Screen

The VX8360's internal screen is average -- average sized at two inches long and average quality with 262K-colors and 240 x 320 px resolution.

The phone's external screen is the real gem, measuring 1.17 inches long. That doesn't exactly sound huge, but it's bigger than most external screens on clamshells, making it easier than ever to check the time and the phone's battery strength and bars without opening the phone for a better look.

The size may be an upgrade, but the quality of the screen image is about the same as most comparable models, though, with 65K colors and 96 x 96 px resolution.

The external screen size adds appeal to the VX8360, but the resolution on both the inside and outside screens are nothing new. Image quality is good, but not top-of-the-line on both screens, and each smudge easily.

While someone used to smartphone screens averaging three-inches in length might not see the appeal of this phone, customers who have suffered eyestrain trying to read teensy external screens will appreciate the reprieve with this model.

Audio

The first clue that the VX8360 is built for music-lovers are the phone's exterior music keys. The next few clues are inside the phone, where users will find the ability to download and find new songs with VCAST Music with Rhapsody, a song downloading service. Or users can put music they already have on the phone by syncing with their computer's music library.

A microSD memory card would be a wise purchase for users opting for this second choice, as the phone only has 44 MB of memory storage.

Music can be heard with the phone opened or closed through dual speakers or by plugging in with a headset or speakers.

For a phone that advertises itself as a dual phone/music player, the audio on the VX8360 is disappointingly quiet. Even the highest volume setting is hard to hear over booming traffic or even a noisy air conditioner. Even though dual speakers help spread out the sound and create a better music listening experience, it's not a bad idea to upgrade with some sold-separately items, such as portable stereo speakers, a stereo headset or Bluetooth brand headset, stereo headset or stereo speakers, all of which are compatible with the VX8360.

Other audio features include speakerphone and voice command capabilities, plus the ability to record up to an hour of sound while the phone is on standby or up to five minutes during a phone call -- a great feature for everyone from journalists to part-time citizen spies.

The phone also comes with 23 built-in ringtones and various applications for downloading new ringtones, including actual audio of hit songs via music ringer support.

All in all, the VX8360 has an impressive set of audio options -- it's just too bad they aren't louder.

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