Handset Focus - the Samsung G800 and Samsung Armani

Samsung have set out their stall for 2008. They want to rock into the world of mobile phones even harder than ever before, and really cement their position as one of the big 4 handset makers. With their new phones, the G800 and Armani, they're off to a very good start!

Released towards the end of 2007, the Samsung G800 is quite simply one of the sexiest and BEST cameraphones currently available in the UK. There's no denying it looks the part, with brushed metallic body subtly gleaming in the light. Combined with the mirrored front, it makes the G800 a joy to behold. But despite looking pantswettingly sexy, it really is a phone that's designed to do a very specific job. It's a cameraphone, and it sets out to be the absolute best cameraphone it can be.

Key to that is the simple fact that it weighs in at a huge 5 megapixels. Since there are only about 7 phones on the market in the UK that have a comparable camera, it's not got a huge amount of competition, but the competition it DOES have is tight. It's up against the Sony Ericsson K860i, the Nokia N95, the LG Viewty and other similar powerhouse cameraphones. But the G800 has a couple of secret wepaones up its sleeve, starting with the 3x zoom. And unlike ALL the other 5MP phones on the market, it's NOT digital zoom. Oh no, it's OPTICAL zoom, and it's the first 5MP phone to have it. Not only that, but with face recognition built in (which has to be seen to be believed, it's quite clear the G800 can hold its own against its rivals.

So, that's the cameraphone angle taken care of, but what have Samsung got planned for another emerging sector: the fashion phone? Simple. Do the same thing as LG did with the Prada, and sign up one of the biggest fashion houses in the business. And hence, we get the Samsung Armani, a phone they have high hopes for. You can tell by the way they call it their "iPhone-killer". And it's certainly based along similar lines, with a full touchscreen interface (which, again, simply has to be experienced to be believed), 3 megapixel camera and gorgeous, exclusive looks. There's no denying it's a lovely phone to use, and let's face it, that exclusive 'Armani' badge is going to sway a LOT of people's heads!

So, all in all, it's fair to say that with the Samsung G800 and Samsung Armani, they've certainly made a very good start to 2008. I can't wait to see what other beauties they've got up their sleeves, later in the year!