mm audio jack, 2 megapixel camera. The main disadvantage of the E63 is the fact that this model was released back in 2008. The used version (9.2) of the operating system is already outdated, besides, the screen diagonal is very modest by today's standards - 2.36 inches.
Output:
The considered price segment left a double impression. On the one hand, the devices at the bottom (Alcatel OT-880) and top (Nokia E63), the boundaries of the price range, look quite interesting. The Alcatel OT-880 attracts with its low price and the combination of a QWERTY keyboard with a touch screen. Nokia The E63 is, whatever one may say, a smartphone with a huge amount of software available to it. As for the Samsung GT-B3410, and especially the LG GW300, these phones are hardly winning options, although there is a buyer for them. The advantages of Samsung GT-B3410 include high-quality (Samsung always compares favorably with this) capacitive display. Model from It's hard for LG to find any pros at all. Well, maybe Idea Widgets and other applications, but this is clearly not enough, tk.users of other models can install similar applications on their own. Subjectively, slightly outdated might be the best option. Nokia E63.
From 1800 to 3000 hryvnia
At this price point, quite functional QWERTY devices are collected, equipped with all the necessary functions. It should be noted that there is not a single ordinary phone among the presented devices. The software platforms of these devices are Android, Symbian or Windows Mobile.
Nokia 6760 Slide
The Nokia 6760 Slide smartphone is based on the Symbian operating system version 9.3. The body of the device is made in the form factor of a side slider. The thickness is acceptable - 15.6 millimeters. Nokia 6760 Slide is equipped with a 2.4-inch QVGA-screen, GPS-receiver, 3.2-megapixel camera. There is also support for wireless technologies for data transmission 3G and Bluetooth, a slot for memory cards format Micro-SD (maximum memory capacity - 8 gigabytes). The smartphone has a peculiar design that not everyone will like. The keyboard of this device can be called comfortable. The disadvantages include the lack of a 3.5 mm audio jack. Also, Wi-Fi would not be superfluous, but unfortunately it is not here.
Vobis Highscreen Zeus
This communicator runs on the Android operating system and is the most affordable among Android backgrounds. The communicator has support for Wi-Fi and 3G technologies, Bluetooth, a GPS receiver, and a 3-megapixel camera. The Zeus screen has a resolution of 240x400 pixels and a large diagonal of 3.2 inches. The function of the "brain" responsible for all tasks is performed by the Qualcomm MSM 7225 processor. The RAM is 256 megabytes, and the ROM is 512 megabytes. Considering the fact that the Vobis Highscreen Zeus is a side slider, let's call it a small thickness - 15.1 millimeters. The outdated version of the Android 1.5 operating system, as well as the lack of Google services, are not encouraging. In addition, this model will not be able to stay on the market for a long time, and, most likely, it will be discontinued in the coming months. Be that as it may, this device looks quite attractive in terms of functionality. Fans of third-party assemblies can install Android 2.1 on the communicator, however, we would not recommend installing such dubious assemblies.
Nokia C6
Nokia C6, like the previous two models, is made in a side slider form-factor. The C6 was released this year. At the moment, the price of the device is approximately 2600-2700 hryvnia. If you are ready to shell out that amount, then you will have the following functions at your disposal: 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, FM radio, 5-megapixel camera with autofocus. In addition, the device supports memory cards with a maximum capacity of 16 gigabytes, and has a 3.5 mm audio jack. The 3.2-inch display has a good resolution of 640x360 pixels (this is a typical value for touchscreen Symbian smartphones). The thickness of the device is slightly more than average - 17 millimeters. It should be noted that in terms of price and features, this model is almost the best in its price category.
