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Samsung Fascinate Review

Samsung Fascinate Smartphone Review

Specs of the Samsung Fascinate
Positive Aspects of the Samsung Fascinate
Negative Aspects of the Samsung Fascinate
Is The Samsung Fascinate The Right Smartphone For You?

The Samsung Fascinate is Verizon's version of Samsung's Galaxy S range of smartphones. While most other networks have this range of phone, the Samsung Fascinate has some unique features that require a deeper look before you make your decision to buy.

Samsung Fascinate

Specs of the Samsung Fascinate

Price: $209-600
Released: 2010
Operating System: Android 2.1
Size: 4.6 by 2.3 by 0.5 inches
Weight: 4.16 oz
Storage Space: 16 GB; expandable up to 32 GB
Processor: 1 GHz Hummingbird
Screen: 4 inch capacitive touchscreen
Resolution: 800 by 480 pixels
Cameras: 5 MP
Internet Connection: HSDPA, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery: 7 hour talk time, 312 hours standby
Service Provider: Verizon

Positive Aspects of the Samsung Fascinate

Super AMOLED Screen: The Super AMOLED technology gives this phone one of the most vibrant screens available on the market. What this technology does it make it easier to see, regardless of the environment, including outdoor lighting conditions. Both the screen size and resolution are some of the best among current smartphones: it's hard to deny that photos and videos look amazing on the Fascinate.

Social Hub: All smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy S range come with a feature that'll allow you to combine your social network and contact list into one. This means that you can connect with friends through either your messaging or keep up with what they've recently posted on their social network. Keeping up with friends and contacts on the go is simple with this device.

Storage: Straight out of the box, this phone comes with 2GB on of-board memory. It also comes with a 16GB micro-SD card, which will be plenty of space for most users. If you require more, no worries - you can expand your phone's memory by purchasing a larger 32GB card.

Keyboard: This phone comes with the 'Swype' keyboard function, which many users enjoy as it makes typing much faster and easier. This feature allows the user to hold the finger over the keyboard, while sweeping it over the letters required, without ever lifting it away. Then the phone will work out what you typed to write out your words. If you'd rather just stick to the regular method of typing, that setting is available as well.

Battery: While this phone is not at the top of the class in terms of battery life, its 7 hour talk time is more than enough to get you through your day. The battery on the Samsung Fascinate does match up to the iPhone 4, however, making it a great buy.

Negative Aspects of the Samsung Fascinate

Camera: Video chatting with this phone is impossible due to its lack of a front-facing camera. When most phones in this price range come with such a camera, not having one is a huge let down for the Samsung Fascinate.

Verizon Software: It's normal for carriers to take the smartphone and add their own apps and features, replacing some standard Android features. Verizon has replaced Google Maps with their own system, which just doesn't come close to the original. They also changed the default search option to Bing, and there is no way to change this. Google does still work, but must be used within the browser - not great if you're used to sticking with Google for search!

Another complaint of Verizon customers is that many of the apps cannot be uninstalled, and are simply taking up space and memory. They clutter up your menus, and you have no control over them like you would with a standard Android app.

Old Android Software: This has been a huge let down for many buyers of the Samsung Fascinate who have been waiting for an upgraded phone for a long time. There aren't many differences between the older and newer versions of Android, but some features will be missing if you don't have the latest version. This version, for example, does not support Flash which is an issue as many websites use this technology for their embedded videos.

Design: While this phone is light and very portable, it does tend to feel a bit plasticky compared to some others.

Is The Samsung Fascinate The Right Smartphone For You

This is a great phone once you can get over Verizon's included software, and the outdated Android system. Do remember though that the Samsung Fascinate is actually available on many different carriers, with minimal differences. If you'd prefer another carrier, look around at the rest of the Samsung Galaxy S phones - you may find them a better fit. If you want to stick with Verizon, then the Samsung Fascinate is a good choice of phone.

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