If you are looking for unique features in a cellphone, the Helio Drift is probably on the top of your list. But are all the cool multimedia / web applications really worth making the switch?
Reviews:
CNET: (8.0 out of 10) “While the Helio Drift may not be as attractive as the Helio Kickflip, the Drift’s high-end multimedia features, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities make it probably the best handset that Helio has to offer.”
PC Magazine: (4 out of 5) “The small cellular carrier Helio marches to the beat of its own drummer. Because of this, you’ll find unique features on Helio’s phones, but you might also be perplexed by what’s missing. If Helio’s mix of content and options appeals to you, though, the Samsung Drift is the best of its handsets so far.”
Gizmodo: “Very cool, super-futuristic GPS and buddy finding features. Mapping yes, useful, but you can already download Gmaps to phones now. Buddy finding, very cool, even if of limited use. The phone itself is basically a high speed 3G mall, with most of the functionality limited to buying stuff for a few bucks (vids, music, etc) and the browser still doesn’t quite feel like it can provide a fraction of the power of the mobile opera browser. The hardware is solid, but until more phones have buddy finding in an open standard, it seems like a fantastic idea that’ll work best if you muscle all your Saturday night buddies into getting one, too.”
Product Information:
Click here for full specs and features.
Price: $225 with service activation
Plans range from $65 to $135 a month (a la carte options available)
Website: Helio.com
Bottom Line: I seriously considered picking up a Helio Drift for myself – but the things I liked about the phone were completely impractical. I love the idea of having the GPS / Google Maps integration, Myspace Mobile, Buddy Beacon, and cool media player options, but the reality is that these are things that I would rarely use. That, combined with the relatively expensive price tag makes this purchase hard to justify.
All of that aside, the Helio Drift is definitely a cool phone. The call quality is good and the features are fun. So, for those of who who prioritize style and attitude over practicality, the Drift would be a good choice.
