Reviewed by: Allen Tsai - May 04, 2006
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.
Next >
This article is Copyright 2002-2009 Mobiledia Corp. and the review in
part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed
medium without prior permission from Mobiledia. For information on
reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please
contact us. |