Dubbed as another Facebook phone, like HTC’s ChaCha, the Vodafone Blue 555 seems to be designed to cater to just the hardcore FB fans and no one else. Being far more affordable than HTC’s smartphone, this Java-based handset offers a USP that really isn’t for everyone. But, will it nevertheless appeal to the Facebook fans? Here’s a closer look to help you clarify that.
Form Factor
The Vodafone Blue 555 is not quite unlike any other QWERTY-enabled handset. It’s lightweight, but a tad on the bulky side. The Silver and White coloration gives it a catchy look. The 2.4-inch display sports a 320 x 240 pixel resolution and it’s easily visible in all ambient lighting conditions. Vodafone has gone with an optical track pad system for navigation that also includes a couple of menu buttons on either sides, followed by separate call take and call end keys at the extreme ends. The keypad buttons may seem a little too close together, but will take no longer than a couple of minutes to get used to. The soft-raised keys make for comfortable typing. Quick access keys to the camera and Facebook functions enhance the functionality of the design.
Form Factor
The Vodafone Blue 555 is not quite unlike any other QWERTY-enabled handset. It’s lightweight, but a tad on the bulky side. The Silver and White coloration gives it a catchy look. The 2.4-inch display sports a 320 x 240 pixel resolution and it’s easily visible in all ambient lighting conditions. Vodafone has gone with an optical track pad system for navigation that also includes a couple of menu buttons on either sides, followed by separate call take and call end keys at the extreme ends. The keypad buttons may seem a little too close together, but will take no longer than a couple of minutes to get used to. The soft-raised keys make for comfortable typing. Quick access keys to the camera and Facebook functions enhance the functionality of the design.
Dimensions
A 3.5mm handsfree socket is placed at the top of the handset with a cool blue volume rocker on one side and a micro USB port on the other for PC connectivity and charging. A microSD (supports up to 16GB) hot swap slot is available under the rear panel just below the SIM card slot.
Vodafone branded
With strict regard to the design, the Vodafone 555 is quite well-balanced and offers a comfortable form for typing and overall usage.
Features and Performance
Interface
Unlike HTC’s ChaCha that has a smartphone OS backing it up making it much more versatile compared to the 555, this device will still manage to cater to almost all facets of Facebook-ing that a fan can think of. The entire UI and functionality of the handset has been customized to the Facebook way of life from the theme to the various apps and features incorporated. The touch sensitive navigation system is relatively easy to manage, but it isn’t the most responsive or speedy.
Easy access right from your desktop
The dedicated Facebook button can be assigned to any one of 5 preset options available via the settings. You can update your profile right from the desktop and the messages section neatly integrates your text messages, emails and Facebook mails into one space while segregating them with tabs. The contacts section allows you to view all of your FB contacts’ information with the option of adding more details. The 555 allows you to merge your FB contacts with those stored on your handset. A shortcut bar is also available on the desktop that allows you to assign contacts or apps to it for quick access. It's quite handy.
Simple and very FB-centric menus
Essentially, every aspect of the UI is directed toward connecting you to your Facebook account, from the Search option, a dedicated FB chat app, and the calendar app that also lists all your friends' birthdays as on FB. Oddly though, there’s no option to upload an image to FB via the camera or the photo gallery directly. The way to do this is to go to your profile page, click on the options tab and then select 'Take or Insert a picture'. You can, however access your Facebook photo albums and download images from there for wallpapers, etc.
On the whole though, the layout of the interface is quite average in terms of speed and accessing apps.
Media
The 555’s music player is loud, but not really too strong on the quality. Irrespective of the earphones that were used to test it, overall quality was not impressive. EQ presets are available, but don’t prove to be too effective in controlling quality. There was always a significant amount of distortion audible and even more recognizable with the EQs switched off. Although you won’t see it, the Blue 555 does have a video player. Via the Apps section, you can access your videos from the file manager and if supported (MP4 and 3GP low res) files will play from there. The FM radio that's available from the Music menu worked out quite well providing decent reception in most places. It also features a record function.
Specs:
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Bar |
| Screen Resolution | 320 x 240 |
| Number of Colours | 256K |
| Type | |
| Input Type | QWERTY Keypad |
| Screen | |
| Screen Type | TFT |
| Screen Size | 2.4 |
| Hardware | |
| Processor | MTK 6235 |
| Speed | 200 MHz |
| Memory | |
| Internal | 40 |
| Maximum capacity | 16 |
| Memory Type | microSD |
| Extendable Memory | Yes |
| Resolution | |
| Sensor Resolution | 2MP |
| Camera Features | |
| Resolution | 1600 x 1200 |
| Optical zoom | No Information |
| Video resolution / frame rate | No Information |
| Front facing camera | No Information |
| Video Recorder | Yes |
| Zoom | |
| Digital Zoom | No Information |
| Sound | |
| Speakerphone | Yes |
| Audio connector | 3.5mm |
| Audio Features | |
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Connectivity | |
| Infrared | No |
| 2G | GSM 900 / 1800 Mhz |
| 3G | No |
| A2DP | Yes |
| Dual Sim Support | No |
| WAP Enabled | Yes |
| Interface | |
| WiFi | No |
| Connection Options | |
| USB Connector | Yes |
| EGPRS or EDGE | Yes |
| GPRS | Yes |
| Software | |
| OS | No Information |
| Version | No Information |
| Type of Camera | |
| Type | |
| Battery | |
| Type | Li-Ion |
| Capacity | 1000 |
| Talk Time with Standard Battery | 180 |
| Standby Time with Standard Battery | 324 |
| Dimensions | 61.1 x 12 x 110 mm |
| Weight | No Information |
| Multimedia | |
| Music Player | Yes |
| Music Format | MP3/eAAC+/WMA |
| Email and Messaging | |
| Email Client | Yes |
| Type of Email Account Support | IM |
| Additional Features | |
| MMS | Yes |
| Dual Band | Yes |
| Tri Band | No |
| GPS | No |
| Java Type | MIDP 2.0 |
| Network | |
| Quad Band | No |
| Type | |
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