Obviously we can't ignore the fact that the 8220 is a clamshell esign. Thankfully even as a first attempt the actual flip mechanism is well built, shaking the design when the phone was open didn't show any signs of jostling / loose components. Furthermore the devices finish gives a sleek look to the design of the phone, essentially the device is a much more "commericial" device for the everyday user with the functionality of a business phone still sitting in its place. Not only does the flip design offer a good build, it's very compact with an overall size of 3.9" by 1.9" by a depth of only .7 inches. It's also a very light weight device at 3.6 ounces.
Looking at the outside of the device the one thing that stood out to us was the1.6 inch diagonal display that output at 65k colors. the display is pretty basic, in that it shows battery life, signal strength, internet connectivity type (gprs, edge) and a cool "analog/digital" clock display that offers a sophisticated yet functional time display.
Here's a screenshot of the display, notice the cool blue backlit display:
We also found that the device fit well into the palm of our hands and the buttons used for typing were still large enough to type on thanks to the Blackberry "SureType" technology. Here's a quick shot of the keypad and it's nice layout:
From the flipped open state more than just a keypad is offered, the Blackberry Flip 8220 also features a 2.25 inch internal display that again offers 65k colors with 240 x 320 pixels of resolution. There is no doubt that the colors and icons come through with vibrant excellence. Whether sending a text message, checking email, or viewing program icons the display is easy on the eyes in daytime sunlight or the darkest clubs. Overall the screen resolution and large screen (for the size of the device) makes this an easy to use clamshell for any user whether they are a power user or a casual caller.
Along with several excellent displays and a great build factor the 8220 also features on the left side of the device a powerful 3.5mm headphone jack, along with a microUSB port and a softkey that can be easily customized. While the right side of the device features a volume rocker that can increase and decrease the devices volume and even put it easily into vibration mode. The right side also includes a MicroSDHC card slot and a second softkey that's customizable to the users owners own preferences.
Finally flipping the device over users will find the 2MP camera with LED Flash. The camera is mounted over a chromed out accent that lets it stand out while still bleding into the device.
Overall we love the design of the Flip 8220, for a first attempt at a clamshell design Research In Motion (Makers of the Blackberry line) did a great job of not only building a functional device, but also a device that is well built in terms of every component.
Nothing really amazing to report on the camera front. For a 2MP camera the pictures are pretty bland. While we didn't experience any extreme undertones or overtones in most normal lighting situations the pictures lacked warmth and appeared to look a little grey. In face even the most vibrant colors from items were washed out at least slightly.
The camera does however offer video recording which is a nice feature, sure the video quality is a little choppy, but it launches quickly and is great for quick shoots if you don't mind a bunch of pixelation.
Overall the camera is great for snapping a quick unexpected picture, but it doesn't perform at the same level of many new devices on the market.