Giorgio Armani - Samsung Smartphone (Samsung B7620)

Discontinued
9th October 2009

Armani and Samsung have had a partnership for a little while now with a couple of handsets to show for it. The new Giorgio Armani - Samsung Smartphone or the Samsung B7620 is a fully-fledged Windows Mobile device that seems to be based closely on the Omnia Pro B7610.

The specifications of this Armani-Samsung Smartphone are consistent with other top-of-the-line Windows devices. There's a large 3.5" 800 x 480 pixel touchscreen, a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, 8GB of internal memory plus a microSD slot, integrated GPS, a very comprehensive multimedia player and an FM radio. The widescreen display is ideal for multimedia playback, or the B7620's TV out port can be used.

A very obvious feature is the slide-out QWERTY keyboard which appears to have reasonably large keys with good spacing. The keyboard slides out at a slight angle to make the B7620 easier to use. The very attractive bronze coloured casing is distinctive, and is meant to complement Giorgio Armani's fabulously expensive suits.

The software is Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional which includes support for Microsoft Office and push email, plus the B7620 comes with the Opera Mobile web browser. This latest version of Windows is easier to use than ever before, but some critics say that it still lacks the polish and ease of use of some of the competition.

This is a tri-band WCDMA 900 / 1900 / 2100 handset with quad-band GSM support. HSDPA download speeds are a maximum of 7.2Mbps with maximum HSUPA upload speeds of 5.76 Mbps. This means that the Samsung-Armani Smartphone should work pretty much anywhere worldwide, and it also supports WiFi connectivity.

There's a large 1500 mAh battery which should power the B7620 for a reasonable length of time. It is quite a heavy phone, coming in at 164 grams and measuring 119 x 58 x 16mm.

We understand that the B7620 should be available "soon" in the UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, China and the UAE at a reported price of about €700 SIM-free (about $1000).

It isn't a cheap device, but we are pleased to say that the Armani Smartphone does not compromise in any way when it comes to specifications - this is a fully-featured and very powerful Windows smartphone. It is refreshing to see a fashion phone like this that is actually practical too, and in that respect the price tag doesn't seem so bad.

We don't know exactly when the Giorgio Armani - Samsung Smartphone will be available, but our guess is that it will be in select retailers by Christmas.