Nokia E71
For the same money (2600 hryvnia) you can buy Nokia E71 - a business class device released in 2008. This "handset" is equipped with a good 2.36-inch screen. There is support for third-generation networks, GPS-receiver, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a mediocre 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus. The device supports memory cards with a maximum capacity of 8 gigabytes. There is a drawback - an outdated version of the Symbian operating system (9.2). In short, at the time of release in 2008, this version was the freshest. Another drawback is the implementation of a 2.5 mm connector instead of the standard one. By the way, the thickness of the monoblock is only 10 millimeters, which can be safely attributed to the advantages of the device. Talking about business-class non-touch QWERTY devices, we can also mention the Nokia E75, which looks good in terms of equipment, but at the same time is quite rare on sale.
SE Xperia X10 mini pro
The miniature smartphone Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro costs a little more than the previous model. Its dimensions are really tiny: 90x52x17 millimeters. The body of this device is implemented in a side slider form factor.From the main technical characteristics, we highlight the following: a high-quality 2.55-inch QVGA-screen, made using capacitive technology, a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and a lot of other standard functions. At the moment, the Android version is only 1.6, but the manufacturer promises to release an update to the modern version 2.1 by the end of the year.
The interface of the smartphone is personalized with the "4 corners" shell, which is specially adapted for screens with a small diagonal. In any case, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro is more of a fashion solution than a serious Android smartphone. This device is suitable for those who need a phone with good functionality and capabilities.
Htc snap
To be honest, we thought for a long time about whether it is worth including this device in this article at all. On the one hand, the model is not outdated, since released in 2009 and is easy to find on sale. But on the other hand - HTC Snap has very mediocre characteristics. At a cost of UAH 3000, HTC Snap offers the user Windows Mobile Standart OS, a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, a 2-megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The hardware platform of the smartphone is based on the Qualcomm MSM 7225 processor, which operates at a clock frequency of 528 megahertz. There are 192 megabytes of RAM and 256 megabytes of flash memory. Integrated MS Outlook, Inner Circle, ExchangeServer are available to the user. HTC Snap can be called a traditional business solution, made in a classic style. Nevertheless, the time for Windows Mobile is gone, besides, for such a price you can find a device with the best technical equipment and performance.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1
The XPERIA X1 has long been the flagship of Sony Ericsson. For two years since the release of the device, its cost has dropped significantly, thanks to which the device still looks attractive for a certain category of users. The side slider is equipped with a large 3-inch screen with a resolution of 480x800 pixels. There is all the necessary functional arsenal: 3G, GPS, Wi-Fi, a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, a slot for micro-SD memory cards. The built-in Qualcomm MSM7200A processor is clocked at 528 megahertz. The size of the RAM is 256 megabytes, the flash memory is 512 megabytes. The device is running Windows Mobile version 6.1. In today's smartphone market, the Windows Mobile operating system looks outdated, but for those who are not intimidated by this, the XPERIA X1 might be a good option.
Output:
The price category from 1800 to 3000 thousand hryvnia can be called average (or slightly above average). Subjectively, QWERTY-phones in this price segment make a slightly depressing impression. Only one smartphone smooths out this unpleasant impression - Nokia C6, which is the most versatile solution. The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro also looks good, due to its compact dimensions and attractive appearance (although here, rather, for an amateur). The rest of the models are not particularly pleasing. Of Some people might like WM devices with XPERIA X1, although its price is slightly overpriced. And besides, the days Windows Mobile are numbered because this operating system has lately lagged far behind its competitors.
From 3000 to 4500 hryvnia
We have identified five phones in this price segment. Three of them run on Symbian OS, and two on Android operating system. LG GW620 is the most affordable device in this segment. Let's start with him.
LG GW620
This device entered the market at the end of 2009, but, despite this, it has modern "hardware" equipment. The device was equipped with a TFT touchscreen display with a resolution of 320x480 pixels, a 3.5 mm jack, support for Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS technologies, as well as a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus. There is support for memory cards with a maximum capacity of 32 gigabytes. The LG GW620 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7200 processor with a clock frequency of 528 megahertz. The only thing that confuses is the version of Android OS - 1.5, which cannot be called modern. The manufacturer is still silent about a possible upgrade of the operating system version to 2.1.There are also certain inconveniences with keyboard localization. In general, the model is quite interesting, even taking into account the above-mentioned shortcomings.
