Nokia C6

“At just $249, the Nokia C6 offers a lot of unlocked smartphone power for a reasonable price. (Unlocked phones can cost well over $500, so $249 really is a bargain.) Sadly, the C6 has too many flaws for us to recommend it. If anything, the Nokia C6 shows that the former heavyweight Finnish manufacturer still has plenty to learn when it comes to designing a proper touch-screen smartphone—and in the U.S., that's the least of Nokia's problems.”

“The C6 probably won't excite a lot of people and we don't think it was meant to anyway. This midrange Nokia smartphone with slideout keyboard gets its basics right, but is largely hampered by a sluggish and outdated user experience. But with a retail price of S$499, it'll likely cost next to nothing with a two-year plan. Those looking for a capable QWERTY smartphone without all the bells and whistles may want to consider the C6.”

“Everything about it is run-of-the-mill for a Nokia touchscreen handset, and we can't think of a feature that will distinguish it much from the N97 mini, for example, even by price. If it falls way down in price, the Nokia C6 might make a worthy alternative to the 5800 XpressMusic for people who are dying for the physical keyboard and the 5MP camera. And Symbian. (Don't look at us!)For now, the N97 mini is offered at the same price, with nicer design and larger internal memory. If you are prepared to pay more for a Symbian handset, but gain a pretty and slim phone with a way better keyboard and HD video capture, go for the Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro, unless you need the complete and free navigation package of Ovi Maps. If you are abandoning Symbian altogether for the sake of the more contemporary smartphone platforms out there (we're not blaming you), you might want to check the Motorola MILESTONE Android phone.”

“While we're criticising Symbian for being laggy, we should mention that C6 does feel robust, software-wise. Though it lacks shine, it's got features coming out of every port (save for proper social network integration). There are useful widgets, speedy internet access and a nice screen, but those are offset by general usability frustrations.”