T-Mobile G1 smartphone review

Ever since we first saw T-Mobile’s G1, we’ve been waiting to have a proper play with it and get to grips with the Android operating system.

The Android OS is a collaboration between the network operator and search engine giant Google, the key selling point being the fact that it’s designed around a touchscreen environment and it’s easier than ever for developers to create applications, and distribute them through the Android Marketplace.

The T-Mobile G1’s home page is made up of icons for your favourite applications or settings, and it’s possible to have as few or as many as you like filling the 3.2-inch screen. You can flick to a second and third page on either side if you want to add further icons.  The onscreen buttons are large, and the intuitive menus and touchscreen panel complement each other perfectly. As with Apple’s iPhone, there’s no need at all for a stylus.

The best bit about Android is the ability to easily add applications – from games to utilities – from the Android Market Place. This online community lets you search for different types of program, with applications rated by other users, and it’s simply a case of selecting and downloading. Once applications have downloaded onto the T—Mobile G1, they appear in the menu, ready to run.

With regard to the hardware, the T-Mobile G1 is one of the bulkiest handsets we’ve seen for some time. The 3.2-inch display is stunning, made better by a HVGA resolution. Movies play back in amazing clarity, and images are pin-sharp.

Below the display you’ll find a rollerball for navigation, along with some basic navigation keys. The large casing also conceals a slide-out QWERTY keypad, which is bound to appeal to those frustrated by the current trend for onscreen keyboards. Usability is good, although with the keys slightly sunken into the surrounding plastic it’s not quite as comfortable as it could have been.

Although we’re less than impressed at the overall size of the G1, quality is good. The rubberised finish is tactile and hardwearing, and the keypad slides out with a smooth and precise movement.

You’ll find a comprehensive set of features crammed into the T-Mobile G1, including UMTS, HSDPA and HSUPA connectivity, along with Wi-Fi for connecting to networks when in the office. GPS is built-in, letting you take full advantage of Google Maps, and Bluetooth lets you connect to other digital devices.

Overall, although we’re very impressed by the T-Mobile G1’s Android operating system, the handset itself leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the likes of Apple’s iPhone or the very best from HTC. An impressive entry to the smartphone market, then, but we’d be tempted to wait for next-generation products.