Vodafone Smart 2 review

Vodafone follows up its original Smart with an updated Android handset

Vodafone Smart 2 review
The Vodafone Smart 2 runs Android 2.3.5 in a little 3.2-inch touchscreen handset

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We were distinctly unimpressed with the original Vodafone Smart's 2MP camera. With the capability lifted to 3 megapixels, we had slightly higher hopes for the Vodafone Smart 2, but even so the camera is not particularly hot.

It is always nice to see an LED flash make an appearance, and we're appreciative of the side button too, which gives you quick launch access to the camera.

Vodafone Smart 2 review

It also has a 4x zoom, but there are few shooting modes to speak of, although you do get a couple of effects that the original Smart lacked. Mono and Sepia modes make an appearance this time around, along with Negative, Sketch and Embossed Mono shooting modes. There are also white balance settings for Incandescent, Daylight, Fluorescent and Cloudy conditions, as well as an Auto setting.

Accessing the settings is via a side bar that pops out when you tap an icon on the left side of the screen, but in the case of the shooting modes you have to scroll down past exposure, image size and picture quality settings to get to them, which is a bit tedious.

We sometimes found it challenging to frame outdoor shots, because of the difficulty in seeing the screen outside, particularly on brighter days.

Vodafone Smart 2 review

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Despite lacking a macro mode, this shot is surprisingly good. The colours are a bit washed out, but close-up focus and depth within the image isn't too bad.

Vodafone Smart 2 review

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Photographs of views tended to lack definition, and the sky was definitely not that white in real life.

Vodafone Smart 2 review

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The Sketch Mode filter was often quite productive, delivering interesting photos with some neat-looking effects.

Vodafone Smart 2 review

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Applying the Mono Emboss filter was pretty much a waste of time on most occasions. Images were always dark and difficult to decipher.