Orange San Francisco II

Orange San Francisco II like it’s predecessor is low-priced but does it have all the features and functions required to be a smash hit in the budget market or not? Read on to find out.

Description

The description of Orange San Francisco II includes:

• 800MHz processor
• Android 2.3 operating system
• 512MB storage, 512MB of internal storage together with an expansion slot for external memory
• 117mm length; 5mm width coupled with 10.6mm thickness
• A display of 5-inch as well as 480 x 800pixels display resolution
• It weighs 120g
• Price of £99

Build

 

• Orange San Francisco II has a shiny build which is not very impressive. Of course, its dull predecessor had a much greater appeal.
• The upper and lower edges of Orange San Francisco II are curved, which make it look more expensive than it really is.
• The curved edges also make it very comfortable to hold.
• The back plate is a fingerprint magnet which does not look neat after a while.
• There are three touches-sensitive buttons for Menu, Back, and Home functions.
• There is a volume rocker button on the right side.
• A headphone jack and micro USB connector sit on the top edge.

Display

Just like its predecessor Orange San Francisco II has a 3.5-inch screen and 480 x 800pixels of display resolution. There is nothing new about it. In addition, this specification has become extremely common in low priced handsets, a higher resolution display would have been worthy of praise.

Camera

• There is a 5-megapixel camera at the back while a secondary camera sits at the front.
• The camera gives average stills.
• There is a flash unit but it is relatively small.

Memory and Battery

• Built in storage in Orange San Francisco II has increased to 512MB whereas in its predecessor it was only 150 MB.
• The built-in memory can be augmented by using microSD card.
• The battery life is great; you will easily get through a day and a half without charging.

Performance

The processor has been improved from 600MHz to 800MHz. So the processing is good.

Features

The good points:

• Some of Orange’s apps and widgets are very handy.
• There is an app called Orange Gestures that act as a shortcut tool by which you can open applications by drawing the shape of their assigned symbol on the home screen.
• Gallery widget shows you large thumbnails of recently taken pictures.

The negative points:

• Touch is not very responsive. So you need to press rather firmly during typing which slows you down considerably.
• Orange’s Android skin is not very likeable.
• There is no configuration for integrating the Facebook and Twitter contacts; in fact, one has to download these apps from Android Market.

Verdict

The second version of Orange San Francisco is not as remarkable as the first one. We were not expecting some really great stuff but what we got is below average. However, there are some plus points about Orange San Francisco II, but in such a competitive budget market Orange San Francisco II does not really stand out.

Finally, do you have a question or want to share your experience?
You can do so in the comment section box below

AK

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