INQ Chat 3G: A Big Brother to INQ Mini 3G
The Bigger Brother
INQ was apparently not content with releasing just one low-cost smartphone, it also launched the INQ Chat 3G, which is basically a Big Brother of the INQ Mini 3G (which was launched at the same time). This is a smart move since this broadens INQ's market and helps its efforts to make it a success.
It has the capability to do a lot of what other smartphones do, and similar to the Mini 3G, it does not come with the same hefty and wallet-burning price. Add to this a more aesthetically pleasing design and you have one very impressive low-cost phone that will surely make a splash once it is released.
The Design
The INQ Chat 3G's most notable difference from its little brother is its full QWERTY keyboard feature. This keypad also feels nice on the fingers (especially the rubber finish of the buttons as well as the fact that they are a little raised).
This change was due to INQ's realization that a good 30% of their target audience regularly emailed on a normal keypad. This certainly helps their cause to really offer a cost-friendly alternative without having to sacrifice the functionality and comfort that most other smartphones offer. This also makes sense due to its integration with Twitter and Facebook.
The INQ Chat 3G also has a wider 2.4' QVGA screen, has an upgraded camera, a greater widget functionality and the previously discussed bigger keyboard. Although all these might make it look a little bit on the Blackberry Curve, it won't be as expensive. It also won't have the traditional trackball that the Blackberry Curve has but if you really want to have the full experience of using a Blackberry, feel free to pay the premium.
The INQ Chat 3G is also very thin but even with this thin frame, it does not feel all flimsy like its littler brother, the INQ Mini 3G; in fact, it feels quite sturdy and does feel it will survive a drop from a significant height.
The Features
Where this mobile phone really shines is in the home screen, which can display Twitter and Facebook updates without having to open some dedicated client. The user interface is similar to the Mini 3G and INQ1 but was upgraded to include extra features like real-time Twitter updates. One thing is for sure, although the interface was similar to the INQ1 and the Mini 3G, this interface of the Chat 3G is a lot faster and a lot smoother.
Using the SMS feature is also a delight since the buttons are nicely spaced and also has a predictive input that other QWERTY enabled mobile phone lack. This mobile phone also has the same interchangeable back covers that allow you to truly express your individuality and is a nice respite from the dull, all-black trend currently engulfing the industry.
It also has a 3.2-megapixel camera that is practically at par with most smartphones out in the market today. It does not have a flash but the images seem sufficient for uploading to your favored social networking site.
Add to all this the fact that it has integrated with the likes of Facebook, Windows Messenger and Skype contacts in your phonebook (something that INQ came out with before Palm's Synergy) and you have one very functional mobile phone for a quality price.
