By M.R. Gavin
It’s always difficult to make a shift when it comes to phones. I’ve always been a texter and am very much adept to using the normal numerical keypads. I’ve always dreaded QWERTY phones as I keep on messing up my messages.
So when I pulled out the Samsung Galaxy Pro test unit out of its box, I was a bit apprehensive. Imagine my relief when I found out that it was not just a QWERTY phone, it had a touchscreen too, making it easier to navigate through the pages and go to other features.
Just below the screen are four physical keys; options, home, back and search. The QWERTY keypads are faceted, making it easier for the user to text. The textured finish of the back cover makes the unit easier to hold.
The screen is 2.8 inches—much bigger than other QWERTYs out there—with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. Just like any Samsung phone, you can adjust screen brightness but outdoor visibility, especially on direct sunlight, leaves much to be desired. This phone sports an Android Froyo 2.2 operating system and an 800MHz processor. Better performance in a speed that won’t fail you.
What’s nice about the Samsung Galaxy Pro is that it comes with the Samsung Special Hub premium that is suitable for people like me who likes to have their social media, messages and even IM’s while on-the-go. Everything goes in one inbox; you don’t need to run multiple applications. Thus, the premium hub saves battery life. It also has the “Think Free” Office Document Editor, which is great for viewing and editing MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint files.
Specifications
Display: 320 x 240 pixels, 2.8 inches
Dimensions: 108.6 x 66.7 x 10.7 mm
Weight: 103.4 g
Processor: 800 MHz processor
Memory: MicroSD, up to 32GB
Camera: 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, autofocus
Battery: Standard battery, Li-Ion 1350 mA
Software: Android Froyo 2.2
What’s Hot:
• Android Froyo 2.2
• Samsung Special Hub premium
• Think Free Office Document Editor
What’s Not:
• Poor outdoor visibility
Bottomline:
It is the best phone for those who want everything on the go. The Samsung Galaxy Pro is a cool Android smartphone suitable for all needs and wants
Buy Meter: 8.6
[This review originally appeared in the August 2011 issue of Gadgets Magazine]