Samsung BlackJack (SGH-i607)

The 3G-enabled Samsung BlackJack is a powerful smartphone with Bluetooth 2.0, push e-mail capabilities, instant messenger options, and good call quality. 3G support means the BlackJack offers a better experience for browsing the Web, listening to streaming media, or downloading games. However, Cingular’s network, called Broadband Connect, is only available in up to 50 urban areas, and may not be available in rural areas. When 3G service fails, the phone automatically switches to GSM without any delays. Cingular Music allows for streaming 25 channels of XM radio and Cingular Video allows users to stream clips from CNN, ESPN, HBO (for an extra fee). The BlackJack can also play Java-based games, although the selection of games is limited to a few titles, since they have to be optimized for the phone’s display. Samsung also throws in an RSS reader application to quickly update and read the latest headlines from CBS, The New York Times, Yahoo News, and more. The phone’s screen is not a touch screen, but at 2.25 inches, with a 65,000 color output and 320x320 pixel resolution, colors are bright, text is sharp, and images and video look great.

The BlackJack is a quad-band world phone that can be used in more than 180 countries. It also includes a speakerphone, three-way calling, conference calling, an address book, and mp3 ringtones. Although there is integrated Bluetooth 2.0, there is no Wi-Fi. Call quality was good, with little static, and a loud speakerphone. It is also easy to hear the loud ringer in crowds or from a distance. Talk time lasted for 5.5 hours. The Blackjack runs the Smartphone Edition of Windows Mobile 5.0, and can sync your contacts, calendar, e-mail, and tasks with Outlook. There’s also an Organizer, which includes a Notepad app and a convenient Smart Converter tool for basic measures. The smart phone also features a 1.3-megapixel camera, with a 2X digital zoom lens, self timer, and video capabilities. It takes sharp photos when shooting outdoors with lots of light, but there’s no flash for indoor use. Navigating the BlackJack is a mixed experience. On the good side, the soft-touch finish gives the BlackJack a good grip, and the scroll wheel and back button are perfect for using the phone with one hand. However, the dial pad is arranged on the QWERTY layout so that a letter falls between each number (going from left to right), which slows dialing. The BlackJack’s four-way toggle button is set too flush and is too close to the Send and End keys; users may accidentally enter the phone menu or exit an application while trying to scroll.. Another bad design decision is the use of a proprietary USB port and headset jack. Overall, though, the Samsung Blackjack is a great phone that takes the multimedia experience to the next level for those who can take advantage of the 3G network.