Samsung Blast Review

Performance:

We are pleased to announce that the Blast performed well in our test. The only time that it was slow is when adding a recipient but this is because of the SureType. Other than that, we had no trouble using it. Not once did it lock up or just magically restart.

Reception is average with this phone. Since it is a slim slider, the components have to be packed into it and sometimes these phones suffer. We tested the Blast in the Chicago land area on T-Mobile’s network. There were times, especially in buildings or basements, where it barely had signal and when it did, it was only a bar at most. Bigger phones, such as the Wing, were able to get better signal but when compared to phones in its class, the Blast was on-par with them. Out in the open, the phone performed excellently.

Sound quality was good, although the volume could go a little. Apart from that, sound came through clearly with only a few times where it crackled for about a half a second. Recipients on the other end could not hear this.

If you use your cell often, you might want to look out with the Blast. Our tests revealed that the talk-time from one charge lasted just shy of 4 hours which could create a problem if you’re a big talker. If you text or just use the phone often throughout the day, it probably won’t last until the next morning. It’s surprising because there is really nothing on this phone that ought to suck the battery life. Stand-by time in phones its size, was similar but phones such as the Wing or Mogul blew it away.

Conclusion:

Well, the Blast was a good phone overall. There are some things to consider before going out and buying it however. First, if you live on your phone, you better have a charger on you at all times and make use of every plug that comes your way. Otherwise you just might find yourself stranded with an 80g paperweight.

For all the texters or IMers out there, the phone provides a great base and functionality but it takes time getting used to the keypad. Once you do though, messaging should be lightning quick.

For those looking for an every day phone, this really doesn’t offer anything over other phones you find at T-Mobile or its competitors. The keypad might just get in the way and be ignored.