Introduction

Building on the SGH-T309 released late last year, Samsung recently released the SGH-T609, a compact new handset with a little something for everyone.

Offering improved audio, imaging, and connectivity, the T609 is jam-packed with enough features to satisfy even the most cutting edge techie. The built-in MP3 and video player comes with an expandable TransFlash memory card for tons of storage space.

Quad-band network and Bluetooth compatibility give users the freedom to call whoever they want, whenever they want, and the 1.3-megapixel camera and video recorder ensures consumers will always be able to capture the action.

Adding improvements over the T309, the new T609 offers an affordable and fashionable alternative to ultra-thin devices on the market.

Design

The T609 features a sleek white exterior, encased in a small and stylish clamshell. Fitting easily into the palm of the hand, the T609 measures and weighs only 91 x 46 x 22 mm and 83 g, slightly smaller and lighter than the T309. Offering a compact package, the T609's rounded curves provides a beautiful and ideal shape for the pocket-stuffing averse.

The white exterior embeds a 1-inch monochrome LCD, set in a gray mirrored frame, showing basic information such as signal strength, battery level, date, and time. A camera lens is integrated above; allowing the 1.3-megapixel camera to captures photos up to 1280 x 1024 px in resolution.

Along the left, and a Headset Jack allows users to plug in handsfree headphones. And Volume Keys nearby adjust earpiece and tone levels during calls and standby. On the right a dedicated Camera Key is located next to a microSD expansion slot, capable of accepting cards up to 1 GB in size. The Battery Charger / USB Cable Port is located on the bottom.

Flipped open, the 2-inch internal screen displays 262K-colors vividly. Below, a 5-Way Keypad doubles as shortcuts to the Camera (Up), Contact List (Down), Text Message (Left), and Voice Notes (Right).

Samsung used a traditional clamshell design when creating the T609, which isn't a bad thing. Offering standard shortcuts, functions, and key locations, consumers will be familiar with the T609's layout right from the start. Being a mid-level device, the T609 is made of plastic. While durable and lightweight, the T609 lacks the heft and quality feel other devices have on the market.

Out of the box, the Samsung SGH-T609 comes with a Standard 800 mAh Li-Ion Battery, AC Adapter, Handsfree Headset, SIM Card, Welcome Guide, and User Manual (English and Spanish).

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