Nokia E72
Nokia E72 is a business class model. The QWERTY keyboard of this device is very often referred to as the benchmark for convenience. But, as you know, you have to pay for convenience, in our case, about 3200 hryvnia. Functionally, the E72 looks good: Wi-Fi, GPS-receiver, 3G support, 5-megapixel camera with autofocus, Bluetooth, 3.5-mm audio jack, support for memory cards up to 16 gigabytes. The device has a small QVGA-display, the diagonal of which is only 2.36 inches. This screen is not touch-sensitive. The device runs Symbian 9.3. In principle, everything is clear here: a typical strict business-class smartphone with a thin body. Nokia E72 is suitable for those who need a non-touch candy bar with a QWERTY keyboard and rich functionality. If you need something simpler, we advise you to pay attention to a more affordable model - Nokia E71.
Nokia N97 and N97 mini
The Nokia N97 multimedia computer was officially presented back in December 2008. Until now, the technical characteristics of the model are of interest to a certain circle of users. The device is made in the form factor of a side slider and has rather large dimensions - 117.2x55.3x15.9 mm. In the asset of this device: a large 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of 640x360 pixels, 32 gigabytes of internal memory, as well as support for 3G, GPS-receiver, Wi-Fi module. The software base of the device is the operating system Symbian v.9.4. The price of the device at the moment is 4500 hryvnia, which is quite a lot, even for such a functional model.
About a year after the release of the N97, in the fall of 2009, the N97 mini was announced, which is distinguished by a lower cost, smaller dimensions and naturally slightly cut functionality. In N97 mini, the navigation key has been removed, the screen diagonal has been slightly reduced (by 0.3 inches). The built-in memory in this model is 24 gigabytes less, that is - 8 gigabytes. The mechanical shutter on the camera lens has also disappeared. The battery capacity has been reduced by 300mAh and is now 1200mAh. Due to such a difference in characteristics, the cost of the model cannot be called low. N97 mini is only 600 hryvnia cheaper than its older brother.
Sony Ericsson U8i Vivaz Pro
The cost of Sony Ericsson U8i Vivaz Pro is around 3500-3700 hryvnia. This device, like Nokia N97, runs Symbian OS. In technical terms, Sony Ericsson U8i Vivaz Pro fully corresponds to its price category: GPS-receiver, Wi-Fi, 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and the ability to record video in HD-format (720p). The diagonal of the screen is 3.2 inches, and the resolution is 360x640 pixels. Unlike other devices in this price segment, the model from Sony Ericsson impresses with its very original design, especially the combination of rounded and chopped edges. Subjectively, this device looks more attractive against the background of competitors.
Motorola MILESTONE
In the American market, at one time, the review model. As for the keyboard, it should be a little talked about. Localization is not the best here - some letters are combined on one button, while the Latin and Russian designations of the buttons are built one above the other, due to which it becomes difficult to type the text not “blindly”. On the other hand, you get used to it in a couple of weeks. Another drawback is that the key travel is minimal, plus they are recessed into the body, so it will take some time to adapt. Be that as it may, we advise you to personally evaluate the QWERTY keyboard before buying, so as not to be disappointed later.
Output:
In the price range from 3000 to 4500 hryvnia, each of the devices deserves attention. In terms of design, in our opinion, Ericsson U8i Vivaz Pro looks preferable. Each device has its own characteristics, pros and cons. I liked Motorola MILESTONE, which, in fact, has no flaws, and the price does not bite too much. The LG GW620 has only one flaw - an outdated version of Android. Despite the good functionality, Nokia N97 does not look very attractive due to the high price.For those who don't like the large size of the N97, you should pay attention to the slightly stripped-down mini version, which costs less and is more compact in size.
More than 4500 hryvnia
At the very top price category, two smartphones with different platforms are striking - Maemo and Windows Mobile 6.5. None of them can be called completely winning.
