3 Skypephone S2 Review - Small Changes with Bigger Impact
As promised, the mobile phone operator 3 released the much awaited second iteration of Skypephone with the S2 version. Skypephone S2 upgraded most of the features of version 1 which significantly improved the functionality of the Skype mobile phone.
What is in the Package?
Upgrades are apparent once you opened the Skypephone package. Aside from the unit and charger, you will get a personal hands-free stereo kit with USB connector. Included also are the typical items such as the CD application installer, USB cable and user manual. However, 3 added 2 other technical manuals plus a Skype User Guide and another manual for simple troubleshooting.
What is New with the Skypephone S2?
The S2 version has a funkier and more engaging design. The new unit has a stylish mirrored finish complete with metallic battery cover. These design upgrades transformed Skypephone from a drab looking mobile phone into a highly modern mobile gadget.
The keypad has been upgraded also with a leaner look but it is still user friendly for those who want to type faster when chatting or sending SMS messages. The most impressive physical upgrade comes from its user interface.
The new UI mimics the carousel-like icon organization of Mac OS. Icons now are in full color and can be scrolled down or up easily. A one-touch one-hand option is also available by using the dedicated side key switcher.
Skypephone S2 now has a 3.2 MP camera and faster HSDPA connections at 3.6 MB per second. Screen resolution improved also because of its new QVGA display.
Service Quality
With faster HSDPA connection, Skype to Skype call quality also significantly improved. Audio quality is clearer surpassing the quality of PC to PC voice calls. Consequently, the delay in chat response time has been eliminated. You can now instantly receive the instant message the moment you hear the audible notification.
All the other features of Skype such as contact management, automatic integration of phone book with Skype, and SMS have been retained. Skypephone S2 retained the user interface of Skype so new users will not experience any trouble navigating through the Skype mobile features.
However, you may still experience some voice call issues especially if the phone has a weak signal. Some echo and static could be heard which affect the overall quality of voice calls. If this happens, you can drop the call then log out of Skype and log back in to make a call again. In most cases, this could solve connection and performance issues.
Skypephone S2 as Modem
The new unit can also double as a 3G modem. You can use this function through the integrated Bluetooth feature of the phone or via USB connector. Just plug the unit to your computer and it will be your instant modem for connecting to the Internet.
This feature can be very useful during emergencies. If you are in a place with no WiFi coverage but you need to go online, then the Skypephone S2 can be very handy. Be careful though when using the phone as a modem if you do not have an unlimited data tariff. You might suffer a heart attack when you see your phone bill if your data allocation is limited.
Multimedia Quality
The digital camera feature of Skypephone S2 is better. However, the phone still lacks built-in flash, auto focus, and photographic mode options. Photo quality therefore is passable but not excellent.
The video feature still lacks sophistication and still performs at 8fps with QVGA screen capture. Lots of choppiness and crackling sounds can be heard if you take videos using the Skypephone S2.
Are You Going to Get Your Money’s Worth?
3 completely revamped the Skypephone version 1 and provided much innovations and functionalities with the S2 version. As a standard mobile phone offering free and high quality VoIP calls, you will surely get your money’s worth from the new Skypephone S2.
We have chosen the 3 Skype S2's best deals for your consideration:
| Network | Normal Cost | Monthly Mins | Texts | Offer | |
| 3 6 months | £15 | 300 Mins | Or 300 Texts | FREE 300 mins on 3 to 3 calls every month, FREE Skype-to-Skype calls | |
| 3 18 months | £15.75 | 700 Mins | Or 700 Texts | FREE 300 mins on 3 to 3 calls every month, FREE Skype-to-Skype calls | |
| 3 18 Months | £15 | 75 Mins | Unlimited | FREE Unlimited mins on 3 to 3 calls every month, FREE Skype-to-Skype calls | |
| 3 18 Months | £20.25 | 1100 Mins | Or 1100 Texts | FREE 300 mins on 3 to 3 calls every month, FREE Skype-to-Skype calls |
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