Dell Venue Pro Review

Introduction:

As we've already witnessed with the LG Quantum, there might be some annoyances in trying to use Windows Phone 7 devices packing on a landscape style keyboard, for now. However, the Dell Venue Pro seeks to remedy that issue as it presents itself as possibly being the very first true titan in the Windows Phone 7 space as it packs a massive display and a portrait style slide out keyboard. Boasting a refreshing design that undoubtedly differentiates itself from the current pack, this might very well be the device you'll probably want to check out if you want to get your feet wet with the still new platform.

The package contains:

Design:

Of all the Windows Phone 7 devices we've checked out thus far, the Dell Venue Pro easily supplants all of them as it takes the trophy in the design category. Just about every aspect of the phone's design radiates a sense of quality craftsmanship that doesn't skimp out in terms of appeal and construction. Sporting some hard lines that are accented elegantly by its chrome side plates and rubberized top and bottom edges, the Dell Venue Pro is essentially the epitome of an alluring industrial designed smartphone – even with its patterned plastic back cover. Angular cutouts found on the top and bottom sides carefully provide some character to its subtle curved display surface. However, the handset does look a bit more hefty in size (0.59” thick), while its weight (6.74 oz) is definitely on the heavier side.



You can compare the Dell Venue Pro with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

Sizing up at a healthy 4-inches, its AMOLED display with WVGA (480 x 800) resolution makes for a striking combination that's heavy on lush colors and fine details. Moreover, the curved look of the display adds a hint of elegance to the device as it distorts whatever is on screen when it's viewed at extreme angles. On top of that, it's quite responsive to the touch and is still usable in direct sunlight – as long as you've got it set to its maximum brightness setting. Granted that it doesn't necessarily improve its visibility, the curved display is still nonetheless a cosmetic touch that's more interesting than what we saw with the Contour Display of the Google Nexus S.


Capacitive buttons are in play with the device, as we're presented with the typical bunch below the touchscreen – these include the back, home, and search keys. Providing ample space between one another, they're easily pressed without the worries of accidentally pressing any one of them


Attempting to open the handset, there's a moderate amount of resistance that's felt when sliding the phone to reveal its portrait style QWERTYkeyboard. From there, we're greeted to a 4-row layout which consists of tiny looking hard plastic buttons that have no spacing in between one another. Although it might look flush to the surface, buttons are slightly bubbled towards the middle to provide a subtle amount of distinction from one another. Now even though people with larger fingers might struggle to press its tiny buttons, they offer a reasonable amount of tactility when pressed down. The keyboard is more than usable after some adjustment and we didn't find too many pressing issues with it.


On the right side of the phone, we find the 2-level shutter key which is decent in size and offers an appropriate amount of feedback when pressed. Additionally, we also find the volume rocker which is recessed, but is still accompanied with a solid tactile feel.

Unfortunately, we're not fans of the placement and feel of the dedicated circular sized power button as we fumbled around in trying to feel it out with our finger. Thankfully, the 3.5mm headset jack is typically found on the top edge of the phone. Conversely, the two speakers and microUSB port take refuge at the bottom portion of the handset.


In the rear, we find the distinguishable Dell and Windows Phone 7 logos taking up a sizable amount of space, while the 5-megapixel auto-focus camera and LED flash are sitting towards the top portion. Sliding off the rear cover will allow you access to its battery compartment and SIM card slot.