Samsung Behold II Review

Samsung Behold II was first announced in Fall 2009. It is the second android device by Samsung and the fourth one for T-Mobile. Behold II is completely distinct from other android phone with its interface and design aspects. Behold II is certainly a stunner with its 3.2-inch display and multimedia which is solid. Behold II runs on Android 1.5 which makes it cost a $229.99 which is not a easy thing and makes us think as a second option giving first preference to the Verizon from Motorola Droid on Android 2.0 platform for just $199.99.

But the cost isn’t really bad with its explicit multimedia performance which is absent in the current Android phones. If you are looking for a smart phone with multimedia Behold II is your best choice. It is available from November.

Design:

Unlike other smart phone like MyTouch 3G, HTC Droid Eris, it is a candy bar phone with round edges. With its dimensions 4.57 x 2.2 inches weighting 4.2 ounces sits comfortably in the hand and fits easily into pant pockets. The plastic cover make it bit slick and a magnet for fingerprints.

Apart from the navigation keys there are Talk and End keys, a shortcut keys, Menu and a back key and center select button. The left side of the phone assists volume rocker, a lock key and the right side of the phone includes shutter button. A 3.5mm audio jack is present on the top of the mobile and a USB/charger on the top of it. The 3.5mm audio jack gives you the option of using your favorite head set.

Display:

The 3.2” AMOLED touch screen is a standard feature for the smart phone. This enables sharper, brighter consuming less power. Compared to its previous version it is much brighter. The screen displays accurate colors and impresses with a quality video.

The touch screen apart from responsive, gives audio feedback for the sense of touch. The feedback depends upon your choice and can be altered in the settings menu. The virtual keyboard with the internal accelerometer is possible to work in portrait and landscape. Unlike its previous versions the number pad has square displays which give larger space to type. The proximity sensor turns the display off during a call as a preventive measure to reduce miss pressing icons.

The TouchWiz interface also separates it from other smart phone. It has a tray on the left side which includes all the applications. You will have the option of dragging favorites and keeping it in the home screen.

The menu navigation can be done through a 3D cube. It has a dedicated key which on pressing displays the 3D cube. You can turn the cube around with the help of motion sensor or use your fingers to change the display of the cube and load the application. This is definitely an eye catcher. The Cube is preloaded and you won’t have the option of customizing it.

Accessories:

The accessories that comes along with the pack at USB cable, micro SD card (2GB), headset.

Features:

The use of old version interface Android 1.5 makes us one step back from buying it. Samsung is also not sure when there will be updates and blames T-mobile for it. Other features include the Google map, the Amazon MP3 market. Some preloaded java apps include clock, calculator, converter, notepad etc. The Android store has plenty of other applications which you can download either paid or for free.

Contacts:

There are two interfaces for the contact. One you can directly open the Contacts in which at the side of the contact you will have the option to either message or contact. In the other case if you open the num-pad, the contact list will only have the option of call.

E-mail and browsing:

As it is a Android phone the smart phone has its own dedicated inbox and e-mail set up. The synchronizing option is a bit laborious as it takes a lot of step to synchronize contacts, calendar, E-mail with the account information. This is really a step back when compared to Droid Eris or the HTC Hero in which once account information is entered it asks for synchronization automatically.

It has fully load HTML browser. The browser is satisfying but not to the mark of iPhone especially the zooming option. The zooming option is possible only with the help of magnifying glass. Wide area connection is possible with 3G and WiFi. The GPS enabled phone shows direction even in unknown path. Voice guided navigation is available only with Android 2.0 so it is not applicable with Behold II as it works on a Android 1.5 platform.

Battery life:

The Li-ion battery gives a promising 6 hours of talk-time and up to 16 days standby time. The standby time will differ when on 3G connection.