Nokia N900
The Nokia N900 is based on the Maemo 5 platform. The disadvantage of this platform is the small amount of software available today. The N900 is more intended for those who like to delve into a variety of functions and settings, despite some flaws in the software. In general, the N900 is not aimed at the mass consumer, but rather a public test of the new platform. For those wishing to purchase a simply functional QWERTY device, there are many other offers. By the way, the Maemo platform itself will no longer be developed, tk. it is intended to be replaced by the Meego platform being developed jointly with Intel.
HTC Touch Pro 2
In technical terms, this QWERTY device looks very solid, except for a mediocre 3.2-megapixel camera, which is simply unacceptable for a device costing over UAH 6,000. A high-quality 3.6-inch screen with a resolution of 800x480 pixels attracts attention. The color rendition of the screen is high, as are the viewing angles. The disadvantage of this device is the fact that its operation is based on the Windows Mobile operating system, which has slowed down its development. This is worth thinking about, since the device costs a lot and, most likely, will be purchased in the future (with rare exceptions).
Output:
If you are willing to spend a lot of money buying a good QWERTY background, then most likely your wish will not come true. The fact is that the devices of the highest price category do not look like hits, and they cannot offer anything fundamentally new, except for the overpriced. Nokia N900 is a kind of experiment to bring the new platform to the masses. As for the HTC Touch Pro 2, it is rapidly losing its advantages Windows Mobile gives reason to think about the advisability of buying this device. In any case, when buying these devices, think carefully about whether they are worth their money, so as not to regret the amount spent later.
Promising new items
In the near future, several new products from Alcatel, one device from Acer, as well as the Nokia C3 phone based on the classic S40 can be safely added to the list of noteworthy QWERTY devices. By the way, Alcatel's arsenal has its own answer to the Nokia C3 - the OT-806 model, which has not only a built-in Wi-Fi module, but also a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen display. The price of these two models will be quite comparable.
Of interest is another model from Alcatel - OT-606, the body of which is made in a slider form factor. This device has both a standard numeric and a full QWERTY keyboard. This format is not very widespread on the domestic market, although there is some logic in using two keyboards. After all, you don't always need a QWERTY keyboard. For example, in everyday use (dialing numbers), a regular keyboard will look more practical. The dimensions of this model are 109x51x16.5 mm. This unit is equipped with a 2.2-inch display and a 0.3 megapixel nominal camera. There is support for Micro-SD memory cards. In general, given the functionality of the device, we dare to assume that the price will pleasantly surprise you.
Another interesting model is the Acer beTouch E130, which is a candy bar running Android. The display is made using resistive technology, its diagonal is 2.6 inches, and the resolution is 320x240 pixels. Main functions: Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, Bluetooth, radio, accelerometer, average 3.2-megapixel camera, micro-SD card slot. In terms of hardware, not everything is so rosy: ST Ericsson processor with a clock frequency of 416 megahertz, RAM - 256 megabytes, flash memory - 512 megabytes. The software base is already outdated - Android 1.6, but the smartphone has just appeared on the market. Note that there will most likely not be an update to Android 2.1.
Conclusion
As you can see, on the modern market there are many mobile devices equipped with a full-fledged QWERTY keyboard, and there are representatives in all price categories. At the moment, the situation is developing in such a way that a serious struggle has unfolded in the lower and middle price segments, while with an increase in the price, the choice before the buyer becomes less, and the reason for this is an almost empty segment. We are talking specifically about QWERTY-devices, tk. there are plenty of interesting options without a QWERTY keyboard (the same Samsung Galaxy S or HTC Desire). But to give a lot of money for the HTC Touch Pro 2 or Nokia N900 there is no particular desire. Perhaps the situation will change with the release of HTC Vision, which has a slide-out keyboard, a large 3.7-inch screen, a powerful processor clocked at 1 gigahertz, as well as a fresh version of Android 2.1. One cannot but agree with the fact that this device looks an order of magnitude more preferable than competitors available in our time. And the Finnish manufacturer is intriguing with unofficial photos of its future flagship N9, running on the MeeGo operating system. In general, wait and see.
