Introduction

The Samsung Propel Pro is a bulked-upped and business-minded version of its predecessor, the Samsung Propel. It has a larger screen and QWERTY keypad and trimmed down key size.

Samsung Propel Pro (SGH-I627)

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The Pro is a smartphone with email and high-speed Internet, operating on AT&T's 3G and Wi-Fi networks.

Entertainment features are sparse and options for stereo or headset use are limited. But the Pro comes with built-in games and applications for downloading music and a excellent 3.0-megapixel camera.

The Pro may lack in entertainment features and accessories, and be too complicated for users seeking a simple phone with basic feature, but the Pro is an excellent choice for business professionals on the go who needs to read or edit a variety of documents, see the day's news and retrieve emails all before arriving at a desk.

Design

Resembling what would happen if the flashy Propel graduated and got a job, the new Propel Pro comes with a larger screen, smaller joystick and buttons, and a sleeker, reflective silver coating.

The Pro is heavy and oddly shaped. Nearly square in design, some users might not be able to fit the handset into their pants pocket. It's also a hefty 137g and a paunchy 15mm thick. While it's not the heaviest phone on the market, it's not exactly light. It's also thicker and wider than many rivals on the market.

The handset looks less like a music or entertainment device and more like a smartphone -- and there's a reason for that. It is marketed towards business consumers who want to carry a handset that looks as professional as they do.

The handset doesn't have a headphone jack. So users who want to use it as a personal music player, will need to buy compatible Bluetooth headset and look like they're on a business call when they're actually rocking out.

The Propel Pro has a screen so large -- nearly two inches wide and tall and surrounded by a thick border that blends in with the screen when its turned off -- it could almost be mistaken for a touch screen -- which it isn't.

The phone slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. The keys have little space in-between but are large enough for convenient typing.

The microphone is located at the bottom of the keyboard and the earpiece rests atop the screen, so calls can only be made with the phone open.

The right side of the phone includes a camera/zoom key and a headset/power/adapter jack that doubles as an outlet for a USB or data cable. Keys for turning the phone on or off or accessing a quick list and adjusting volume, plus a microSD card slot, are located on the left side of the phone.

The backside has a solid metallic sheath covering the battery slot. The 3.0-megapixel camera and a self-portrait mirror appear when the handset slides open.

The handset's reflective coating doubles as a mirror. Its QWERTY keyboard is neatly tucked away to prevent accidental dialing, and having a large screen is an asset to any phone. However, being "large" is problematic. Its bulk is too thick for anything except a briefcase pocket, and may lead to minor hand cramping due to its width.

While the Pro is a smart move for consumers seeking a smartphone with classic styling, it's not for people searching for a more colorful, trim or lightweight model.

Out of the box, the Samsung Propel Pro comes with a Lithium-Ion battery, wall charger, USB cable, Getting Started CD and a Getting Started guide.

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