Innovation is the lifeblood of the mobile industry. Without innovation, we would still be using phones, as phones. There would be no email, no music, no internet, no cameras, no Bluetooth, no GPS, no large colour screens, high speed data, touchscreens, and so on. Innovation keeps our industry alive, keeps it young, fresh and exciting. Sometimes, however, innovation steps outside the boundaries and presents something different, unique, but not always welcomed by users. Handsets with such innovations usually fade away into mobile obscurity, shunned by the savvy mobile buying public, who know a Dodo when they see one.
Handsets that have suffered more than others when it comes to such issues are those with ‘innovative keypads’. A quick trawl through recent mobile history shows that one of the largest culprits for handsets with ‘dodgy keypads’ is Nokia. Who can forget the abomination that was the Nokia 3650? A Symbian powered smartphone, with a circular keypad, mimicking the style of a traditional telephone? Or how about the Nokia 7600? The tear drop shaped device which was the first Nokia 3G phone available on the Three network? This device had a row of keys down each side of the screen, and was just plain ugly. Even ‘normal’ Nokia handsets, like the Nokia 7210, had a decidedly iffy keypad.
Now, whilst Nokia are the main culprit, they are not the only ones. Who can forget the Siemens SX1? This was also a S60 device, and for its time had a strong feature set. The phone was a traditional block design, but had a row of alphanumeric keys either side of the screen, whilst the control keys took the place where the traditional keypad should have been. Probably the least ugly of the phones, but when it comes to some things, innovation needs to be kept in check.
Now, there have been some innovations in keypads that haven’t been all bad. Keypads that sit on a touchscreen take some getting used to, but are manageable, as are QWERTY keypads on a phone. But on the whole, it is just wrong. This brings us nicely to the main focus of this review, the Samsung B3310. If there has been one strong area of growth in the mobile industry this year, it has been in messaging phones. Handsets with QWERTY keyboards, designed to allow instant and easy access to messaging and social platforms, be that SMS, MMS, Email or Instant Messaging.
The Samsung B3310 is equipped with a QWERTY keyboard, a comfortable three row QWERTY that is accessed by sliding the keypad out from the side of the phone. But the issue with the B3310 is not with the QWERTY, the issue with the B3310 is the design of the alphanumeric keypad. For some reason, Samsung have decided that this is best placed down the left hand side of the phone, running down from top to bottom. And it just looks ugly! And, where the keypad would ordinarily be placed, the B3310 has a very large 5 way navigation D-pad, surrounded by two navigation keys, and handset call keys instead. A waste of valuable space, which would have been better served by being used for the keypad, or even a larger screen.
Aside from the brutal aesthetics, the Samsung B3310 is an average device at best, with a low to mid range market entry point. The display on the phone is a TFT QVGA screen, supporting up to 256,000 colours. Auto rotate operates on the device, when the slide is opened the phone display automatically switches over into landscape view.
The phone has a 2.0 Megapixel camera, enabled with QVGA video recording. We also find Bluetooth 2.1, with A2DP audio support, and the media player is capable of taking MP3 audio files, and MP4 video. Internal memory runs at 40MB, which can be expanded with MicroSD memory cards.
All pretty standard fare, nothing to make you go “Wow”. An average mobile phone, with an average feature line-up, and a purely ugly look. It’s safe to say, the B3310 will not be making its way onto our most wanted list, anytime soon!
Related Samsung B3310 Links
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10:53 pm
Looks are only important to people that want to "prominade" their phone, you know,the shallow people that think something is "cool". What is important is that it does what a phone should, make phone calls. I've not found a phone as good as my original Nokia 9000 for texting etc but at £50 unlocked this Samsung B3310 is a steal for anyone that wants to use it for text and phone calls. Who really cares that its pink, in fact it makes it easier to find, I ordered mine today for just £49.99. My original Nokia cost £3000.
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7:01 pm
Its sold out from the Carphone Warehouse website and I've tried two other stores and cant get it and its going for twice its value on ebay... cant be that rubbish the can it?
10:01 pm
I think its quite nice looking but I agree about the big keys ...they should have made it a touch screen!
