HTC Salsa - A Well Designed Social Networking Android Phone

Looks-wise, the HTC Salsa has an interesting patchwork look that viewers may like or loathe depending on their preferences. It's just the right sort of oddness that will either appeal to or weird out a variety of users. That aside, its 3.4 inch high resolution capacitive touchscreen is another nice touch. All in all, the phone is incredibly slender, with the bottom jutting out at an angle slightly. At 120g, it's definitely pocket friendly and sturdy enough to be able to take a few hard knocks.

We would be remiss in neglecting to mention the Facebook button. This button does more than just open Facebook—the webpage has been integrated into everything from your calender to your email client list. Pressing it not only allows you to see live feeds, but it also lets you upload photos, videos, and more, saving you a few extra steps.

That aside, the Salsa sports the newly debugged Android 2.4 Gingerbread. Combine this with the HTC Sense and you have a phone that is naturally simple and fun to use. Some typical gestures include pinching to zoom in and tapping to zoom out. You also get multiple home screens to dress up and access to tons of apps and widgets via Android Market. There are also a lot of mobile comparison sites that offers great HTC Salsa deals that you might want to check out.

When it comes to connectivity, the Salsa pulls out all the stops, with wi-fi, Bluetooth, HDSPA, 3G, and more, guaranteeing you easy access to the internet both at home and on the go. Users will also be happy to note that it supports Flash as well, which means you'll get to access a lot more movies and games. Android also allows you a variety of preinstalled Google related fun, including Gmail, Google Maps, Google Talk, and much more. Its lovely screen makes tapping and texting very easy indeed, and its fast, reliable browser ensures that your experience is relatively seamless.

Other features include two cameras: one 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and a LED flash on the back, plus a VGA camera on the front for video conferences. As far as cameras go, these aren't the best on the market, but they're well equipped enough that they're usable if you don't have your digital camera within easy reach. We also like that you can upload photos and videos directly to the web within a few easy taps.

Its music related features are also decent, if a bit basic. They include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a music player, and little else. However, this is hardly a disappointment—this allows you to listen to your tunes with your preferred set of headphones, which is more than many phones provide.

When it comes to battery life, the Salsa suffers the same lack of stamina as most other smartphones. Alas, its bright screen and tons of apps means that its battery life will suffer. However, by charging daily and turning off the phone when you're not using it, you can get away with using it heavily. With 512MB, plus a microSD stick, you should be able to store what you need on the phone without worrying about slowing it down.

All in all, the HTC Salsa is definitely worth checking out! Its large and lovely screen, latest Android goodies, and decent camera definitely makes it worth considering. However, if its odd exterior or low battery life turns you off, there are plenty of others to consider.