O2 XDA Argon Grey smartphone

XDA Argon 3.5" TFT O2's Xda range of Windows Mobile handhelds has something of an aura about it. The original Xda appeared back in 2002, kicking off a line of O2 devices that has proved both popular and enduring. As well as introducing new models into the range, O2 has consistently updated the original Xda form factor, the most recent incarnation being the Xda IIi. The Xda Argon is another update.

The big advantage of the Xda Argon's bulk is that it can support a screen measuring 3.5in. from corner to corner. This provides a spacious viewing area that's likely to appeal to those who find smaller screens difficult to read because of tiny text sizes. It's a shame that the display resolution is the standard 240 by 320 pixels, though: we think O2 could have pushed the boat out and gone for VGA resolution (480 by 640), which is rarely seen in Windows Mobile Pocket PCs, but which the 3.5in. could have handled.

The good news, though, is that the Xda Argon has plenty of internal memory. With 256MB of ROM and 128MB of RAM, our review sample reported a healthy 182MB of free storage capacity. If you need still more storage, there's an SD card slot on the upper edge of the casing. People who choose the Xda Argon because of its large size and easy handling may also be pleased that a comparably sized flash memory form factor has been chosen over the fiddly miniSD and microSD formats.

A 400MHz Samsung processor drives the Xda Argon, which with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared built in is well equipped for wireless communications. It is only tri-band GSM, though, rather than quad-band, and those who are keen on mobile email and other data-heavy communications may be disappointed that it does not support 3G or HSDPA.

The integrated camera shoots stills at resolutions up to 2 megapixels (1,600 by 1,200 pixels) and has a self-portrait mirror but no flash.