The Samsung A300 is a one of the only phones around today which has managed to catch my eye. It seems that with today's phones, yes they are getting smaller and smaller but they all look the same and basically do the same job. Then comes along this shiny, metallic, sexy flip out phone, which completely catches my imagination. The rest is history.

The colour scheme and design of the phone is very sleek. Aside from the very millennium metallic body, the blue lights, which light up when you receive a message or a telephone call, are very quintessential. In addition, the LCD screen inside lights up green creating a very modern and unique effect. Overall, the phone is aesthetically superior to any other on the market. But, although this is perhaps the most important thing a phone possesses, its functionality is also critical.

Aside from the fact that many phone users will be used to the Nokia interface, which is very simple and user friendly, the Samsung has a completely different way of doing things. For instance, the # key is the space key, now although this sounds small it can become rather annoying after a while.

The memory on the phone is not too impressive either. With the capability to only store 10 text messages it is no competition to the Nokia 7110's amazing memory of 60 text messages.

The menu on the phone resembles that of the Nokia very much, but in saying this, I found the Samsung version to be more detailed when it came to displaying information. With Nokia, the user would have to go deep into the menu to find what setting the phone is currently at but with the Samsung A300; all current settings are displayed neatly and conveniently.

When it comes to customisability, the Samsung scores horribly low, in-fact apart from changing the ring tone, the Samsung is practically rigid. Like all flip out phones, the covers are non changeable, there are no screensavers or downloadable ring tones. Rather disappointi
ng when it comes to the fun stuff that phones should be able to do.

Like many modern phones today, the Samsung A300 to WAP capable. Now although this is a nice reassuring feature, that really is all it is, I can't imagine users really using this feature unless it was absolutely critical.

The organizer on this model is particularly nice and reminiscent to the high functionality of the Nokia 3310. There is the ability to set reminders and essential alarms for particular calendar dates. One may also select if the reminder is high or low priority.

The phone comes with two batteries, which are basically identical apart from the fact that one is slim line, and the other is the traditional standard model, however, both of them have a low battery life. Expect to be charging your phone at least once every two days, depending on your usability of course. I guess that this is just another downside to small phones becoming smaller and smaller.

The Samsung A300 is definitely an imaginative telephone. Apart from the creative and attractive design, there are lots of nice features for the user to get to grips with, and weighing only 92g you'll have no problems holding this all day long. However, you will have to study the manual to get the most out of the phone and in addition there is also the fear that it will completely break if ever dropped onto solid ground. With all this said, the Samsung is for those living in the fast lane. A slick, sexy, companion for those in the high life. What image do you want to portray?