First Thoughts
A 4G LTE Samsung phone is what this is. A new powerful phone from Verizon. But only one core, very interesting choice.
The Looks
This phone has the look of an older blackberry, it is a strange but kind of bold move from Samsung, the jagged and cut edges make it feel a bit different from the regular rounded squares that almost everyone is putting out now. I like it and at the same time find it difficult. Give it pointed tip at the bottom is kind of cool, it does make it different, but it also make it hard to stand on its end which is something I do often. I don’t always have to hold my phone to read news, when sitting I prop it up to whatever is around.
The Hardware
I mentioned before that you have a single core in this one. To be exact it is a Cortex A8 Hummingbird which clocks in at 1000 MHz IE 1 ghz. I must say, it is still pretty quick. I find the device to be snappy.
The Screen
The screen is a Super AMOLED Plus and is bright, quite bright. You get 480 x 800 pixels. It really gives a clear picture on the 4.3 inch screen.
The Battery
The battery for me is a solid 8 hours it is a 1600 mAh battery that rates in at 11.00 hours of talk time and 280 hours of talk. I would get anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, usually around 8, just depending on the day and the usage. I have heard some say that depending on LTE you can get up to 12 maybe even 16 in this device, however, I was unable to get that done. Not even close.
The Operating System/Software
Android 2.2 with a bit of Samsung flair is what you get. It is pretty much touchwiz but I am not sure they call it that due to the fact that it is a Droid branded device. It seems to be Samsung Touchwiz esque and that is evident. I am unsure when this will get Android 2.3 but I am almost certain it will get the update as it has the power to do it. It may not be soon though. Android 2.2 does a good job for now and offers many things.
The Keyboard
There is no hard keyboard on this device, instead it comes with swype and Samsung’s keyboard.
The Browsing, Camera and Video
Browsing the internet can be awesome or awful, I think it is just the kernel combined with the Verizon 3G, we have NO 4G LTE here in Northern Utah. Often times the 3G would be good, other times it wouldn’t even turn on. I would browse a site and then suddenly the internet would turn off. This surely isn’t something that will happen to everyone, surely 4G would be better even 40 miles south of me in our Major City. I’ve heard others say both coasts end up with a better experience as well. The camera is great, an 8 mp rear camera and a 1.3 mp front camera. Rear HD is 720p and front video is just VGA.
The Call Quality
Verizon’s network is pretty great. I didn’t have an issue with the calls, the data was another story as I said before.
Summary
Pros:
- Another good Droid
- Calls were good
- The look is pretty nice
Cons:
- The design is kind of negative at times
- The battery didn’t live up to what a lot of people said, likely searching for 4G so much
Conclusions & Final Thoughts
I really expected it to be dual core, it is fast and efficient, not sure what dual would bring to this one, but it is definitely nice in 2011 to have a phone that will hold up for two years, that said, I doubt this one will. It will probably get passed up by something mid year and quickly forgotten, a lot of people like the 4G LTE and I wasn’t able to get 4G. I am kind of back and forth on this phone, it is interesting and different. I tried getting my brother into this device, however, he wasn’t interested. With that, I have already recommended it.
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