Camera
Seeing as the Trace' best feature is its design, it' not surprising
that the integrated camera, at 1.3-megapixels, is pretty standard as in
most high-end phones these days. This camera is, however, a huge step up
from the T509. The Trace also includes video capabilities, and a lot of
the standard camera options, but is in no way meant for the serious photographer
or video maker.
Integrating the usual extras needed for the camera, the Trace offers
basic features such as a a Self-Timer, 4X Zoom, and Color Effects. It also
goes further with Multi-Shot options and Normal or High Speed, Frame and
Rotation options, as well as Brightness adjustment to make up for the lack
of Flash.
Once entered into the Camera Mode, the menu is simple to navigate and
photos are easy to take and send. The photo button is conveniently located
on the side of the phone, rather than in the keypad. There is no flash included,
so nighttime photos taken outside or in lowlit clubs are not an option.
But picture quality is good, with good lighting, and the consumer can do
everything in view finder mode, including choosing the resolution for the
photo and zooming in and out using the navigating keys.
The camera lens is located on the back of the phone. Unfortunately, Samsung
took a step backwards from the T509 in terms of self portraits - on the
Trace there is no tiny mirror located next to the lens. But taking photos
is a cinch, and the consumer can also easily send these photos to the phone,
email or other users. On the down side, taking a clear photo while in motion
is not an option. Once the camera button is clicked, the picture is slow
to take, and slower to send.
In addition to the camera feature, the consumer can also capture video.
But usually the clips tend to be short and look pixilated depending on the
lighting. The addition of the microSD slot to the Trace is meant to give
the consumer the advantage of adding more memory to the phone. These microSD
cards can now add up to 1 G of memory space to the phone. Regardless of
the expansion card slot available for extra storage, memory space on the
phone runs low quickly when using the video feature.
Basic Features
Released for T-Mobile, the Samsung Trace features GSM quad-band (850
/ 900/ 1800 / 1900 Mhz) technology, permitting the use of the handset on
compatible GSM networks in North America, Europe and Asia, provided it has
been unlocked.
Samsung offers a 3x3 menu with large, animated icons that often seem
more teen than business. But their navigation is easy when using the four
way directional button or using the 1-9 keys that correspond. Like other
Samsung phones, the consumer can customize the wallpaper, ringtones, and
color settings. Beyond that, however, there are not many more customizable
options. The menu organization is set, and the right bottom button is set
to enter you into T-Mobile' web browser called, T-Zones.
The basic phone features are clear, and the easy-to-use speakerphone
is prompted on any given call by pressing the top right key. The speaker
is located on the back of the phone, and the sound is somewhat tinny, but
exceptional compared to other mobile speakerphones on the market. Despite
the back setting, callers can hear you equally well if the phone is placed
on its back or front. The sound is pretty clear in most environments, though
club settings may pose more oratory problems.
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