The year 2009 saw several smashing mobile phone launches. While Apple launched iPhone 3GS, Nokia introduced a flurry of phones at both high and low end. Sony Ericsson upped its stakes with big-ticket Satio, Aino and Xperia2 launches. While some of these phones rocked, others flopped. Some were trashed on features, others on functionality and some on design. Technology site CNet recently released a list of what it terms the Worst phones of the year 2009. Here's over to them.
1. Nokia 1661
Nokia 1661 bags the top spot on the list of worst phones. Measuring 108 x 45 x 13.55 mm, the phone bundles basic features including SMS storage upto 250, 4MB internal memory, FM radio and 2.5 mm audio jack.
Among the major drawbacks is the absence of a camera which seems a basic feature now. The handset also doesn't support GPRS, EDGE and 3G. It also misses Bluetooth and USB port.
As for battery, the phone supports stand-by of upto 475 hrs and talktime of upto 4 hrs 10 min. According to the CNet report, Nokia 1661 has poorly designed controls and keypad buttons. Its call quality is also average.
2. Pharos Traveler GPS 137
At No. 2 is a Windows Mobile 6.1-based phone, Pharos Traveler GPS 137. Among key features, the phone offers 3G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM and a 3.1-megapixel camera with auto focus.
However, the report says Pharos Traveler 137 suffers from performance and navigation issues. According to Web reviews, the phone's navigation software is unintuitive and doesn't always provide accurate directions.
3. Samsung SGH-A167
Korean giant Samsung's SGH-A167 figures at No. 3 on the list of 2009's worst phones.
Measuring 3.54 x 1.83 x 0.78 inches, the flip phone has built-in 2MB memory and 0.3 megapixel camera. The phone offers a mere 2 hours of talktime and 10.5 days of standby time.
As for what puts the handset among worst, the report says Samsung SGH-A167 has poorly designed controls and mediocre photo quality.
4. Motorola Evoke QA4
Next on the list of worst phones for 2009 is Motorola Evoke QA4. With a 2.8-inch full touchscreen, Evoke sports aGPS, quad-band CDMA connectivity and a 2-megapixel camera.
According to the report, Motorola Evoke QA4 suffers from slow performance, average media features and unintuitive touchscreen.
5. Nokia 7205 Intrigue
Sporting a glossy exterior finish, Nokia's clamshell 7205 Intrigue is at No. 5 on the list of worst phones. According to the report, Nokia 7205 Intrigue's call quality and V Cast video quality are disappointing.
With 1.92-inch PMOLED display, the phone packs 150MB internal memory with MicroSD slot for up to 8GB expansion. For connectivity, the phone packs stereo Bluetooth 2.0, micro-USB 2.0 and 2.5mm stereo audio jack.
6. Samsung Solstice SGH-A887
At No. 6 among worst phones is Samsung's Solstice SGH-A887. As for the reason, the phone doesn't support instant messaging. Also, the memory card slot is behind the battery. According to the report, the phone's call quality, browser speed and video performance too are not impressive.
Sporting a 3-inches display, the phone packs a 2 megapixel camera, aGPS, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth 2.0 with Stereo.
7. Motorola Hint QA30
Motorola Hint QA30 is at No. 7 on the 2009's worst phones list. According to the report, the handset has few design flaws. The alphabetic keyboard is quite difficult to use which makes it a bad choice for messaging. The battery cover too isn't secure.
Featuring a 2.5-inches QVGA display, the slider phone packs a 2 megapixel camera. As for connectivity, the phone has Bluetooth, USB 2.0, GPS and 3.5 mm headset jack.
8. Nokia Mirage 2605
The third entry from Nokia's camp on the worst phone's list is Nokia Mirage 2605 at No. 8.
The report writes, "Nokia Mirage 2605 has a flimsy construction with poorly designed controls."
Other issues include poor call quality and speakerphone. According to the report, Mirage 2605's call quality is disappointing and the phone fails to meet the most basic durability tests.
Sporting a 1.8-inch display, the phone's key features include 0.3 megapixel camera, MP3 player, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth.
9. Garmin Nuvifone G60
Garmin Nuvifone's candybar G60 is at No. 9 on the worst phones list.
According to the report, the smartphone has limited capabilities.
The accelerometer doesn't work all the time and the user interface needs some improvement. The report says, "The Garmin Nuvifone G60 makes a fine navigator but fails as a smartphone. It's not worth the money."
Featuring a 3.55-inch display, G60 packs 3 megapixel camera with auto focus, GPS receiver, 4GB Flash memory and Bluetooth.
10. Beyond E-Tech Duet D8
At No.10 is Beyond E-Tech's Duet D8. According the report, the phone's touchscreen and keyboard give a frustrating user experience. Also, the phone's virtual keyboard is almost unusable.
The Duet D8 offers support for two SIM cards and packs a 2 megapixels. Sporting a 2.8-inch display, the phone has a Bluetooth and built-in stereo speakers.
source: TOI