These days phones need to come with all those functions we can’t frankly live without, and the i8510 has them in buckets. Ticking the connection boxes are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while applications go from video editing to Google maps are complemented with all your social networking taken care of via ShoZu for the Facebook and MySpace addicts. There’s even a couple of good games to stop those bus journeys dragging on and links to quality content such as CNN to keep the more serious minded up to date on all the breaking news.

One problem we did find - although many slider phones are guilty of this - was that in your bag or pocket there is the chance that it can open. Not a problem if its locked and has to be manually unlocked, but this seems to unlock when the screen slides up, putting you at greater risk of making those hideously expensive 'pocket calls' and also annoying mates who have to then listen to your conversation, snoring - or worse!

While the entertainer tag holds up well, what of more serious functions? Well, there are some handy office-type applications such as Adobe PDF and quick office. Don’t believe the icon, though, you’ll still need to buy Microsoft Office Mobile if that’s your office app of choice.

Looks-wise, the i8510 closely resembles the Nokia N series in design and there have been a lot of recommendations that Nokia fans will love this - especially as both phones use the Symbian S60 operating system. The i8510 does manage to retain enough characteristics to mark it out as a Samsung device, though. Overall, while this has plenty going for it and we recommend you at least give it a test drive at your local store, we still think those hardcore Nokia fans are unlikely to release their N-Series phones from service just yet.

VERDICT: 8/10