Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto

Introduction
The Helio Mysto is the latest handset from U.S.-based MVNO. Manufactured by Samsung, this slim slider sports a 2 megapixel camera, microSD card slot, and touch-sensitive controls with vibration feedback. Is the Helio Mysto's new design and beautiful display enough to make it stand out?

Physical Aspects
The Helio Mysto is a slender handset, measuring 105mm x 49.5mm x 12.7mm (4.1" x 1.9" x 0.5") and weighing in at a featherweight 96.4g (3.4oz). Don't be fooled by the slim casing, though. The Mysto is built incredibly solid, with no squeaks or creaks in the housing. The device is weighted evenly and the edges are rounded, offering a pleasant in-hand feel. The Mysto comes in a midnight blue casing with black accents.
The Helio Mysto sports four touch sensitive buttons on the front of the device, with vibration feedback to confirm when you touch them. The d-pad is circular, with a slight hump at each of the four directions, and a well-defined and easy to use center button. The front is also where you'll find the Mysto's beautiful 2.2" color display, with 240x320 pixel resolution. The left side of the handset houses the volume rocker and a combined power plug/headset port, conveniently covered by a small but sturdy door.
The power button on the Mysto is awkwardly located on the right side of the device, and is oddly painted bright red, making it look very out of place. Below the power button is the camera button, which is also awkward, since you have to slide the phone open to use the camera, and it is operated in portrait mode. The back of the handset is smooth, with a Helio symbol and Samsung label pressed in. There is also a microSD memory card slot, but unfortunately it requires you to remove both the back cover and battery to access it.
The slide mechanism on the Mysto is smooth and spring-assisted, which makes it fun to open and close. Sliding the handset open reveals the standard numeric keypad with excellent backlighting. The keys, however, are completely flat, and offer only limited tactile feedback. The combination of touch-sensitive buttons and a flat keypad make the Mysto have quite the learning curve. The 2 megapixel camera, with LED flash and self-portrait mirror, appears when you slide the handset open.