The HTC Salsa is an Android 2.3 Gingerbread phone with HTC’s updated Sense UI. Among the more interesting features of this version of Sense is the ability to drag and launch specific applications directly from the phone lock screen. The Salsa, like HTC's ChaCha, is a Vodafone exclusive that trades significantly on the inclusion of an F button for direct Facebook access contextually linked to your current activity.
While the Salsa’s larger screen is distinctly more agreeable than the ChaCha’s cramped arrangement, we’re still struck by the fact that most Facebook-ready Android apps can do this kind of thing via the Share menu, making the button a touch redundant. The Salsa’s performance was in line with what you’d expect from where it sits in the middle range of Android phones.
It’s essentially Vodafone’s version of the phone Telstra sells as the HTC Wildfire S, albeit with a larger screen (3.4in). The only trouble is Vodafone also offers the higher-powered Nexus S at the same contract rate and that’s by far a better phone. Still, if you don't mind buying from an unofficial phone retailer, you can find it for under A$400 outright (and unlocked), making it a decent option for prepaid or bring-your-own-phone plans.
