Beetel Xpert Connect GD530 is a dual SIM phone with a QWERTY keypad, and it comes with useful features for those who text heavily and would love to be socially active and ready to do business all the time. The user interface of the phone is simple. Its icons are slightly too small for comfort, which is understandable as it has a Qwerty keypad that takes up much of the space in front.
In terms of design, the concept appears to be good but the device doesn’t look like a compact whole. The keys are small and slightly difficult to operate for people with large fingers, but then that is a common Qwerty keypad problem. The camera button right in front is a welcome addition, but is misleading because it gives the impression that the camera can be launched at any moment, whereas the button launches the mail service when it is clicked. Only if you have a camera App with a timer facility can this button be used to take pictures. At its price a 2 Megapixel camera is quite decent.
The other dedicated key on top of the keypad is for Beetel Push Mail, which is useful for people who want to be able to check mail at any time. The internet generation is addicted to emails and Facebook these days, and Beetel Xpert Connect GD530 provides app shortcuts on the homescreen that accelerate the functionalities of the phone and are a joy to work with.
Many Indians find dual SIM phones particularly useful because they give out one number to their friends and acquaintances, while the other number is from a service provider that offers cheap call rates and this SIM is used largely for making calls. The other type of users who like to use dual SIM phones are those who would like to keep their personal and professional lives separate. Whatever the reason, the Beetel Xpert Connect GD530 allows users to easily access two SIM cards, and they have the option to keep both the SIMs working, or can switch one SIM card off.
The camera is located at the top left of the rear of the phone. On the right side of it is a 2.5 mm Audio Jack and it will be difficult for users to get a compatible earphone. The phone’s handsfree kit makes things easier but it has to be bought in addition to the device. Sound in the handsfree’s earphone is clear and talking through it is also a pleasant experience. Its volume controls are on the right side.
The phone is WiFi enabled, has Edge/GPRS support and many useful apps including Facebook, Snaptu, Ibibo, Nimbuzz and Yahoo. Snaptu is especially useful for those who like to access news on the go, and on WiFi it works very smoothly. The device also has a Reuters app to provide users with world news. It has its own Browser as well, which was slightly difficult to locate because its icon was named ‘Services’.
The phone’s user interface is like that of other Java phones, but the number of features available is good enough for budget users to buy this phone at Rs 3,600, though maximum retail price as mentioned by the company is Rs 4,500. Beetel has also provided its own email service called Beetel Push Mail. The phone offers the option to connect with the computer for data transfer. It comes with a 1000 mAh Li ion battery which easily lasts for a day. It is good but there is still scope for improvement.