World Of SAMSUNG: Samsung Focus S Review

Sunday 18 December 2011

Samsung Focus S Review

Introduction:

Showing their full support for Microsoft’s mobile platform, AT&T has been the most vigilant carrier domestically to take hold of Windows Phone so openly. Following through in a similar manner to what we saw last year when the platform exploded onto the scene, there has been nothing short of top-notch Mango filled devices of late for AT&T. Already, we’ve been tantalized by the compact Samsung Focus Flash and impressed with the mighty HTC Titan, but the Samsung Focus Sseemingly fits the bill as being a premier offering that’s sure to melt the hearts of many with its Super AMOLED Plus display, slim figure, and HSPA+ connectivity. Can this possibly make the A grade and become the Windows Phone to own right now?

The package contains:

microUSB cable
Wall Charger
Stereo Headset
Quick Start Guide
Health & Safety and Warranty Guide

Design:

Unequivocally, the handset is literally the Windows Phone version of the Samsung Galaxy S II – it bears many of the design characteristics that are prevalent with the beloved smartphone. Granted that it’s not necessarily a fresh look, we’re humble to the fact that it works out very well for the Focus S, as it clearly maintains a light figure (3.9 oz) and streamlined body (0.33” thick). However, seeing that it’s nothing more than the typical plastic construction we tend to see from Samsung, it doesn’t entirely come off as sturdy feeling compared to the metallic casing of the HTC Titan.


The Samsung Focus S maintains a light figure and streamlined body

You can compare the Samsung Focus S with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

On one hand, the HTC Titan presented our eyes with a ginormous display, but despite its smaller size, the 4.3” WVGA (480 x 800) Super AMOLED Plus display of the Samsung Focus S stands equally on the same pedestal. Well, that’s partly due to the saturated color tones and wide viewing angles we’re presented with, which of course, combine together to enthrall anyone to its glistening glow. Moreover, its resolution is hardly flattering in this day and age, but it’s undoubtedly sufficient enough to keep our eyes content.


The 4.3” WVGA Super AMOLED Plus display of the Samsung Focus S

Unlike most of the Android phones out there, we’re hardly ever finding ourselves accidentally pressing any of the three capacitive buttons on the Focus S. Meanwhile, there’s a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera above the display to provide video chat functionality with the Tango app.


Capacitive buttons	Front-facing camera

Looking around the body of the handset, it employs all the usuals we tend to see with Windows Phones – like a volume rocker, power button, two-level shutter key, 3.5mm headset jack, noise-cancellation microphone, standard microphone, and a microUSB port for charging/data connectivity.


microUSB port (bottom)	Volume rocker (left)	3.5mm jack (top)	Power and camera keys (right)

In the rear, it’s sporting an 8-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash towards the top middle, while a couple of notches near the bottom right are used for its speakerphone. Pulling off the plastic rear cover, we’re instantly given access to the smartphone’s 1,650 mAh battery and SIM card slot.