Introduction

Last year Samsung entered the ultra-thin arena with its MM-A900 clamshell for Sprint, battling against and reminiscent of Motorola's popular RAZR handset. Although eerily similar in form and design, the MM-A900 was technologically more advanced, upgrading and improving many features consumers griped about on the RAZR.

Released this month, Samsung's latest slim phone debuts on T-Mobile store shelves. Designed to go head-to-head against the Motorola SLVR L6, the new SGH-T509 hopes to improve and enhance features lacking in Motorola's iconic phone to dominate the "credit card" phone market.

Adding improvements over the SLVR L6, the T509 features high-speed EDGE connectivity and a large 262K-color screen. With external similarities with the SLVR, comparisons are undoubtedly going to be made.

Currently Motorola has three SLVR-family handsets available, the high-end L7 (with iTunes), the mid-level L6, and the entry level L2. Since the T509 is a mid-level device priced competitively with the L6, further references to the SLVR will mean the SLVR L6.

Going against Motorola's SLVR L6, the T509 hopes to offer consumers another fashionable choice when deciding which ultra-thin phone to go with.

Design

Providing another slim and sleek fashion phone, Samsung managed to create the T509 at 117 x 46 x 9.8 mm in size. Measuring about 0.4-inches, it's remarkably even thinner than the SLVR, and the slimmest handset launched in North America. As the latest entry into the growing market of "credit card" phones (similar in shape and size, albeit slightly longer and narrower), the T509 may make even iPod Nano owners envious.

Featuring clean lines and a particular attention to aesthetics, the T509 offers an improved LCD screen and tactile keypad compared to the SLVR.

Prominently displaying a brilliant 262K-color LCD screen, consumers can view images at 176 x 220 px in resolution. With standard navigation using a 5-way keypad, the front of the T509 also features standard Send, Power / End, Clear, and Left and Right Soft Keys. And unlike the one-piece wafer numeric keypad of the SLVR, the T509 provides more conventional individual keys for faster text messaging and improved feedback.

Providing a minimalist approach to design, the left edge only contains Volume Keys, while the right side houses the Camera Key.

Turned around, the lens to the built-in VGA camera resides on the back, with a mirror nearby to take self-portraits or group shots. For loud and clear handsfree speakerphone operation, a dedicated speaker grill is adjacent to the lens.

Samsung took great care to minimize not just the T509's thickness, but also its weight. And at only 2.7 ounces, consumers may just forget they're carrying the T509 in their pocket.

But Samsung may have been too successful. As a consequence, the T509 almost feels too lightweight. Lacking the heft which conveys quality materials, the T509 suffers in build-quality compared to the SLVR L7's heavier hybrid glass-filled body; added to enhance stability and rigidity. The T509 feels fragile, but consumers shouldn't worry. For everyday wear and tear, the T509 is deceivingly resilient, standing up well to the accidental bump or drop.

Out of the box, the Samsung SGH-T509 comes with a standard 800 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Charger, Handsfree Headset, and User Manual.

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