Samsung Cobble

Editor's Review of the Cobble

The Samsung Cobble is a cut-price mobile, offering bare-bones functionality within its classic clamshell casing. Although it may lack what some essential mobile features, is the E1150 the ultimate fuss-free phone, or is it just a load of old cobblers?

At almost 2cm thick the Samsung Cobble is by no means compact, but this is somewhat redeemed with its stylish appearance. The front of the handset is fairly featureless, but offers a colourful tone-tone panel in a range of fashionista proof colours (Grey, Pink or Red).

Life up the lid and you're greeted with a 1.43-inch CSTN screen, which although small, but, overall, the brightness and colour balance are pretty impressive. Below the display you'll find a a traditional alphanumeric keypad, offering large robust keys for the clunkiest of digits. There's also a set of directional keys, offering easy navigation around the simplified UI.

In terms of features, the Samsung E1150i keeps things simple. As you'd expect, there's no Bluetooth, 3G or WiFi, meaning you're only connectivity options is GSM. There's no web browser either, meaning this probably isn't the best handset for Facebook-addicts and business folk.

However, the Cobble is capable of playing MP3 files, although with a measly 1MB of onboard memory, it won't go storing your whole music library. There's also a bunch of pre-loaded games, including Sudoku and Super Jewel Quest. Although displayed on the teeny display both of these proved highly addictive, although they won't go curing our Angry Birds addiction.

Other specifications include all the usual basic-phone features, including a Calculator, Timer, Convertor and Voice Memo. There's also a hefty 800mAh battery, which delivers a whopping 8 hours 30 mins of constant talk time. Not bad, considering its price-tag.

If you're after a phone with high-speed web browsing and email smarts, you'd best steer clear of the Samsung Cobble. However, with its solid construction and beefy battery, the handset offers the perfect fuss-free package.