Samsung D780 review: Dual SIMplicity

Samsung are obviously not of two minds about two-in-one phones. A new dual SIM handset - the Samsung D780 - is underway and it's intended as a more affordable dual SIM solution as compared to the D880 Duos. On the outside, there's nothing cool about Samsung D780 and that's fine by us. The new dual SIM bar means business and its top skill is well tucked under the battery. What you get is quality of build, comfy large keyboard and friendly handling. A big fella by all means, the D780 is a sensible piece of dual SIM action.

   
Key features:
Seamless dual SIM handling (both cards are active simultaneously)
2 megapixel camera with nice image quality
2.1" 262K-color TFT display (QVGA resolution)
microSD memory expansion
FM radio
Bluetooth with A2DP
MS Office document viewer
Snappy user interface
Comfortable keyboard and controls
Main disadvantages:
Secondary SIM good for telephony and messaging only
Secondary SIM dual-band only (no 1900 MHz support)
Large size
Interface options well behind the times
Poor sunlight legibility
No 3G support
Portrait-oriented camera
Poor web browser
Awkward file browser
Poor music player

   
Samsung D780 photos

Using two SIM cards in one phone is increasingly an option many are willing to consider. No wonder then, one of the top cell phone makers are reaffirming their commitment to address this kind of demand. Samsung were first among the majors to announce a dual SIM handset in October 2007 - the Samsung D880 Duos, which we reviewed recently.

Well before the D780 and D880 Duos, various Chinese manufacturers have been busy exploring the uncharted territory of dual SIM. We even did an overview of dual SIM solutions back in August last year to help you stay on top of the various options. Philips and WND are among the more popular companies trying to get a piece of the action, while most of the top dogs seem disinterested or are simply trying to avoid potential pressure from the telecoms.

Samsung D780 should get a more reasonable price tag than the D880 Duos, which has a rather unjustified initial asking price. After all, the D780 is pitched as a more affordable alternative to D880 Duos. A competitive price tag on D780 will help Samsung set a firm foot in the dual SIM niche.