The U800’s HSDPA connectivity means you can get quick over-the-air video or audio downloads, and relatively speedy access to websites using the NetFront v3.4 browser. This provides a typical mid-tier mobile experience, with a variety of screen-optimised viewing options, plus pan and zoom facilities. It does a fair job, though it can have problems rendering large pages. The phone also supports RSS feeds for fast access to regular updates from favourite websites and blogs.

Solid rather than spectacular?

The U800 plays it straight on its other features, with a standard set of organiser tools, including a document reader for email attachments and transferred files, plus the usual voice recorder, calendar, memo, task, calculator, converter, world clock, timer and stopwatch functions. There’s a trio of uninspiring games too.

Like its features rundown, there are few surprises when it comes to call quality - it does the job perfectly well without any fuss or drama. Battery life was better than average for a mid-line 3G phone. Samsung estimates that the U800 will run for up to 320 hours of standby on GSM networks or 290 hours in 3G coverage, or give up to six hours of GSM talktime or three-and-a-half hours on 3G. With our average usage, including some music playing, we managed to get a pleasing three-and-a-half days' juice out of the U800.

Verdict

Thin and stylish it may be, but the Samsung U800 isn’t a phone that tries to dazzle with the very latest gadgetry. Instead, it’s a reliable performer that has a decent spread of 3G mid-tier functionality and multimedia action on board. Understated rather than flashy, solid rather than spectacular, Samsung must be hoping that the U800's attractive design - mixing slimline chic with a touch of Soul – will let the phone stand out from the mid-tier crowd.