Dell Streak
The basics
Is it a smartphone? Is it a small tablet? The Dell Streak is the biggest handset we've seen since the 80s, but could it herald a new form factor for the "superphone"? Read on for our verdict on the biggest Android on the block.
The good
At five inches across, the Dell Streak is certainly the biggest touchscreen phone we've seen and Dell has emphasised the fact by locking it down into landscape mode use.
But for all that, it's impressively thin. At just under 10mm, the Streak is barely thicker than the new iPhone 4, and will still comfortably slip into your pocket, despite its width.
The 1GHz Snapdragon processor is as zippy as you'd expect on top-end Android handsets. And the WVGA screen is responsive and sharp, a fact heightened by its size.
The battery life is also mightily impressive – putting smaller, power-hungry smartphones to shame.
The bad
It's heavy – at 219g, the Dell Streak is hefty for a smartphone (an iPhone 3GS weighs just 135g).
The five-megapixel camera takes average stills, and has a slightly laggy shutter and the onscreen keyboard is simply not good enough for such a large, otherwise responsive screen.
The Dell Streak also only runs the older Android 1.6, albeit a nicely skinned version, so no delicious FroYo Flash support or multiple Google accounts. And because it’s skinned, don’t expect immediate updates either.
The bottom line
If you love Android and you're a fan of the bigger form factor then the Dell Streak could be the handset to make you cast aside your hesitations. An interesting device for trailblazers and phone geeks.
User comments (14)
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Martin05 August 2010
An interesting phone and really only for fans of large screens. Other than the 5" screen and battery life theres really not much else it offers that many other phones do better.
Report as inappropriatethomsem08 August 2010
I am annoyed you haven't said that the new android running system will be used on new models this year and available as a free update
Report as inappropriateTom18 August 2010
I think the streak would get 5 Gs once the new opperating system comes out.
Report as inappropriatemacauley1019 August 2010
this phone/tablet is the future for internet and cummincation in your hands and once it is running on the later android system it will be one of the best smart phones going i reckon that it will beat the iphone 4 and most tablets out there on the market.
Report as inappropriatemicklong125 August 2010
it is not to big still fits in pocket great, a quick tablet great for internet use will be even better when software upgrade is available the only slight downside is it's not the best phone for calls i have ever used (but neither is the i phone)
Report as inappropriateAndycap201026 August 2010
I have had my streak for two weeks now and loving it. I have installed a pre-release version 2.1 of Android and found that it makes all the difference to performance and gives you a lot more functionality. The keyboard has been replaced with a better version without the num pad, you can now use live wallpapers as a background, the speed has also improved quite a lot. The camera is less laggy but still room for improvement, Video recording at HD 720p is now supported. Android 2.2 (Froyo) has been promised by Dell this year so Flash will be available soon.
Report as inappropriateLee Woodruff31 August 2010
The phones volume is around 20-25% more volume than zmy n95. No need to join the masses of sheep having a certain fruit tatooed somewhere about your person. Granted the android apps store does look like old mother hubbard runs it when compared to itunes, but I have use of flash! The screen is bright, responsive and works well in most lighting conditions, direct sunlight does cause glare and washes out the image. Video playback at higher resolutions is a sight to behold on such a small device. Audio is clear and crisp on both the supplied headphones and a pair of pmx80. When 2.2 froyo is released in q4 this phone would be at the top of thr more descering individuals xmas list.
Report as inappropriateb3astmast3r08 September 2010
I have had my Streak for 2 weeks now, the first week was on the supplied Android 1.6 and I was on the verge of returning the unit to O2, it was slow clunky,the keyboard was abismal, and the apps reguarly crashed :( however I found a pre-realease of Android 2.1, bit the bullet and installed, well it was like getting a comletely new toy, all of the previous faults had gone, and not replaced with any new ones... I love the large form factor HD screen, surfing webpages gives the page as it would appear on your pc, no constantly scrolling left right, videos are more than watchable (although it is very picky about video formats, strangely enough it seems quite happy with Iphone formats). I just can't wait for 2.2 support, so that I can get Flash based webpages up and running. I do not have a phone tariff, data only, so cant comment on how good a phone it is, but then all I wanted was a portable surfing tool. all in all one of the best gadgets I have aquired in sometime, even converted a friend who would only use Apple products.
Report as inappropriateReverand Duffer10 September 2010
I've had the streak since release day and love it. Screen size is brilliant for sutfing. Navigator app free is alot less than the almost £80 Garmin wanted to update my Nuvi. Only negative is lack of Flash and I'm counting the days until I can get the upgrade. Brilliant gadget.
Report as inappropriateJan08 October 2010
Hello, Mugen Power just released the 4800mAH Extended Battery for for Dell Streak, it should be last triple time with 1 charge than the stock battery! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U7zM91VSgY http://mugen.hk/mugen-power-4800mah-extended-battery-for-dell-streak-m01m.html
Report as inappropriatesimon15 November 2010
I have and use the dell streak and I love it the screen is great for web browsing and as a sat nav. and it will still fit in my pocket no problem. I am running android 2.1 on it. the other thing I like about is having hdmi output when used with the docking station. so I can watch video and pictures from it on my tv. and now I am also able to attach usb drives to it. The battery life is very good for this type of device. So for me its better than an iphone because of the bigger screen. and better than an ipad because it fits in my pocket so I can take it every where with me.
Report as inappropriateAndrew Allerton28 November 2010
I got a Streak yesterday on the basis that the new handsets were running Android 2.1 as this site, http://www.o2.co.uk/dellstreak states clearly, I asked O2 customer support and they confirmed that the new hansets were indeed 2.1 and a 2.2 upgrade was being rolled out soon. With this in mind I went down to the O2 shop and got myself one, as I had been told by customer support the new items were 2.1 I did not ask in the shop, however, when I got home I found it to be 1.6, too late to take it back. I work away from home so will be contacting O2 customer support again and returning it. Clearly a case of mis selling.
Report as inappropriatelogan04 December 2010
good review. i love my streak. good size. it’s great it’s like a computer and phone. processor is faster, touch screen is responsive. great unlocked cell phone. it’s easy to navigate around the screen and the games and apps are great. on the business side the wifi and gps help me keep in touch with my clients. also got my cell phone unlocking and phone codes for free! got my last 2 streaks for my wife and daughter at unlockthatphone.com 2 thumbs way up
Report as inappropriateJune13 December 2011
I Love mine to bits it brilliant and easy to use and lots of apps for all situations <3
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