Cell Phone Reviews: Cingular 3125

While it would be hard to argue that smart phones have not become more stylish in recent years. It can be argued that the design of these stylish phones has largely remained the same. Yes, there are many attractive offerings on the market, but most of those offerings stick with the same proven, "rectangle" design formula. Of course, there are other options, and certainly one of the most interesting is the Cingular 3125. Even though the Cingular phone may not be the most function packed device on the market, it is definitely innovative enough and interesting enough to prompt one to choose the device over other competing devices.

Of course, the question in the minds of most is clearly, "What makes the Cingular 3125 so different". The answer then, can be found simply by looking at the phone. Instead of the traditional "brick" design that is common with smart phones, the Cingular device does something very different. It takes the features and technology of a smart phone and packs them into a smooth, stylish, flip phone design. Yes, a smart phone that is also a flip phone.

Even better, the flip phone design looks great. Far from being large and bulky as many would have expected, the Cingular 3125 is surprisingly slim. However, when the phone is closed, it can be considered anything but short, and although the length is not often considered when it comes to flip phones, for those used to fitting a PDA size device in a jacket pocket, it may definitely be something to consider.

However, the outside of the phone also has plenty of things to make up for the lengthy size, including a very large and very colorful screen on the front of the phone, that can be used to display either time or a picture when closed. Also, there are built in media control buttons (forward, next, pause) on the outside, which is great for those who also used their phones to listen to music, and don't want to have to pull it out and open to change a song.

In addition to the nice looking exterior, the inside is also pleasant to the eyes. Even though it may be a bit Spartan in appearance, and it doesn't have a whole lot of gadgets or extra buttons inside, the simple number and circular menu keys are a welcome change from phones that seem almost impossible to control. The buttons inside the phone have plenty of room, and even larger fingers will be more than comfortable dialing numbers r punching out text messages; a common flaw with the tiny buttons common on the Blackberry and other smart phones.

In addition to the great appearance, the Cingular 3125 can do everything (almost) that any other smart phone can do. The device comes packaged with mobile Windows, and one can view any type of Office document on the run, although editing them is out of the question. Also, one has access to the internet and a mobile web browser, although the functional elements of such on a smaller screen and less controls are open to debate. However, if one does not mind the reduced screen size and lack of control buttons, the Cingular 3125 is a fully competent mobile phone, and one that will make anyone feel prepared and ready, no matter what comes at them.

However, even though the phone is a great product, it is not perfect, and there are some flaws that should be considered. First, as mentioned before, the phone is very lengthy, and although one becomes used to this after a while, small pockets will find the 3125 sticking through. Also, due to the small overall size of the unit, if one wishes to put a SD memory card in (an almost essential) the battery pack must be taken off, the SIM card removed, and the SD fit into place behind the space for the SIM card. It may not be hard, but it's definitely not convenient, and some may balk at the idea of constantly taking apart and putting back together their brand new phone.

However, despite the few design flaws, and the somewhat reduced functionality, the Cingular 3125 really is a great product, and it retails for under $150, meaning that is stylish and affordable as well. For those who want the function and security of a smart phone, but also want something which is a normal phone first, the Cingular 3125 may very well be the perfect choice.