11:46 pm
I got this phone from the Carphonewarehouse store in Golder's green,(NW London) a month ago. I got it because I prefer slider phones that protects the keys and locks the phone. Its good for texting and calls. Having the numbers on the outside took a while to get use to but it's easier dialing the numbers and pressing the speed dial numbers saved to your phone. The pricing was excellent, I was a bit concerned that its pink but as someone said earlier its easier to find in your bag or rucksack. The MP3 player and radio are excellent for the short commute to work.
6:26 pm
As I've just pointed out on gsmarena, this qwerty keyboard has the full 4 rows of keys. Unlike some other phones that have just 3 rows with the numbers sharing keys with letters (e.g. LG KS360)
2:07 pm
Got this phone a week after it came out from Carphone Warehouse. Looks great, and I love it, the qwerty keyboard is really good and for the price, its a steal!
1:26 pm
hey I want to buy this phone, can anyone tell me how the volume is, is it good or ok?
12:12 pm
Hey does anyone know what the software is like? Are the options easy to access and such?
4:32 pm
I think it looks awesome and is number 1 on my most wanted list (the blue one, it also comes in blue and black). The fact that it has a QWERTY keyboard in France is great 'cause I find the AZERTY keyboards here hard going. Who cares that it's only got a few features? All I'm looking for is texting, calling occasionaly, bluetooth and a good camera. The fact that it's got MSN, email, radio and an MP3 is just a bonus! I have a friend with one and she says it's perfect, fits exactly in her perfectly-normal-sized pocket and works just fine. Bring on Christmas!
5:37 pm
I want 2 buy the phone, but I'm not sure if it's good. Can someone tell me about thevolume, is it easy to use? Is it a slow? and what is the price in Cyprus?
4:29 pm
Can anyone tell me if this is a good phone, I've heard lots of stories about it having MSN is this true?
11:40 am
hi does this phone has wifi?
4:49 pm
Erm, in answer to the wifi question. Sadly, it doesn't but who needs it for such a small and cheap phone? Buy an iPod Touch for wifi and this phone
x
10:12 am
I like the numbers being down the side, it is original and I like the look of it. I think it looks great and for $149 (aust).
1:06 pm
I can't find anywhere if it has WiFi.. Help?
2:14 pm
It does not have WiFi. I have one, it is a good phone. I bought one that isn't pink, it is titan grey.
4:57 am
I'm getting one of these for Christmas. All I really wanted was a good camera, Bluetooth, memory card slot and easy to text sort of phone. I agree with what Ella says, MSN, Email and all of that is just a bonus. I hope it'll be a great phone. If there's anything else that's really good about this phone please mention it.
12:26 am
Can anyone tell me, apart from all the features it's got, if this phone isn't cheap plastic light rubbish? I wanted to get this phone for my brother for christmas but now saw it in a store, and the sliding part of it is so light, plastic and even moves a little bit when you pull a bit to it. This frightens me, as when sliding it in and out all the time, I dont think it will survive 5 months of use. Can someone please confirm or tell me what he/she thinks about this issue?
2:43 pm
I've just bought this phone for my 11 year old daughter's first phone as I thought the keypad was a better option for texting without her getting confused. I think this phone looks nice. I have never had a problem with the Samsung phones that I've had in the past, unlike the last two Sony Ericsson phones that have both stopped working after eight months, I will only go for Samsung now.
5:50 am
I got the Nokia N96 only 8 months ago and already it's had several problems (software/dodgy keypad/firmware) and have just sent it in for repair. I purchased the Samsung B3310 after seeing a similar phone with a qwerty keypad so I thought I'd check it out. I think it's a brilliant and good value for money phone. It only sells for $149 in Australia and has all the features such as email, internet, sms, camera, mp3 and more. It's easy to use and easy to setup too. In fact I actually think it's better and much nicer than my Nokia N96 and to be perfectly honest I think that sometimes simpler is much better and am considering buying a "spare" as I'm very happy with this phone.
5:52 am
BTW I bought the "Jade Green" which is a really pretty colour but also easy to find in a black handbag! I also don't think this phone is ugly, infact I think it's probably the prettiest phone I've had and I really like the layout of the keys too. I hope this helps you make up your mind whether or not this is the phone for you, I highly recommend it!
