Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Ladies and gentleman allow me to introduce you to what I believe to be the most efficient and effective smart phone for both Verizon and the WinMo community.  A veritable hybrid of “touch” and well…touch.  So what do I mean?  The Samsung Saga is like getting three presents in one.  You have the ever so popular touch screen element, the stylish and comfortable QWERTY keyboard, not to mention the backing of multiple programs for your Windows Mobile phone. 

Love at first touch

It seems Samsung is really listening to WinMo users or maybe it is only my prayers that have been answered.  I was obsessing over the release of the Samsung Omnia for the longest time; in fact, I am willing to bet that I may be the first person to get their hands on it.  At first it was love at first “touch” now it’s like a relationship on its way out the door; the thought of touching and holding my Omnia gives me a headache.  I wanted a two-way commitment from my phone.  I wanted to touch and also feel.  I am, of course, referring to the Saga’s QWERTY keyboard.  Like a breath of fresh air, it swept me off my fingers and gave me that “push my buttons” feel that I didn’t realize I missed so much. 

Overlooked, but great, features

Those of us who rely on mobile communication on a moment-to-moment basis will love this device.  Allow me to provide you with what I feel are the greatest features that may be overlooked.  The shortcut buttons are designed to help you quickly access your media player and messaging capabilities.  No need for navigating through what many WinMo owners find to be an endless maze of programs and functions just to reach your destination.  While at no fault to the Saga, WinMo 6.1 and onto the future really could learn a thing or two about simple UI (user interface).

Speaking of easy access other elements that are spot on, there is the mouse/navigation combo.  Instead of having to go into your personal options to alternate from your desired function, just push the lock button under the volume keys and instantly your navimouse will switch modes.  I find this not only helpful but another reminder of how Samsung must have taken user feedback and put it to good use.  The Saga is also equipped with a Windows button, extra soft keys, and an “OK” button.  All are exceptional navigation tools and make this mobile masterpiece far superior to others I have used in the past.

The downsides

I mentioned so many great things you are probably wondering what I don’t like.  Well, while the list is not so long, there are a few things worth mentioning.  First and most importantly is the battery life.  While most powerful phones don’t have great battery life, I do wish this were a little stronger.  I can spend 2 hours on the train using the internet, twitter applications, and email only to see my battery reduce down 40 percent.  I know I’m doing a ton of things at once but I like to work my tech toys hard. 

The headphone jack, unfortunately not your standard size which gets me thinking; if they decided to create an input for headphones why not just make it standard?  Samsung, you truly are an enigma.  Next is aesthetics; this isn’t the most attractive phone.  Definitely not the prom queen—more like the quiet quirky girl in the back of the class, she wouldn’t make you do a double take, but get to know her and you will be pleasantly surprised.

The in-betweens

Both the speakerphone and camera are what you might expect, no better or worse than others before it.  The one fun thing about the camera is how easily it integrates into my pockettweet program.  I can take a photo of where I am and instantly post it.  I think that it is not only fun, it removes any headaches when I’m twitting about the guy passed out on the train next to me…shh. 

Quite capable

So as many of you may have noticed my review is meant for the man or woman who really wants to know what this phone is like and what they are missing by not enjoying it.  Sure, I could tell you how exciting it is that you can pick up wireless and connect via Bluetooth with ease or how mobile browsing via Opera 9.1 is just as easy to look at as it is to navigate.  Would this make you any more excited?  You think about that.  Oh yeah, this whole review was written on my Saga and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Product Page [Samsung Saga]