samsung t509s review

Three words; I love it.  Of course, with my upgrading from the now antique-store ready Sony Ericsson t610, it didn’t have to do much. Still, I’ve been amazed thus far and with only a few minor complaints would definitely rank it as the best phone I’ve ever owned.

OVERVIEW

Being with T-Mobile for close to a decade (gads!) has its privledges; one of which is pretty good deals on upgrades.  My t509s (the ’s’ indicates it’s the plum rather than silver/black version) was free with a 2 year extension and the express shipping ended up being free too (compensation for an initial shipping snafu on their part).  Compare that with the $99-$199 I’ve heard other people being charged for the same upgrade (plus $15 for express shipping), and I feel pretty fortunate. 

The phone itself is roughly the thickness of an iPod nano, has a very deep plum hue (almost black) and feels light as a feather. The screen is crisp and sharp and large enough to display up to 7 lines of text. 

FEATURES

Most of the t509s’ featureset will be old news to almost everyone (IM capability, still and video camera, speakerphone, bluetooth), but the speakerphone piece was a welcome addition to my own mobile experience.  The speakerphone is relatively clear, but callers have complained about not hearing me very clearly when I’m not close (I’d say within two feet of) the phone.  Not a big deal, but worth noting.

The bluetooth functionality is something else I never used before.  Thankfully, my old Sony also offered it, and it was incredibly easy to set up the transfer of non SIM card stored contacts and texts to the new handset.  I was impressed by the range of the bluetooth; I tested this transfer from 10-15 feet away and it worked well.  Perhaps at some point I’ll try out a bluetooth headset, strictly for in home use and impressing the ladies. Rowr.

The camera / video functionality is standard fare; definitely no substitute for a dedicated digi, but good enough for the occasional snap of Greg’s antics and the like.  I’m amazed that they haven’t made flashes a standard feature on every cell phone with a camera, but perhaps the next generation will come through in this regard.

One of the best things about this phone is its intuitive interface.  I was able to set everything up (including the sync of my two phones for the bluetooth transfer) without a glance at the instruction manual.  This is a first for me.  The only time I’ve referenced it at all was in determining what a red flashing icon meant that appeared a few days after beginning to use it (the SIM card’s text memory was full).  There is a very simple menu set including just 9 ‘headings’ and getting around using the navigation disc is a breeze.

CALL QUALITY

Call clarity when using the handset directly (no headset or speakerphone) is excellent.  Reception seems marginally worse than on my Sony, as evidenced by some additional walking I have to do to catch a signal in my office.  Considering this place is like a sandstone and concrete bunker though, it’s not surprising.

IMPERFECTIONS

There are just a few things I’m not a fan of on the t509s.

• The alarm clock seems quiet (I’ve tried all the tones) compared to my prior phone, which has proven a bit of an issue with my progression to a Biphasic sleep schedule.  Same goes for message tones, etc.  Thankfully, the ringer itself seems loud enough.
• It seems to take a few extra button pushes to call someone from my phonebook.  On my old phone this navigation was always a two click process.  Now it can take 3-4.
• I miss the “Reply & Delete” text message funcionality of my old phone.  This is obviously a software limitation, but I wish more cell companies realized how helpful this function is.

Really, that’s about it.  I’m delighted with my t509s and definitely recommend it.

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