First look: Samsung Focus Windows Phone on AT&T
Microsoft is valiantly pushing the Windows Phone platform, and the new OS receives largely positive reviews. I just received a Samsung Focus on AT&T running WP7, and am impressed with the handset. This first look review concentrates on the phone hardware, as a totally new platform such as Windows Phone requires proper time to form valid opinions.
The Focus is as thin as any smartphone on the market, and fits perfectly in the hand. The only complaint I have about the hardware, and it is minor, is that the plastic construction makes the Focus so light it doesn't feel "substantial" in the hand. I have almost dropped it a couple of times already due to the light weight. Otherwise, it is a really nice handset with a great screen, which is typical for Samsung devices.
Check out the photo gallery of the Samsung Focus Windows Phone.
| Image Gallery: Check out the Samsung Focus Windows Phone from ATT. |  | |||||
- Carrier: AT&T
- Communications: GPRS Class 10, EDGE Class 10, HSDPA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, FM Radio
- Display: 4-inch Super AMOLED (480x800), multitouch
- Processor: Snapdragon 1GHz
- OS: Windows Phone 7
- Camera: 5MP, autofocus, flash, 4x digital zoom
- Memory: 512MB/1GB (RAM/ROM)
- Storage: 8GB onboard
- Battery: 1500 mAh
- Size: 4.84” x 2.56” x 0.39"
- Weight: 4.07 ounces
- AT&T software: AT&T U-verse® Mobile, AT&T NavigatorSM, AT&T FamilyMap, AT&T Radio, AT&T myWireless
The brilliant display is the first thing that impresses when the Focus is turned on. The Super AMOLED is gorgeous, and the Snapdragon processor drives it snappily through its paces. The entire screen refresh is fluid and graceful, something WP7 shows off to good effect with the live tiles.
The 5MP camera works well and takes reasonable photos, although it won't replace your dedicated "point and shoot". The video camera takes 720p video which is of decent quality, as is par for Samsung phones. The autofocus works as expected, and the LED flash comes in handy in low lighting conditions.
Battery life on the Samsung Focus is not bad, and lasts all day with normal usage. The charging is done through the microUSB port on the top of the phone, which is an inconvenient placement for it. The USB cable supplied with the Focus is only 2 feet long, making it impossible to plug into an outlet on a power strip on the floor and set the Focus on a table. This is a major pet peeve of mine, supplying ridiculously short charging cables with devices.
I will be testing the Samsung Focus for a while, and will spend some quality time with Windows Phone 7 to review it later. I am finding it enjoyable to use the new OS; the word "refreshing" keeps coming to mind while I use it.