Next week Samsung will release the first phone with an eight-megapixel image sensor, producing images of identical quality to most digital cameras. The i8510 also has a flash, and can detect when people in the picture are smiling.

Previous cameraphones have been criticised for their poor image quality. However, Paul Nuttall of What Digital Camera said the emergence of the Korean firm’s new model - and others from rival manufacturers - could mean the average consumer simply won’t buy a camera.

Although the Samsung is the first camera to go on sale in Britain with an eight megapixel camera, other manufacturers such as Sony Ericsson are readying similar products for release. The Samsung phone, available for free with a contract at Carphone Warehouse, also has built-in satnav, 8gb storage space for music and high speed wireless internet access.

Its slider design is slick, and the handset feels solid and well built. The menu system is simple to use. Taking pictures was quick and the camera seemed to cope with a range of conditions.

Image quality was very impressive - the best yet on a mobile phone. Colour was rich and well defined, and the automatic settings worked well for most conditions. The flash will be a welcome addition for late-night bar shots. Overall, the Samsung is a great combination of almost every feature you could want in a mobile. source