Samsung S7330 Preview

Introduction:

We have previously discussed the popular strategy to use the design of a high-end phone for the production of a cheaper model of the same brand. Samsung’s L770 copying the U700 Ultra 12.1 is a typical example of that. But now again, the Koreans have decided to use that trick and the result is S7330, resembling the Soul. The phone is equipped with a 3-megapixel camera, FM radio, microSD slot and a touch-sensitive navigational pad.

Since we have a prototype, we’ll make preview instead of a review and will not get into details. Expect our review as soon as we get a final unit.

Design:

The S7330’s design reminds us of the Soul, but it lacks style and class, which in the high-end model are achieved by the use of quality material. Although it looks metal, only the battery lid is made of that material and the rest is plastic. Nevertheless, the phone is quite massive and heavy.




You can compare the Samsung S7330 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

The main display has a QVGA resolution and supports up to 16 million colors. Below it there is a small touch-sensitive display, used for navigation. In Soul, it was called MagicalTouch, but here, the manufacturer has decided to get rid of the funny name and keep the annoying separation of the soft buttons and the SEND, END keys. That leads to the frustrating “touch here, press there”.


The lower part of the slider houses the keyboard accompanied by the Clear button and two shortcuts. They provide access to a menu with all organizer functions and activating the video call.

On the right side, you will find the camera shutter and the microSD slot, and on the opposite you’ll see the volume rocker and the charger connector. We think that it’s time for Samsung to join the microUSB party.

Interface:

There’s nothing surprising here, especially after we’ve become familiar with the Soul line and most models of the manufacturer. Only small additions to the touch sensitive pad are present. You are now able to store your own themes and even select ones with color “arrows” (figuratively speaking; if we look at it as a D-pad).Unfortunately, you won’t be able to create such a colorful theme and will have to be satisfied with the monochrome ones. Pressing the central part of the pad when at the homescreen now opens a shortcut menu with 12 positions, which can lead to a group of options from the main menu (e.g. settings) and/or to features one step below them (e.g. display settings).



The phonebook has the popular option to search for number matches upon digit input. This could be done in the names as well, but you have to select the first position of the options. Unfortunately, there’s no second name filter. Nevertheless, all organizer functions such as alarms, calendar, notes, and calculator are present.


Since S7330 is a quad-band (850/900/1800/1900) GSM, it can be used worldwide. Unfortunately, it supports only the Asian and European 3G frequencies with maximum speeds of up to 3.6 Mbit/s. We are very much disappointed seeing a WAP browser, considering the fact that a cheap model like L770 is equipped with afull HTML one, and it gets very good results. It still loads heavy pages but the navigation is sluggish due to the lack of pan view.


The camera is 3-megapixel with autofocus, and LED flash and is run on software identical to Soul’s; the most frequently used functions are accessible via the touch pad. Overall, working with it is quite easy. Unfortunately, the phone is able to record only videos in the outdated QCIF (176х144) resolution, suitable only for MMS. The model offers all other multimedia functions, including a user-friendly music player, FM radio and video playback.


Although Samsung S7330 looks like the top-fashion model Soul, it left us with the impression that is more of a regular phone for the mass consumer. Its massive construction and the multiple shortcuts, which can make your life easier, are a proof for that. If we are right or wrong, we’ll find out in the in-depth review of a final unit.