Review: Samsung SGH-G800 - 5MP AF Cameraphone with 3x Optical Zoom

Samsung SGH-G800

Samsung SGH-G800

Samsung SGH-G800

Samsung SGH-G800

Samsung SGH-G800

I first saw and used the Samsung SGH-G800 the eve before it was announced while having dinner with some Samsung representatives in Seoul. Right off the bat, the G800 looked like a real contender in the cameraphone market. It just looks and feels like a camera should. With its auto-focus, image stabilization, and Xenon flash, the 5 megapixel G800 sounds like a winner. The question is, does it measure up in the real world?

I'd like to thank MobileCityOnline.com for supplying us with the Samsung G800 used in this review.

Physical Aspects

There is no denying that in attempting to make the G800 as good a camera as it is a phone, Samsung had to make some sacrifices. For starters, the G800 is a fairly large device, at 103mm x 52mm x 23mm (4.1" x 2.0" x .9") in size, and weighs a pretty hefty 146g (5.2oz). Sure, that is less than the combined weight and size of having a separate phone and camera, but it is still somewhat bulky.

Part of the G800 that ads significantly to its bulk is its generous use of metal, which also is largely responsible for just how rock solid the device is. The G800's slider mechanism is solidly sprung and is quite confidence inspiring. The rear active lens cover on the back adds a lot of thickness to the device, but it makes the G800 seem far more "real" as far as being a camera goes.

The G800's 2.4" QVGA display is clear and bright, sitting behind a smoked glossy front cover. The d-pad and softkeys that sit below it are very easy to use, and the slide out keypad, though flat and RAZR like, is very usable.

Like many compact cameras, the SGH-G800 has a metal loop for attaching a wrist strap or similar device. Above that, on the left side of the phone, are the covers for the microSD card slot and the power/headset/USB port (headset and cable included). The volume control and the camera shutter button are on the opposite edge of the device.

While thinner and lighter will almost always be better, I am still pretty pleased with the G800's physical design. Considering that its 5 megapixel camera sports a 3x optical zoom, the G800 is still pretty compact. It is also very solidly built, which is always good for a take-along camera.