Sagem my201x review

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Sadly, you can't update the casing to one of your preference.

TechRadar Verdict

Dull-ish looks and low-fi tech, but the Wap addition makes this phone more than worth its £25

Pros

  • +

    Choice and customisation of ringtones

Cons

  • -

    The dull grey casing

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The my201x has the classical form to suggest it should cost more than the £25 they'll charge you for it in the high street. But on the negative side, it won't immediately grab attention - it is a simple light grey and black affair, which may not be everyone's idea of fun, and if you don't like it, you can't customise the appearance with new casings.

The colour screen is very similar in size and colour specification to that found inside the Alcatel One Touch E256 but it is Sagem that puts the 8000 pixels and 4000 colours to the best use. The menus allow you to customise wallpapers and screensavers with a number of pictures and cute animations, and on-screen icons use the full available palette.

Ringtone choice also allows you to stamp your individuality on the phone, with a variety of possible options including a mooing cow, Big Ben chimes or a version of 'Losing my Religion' that kind of sounds like REM...

However, a great feature of this phone is that you can add other ringtones (and pictures) thanks to the provision of Wap. Sure, that's a standard feature on virtually all phones nowadays, but in the budget basement it's still a bonus.

This is old-fashioned Wap, with a dial-up connection and without the benefit of GPRS download speeds. However, it does give you the scope to customise your phone more and also provides useful access to a whole host of different information services.

You are limited to one game, and surprisingly this makes little use of the colour screen. Called ArcadeBox, it is a version of the superb Erix game that used to be a firm favourite on Ericsson phones.

Other onboard tools include a stopwatch, currency converter, calendar, calculator, and even the option of connecting your handset up to your laptop.

Tech.co.uk was the former name of TechRadar.com. Its staff were at the forefront of the digital publishing revolution, and spearheaded the move to bring consumer technology journalism to its natural home – online. Many of the current TechRadar staff started life a Tech.co.uk staff writer, covering everything from the emerging smartphone market to the evolving market of personal computers. Think of it as the building blocks of the TechRadar you love today. 

Latest in Phones
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Hands on
I'm actually glad the new Siri with Apple Intelligence is delayed, and here's why we've got Apple's AI problem backwards
The iPhone 16 Pro on a grey background
iPhone 17 Pro tipped to get 8K video recording – but I want these 3 video features instead
Google Pixel 9 on blue background with big savings text overlay
Forget Amazon, the best Pixel 9 deal is at Mint Mobile today - get $400 off without an annoying trade-in
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors seemingly revealed in new video, and there’s another sign of an imminent launch
Apple iPhone 16 Pro REVIEW
The iPhone 17 Air looks impressively slim in this new comparison image, but that just makes me more worried about the specs
Two Android phones on a green and blue background showing Google Messages
Google Messages just added a fun upgrade to one of its best chat features
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used