5:44 pm
Me 2 LOL
7:50 am
I really love this phone. I don't know why you don't like where the alphanumeric pad is. Its up there to match a keyboard. I don't like that they put it above where the keyboard is, but it's fine.
7:01 am
I got this today (Christmas Present!) and I think it's an awesome phone! I had an iPhone and you're probably thinking "I'd rather have the iPhone than this piece of crap!" if so, than I disagree with you. Search up on google 25 things wrong with the iPhone and then you'll see why. But I still think it's one best phones I have ever had!
1:40 pm
How can you make it go wireless? its a great phone but it costs too much credit to go on the internet just for 1 minute! please tell me how I can make it wireless.
9:19 pm
I got this phone for christmas from my dad. I was looking for something easy to text with and trendy and this is exsacly what I got. It was 4 bars charged and lasted 2 days as I charged it on christmas eve, I love the buttons on the side and the Orange signal is ok. I am very pleased with my Samsung B3310 and am happy with the colour pink, its cool but avalible in black and blue too, £50 and 100% worth it.
12:40 am
brilliant phone got it for christmas!!! but i cant find msn does it have it?
3:21 pm
I've saved some money to buy this phone. I'm still having the doubt to buy this phone or not. Some people say the phone is awesome, but some say the keyboard is too light. Is that true?
Shall I buy this phone?
Please reply.
1:54 pm
DJ,
Buy it.
It would be good even if it were more expensive.
does all I want which is simple calls and texts.
I dont use any of the other stuff like facebook or mp3 so cant comment on them
A slide out keyboard is,for me far better then a touch screen but each to their own.
5:51 pm
DJ,
Don't buy it! The keyboard/slider is way too light/cheap done. You will only be happy with it for a short time. Invest a little more to get a little more solid stuff
1:01 pm
Yesterday I purchased the Titan Grey model but wished the shop had another colour to choose from apart from pink! However I don't like the user manual, the "Function"s are written in light blue which makes reading difficult, or is it just me?
I do like the "lock" on the * button instead of having to use 2 buttons on the Sony Ericsson mobile.
The main reason for buying this B3310 is for the qwerty keyboard, so much easier to send text this way and it's price, hope it doesn't fail in other areas once I've had the hang of it, despite the user manual's light blue colour print
9:32 pm
Does this phone have the voice dial feature to use with handsfree bluetooth (car)
6:32 pm
I presume that when bernd Says:
"Don't buy it! The keyboard/slider is way too light/cheap done"
He /She actually have one ! If not then the comment is of little value.
I don't want a slanging match, Ive simply reported my findings about the phone I purchased .
I've had mobile phones since 1985 when they cost well over a £1000 each so feel able to make reasoned observations about ease of use and practicality.
The B3310 is very good value for the money
10:43 am
I presume that Mr Michael is part of the Star Trek cast. I congratulate him by being in posession of a mobile phone since 1985 when they didn't exist yet.
It's also curious that such a pioneer of mobile phoning would choose such a playmobil phone that cannot come slightly close to the solid stuff that would have been built in the imaginary 1985 era.
And no, €120 is not value for money, when the thing will only last for a year or so. It's pure and plain rip-off.
12:51 pm
Oh dear,Ive upset Bernd and certainly did not mean to do so.
)
Ive just checked my old diaries and I did actually buy my first mobile phone from BT in 1987 and not 1985,so you are almost right, it cost £1800.
The first mobile phone network in the UK really was introduced in 1985 by Vodaphone and joined shortly after by Cellnet.
The first cellular phone that could be used on the move whilst travelling between cells was even earlier in America during the 1970.
So,Star Trek aside the Samsung B3310 is less than £50 in the UK and to me it represents good value for money which is of course a rather subjective evaluation.
Who knows maybe a transporter version is in development too
2:16 pm
I actually think that Michael is correct. The Samsung B3310 represents fantastic value in the UK for £50! Its a very popular budget phone which packs a punch in my eyes.
Nice bit of mobile phone history there Michael
6:19 pm
Thanks Bobby. I would also point out that prior to the pocket-able mobile phones and I've still got my Motorola 8500X "Brick" sitting on my desk to remind me just how heavy and bulky they were, there were mobile phones that were attached to a briefcase sized box that could be lugged around, truly portable, but not exactly pocket-able:-))
3:39 am
A lot of slide phones are flimsy and feel cheap, does this feel flimsy?
