O2 XDA Stealth review
December 3, 2006 by Jayvee Fernandez
Filed under Smartphone, Windows Mobile, XDA
Windows Mobile is finally getting a grip on the number pad. With the debut of the keypad laden ASUS P525, the O2 XDA Stealth is a Windows Mobile 5 device developed by Gigabyte for telco provider O2. Coined as the “Stealth” for reasons unknown, the design follows the typical slider phones from Samsung and Nokia. The front piece contains the screen, four menu buttons and a 5 way directional pad while the back contains the miniSD card slot, 2MP autofocus camera and the numerical keypad.
Unlike the P525 that does a fine job of integrating true phone functions with Windows Mobile (i.e. you can operate it without the stylus), the XDA Stealth falls short of this. It may be an illusion of sorts that the numerical keypad allows you to ditch the stylus altogether as you will come to realize that the Stealth does not come with soft keys for the menu functions and the SMS input mechanism, dubbed “eZiText” isn’t as easy as it sounds. You will need to press the OK button after each word to spell out a sentence and this kinda sucks if you were under the impression that sending SMS would come as close to the experience of a real phone. In support of this, CNET had the following to say about the keypad:
On the phone front we only had a few problems with the Xda Stealth. While it in theory offers the option of either touchscreen or dialling pad for calling numbers, we found a few instances — such as entering SIM security codes — where it completely ignored the dialling pad. To make matters worse, it gave us no error messages to indicate we should only use the touchscreen, leaving us wondering why we were getting no signal all of a sudden. (source)
The Stealth has a few lifesavers, namely Bluetooth and WiFi (802.11g) connectivity but this will soon become a staple feature of all Windows Mobile devices due to consumer demand. It comes with 192MB of flash ROM and 64MB of RAM with miniSD expansion options. Triband GSM is supported but there is no 3G calls for this black bugger though. Battery life is pretty good although CNET will disagree with me. Standard phone use without wireless Internet lasted me up to 40 hours until the low battery warning popped out.
The O2 Stealth has a good thing going for it – if they try to fix the interface between the keypad and SMS. This would have been the perfect Smartphone for consumers looking for a powerful Windows Mobile device with the form factor of a phone. Maybe a software upgrade should be in the works soon? Overall I see a half baked device that could have made it to the Christmas wish list. The Stealth has a small case of identity crisis because it sports the form factor of a phone with barely the software to complement it.
Oh I do hope they fix it soon – you really can’t do much for the missing soft keys but a better (upgraded) built-in SMS application should do the trick in the meantime. And to think I called this gadget “my next phone!” Humor me.
Hi,
I was wondering if you know of a software that I can download to my Samsung I730 that would allow me to search Contacts by using the Notes, instead of by name or company. It can be done in Outlook, but not in the standard Windows Mobile software.
Thanks,
Andy
I have an O2 XDA Stealth and am having frequent problems with the phone not connecting/completing/recieving the call, locking up requiring resets, and changing timezones when connecting to my computer. Is there a s/w update available?
there are no prices listed on the o2 site i wonder if they could showthe prices so the buyer would know which onr to buy and compare prices
i’m using xda stealth.d prob is I can’t play mp3 files in my windows media player n when I play d movie its stuck…help me pls….
hey guys m plannin 2 buy d O2 xda stealth ……….. plz lemme kno more abt d phone features n whether i shud change my plans thanks!!!!!!!!
i just want to ask if theres a program than can be installed to o2 stealth so that i can use the keypad for texting.
hello.
i want to know if there’s a available driver to download for my O2 xda stealth?
please let me know the site and e-mail me at kkb_john09@yahoo.com
thanks!
i want to know if there’s a available driver to download for my O2 xda stealth?
please let me know the site and e-mail me at
don’t buy stealth. worst phone i ever had. Always hang…. after repair still hang. i give up!
