Cingular's two HSDPA-enabled handsets -- the LG CU500 and Samsung's SGH-ZX20 -- promise cutting-edge features and bone-rattling speed. See which clamshell comes out on top.
Review summary of the LG CU500:
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Full review of the LG CU500:
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Round 1: Video
The video content on Cingular's network includes well-known, name-brand properties from HBO and Comedy Central. Both phones stream video content clearly, but the size of their small screens leaves something to be desired, and neither handset offers a full-screen or landscape view. That said, the LG CU500 (full review) has a two-inch screen -- a quarter-inch larger than the screen on the Samsung SGH-ZX20 (full review) -- which gives it the edge. Also, the ZX20 suffers from hiccups in its streaming video buffer, meaning that even short videos can be interrupted. Finally, we ran into lengthy load times on the ZX20, while videos took mere seconds to load on the CU500, and never stuttered.
Winner: LG CU500
Round 2: Music
With Bluetooth stereo headphone support, impressive onboard speakers and dedicated music buttons beneath its external screen, the LG CU500 is a strong contender for the music title. We're not exactly convinced of the benefits of the phone's advertised "3D Surround Sound," but listening to music on such tiny speakers is never an optimal experience. The Samsung ZX20, while completely capable of playing popular music file formats, doesn't sport the amenities of the CU500, such as the dedicated music controls or Bluetooth stereo. To its credit, the ZX20's side-loading memory card expansion slot is much more accessible than the CU500's, which is hidden beneath the battery (and means you must turn off the LG phone every time you want to remove the card).
Winner: LG CU500
Round 3: Imaging
Though both cameras get points for effort, neither produces images that are of acceptable quality. Each phone features a 1.3-megapixel camera, and both offer a range of image editing tools. In addition, each of our contenders makes it easy to transfer pictures to your computer using a swift Bluetooth connection. Though the cameras on both phones swivel on the hinges of each clamshell, neither will flip the image when you rotate the lens, so your pictures may end up upside down unless you make the proper tweaks in the respective settings menus. Ultimately, the ZX20 pulls ahead of the CU500 when it comes to shooting video. Although the LG CU500 lets you create animated GIF files on the camera (a nice touch), the videos we shot on the LG had a strange, liquid quality while the camera was in motion, while videos on the ZX20 looked blocky, but smooth.
Winner: Samsung SGH-ZX20
Round 4: Calling
Both phones excelled at call quality, but neither was perfect. While we detected some static on the Samsung ZX20, the LG CU500 had a bad habit of picking up breathing sounds. Overall, the LG offered better ambient noise reduction than the Samsung phone. Phonebook capabilities are almost identical on the phones, but the LG phone does offer a few more entry fields for each contact, including contact groups. Neither included voice-dialing features, which should be standard on next-gen phones by now. During our testing in and around New York City, reception was usually better on the Samsung phone, though only by a bar or so, and neither phone dipped below two bars during our roving tests. With its better-sounding calls and more robust phonebook, the LG CU500 comes out on top.
Winner: LG CU500
Round 5: Messaging
The keys on the Samsung ZX20 are soft and rubbery to the touch, while the keypad on the LG CU500 is flush and tougher to tap. That said, the messaging interface on the LG phone is much easier to use, thanks to its larger screen and its ability to display more characters at once. Neither phone handled messaging very well; interacting with the applications was not as smooth as you would expect on a state-of-the-art phone, requiring more steps to access the IM programs and send messages. The ZX20 does a poor job of notifying you when a new message has arrived, especially if you are using a different application on the phone, like playing a game or browsing the mobile Web. The LG makes multi-tasking a bit easier, with a dedicated application-switching button on the side of the phone.
Winner: LG CU500
And the winner is...
While we were impressed by the ZX20's relatively superior camcorder abilities and its easy-to-access, side-loading microSD expansion slot, the LG CU500 wins out where it matters most for an HSDPA-enabled phone: streaming video. Though both phones would benefit from a full-screen mode for video clips, the LG CU500 proved much more capable of handling streaming content than the Samsung ZX20, which had buffering issues and longer load times. While we thought typing was easier on the ZX20's keys than on the CU500's smooth, tough-to-tap keypad, we felt that overall calling and messaging duties were handled better on the LG. Finally, the CU500 gets a leg up with its dedicated music buttons and stereo Bluetooth capabilities.
Winner: LG CU500
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