12:58 pm
Its not flimsy Suzy but it is made of plastic and I would not like to use it to pry open a jammed window
10:41 pm
I am going to buy this phone today, most of these reveiws have been terrific! It is not flimsy, only the display one's are. The lady at the shop pulled one out of a box for me and it was very solid, and felt like a good quality phone. I have heard a little bit about the battery being very weak though. Is this true?
6:38 pm
I am going to get one of these in black on saturday and need to set a few things straight 'Bernd'. Firstly my sisters friend has one and I have tried it, it is briliant it doesnt feel flimsy or cheap but the numbers on the phone are going to take a little getting used to so Bernd I think Michael (Star Trek MAn) is right...... Not Being Nasty but your wrong Bernd!!!!!!!!
8:35 pm
Battery life is not brilliant and no car charger is supplied. Mine lasts about 4 days or so before needing charging, I dont use it often, only 4 calls since Christmas two of which were sending photos taken on it. I dont know how it will fare with heavy usage.
8:14 pm
I bought this phone for my daughter for christmas, its really good value for money, some of the comments above say the keyboard feels cheap and flimsy but I haven't found this to be the case.
11:06 pm
I got this phone last week its a great phone with a slider qwerty keyboard, MSN, Facebook, Myspace, radio, mp3, good camera, internet, an easy way to download songs, simple layout stylish and when you slide it out it gives you a text box to start texting or emailing! any questions? I will answer them, this phone is very great, I would recommend it, it has everything a phone should do with a bonus, so please reply for any questions, by the way it comes in a choice of colours of pink, dark blue, black, turquoise, green and yellow.
11:16 pm
Sam: yes it does have msn, if you go to menu; then left from messages (the little envolope picture) click on internet, click on bookmarks and you'll see three down it says ' Instant Messenger ' which as you've gathered is the MSN
byee
8:26 pm
I'm helping my brother do some research for his first phone and he's considering this as doesn't want to spend a lot of money and wants a qwerty - quite ambitious, but I think we have found the answer in the B3310, I've always had a weakness for qwerty's, got a touchscreen myself but prefer an actual keyboard, unless it's the iPhone
2:47 am
So I can use Facebook on this phone?
11:55 am
Amea, yes you can use Facebook on the phone. I think that the Samsung B3310 is an excellent phone that I would recommend to anyone. It is cheap, light, pocket-sized, and has all the features that you need on your phone. Some people are asking if the keyboard is flimsy, no it isnt, it is actually pretty solid. On a scale from 1 - 10 I ould give the Samsang B3310 a rating of 9, overall it is a great phone.
9:10 pm
How much is the msn/Facebook costing?
9:10 pm
Claire: The Internet (on my tariff) will cost you 30p everytime but you can go online for aslong as you want for just 30p.
11:33 pm
Does this card take a SIM card? If it does will it still work in New Zealand after they get rid of the CDMA network?
8:31 pm
I'm thinking about getting this phone because I text loads and want a qwerty keypad but I'm not sure if the screen is too small, can anyone tell me if they screen is the right size or if it is too small. Does the phone feel cheap in your hands or does it feel like a proper good phone?
I cant decide if I like this phone best or the Samsung B3410 or I quite like the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, I cant decide,, please help!
6:10 pm
Out of the three phones you are looking at the 3310 is the best, I had a 3410 and got rid of it as you had to have mouse fingers to use, the settings are hard to use and the manual was a waste of time and may as well not be put in the box for all the help it was.
7:36 am
Get the 3310 it is alot better, any questions?? And it doesnt feel cheap or flimsy it feels fine and the screen is 4.2cm by 3.1cm, so tbh its an average size if you dont mind then go for this but if you want a huge screen then I would go for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic.
5:16 pm
My only problem is I cant view sms's when inside an application.
