Samsung Beat SGH-T539 Cellular Phone ~ Great for Music & Talking
Written: Sep 01 '08 (Updated Sep 01 '08)
Product Rating:
Durability:
Clarity:
Portability:
Battery Life:
Pros: Long lasting battery, excellent sound for music player, stereo headphones
Cons: camera is weak, no international outlet plug
The Bottom Line: The Samsung Beat is great for music and clarity to talk to your family and friends, but don't plan on getting a great picture with it.
kparsons13's Full Review: Samsung SGH T539 Cell Phone
I have had T-Mobile Wireless for years now in Phoenix, Arizona. I haven't had many issues with their customer service or their products. Their prices for phones seem to be relatively competitive to other cellular companies out there and they have a broad range of products to choose from.
I came across the Samsung Beat when a heavy glass candle split the screen of my latest phone, the Samsung T629. I needed to get a replacement fast and cheap. Luckily I was able to upgrade to the Samsung Beat SGH-T529 Cellular Phone and put it on my T-Mobile bill rather than pay for it upfront.
Currently if you sign up for a new plan with T-Mobile, you can actually receive the "Beat" for free. The suggested retail is normally $199.99.
~ What Came in the Box ~
*** Samsung Beat Handset *** Battery & Charger *** USB Cable *** Stereo Headset & Adapter *** SIM Card *** Micro SD Card *** T-Mobile Welcome Guide *** Get Started Poster *** Samsung Beat User Guide
~ Basic Specifications of the Samsung Beat ~
Size = 1.8 x 3.5 x 0.7 inches Weight = 2.72 ounces Included battery = 800 mAh Lion Talk time = up to 6 hours Standby time = up to 15 days Band (frequency) = 850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz
~ Main Features of the Samsung Beat ~
The most popular reason I believe that consumers are attracted to the Samsung Beat is that it works very well as a Music Player {MP3}. It has a MicroSD Memory Card Slot that allows for a large amount of music to travel with. In fact, T-Mobile will even give you a free 1GB memory card when you purchase the phone. I was actually surprised on how much music I was able to fit on the card itself plus some family photos.
Since the Samsung Beat works as an MP3 Player, the battery life is quite impressive for it compared to other similar music models. It quotes that you can talk up to six hours and have a standby time of 15 days. Samsung is definitely not misrepresenting their product and in fact, I have had better luck with the talk time than what was quoted on their website and brochure enclosed.
The exterior controls for the MP3 Player are convenient so that you don't have to flip open the phone if you want to skip over a song or two. I am annoyed that the time and date seem to disappear on the screen when the phone is closed. I had difficulty figuring out how to keep the screen on or making it appear. Unfortunately I would just kind of do trial and error until the time appeared or flip the phone open.
I have also found after having this phone for a while now that the battery has yet to start the "draining" process from being plugged in to re-charge daily. In the past, other cellular phones that I have owned started to lose their battery charge after purchasing them quicker than I expected. I was forced to charge them more than normal. Fortunately, this has yet to be an issue with the Beat.
The 1.3 megapixel camera on the Samsung Beat is the most disappointing feature that I have discovered. In the past I have often sent photos directly to my email after taking them so that I can erase them out of my phone. You can set the size of the photographs before they are taken. However the picture quality is not nearly as good as the latest 2.0 megapixel camera that is now available on newer models.
The Samsung Beat is does not have "Wi-Fi" or "Hot Spot" that other models of T-Mobile phones may have. The Edge technology that is on the Beat does work well but if you are going out of town within the desert area, you may run into spots where your phone reception does not work. It isn't anything unusual that I haven't experienced before but I do know from experience that the "Wi-Fi" enables a strong reception with T-Mobile when traveling in the car to other states. Overall I am pleased with the reception.
The clarity of phone calls is excellent. I can hear well and others can also hear my voice clearly on the other end. It is bluetooth capable and works well with the Motorola headset I have. However I prefer to use it with the stereo headset that I came with the phone in the box.
The phone itself is pretty sleek and comfortable to use. It is light to carry and also hold against your head while talking. It is a flip phone design which allows you little worry about pushing any buttons while it is being carried around in a case on your belt or in your purse.
The keys/numbers are easy to dial and texting speed is about the same as other phones. The keyboard is flat but it is still easy whether you have small or large fingers to dial a phone number. My other half has used the Samsung Beat and likes it as much as I do.
The phone comes with a stereo headset that is convenient for the MP3 feature. Although there is a wire connected unlike a bluetooth headset, you can still easily talk on your phone with friends and family with the convenience of having being hands-free. I use it often not only to listen to music but also if I am cooking and talking to family.
I like the color screen that is crisp when opening up. The MyFaves option that I use can be hidden or displayed depending on your personal choice.
There are various ringers you can choose from for your main ring tone or use a different one for each caller so that you know who is calling you. You can also use your own music on the phone memory/Micro SD card for a ringtone as well.
~ Overall Impressions ~
I am satisfied with the Samsung Beat as an MP3 Player and wireless phone. However the camera does not take very good pictures. The reception is strong in most areas. The sound quality is excellent and just as impressive an my ipod. It has been free for new T-Mobile customers for quite some time and unfortunately is not offered in their store.
However if you decide to sign up or upgrade to the Samsung Beat, I believe you will be satisfied with most of the features it offers.
I have not used it for Instant Messaging through Yahoo! for example. I can't comment on how well or not that feature on the phone works. It is not something I have ever really used on any of the wireless phones I have used or owned.
I would recommend the Samsung Beat to other wireless users who are concerned with battery life as well as wanting the compatibility of an MP3 Player. It is a great phone with solid clarity and reception. It is light to travel with and there are only a few features that I found were a bit disappointing. Overall though, the Samsung Beat is a wireless phone that works well with a long lasting battery.
Thank you for Reading!
kparsons13
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 99.99 Recommended for: Stylish Trendsetters - Hip and Trendy
Lightweight clamshell mobile phone with built-in audio player and 1.3-megapixel digital camera Ultra-bright TFT display with 176 x 220 pixel resolutio...More at Amazon Marketplace
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