Samsung Sync
Could be considered the Samsung "Blade"
A few years ago, Motorola unleashed its RAZR upon the masses. Although this sounds like a pretty scary event, the release was much-anticipated and changed the way many cell phone companies designed their wares. In the past, features had been the primary focus, but the RAZR showed that people were just as interested in a device that possessed a sleek (and thin) frame. In the subsequent versions of the RAZR, features followed and grew. That’s where we’ll introduce Samsung’s Sync phone, which seeks to imitate the design and features of Motorola’s popular device.
So, what makes this phone so special?
Although this product is billed as Samsung’s entry into the music phone market, its primary strength is actually outside of anything related to rhyme and melody. Instead, the Sync excels with its 2.0 megapixel camera, which gives it photo quality comparable to lower-end digital cameras.
When it comes to the music, the best feature might be Samsung’s deal with Cingular. This enables the user to download music with a Napster-to-Go subscription for just $0.99 a song, comparable to the home version of iTunes (and much cheaper than the $2.50 and $1.99 typical charges of Sprint and Verizon, respectively).
- Tech Highlights
- Samsung Sync
- Networks: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (Quad-band)
- Bluetooth
- Messaging: EMS, MMS
- GPRS
What about the design?
It’s here where you can see the impression the RAZR left upon Samsung and the cell phone market. Featuring a slim design and full, bright display, the Sync is visually superior to most phones in this category, including the somewhat bulky Nokia 5300 Xpress.
Cons?
Unfortunately, that leaves sound quality as a second. Although all of the vital information is displayed when playing music files, there’s no way to alter the sound setting or type via an equalizer. The absence of this mode seems particularly problematic when placed next to Nokia’s 5300 Xpress, which features an equalizer with a full five settings. The sound quality on the Samsung, although average, isn’t up to the standard set by Nokia’s device.
Concluding thoughts
Those interested in this sleek phone should know that many critics have had issues with the Sync’s call quality. Although we talk endlessly of cameras, internal MP3 players and other exciting features, a cell phone just isn’t a cell phone unless you can complete a call with some level of quality.