1:14 pm
Who can tell me how to delete recent contatcs in the message menu? email me sean1990-05@hotmail.com
10:31 pm
hey im thinkin about buying this phone next week but still abit unsure .. was just wondering what the phone like after about 6 months or more of use.. because all the comments i have read seem to be soon as got phone .. so could someone that had the phone 6 months or more let me no please oh and dose the slide up bit get wobbaly at all ??
thanks x
7:12 pm
The Samsung B3310 is still a good phone after 6 months and easy to use, not flimsy at all. The little cover on the charging point IS flimsy though and I now use a little screwdriver to open it. I am taking it back to the Carphone warehouse next week to see if they will rectify it as its a minor irritant. Overall though its been a real good bit of kit and great value for money.
Mine came unlocked too so I can swap sim cards as I've accounts with Virgin and Orange, good for two for one cinema tickets on Orange Wednesdays
).
I believe they are all unlocked, not 100% certain so do check. It also links into my Garmin Satnav via the bluetooth so I can use it hands free in the car.
Not sure pink is the right colour for me, does not match my blue eyes unless I've had a night out on the town
) GREAT value for the money Rachel, go for it.
5:31 pm
I'm on a contract but I hate my phone so I want to get a good phone that is not too expensive but that will last me for at least 18 months (when i get an upgrade). Should I buy this phone? I have heard that it is hard to access the music and such, is this true because most of these reviews have been good but I want to be sure before I buy this phone because I am sick of messing about with mobiles! Please answer!
6:07 pm
Hi Poppy, there are a lot more reviews and opinions here via the link below.
http://www.rightmobilephone.co.uk/Phone-Reviews_Samsung-B3310_963_Mobile-Review.html
Good luck
6:00 am
The Samsung GT B3310 is one fun phone. Just because you don't like it- don't trash it. Gosh.
2:48 pm
I bought this phone yesterday. It's a pretty awesome phone. The design might seem a little weird on the internet, but it actually looks pretty good.
The keypad and qwerty keyboard are really easy to use, it just takes a few texts to get used to what different buttons do. The menu screen is easy to navigate, and the applications are good. The camera is only two megapixels, but my old phone had two megapixels, and I feel this one is better.
I really like the unlocking and locking the phone just by holding down the top * button, it's really quick and easy. I would definitely recommend this phone, it's certainly worth the price.
3:03 pm
I just purchased this phone. I like it so far. I usally get a touch phone but I wanted something diff. I love the Keyboard. I soooo Love the Color!!! That is why I got it!
The only thing that I dont like so far is: the Screen is really small and I dont like how the date has to be on the tex msgs...It dosent have the option of mm/dd/Year
all the options are other ways. But so far so good...
8:47 am
I have no idea why people are saying this phone is not worth it, it is TOTALLY worth it! One of the best phones I've ever had. Awesome features and cheap plus effective is my type of phone!
2:36 pm
Hi, I got this phone for christmas 2009 and now its June 2010 and LOVE this phone so much! the phone doesn't come with a memory card but I had a samsung phone before this one and it was perfect as the old memory card was just the right size!
The small irritating problem is the noise after I send a text message, if anyone knows how to remove this noise please let me know, thanks very much!
Brenda, love this phone!
12:35 pm
Hi, my little niece is using this phone. She seemed really happy so I got one for my mum. Now my mum is totally NOT a phone person. She takes the longest time to figure out how to text! But this phone solved it all. And anyway to all the people complaining about the camera quality and music quality: if you want great music - buy an iPod. Good photos:buy a camera. For the price - this is a great phone! Completely worth it. And its NOT flimsy and seriously easy to find in a handbag or satchel.
7:51 am
Using this phone for a week after Nokia, SE, Moto, Micromax, Blackberry. Used to change phone once every year. This year is for Samsung. Now it is shipped as GT B3313 with Facebook, orkut, myspace etc...
Pros:
Weird but cool compact design (I like it in Jade green)
Easy and fast access unlike Nokia
Easy Texting and community page upgrades
Rich sound quality
All accessories (Data cable, 1GB card, Headset, Charger, PC Suite CD)
Low cost alternative to other Branded qwerty's
Cons
Not applications friendly
Not Internet friendly
Low resolution camera (No flash)
No 3mm Headphone jack
No Wifi, 3G, GPS
Overall I am marginally satisfied with this phone. You can go ahead with it if you just need Texting and regular phone features.
2:44 am
The phone is worth its price, but the keyboard is limited and cannot compose all characters, unlike my previous phone, which broke.
