Monthly Archives: November 2009

Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 Pro Scala Review: Hardware

Available from Clove for £270.25.

Features of Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 Pro Scala

Windows Mobile 6.5
QWERTY Keyboard
6GB on board Memory
WiFi
Bluetooth
HSPA
A-GPS
3.2 Megapixel Camera
FM Radio
Lightweight at just 109g

What’s in the box of Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 Pro Scala?

Samsung Omnia Pro B7330
Battery (1500mAh)
UK AC Adapter
Micro USB Cable
Stereo Headset
Documentation
Getting Started Disc

The Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 Pro Scala, I will just call it the B7330 from now on, is a new hardware keyboarded Windows Mobile Standard phone which follows the path blazed by the HTC Snap and others of this form. This is a form factor loved by millions across the globe and one which will grab few headlines, yet will appeal for a large sector of the smartphone market.

It is a solid unit which feels well built and which has a slab like feel, but without the weight. At only 109 grams it is very light and feels just right in the hand. It is like a BlackBerry Bold 9700, but slightly longer and with a square screen and this is where its appeal may lie. Those who prefer this form factor, but want to steer away from the BlackBerry OS will turn to this in the hope that it offers an experience which is flexible and powerful in one small unit. Specifications wise the list if impressive with 6GB of memory, HSPA, Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard, Wi-Fi, A-GPS and a 3.2 Megapixel camera the highlights in a fairly complete setup. There is a lot in a small space on the B7330 and you won’t be found wanting for flexibility.

Despite the good build quality the covering is plastic and has an air of the Treo Pro about it. Of course it is much slimmer and the keyboard is better, but a different covering would be less prone to fingerprints and may offer a more professional feel to the unit. The keyboard is good, but not great with most keys placed as you would wish. The placements are correct, but somehow don’t feel quite right when you first use them. However, within a few minutes I was typing away quite easily and would rate it as one of the best next to the BlackBerry devices.

The main navigation button sticks out markedly on the front and dominates the design. It works very well and suits thumb use perfectly, but is in contrast to the rest of the look on the front. It could be more subtle. The volume keys are top left, sensible placement, and also on the left is the sync/charge port which is also the headphone socket. Sadly no 3.5mm headphone jack, but the port is standard which enables lots of accessories to be compatible in the future. On the right-hand side is the camera button and microSD slot which is neatly covered for extra protection. All in all the hardware and design on the B7330 are a triumph, but one that will appeal to the type of user who is looking for functionality rather than excitement.

My initial impressions of performance are positive with only the occasional lag present when performing multiple tasks. I need to look into the processor specs more, but it seems to be just about up to the job and the inclusion of 6GB of internal memory is a bonus not often seen in smartphones of this type. Throw in a 32GB microSD card and you will have all the space you need for documents, music, video etc. etc.

The screen is bright and capacious for a smartphone of this form and this should be expected when you consider the lack of touch functionality. The 320 x 320 display is non-standard and won’t be compatible with all third party apps, but a good number do support this resolution so you should not be left out in the cold for extra software.

On Monday I will be looking at the general performance and the way it performs during the busiest of days. The potential is there, but will it succeed and be worth the asking price?