are there any programs i could install in my o2 stealth so i could use the keypads for texting? shame on o2 for this “hybrid” phone’s useless keypad.
hi, i want to install flash player to my o2 xda stealth pocket pc. so how can i install it into my mobile. i tried a lot . but i couldn’t. so please let me know .
i want to know if there’s a available driver to download for my O2 xda stealth? plz let me know..
hi,
it is possible to use the keypad while texting??? please help us
to use the keypad, click the keyboard icon below, then click the arrow pointing up beside the icon. pick “eZiText” and then go try your keypad if it works.
btw. the keypad sucks once you get to use it.ugh. its slow. word of advice, stick to the screen keyboard . …’
-peace
Hi guys …I bought the o2 stealth …feels very good for the features and price (touchscreen ,wifi etc)
But the software cd was in chineses so could not transfer data but i downloaded software from this link
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/activesync/activesync45.mspx
and it connect to pc fine
let me know if this helps (u wont need drivers seperatly)
I have a O2 Stealth since May 2007. The first 2 months, I fell in love with it. But after 2 months, I regretted the money that I spent. IT SUCKS!! It hangs so frequently, especially when I badly needed to make calls. After reparing, the problems continues. And the after-sale service sucks big time!!
I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANY O2 EVER AGAIN!!!
I’ve got O2 Stealth phone since June 2007. It hangs frequently and I missed so many calls. A friend also has O2 and sucks the same way. I took it over to repair center and whle I was waiting to be served, I overheard many unhappy frustratated customers compaining about their O2 phones. After sales sucks when I complaint about their serivce and bad attitude they told me that they are using 3td party repair service and nothing to do with O2… I will never ever buy another O2.
I’ve used O2 stealth since April 2007. Overall this phone is working well. But once of lackness is keypad. I’ve installed the ezitext but it didnt run well like the other phone. It’s slow..
Is there any update software for this keypad function?
Need your assistance. Thanks..
how can i get the application and softwares that i can use with my o2 xda phone??? please help me and email me..tnx!!
How do I install games that I have downloaded? It’s in a winRAR file and tried extracting it to the Programs folder but it didn’t work.
they should update the stealth. could be a killer.
i want to know how to get driver to connect my O2 xda stealth with my PC
hi please let me know where is the shop of o2, because my o2 cellphone doesn’t work, i don’t know what will I do, almost 5 months that i can’t use my phone, please help me, the other repair shop can’t fix my phone. email me at joan_neri_86@yahoo.com.ph
kok ngga bisa mati ya,tadi baterainya abis. gimana donk cara matiinnya trus waktu ngobrol digeser ngga slidingnya?
i have an o2 stealth.. are there any software to make the keypad able to write sms …??
where can i get a battery for my 02 stealth in Mumbai in India. No supoort system available at all.
hi i also have an o2 xda stealth but i dont know whre i can get its cable driver but i know the service centre its in amthura road near badarpur delhi named as accs as in ucom india pvt. ltd.
you can get no of application on freewarepocketpc.net for your o2 phones…
but O2 stealth is worst phone…It does not have pause function when you are using video camera…isn’t it worst function with worst mobile..
am not getting any incoming call when my phone is in standby mode.. really fucking.. any one help me?? pls send to maniya15@yahoo.com
i have an O2 Xda Stealth. its touch screen is not working now and i’m not able to use the phone.
If somebody knows wats the problem with this kindly help me.
-sunilmathewphilip@yahoo.co.in
After Using a SPICE for 7 days, i realised what a great phone I have!! It needs about 15 MB of free space, to perform its best.
The navigation Key with a side scroller is great. I feel it is more logical than others. The hidden sliding KeyPad makes things much easier. Push Email. Answering Machine is great Options for saving few coins.
But, it loses marks for its poor Battery Life. No zoom. The Stylus is rubbish and of course old WM 5!
i just wanted a software so that i can connect my XDA stealth to my PC as i’ve lost the CD. Can you please help me