EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is part of MobileTechWorld’s historical archive. Mobile technology has evolved dramatically since this was published. For our latest coverage, explore our Latest News, Reviews, and AI in Mobile coverage.
I had the chance to get my hands on the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone A50, the company’s first Android based smartphone. The A50 is currently running Android 1.6 (with multi-touch implemented by Garmin-Asus as you can see in the video below) but will be upgradeable to 2.X later this year according to the company. The handset is packed with navigation related customization starting with the home screen (Breeze UI) to the contacts and photo album. Build quality is pretty good (miles better than the M10 IMO) and the 3.5″ HVGA capacitive touchscreen was also really responsive. Like the vast majority of the mid-end smartphones launched this year the A50 is equipped with Qualcomm’s MSM7227 SoC clocked @ 600Mhz. Unfortunately the A50 doesn’t feature a standard 3.5mm audio jack and has a mini-sub connector (not micro-usb like it’s the norm now)
Buyer action
Where to buy or check next
Use this as the final check before ordering a phone, changing network or trusting a headline monthly price.
Currys mobile phonesCompare unlocked phones and UK retail prices.Argos mobile phonesCheck mainstream UK phone stock and pricing.EE mobileCheck contract, SIM and network options.Vodafone mobileCompare UK network deals and SIM options.O2 shopCheck O2 phone, SIM and tariff availability.Ofcom coverage checkerCheck local mobile coverage before switching.
