Samsung SGH-T609 Review

Manufactured from OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology, the 4-color grayscale 96 x 96 px external screen does not require a backlight to function, using much less power than traditional LCD screens. Being less vibrant as well, unfortunately the screen is quite difficult to read in direct sunlight.

While the monochrome external LCD is disappointing, it mainly offers quick and convenient access to text. Frequented information shown on the screen includes battery charge level, signal strength, date, and time. The LCD also doubles as a viewfinder when closed in Camera Mode, vaguely allowing users to see where the lens is pointing.

Conversely, the internal screen is built from TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology. Displaying 262K-colors at 176 x 220 px, the 2-inch main LCD provides bright and vivid imaging, but consumes a significant amount of power.

Both OLED and TFT displays offer an ideal blend of power consumption and image quality. Since users frequently glance at static information on the external screen, OLED is logical to prolong battery life without sacrificing much on imaging. Meanwhile, the sparsely used internal display offers exceptional clarity and brightness for multimedia.

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Audio

Consumers can copy their favorite MP3s to the T609 and take them with them on microSD memory cards. The interface is minimalist with the directional keypad functioning as the Rewind, Play / Pause, Forward, and Music List Keys. Providing a few settings, listeners can choose Repeat Mode (Off, One, and All), Shuffle, Visualization, Backlight, and Volume (0-10).

Unfortunately the T609 uses a non-standard Headset Jack, so only the supplied headset (used for handsfree conversation) is possible for private listening. Having only one earpiece, mono sound limits audio quality. Unplugged music from the external speaker projects from the top hinge of the T609.

While the lack of stereo sound makes music listening rather poor, transferring MP3s from a PC was fairly painless. More useful for MP3 ringtones than a music player, users can easily set music tracks for incoming calls.

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Messaging

The conventional raised keypad (with the middle row slightly offset) is revealed by opening the T609. Featuring all the standard text messaging formats, SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) is supported.

As standard with T-Mobile devices, the T609 also comes preinstalled with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. Providing real-time chat from a wireless device, consumers no longer need to end the conversation with family and friends. With the 609, users can keep the conversation alive just as if they were sitting in front of a PC. Airtime charges may apply.

Samsung SGH-T609 Review

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.

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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.

Samsung SGH-T609 Review

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.

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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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