Byond Q99 – Blackberry-style QWERTY smartphone Review

The Q99 is an average performer although the mediocre keypad ergonomics ruins usability and ultimately everything. However, it is rare to find such a feature set on such a cheap phone, As there are very few dual SIM QWERTY smartphones in the sub-Rs. 3,500 category.

[RELATED_ARTICLE]The Q99 body is well built with harder than normal plastic and it still does not feel too heavy, weighing just under 90 grams. The QWERTY keypad incorporates a bevelled key structure to enhance its usability and comfort to some extent. However, the function modifier key (Fn) is faulty and fails to register the user input with 7,8 and 9 number keys while keeping the Fn-key pressed. So, one has to enter the input individually for each of these keys by pressing and releasing the Fn-key after each input. Even though the keypad build quality is quite satisfactory, this technical flaw takes a major hit on the keypad ergonomics by affecting the overall usability and comfort. The optical trackpad is quite sluggish and lacks precision while navigating the menu interface. We found it irritable at times, as it was not registering the input correctly or erred in directions while selecting the intended icons on the screen. The lack of usability and comfort with the trackpad once again takes a hit for the overall ergonomics.

We came across another tricky situation with the SIM two slot. Inserting and removing the SIM two card is a difficult task, as there is no proper latch mechanism for smooth operation. The only way to insert the SIM two card is to bend it a little at a certain angle & slide it inside. Similarly, while removing the SIM two card, we need to follow the same trick; but, slide it out instead.

The menu interface is simple and well-organised. The home screen incorporates six customisable quick launch icons, also known as the toolbar icons: phonebook, SMS, Facebook, FM radio, audio player and camera. The user has the option to enable or disable the toolbar icons on the home screen. In addition, the display properties enable the user to choose either an analog clock or the regular digital clock for the home screen.

Read on to know the performance, our take, specifications, ratings, price and test results in the next page…

Performance

[RELATED_ARTICLE]The signal reception remained consistent throughout the test, but the voice clarity dropped a little across zones two and three. When in close proximity to others using cellphones, the voice clarity lessens, this means other signals are interfering with the antenna of the Q99. The loudspeaker audio clarity is good only at the lowest volume level and the audio distorts at any volume higher than tj. The handsfree test delivered good voice clarity at volume levels up to 75%. The camera test yielded a mixed bag of results – the outdoor shots portrayed better image clarity and crispness than the indoor ones. The Q99 delivered average results in the music test, but the video-playback quality was mediocre with constant stuttering. The display quality and the viewing angles were satisfactory. However, the legibility of fonts and icons was poor under bright sunshine.

Our Take

The Q99 is an average performer and a decent QWERTY smartphone in the sub-Rs. 3,500 category. However, the flawed Fn-modifier-key & the shoddy trackpad affect the usability and ergonomics. Hence, the overall experience takes a major hit. But, as there are very few dual SIM QWERTY phones in this price category, especially given the price, if you’re someone who wants a hardware QWERTY keypad on a cheap device, the Q99 should be considered.

Specifications: SIM (GSM GSM); Display: 2-inch, Screen resolution: 176 x 220; Memory: microSD expandable up to 8GB; Battery: 1000mAh, Talk-time: up to 4 hours, Standby-time: up to 500 hours; Dimensions: 112x60x13.8; Weight: 90 grams;

Ratings
Features: 6
Performance: 6
Build Quality: 7
Value for money: 7.5
Overall: 7

Contact: Byond Tech
Phone: 020-41029663/20
E-mail: service@byondtech.com
Website: www.byondtech.com
Price: Rs. 3,500
 

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Vinod Yalburgi