For those who aren’t interested in a full touchscreen phone, but are sick of the standard handset, allow us to introduce the Samsung U900.

The U900 has an adaptive touch window, which replaces the regular five-way navigational pad found on most phones. The buttons on the touchpad change depending on the handset function you are using. For example, if you are using the camera, flash and self-timer buttons appear. If you are using the music player, then the touch window will show playback controls like pause and stop. When the Samsung U900 is being used as a phone, the window becomes a regular five-way navigational pad displaying direction icons and a central key. 

This might all sound a bit complicated, but the touch window is actually incredibly easy to use and makes controlling the Samsung U900 a wonderful experience. Speed and responsiveness of the U900 is remarkable. You can also change the sensitivity and feedback of the touchpad to suit your needs. 

Zooming out from the touch window and looking at the Samsung U900 as a whole, you find yourself with a simple and stylish handset. The U900 looks and feels sturdy. The slider is spring operated, and unlike some slider phones, it’s smooth and robust. A brushed yet glossy metal finish with rubber rear is nice to hold as well as being aesthetically pleasing. The keypad matches the design style, and although the keys are a bit different to other handsets, once you get used to them they’re fine.

Software wise, the Samsung U900 runs on a proprietary Samsung operating system. This system is very user-friendly and gives you the ability to design your own interface within the handset, a handy plus. Another software point of interest is the in-built MP3 player, which uses technology designed by renowned audio company Bang & Olufsen.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics employed the Samsung U900 as its official mobile phone. It is no surprise this handset is loaded with extras, one of which is a 5-megapixel camera. The camera comes with a powerful LED flash as well as an image stabiliser, face detection and autofocus. The U900 also has Bluetooth capability, an FM radio, voice recorder, calendar and an RSS reader.