Tester: Matt
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#1 Mobile Deluxe Game: Solitaire 16 pack (particularly poker solitaire, harp, and tri-peaks)
Favorite Genre to play:
Puzzle games
Personal Phone:
LG VX10000
Top 3 Favorite Phones:
LG VX10000
Apple iPhone
LG VX9400 |
Tester: Karen
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#1 Mobile Deluxe Game: Chocolatier
Favorite Genre to play:
Adventure / games with strong narrative
Personal Phone:
Motorola W490 in Heather Grape
Top 3 Favorite Phones:
Apple iPhone
Samsung Eternity
LG Dare |
Tester: Mishelle Moross
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#1 Mobile Deluxe Game: Solitaire Deluxe 16 pack
Favorite Genre to play:
Puzzle games
Personal Phone:
Verizon LG Dare VX9700
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Welcome to the Tester’s Corner.
The Tester’s Corner provides professional insights from the game tester’s perspective. These are not your normal phone reviews. Our reviews are real and un-biased opinions from a team of mobile insiders.
At Mobile Deluxe we pride ourselves with one of the best QA teams in the industry. We take every effort to ensure our games are enjoyable and reliable on a wide variety of mobile phones. The Mobile Deluxe QA team tests and plays approximately 1,100 hours a month on new and old handsets.
Please be sure to check back often for new reviews.
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Overall Samsung Propel (A767), AT&T
Games tested on it: Speed Texting 2.0 and
Chocolatier
Overall Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars |
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PHONE SPECS
Dimensions: 3.85” x 2.33” x 0.58”
Weight: 3.2 oz
Battery: 1000 mAh Standard
Display: 2.2”, Resolution 220 x 176
KEY FEATURES
- 1.3 MP Camera
- Voice Guided GPS enabled
- Web, email capable
- Speakerphone
- MP3 Player
- Bluetooth
- Memory card slot
- Voice dialing
Design
The design of the Propel protects the camera and QWERTY buttons, but the shape makes it a little inconvenient for the average user to keep in their pocket. The general shape forces the buttons to be cramped.
Screen
The large display screen is great do to the fact that it allows the user to view more details and colors easily. Boasting a resolution of 220X176 puts the device not quite at the top, but far above most.
Keyboard
The QWERTY pad allows for more control option and a faster way to input text. This was particularly beneficial for games that the user has to input info. The QWERTY keys for this device were small which made it prone to mistakes for Speed texting.
Performance
As a J2ME phone the processing speed is rather impressive. The handicap of most J2ME platform products is that they seem to have hardware limitation for processing; in case of the A767 these limitations seem to be almost non-existent. This allows for quicker maneuverability between screens and applications while also providing an overall smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
Misc.
A general bonus of this device is that it was ATT as a carrier. Their network coverage mixed quick OTA downloading provides their customers with reliability and speed of browsing. From a customer point of view this means easier access to downloadable content coupled with a low likely hood of have the connection severed. From a business point of view that means that we may offer more content at higher complexity to draw people in to buy or at least look at other products. |
Ranking Summary
Design
Screen
Sound
Keys
Response Time
Battery Life
AverageScore |
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
3.8 out of 5 |
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LG Voyager (VX 10000), Verizon
Games tested on it: Speed Texting 2.0 and
Scooby-Doo Hidden Object Mysteries
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars |
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PHONE SPECS
Dimensions: 4.64” x 2.12” x 0.71”
Weight: 4.69 oz
Battery: Li - Polymer, 950 mAh
Main Display: 2.81”, Resolution 400 x 240 pixels
KEY FEATURES
- 2 MP Camera
- Record Video
- Web, email capable
- Speakerphone
- MP3 Player
- Bluetooth
- Memory card slot – Micro SD
Design
The design of the VX 10000 is fantastic because it uses both touch screen and hard button functions in one phone. Plus there is a wide array of useful applications such as: web browser, GPS, music player with V-Cast, and several others.
Screen
The screen resolution is 400x220 putting this device right at the top when it comes to screen quality and size. The device is horizontal in QWERTY display mode, which is perfect for maximizing the gaming visibility and spacing.
Keyboard
The QWERTY pad on this device is the best QWERTY that has ever been designed. The buttons are large enough and spaced so well that it is almost the same as typing on a standard keyboard. The user is provided with speed and accuracy from the comfort and accessibility of the large QWERTY and d-pad.
Performance
The device has the strength of the Brew platform when it comes to processing, allowing the user to fly through applications and menu options faster than most phones out there. All applications run smoothly and look amazing.
The battery was able to handle 3+ hours of constant use without charging.
Sound
While the clamshell is open there are 2 speakers present that allow the device to present the user with a rather enjoyable volume and clarity of sound. Application music is also able to be played at a much higher quality than most devices available.
Misc.
This device also has many application and abilities that would draw consumers to it naturally. A few of the most eye catching applications are: the GPS, music player, web browser, and T.V. set up. Most of these options are provided for free for the most basic premium plans and gives people a high likely hood to explore other applications available for the device.
Again due to the strength of the Verizon network the odds of losing a connection are very slim and downloads are quick and reliable.
