Qtek 8310 review: An elf outruns the giants

Data from the phone are synchronized with the PC with the help of an application called ActiveSync. Qtek 8310 synchronizes mainly with Microsoft Outlook, but favorite items and files can be transferred as well. The cable connection is fast enough, but still somewhat slower in comparison with the older version of ActiveSync, which deals with the system in a different way. Since Microsoft software communicates with Microsoft software during the synchronizing process, Qtek 8310 makes use of all detailed options of the bigger Outlook, which otherwise tend to be passed over by all phone manufacturers without exception. A typical example is the event status in the calendar.

 
ActiveSync in a smartphone • a detail from the calendar

Calls

The call sound is generally good, even though I myself find it a bit sharp. It becomes especially pleasant when the built-in handsfree is activated. During an ongoing call the relevant phone number and the call duration appear on the display. You can turn down the speaker, hold on the call, or access any application from the menu. Unfortunately, the phone does not permit you to make voice records as the relevant key is not active while a call is going on.

Call process

The call log is the same for all types of calls. Separate calls are displayed in a column and are labeled with an icon. In case of need you can activate the filter to be used within the group of missed calls only. Items do not cumulate, so all missed calls get displayed, even if they come from the same phone number.

  
Call records • details • filter options

All incoming calls get marked on the display by virtue of caller's name and company, their phone number, the type of number (abbreviation like mobile, for example) and a small picture. Of course, all these details appear only if the information about the contact person has been entered into the phonebook. Outgoing calls work in a very similar way, with the graphic environment being the only difference. There is however one strange thing: when the opposite side ends the call, Qtek 8310 reacts with delay and for several seconds does as if the call is still going on. Luckily, this does not happen with incoming calls.

Incoming call with a picture

The best phonebook in a mobile phone

The phonebook of the Windows Mobile smartphones is exquisite. Searching is facilitated by a system, whose functions resemble the ones of T9. You have to simply start to write the name of the searched contact, pressing each button only once, not repeatedly. The phone starts to filter the phonebook immediately: it searches by first and last name; it even goes through the calls records. Searching is lightning fast and - as far as phonebook work is concerned - leaves all competitors of Windows Mobile OS far behind.

 
Searching in the phonebook (entering and searching are simultaneous) • phonebook sorted by company

The phonebook capacity is shared. It is not limited by the number of saved names. Each contact can fit in up to 55 fields, including such details like birthday or assistant's contact information. Each name can be assigned a separate ringing melody and a picture, which gets displayed as a tiny icon when a call is initiated (not in a full-screen mode, unfortunately). Name contacts can be sent through the infrared port or Bluetooth, but not by a SMS. Qtek 8310 supports voice dial.

Name detail • editing • phonebook is truly detailed

The setting of Qtek 8310's ringing is divided into profiles configuration and sound configuration. Within the former one you can select your preferred ringing type (for example, a combination of vibration and melody) and the desired volume level. Within the latter one you can select particular ringtones, which can have various formats, including MP3 (a tip: make sure you save them in the \Application Data\Sounds folder or in the My Documents folder on the memory card). The phone can set special sounds for the following items: alerts, emails, SMS, quick messages, alerts from the SIM Toolkit etc. Ringing profiles do not support call filtering.

Sounds and profiles settings

Messaging

If the application, which covers all types of messages, is not loaded in the memory, it often requires several seconds to get started. Individual accounts are organized in a horizontal list: SMS, MMS, Outlook messages, email accounts for POP3/IMAP4 connection. The design of this section is all but attractive.

 
Messages' main menu is rigorous

The SMS editor is very simple. First you enter the number of the recipient or you select it from the phonebook, then you start to write the SMS itself. The editor counts the signs written from the beginning and alerts you on how many extensive messages the entire SMS is divided into. Advice of delivery is setup either centrally, or individually, for each SMS. The editor also provides 9 samples of frequent answers.

 
List of incoming SMS • writing SMS (T9 Dictionary suggests word variations)

Qtek 8310 uses T9. The T9 dictionary offers most frequently used words on first positions and learns new words in the writing process.

As far as the MMS application is concerned, it is evident, that Microsoft is not its direct creator. It uses another type of graphics, as well as a different menu style for picture and video selection. The MMS editor in Qtek 8310 works in a way similar to any other mobile phone and thus needs no further comment.

MMS Editor