LG VX8700
The LG VX8700 is a new design direction we haven't seen yet in the U.S., but unfortunately the aesthetic may be its most valuable import. The brushed metal case is a nice design choice that we think will catch on across a range of CE products because it repels fingerprints so nicely, and looks great with the mirrored accents. Still, we can't help but wish Verizon Wireless would open up a bit on control of the phone's menu structure. The LG VX8700 has some stylish and modern looking brushed metal themes to go along with the phone's overall look, but they still fall into the "Get It Now" hierarchical system. For the right price, though, this phone could be a trendsetter.
» LG VX8700 image gallery
Motorola MOTORIZR Z8
The difference between the angle of the slide on the RIZR Z8 and other slider phones isn't vast, but in terms of catching the eye for a cool design, it makes a huge difference. With colored highlights at the joints, the Z8 has a very organic looks, and is almost uncanny in the way the joint on the phone bends slightly like a knuckle, but it isn't only the unique slide mechanism that recommends this phone. The feature set is impressive and high-end, including a sharp QVGA screen, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, and support for microSDHC cards, this phone is a bold step into the slider category for Motorola, which has entered only hesitantly so far, with only one slider on the U.S. market at press time.
» Motorola MOTORIZR Z8 image gallery
Sony Ericsson K810
The Cyber Shot line of camera phones needs to learn a few lessons from the Walkman line. Take the top-of-the-line models, the K810 on the camera end, and the W880i on the Walkman lineup. The K880 is bulkier, and sports some higher-end optics, but it lacks the style of the W880, and the Cyber Shot interface is not as engaging as the Walkman player. Otherwise, the Xenon flash and autofocus mean the camera can be taken seriously, though we'll reserve judgment on images until we've taken some ourselves. 3.2-megapixels may sound low compared to gangly phones with higher density sensors coming from other Asian manufacturers, but it's perfectly acceptable for the K810 if the lens is great. We could forsake a few million pixels for a better looking image any day.
» Sony Ericsson K810 image gallery
Motorola MOTORAZR maxx Ve
» Motorola MOTORAZR maxx Ve image gallery
Samsung U700
» Samsung U700 image gallery
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