You know the newest member of the Chocolate lineup that
just launched moments ago? Well, the sly folks over at
PhoneArena were somehow able to scrounge up a VX8550 for themselves and give it a good once over for the rest of us doing without. The crew was able to inspect the minutiae that we're all intrigued by, including the chrome scroll wheel, rearranged keypad, microSD slot that handles cards up to 4GB in size, and all the application critiquing you could ever want. Review wise, they seemed quite pleased with the overall call quality, noting that it was "better than the
previous model" and featured "noticeably less noise and distortion when the volume was raised to the highest setting." It was realized, however, that the quoted battery life was about an hour overstated, and although the new navigational pad presented a few quirks, the overall vibe was definitely positive.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ShortFuse @ Jul 6th 2007 12:51PM
Despite the fact that "the overall vibe was definitely positive", they gave it a 6.1 rating. Then again, it's fairly rare to see a well rated phone from Verizon. Most users I know would switch providers if the signal wasn't a problem. It's still pretty though.
Actually, now, AT&T in NYC area has gotten a lot better. My co-worker has Verizon and I have AT&T and we do on-site work together. Now most of the times, I'm lending him my phone because he doesn't have signal. Go figure.
elgee02 @ Jul 6th 2007 2:24PM
A 6.1 ain't too bad on that site. And you're wrong about "Then again, it's fairly rare to see a well rated phone from Verizon." The Maxx Ve, and the enV, and the SCH-A990 were all rated excellent.
And they only game Sprint's UpStage a 5.6 however.
ShortFuse @ Jul 6th 2007 6:13PM
Yes, only 1 phones ranked a 9 or higher (the a990). The enV got a 7.6 and the maxx got a 7.5. Those aren't great scores; considering those are best Verizon has to offer. 3 phones rated 7.5 and above. The average is 5.5-6.5.
I said it, it's rare for find a well rated phone from Verizon. Thank you for emphasizing my point.
elgee02 @ Jul 6th 2007 10:24PM
If the average is 5.6-6.5, then tell me what carrier has the best phone arena rated phones eh?
FAUguy @ Jul 6th 2007 7:01PM
You have to realize that when the A990 came out, it was the only phone to have an Autofocus Camera and a QVGA display.
If the A990 came out now (a year later) it would be scored lower, since there are more phones that have similar features.
TheStone41 @ Jul 7th 2007 3:18PM
um... reviewing ANY phone a year later would give it a lower score.
Enrique @ Jul 10th 2007 10:24AM
Just got this yesterday - I like it, what an upgrade from my VX6100. I really like the vibration feedback on the touch buttons, and the scroll/click wheel is pretty slick too.
kandy @ Aug 26th 2007 3:54PM
I've had the chocolate vx8550 for almost a month. I cannot find a decent cover for it and it's difficult to locate a wireless bluetooth device that doesn't look like a meteor on the side of your head. The phone is ALL digital so, sending receiving text and picture messages are great...if you're in an area that has THAT coverage. VCAST doesn't work unless you are in an area that has that coverage. Surfing the internet with the phone is a joke! It only gives internet in text unless you opt for the pricier plans. I am disappointed with the performance of the phone. TOO MUCH HYPE and it DOES NOT perform according to the hype. Dissapointed.