Camera

Pressing the dedicated Camera Key activates the 1.3-megapixel camera, converting the internal LCD into a viewfinder.

Able to snap photos up to 1280 x 1024 px in resolution, images are stored in JPG format taking up about 250 KB of memory. To save space, users can lower resolution to 1152 x 864 px, 800 x 600 px, 640 x 480 px, 320 x 240 px, or 176 x 144 px.

Using the directional keypad, consumers can adjust the Brightness Levels (-5 to +5) or get closer to the action with the 4X digital zoom. While, not providing true zooming capabilities as optical zoom would, like all camera phones, the T609 merely enlarges by increasing picture size much like cropping images on a PC.

Offering various Shooting Modes, the T609 can change between Single Shot, Multi-Shot, and Mosaic Shot. Single Shot allows users to take and send photos or save them automatically. Multi-Shot capture 6, 9, or 15 shots sequentially in normal or high quality to ensure users to the perfect shot. Mosaic Shot allows users to piece together multiple photos for one large panoramic view, either through 4 photos (2x2) or 9 photos (3x3).

Bundled with additional camera settings, features include Effects (Black and White, Negative, Sepia, Emboss, and Sketch), Timer (3, 5, and 10 seconds), Shutter Sounds, and 25 preinstalled Frames. Built-in flash is noticeably missing.

Users can capture about a minute of video up to 176 x 144 px (or 128 x 96 px) in resolution. Far too blurry and grainy for much use, the T609's video capabilities aren't much good for anything. However its still photo capabilities are able to make decent photo prints.

Compared to other camera phones, the T609 performs much as expected. Being designed as a mid-level device, the 1.3-megapixel camera is mediocre, on par with other devices on the market.

Basic Features

Released for T-Mobile, the quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) T609 operates on GSM frequencies worldwide, provided it is unlocked.

By default the T609 is locked to the T-Mobile network (since it's an exclusive device). As a common carrier practice to prevent customers from taking discounted phones (purchased in conjunction with a plan) to other carriers, good-standing customers can usually request the unlock code after 90 days of service. Only after it's unlocked will users be able to take it to other GSM networks worldwide.

Samsung rated the T609's 800 mAh Li-Ion battery at 3.0 hours and 144 hours (6 days) of talk and standby times respectively. However, those are under optimal conditions. When manufacturers and carriers list talk and standby times, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Actual talk and standby times are lower.

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