Camera

The 1.3-megapixel camera takes decent photos when used through its regular interface under the T629's "Fun & Apps" menu choice. However, the camera switch on the right hand side has a significant delay.

Although images are clear and comparable to other camera phones, the 4x digital zoom creates only marginally acceptable images, cropping photos rather than actually zooming in. Relative to the industry, 1.3-megapixel is average. While few manufacturers release devices with VGA cameras (0.3-megapixels), 2.0- and 3.2-megapixel camera phones are increasingly becoming popular.

A self-timer allows users to delay the start of image capture up to 10 seconds. Still images can be customized by size to SXGA (1280 x 1024 px), Mega (1152 x 864 px), SVGA (800 x 600 px), VGA (640 x 480 px), QVGA (320 x 240 px) or Mobile (176 x 144 px). Video images (in 3 GP format) can be set to QICF (176 x 144 px) or SQCIF (128 x 96 px). These modes are visible on the screen while filming. Video maintains the standard of jerkiness with cell phones and users have to be careful to wait for the delayed picture snap, lest they wish a fuzzy image. No flash or light is available on the camera, which makes night-time or dimly lit indoor photos almost impossible.

The camera's most exciting effects give users simple ways to be creative with their new digital gadget. Effects allow users to take images in black and white, sepia tone, sketch style, negative film or embossed. "Shooting modes" allow users to take images in series with a multi-shot or mosaic progression. The first allows users to capture 9-15 images in a row at high or normal speed with just one-click of the camera's "OK" key. The latter allows users to form a 2x2 or 3x3 grid. Still, with no reversible screen, self-portraits are still a gamble.

Also, users can preset default settings for the names picture and video files and which folder they are automatically stored. Photos can easily be transferred from the T629's 21.0 MB memory to an external microSD memory card and individual still image and video files can be locked to prevent accidental deletion. More interactively, users can create slideshows and share those via Bluetooth technology.

Providing print-quality photos, the T629's camera functionality offers acceptable image quality to be a camera-replacement. While not state-of-the-art, the 1.3-megapixel is excellent for the T629's price point.

Basic Features

Released for T-Mobile, the Samsung T629 runs on GSM quad-band (850 / 900/ 1800 / 1900 Mhz) technology, allowing consumers the use of the device on compatible GSM networks in worldwide, provided it has been unlocked.

The T629's 3x3 menu screen grid features graphic icons in an organized fashion. However, while the while the Welcome Screen's wallpaper can be customized, its right and left bottom buttons are fixed on "Menu" and "T-Zones," the network's own Internet service. Most importantly, with several downloadable and recordable media options, a special "Memory Status" menu options helps users keep track of how much storage space they have left and how much each category of sounds, images and videos occupies.

The T629 also logs the last 30 incoming, outgoing and missed calls, saving users from the tedious task of going through old phone logs, or waiting for them to be posted on their online accounts. Each address book entry can contain up to five phone numbers, email address, personalized picture and ringtone that will appear each time that entry calls or is called.

A expansive alarm network allows users to set three different alarm times, including a wake up call. All three times can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance and customized with specific ringtones or even downloaded MP3 tracks. The handheld is capable with My Fav 5 and 17 ringtones and four tones for when the phone is slid in and out are available and expandable via the network's online paid library.

Samsung rated the T629's 880 mAh Li-Ion battery at 3.2 and 160 hours (6.7 days) of talk and standby times respectively. However, these times are under optimal conditions and testing suggested it may yield a lower performance. Moderate to high users may find it necessary to charge the phone nightly to avoid battery troubles. Charging time takes up to 2 hours.

< Prev Next >

This article is Copyright 2002-2008 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.