I bought mine in Sweden, and I can't even write my last name because it includes a “é”, which is very common in names, and included in some works.
Other missing characters include are à and ü.
However æ and ø is included, even if it is not included in the Swedish language, probably because it is included in Norwegian. So you can't actually write correctly in any language I know of except Finnish, not even English or Latin.
12:24 pm
I hate the fact that the memory card holder is too delecate and can easily brake because that what happened to me and now I can't use a memory card.
12:27 pm
my one broke too but i still use my memory card if u just place the memory card holder where it usually is it will be fine
7:30 pm
It does not ring for long enough and its ring tone is not loud enough, OK I wear a hearing aid and I'm almost at pensionable age but after nearly a year of use I still think its been a good buy. I still have not figured how to transfer all my phone numbers over from my other phone though
)
8:27 pm
is this phone touchscreen in anyway???
11:39 am
I've had mine 8 months with no problems. It came unlocked. It is light but I've dropped it a good few times and it's still alive! The camera seems a bit dodgy on mine it's fine at times then goes really sensitive and takes about 5 seconds to take a photo. I like the colour (I have the pink one) and the keyboard. I think it's a very nice phone for the price as I like sliders better and don't want a "flashy" phone. It's cheap and cheerful if that's what you're looking for I'd recommend it, I still like my D500 though, I used that for 5 years!
)
9:57 pm
I want to get this phone but all i am wondering is is it easy to type on coz my friend has a qwerty key pad and the buttons are tiny and really hard to type please reply
5:27 pm
It's really easy to text on! x
12:24 pm
nope once u get used o it its really fast
7:31 pm
Purchased a Samsung B3310 today. Husband's BP is off the scale. How on earth do you remove Facebook from the shortcut toolbar? It's there by default and we do not want it. Or how do you switch it off? We don't want to inadvertantly fall into Facebook. Thanks
6:52 pm
hi im not sure weather (soz about my spelling) to buy the samsung b3310 or the samsung tocco lite someone please help :-[
5:26 pm
Bought this phone a few months ago, it scratches quite easily but I'm always dropping my phone! It's great for social networking websites like facebook, myspace etc but facebook gets quite annoying as it signs you out after a few weeks and you have to type in your password about 50 times before it logs you in- very annoying! It's really fast texting as you get used to the qwerty keyboard really quickly. Texting and calling people is so simple and fast. Camera quality is good but if you put the photos on the computer they go very small! Also you can't upload photos from your phone onto facebook using your mobile and certain websites are "not supported format" no clue what that means. Its a sturdy phone as I have dropped mine so many times and it hasn't broken, a few scratches on the paint though so I recommend getting a cover or something. Overall a very good phone especially as it's easy to use and is very girly
hope I helped
11:02 am
re Ellie's comment, I can't figure out how to upload photos at all, I expected a usb lead in the box but there wasn't one, should there have been? someone told me i must have bluetooth on my pc because they all do? well i have a new laptop and it's not on there, or if it is i can't find it. i tried sending the photos via an e-mail but it says service not available so i don't know what to try next.
8:32 pm
I have heard that strip of slider is too delicate and is damaged too soon? is it so? please help me with this question as i am too excited to have this phone but want to know about thais problem? thanks
12:23 pm
nope its a great phone i have had it for a long time and nothing has happened to it
2:01 pm
Purchased this phone yesterday but cannot seem to access my hotmail emails. Any advice?
7:37 am
I want to buy this mobile phone today, is it worth it?
5:47 pm
I just got this phone from eBay..so far I like it, but the one thing I don't like is that when u send a text, it goes back to your inbox...I wish it would just send and go back to your home screen! I've looked thru the messaging settings, but haven't found anything..what is reply path? There is a box you can check, but I don't know what it means...and the manual doesn't mention it?! Any help???
9:05 am
I like this phone which I got free with a package from virgin media! Wanted one with a qwerty keyboard, liked the idea of a sliding/hiding keyboard. HOWEVER, I am concerned about locking the keyboard. The button just above the 1 (which shows a star and lock) certainly locks the phone, but you only have to move the slider keyboard for the phone to unlock. It did this only this morning on my way to work, phone in pocket, lock on and suddenly I got a phone call from the police because the lock had come off and my pocket was phoning 999!