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Ranking Summary
Design
Screen
Sound
Keys
Response Time
Battery Life
AverageScore |
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5 |
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Samsung M520, Sprint
Games tested on it: Solitaire Deluxe 16 Pack
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars |
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PHONE SPEC
Dimensions: 4.01" x 2.04" x 0.5"
Weight: 2.75 oz
Battery Information: 4.01" x 2.04" x 0.5"
Talk Time: up to 3.5 hours talk time
KEY FEATURES
- 1.3 MP Camera
- GPS enabled
- Web, email capable
- Speakerphone
- Bluetooth
- External display
- Memory card slot
- Voice dialing
REVIEW
The Samsung M520 is a solid handset. It lies somewhere on the spectrum between being a middle to high-end device, which makes it a great basic phone that handles games really well. Audio and visuals are great, and the screen is a decent size, but the way the screen is presented may leave the user wondering why it is not larger compared to the handset's body -- there is a significant border between the edges of the screen and of the device. The keys themselves are well spaced and clearly defined, making gameplay a breeze. This is especially important for such apps as Speed Texting and Chocolatier, which contain fast paced gameplay that require speedy and accurate input. Gameplay is unencumbered, and users can enjoy fast load times across the board.
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Ranking Summary
Design
Screen
Sound
Keys
Response Time
Battery Life
AverageScore |
5 out of 5
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
4 out of 5
4.5 out of 5 |
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Samsung Eternity (A867),
Games tested on it: Solitaire Deluxe 16 Pack
and Chocolatier
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars |
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PHONE SPEC
Dimensions: 4.3" x 2.2" x 0.5"
Weight: 3.88 oz
Battery Information: 1300 mAh
Talk Time: up to5 hours talk time
KEY FEATURES
- Quad-band world phone
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB connectivity
- Hands-free speakerphone
- 3.2 megapixel camera; 640x480 resolution
- Web browser
- Mobile TV capable
REVIEW
The Samsung Eternity is an excellent handset for playing games; it has a simple design that makes it a joy to use. The screen also makes for easy gameplay, having a jumbo 240 x 400 pixel resolution that easily sports some of the best touch recognition I have ever encountered. The phone has great audio and visual quality as well. The addition of only the three most-used hard keys on the front surface is brilliant. The Send, Back and End keys are clearly labeled and cleanly presented. Also, the camera, lock, and shortcut keys placed on the sides of the device give a direct link to these often-used features. Plainly put, the Eternity's design and functionality put most touchscreen handsets to shame.
The ATT OS works well with the handset, as the sleek and simple design of the hardware is reflected in the software. The main menu system is clearly laid-out at the bottom of the screen. There is a hidden menu bar on the right side of the screen that is another quick access point to favorite apps and widgets that can be dragged out into the desktop, which is great for personal preferences and customization.
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Ranking Summary
Design
Screen
Sound
Keys
Response Time
Battery Life
AverageScore |
5 out of 5
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
4 out of 5
4.5 out of 5 |
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LG DARE (VX97000), Verizon
Games tested on it: Solitaire Deluxe 16 Pack,
Chocolatier, Scooby-Doo Hidden Object Mysteries
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars |
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PHONE SPECS
Dimensions: 4.1” x 2.2” x 0.5”
Weight: 3.76 oz
Display: Resolution 240 x 400 pixels
KEY FEATURES
- LCD Touch Screen
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- VCast and VZ Navigator Capable
- Hands-free speakerphone
- 3 megapixel camera
Design
The Design of the Dare is hip and simple. It’s following the iPhone; very smart Verizon! It’s conveniently thin and fits nicely in my hand. I quote; “Simply put, the Dare is a professional-looking phone in a conveniently-sized package.
Screen
This screen is impressive. The resolution is high at 240 x 400 pixels, this allows for clear bright graphics. A wonderful example of this is seen when playing the Scooby-Doo Hidden Object Mysteries game.
Keyboard
This phone can also turn into a virtual QWERTY touch keypad, but I think that makes it worse, the letters are very close together. On the upside, the touch is very responsive.
Performance
The Sound is clear and the playback of audio/video is great. This battery lasts! Three days with heavy texting and calling! I have also played through a full game of Scooby-Doo and still had more than half a tank left.
I really dislike virtual D-pads and am so happy that Mobile Deluxe games do not display one for their games on any of the touch screen devices.
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Ranking Summary
Design
Screen
Sound
KeyPad/Board
Response Time
Battery Life
AverageScore |
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
4.6 out of 5 |
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Nokia 6030, T-Mobile
Games tested on it: Solitaire Deluxe 16 Pack,
Chocolatier
Overall Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars |
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PHONE SPECS
Dimensions: 4.1” x 1.7” x 0.7”
Weight: 3.76 oz
Display: Resolution 128 x 128, 16bit
Battery: Lithium Ion, 900 mAh
KEY FEATURES
- Hands-free speakerphone
- Changeable faceplates
Design
The design of the phone is simple, even trendy. When I say trendy, I mean it looks like a trendy toy. It looks sturdy but doesn’t present itself as a bulky ugly phone. Personally I like a bit of luxury, it is non-ergonomic.
Screen
Mobile Deluxe games make the best of all the low resolution screen sizes (128x128). The screen itself is not that great, but it sure gets the fun through when playing Solitaire. 16-pack.
Keyboard
The Keys are large enough to text and dial without excessive errors. The keys pop-out making it easy to press while playing.
Performance
The sound is clear, the volume isn’t too high or low. The responsiveness is not the best for gaming. The CPU for this particular handset is a bit slower; it is a low to mid-range handset. However the delay is not as bad as some low-end Motorola handsets that I’ve tested.
The battery life particularly on Nokias seem to last! The average non-stop game time for this handset is about 3 or so hours which is not bad at all. I have tested Chocolatier with sound on this device for about 3 or so hours and did not have to recharge.
Additional Comments
This phone is a commercial success. It’s easy to manufacture and easy to distribute and cheap! Games on low to mid range handsets like these would be easy to deploy too; especially Nokias because they come in series.
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Ranking Summary
Design
Screen
Sound
KeyPad/Board
Response Time
Battery Life
AverageScore |
1.0 out of 5
2.5 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
3.25 out of 5 |
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