Samsung SCH-i760 Review

Verizon Wireless

Published on: 14 November, 2007 by PhoneArena Team

Review index:

Performance:

We used Spb Benchmark to compare the Samsung i760 system performance with other PocketPC Phones.

The 400MHz processor on the i760 does a good job of opening applications fast and does not get sluggish even when several programs are up and running at the same time, unlike on the Q9m. However, as with all smartphones, we recommend closing unused “background” applications to free-up the memory.

While the reception of the i760 is equal to most other Smartphones, the call quality is by far one of the worst we have experienced, due to the earpiece speaker. We were able to use the i760 all over South East Florida with no call connection problems. EV-DO was solid and reliable for web browsing and data usage, and Wi-Fi worked without any issues. The problem with the call quality seems to be limited only to the earpiece speaker. When listening to someone talk, it sounds like there is a very loud buzzing sound. Raising and lowering the volume does not affect it. The only work-around was to use a wired headset or Bluetooth headset. When using either one, the call quality problem was eliminated and calls sounded fine. We are unsure if this problem with the earpiece is limited to only our demo unit, or is more widespread.

Samsung includes both a Standard 1040mAh Battery and Extended 1500mAh mAh battery with the i760. This is truly unique, as most manufactures want you to pay extra and purchase the extended battery. Samsung rates the Standard battery at 3.5 hours Talk Time or 8 days Standby Time, and the Extended Battery at 5 hours Talk Time or 13 days of Standby Time. Our tests resulted in the Standard battery lasting 3.5 hours of Talk Time, but only 4 days of Standby time, while the Extended Battery got up to 5 hours of Talk Time or 9 days of Standby Time.
Regardless in the differences in standby time that our tests showed, it is encouraging to see that both batteries are included.

Conclusion:

The Samsung i760 is currently by far the most advanced Smartphone available from Verizon Wireless. We are impressed by the incorporation of the Windows Mobile 6 Professional operating system, 2.8” QVGA touch-screen, and sliding QWERTY keypad. As well as EV-DO, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), and Bluetooth for data connections. The i760 is truly a device for the business professional that is looking for an advanced smartphone that is capable of doing many tasks. The only drawback is that for call quality, the earpiece speaker is not as good as most other phones, so we highly recommend using a Bluetooth headset for placing and receiving calls.

Pros

Windows Mobile 6 Professional operating system
Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
Wi-Fi
MicroSD
Two batteries included

Cons

Cal Quality through earpiece speaker
EV-DO limited to Rev 0
Lack of style
Heavy

PA rating

Design 8.5
Display 9.25
Camera 5
Sound Quality 5
Battery 10
Connectivity 8
Multimedia 7
Organizer 10

Good

7.8

out of 10

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Comments icon User comments

User comments

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1.

Mr JET @ 14 November, 2007 04:13:10 PM

I strongly disagree with your comments regarding call quality. I've had the piece over 3 weeks and at no time have I experienced poor call quaility. So far this phone has performed exactly as expected. I would venture that you reviewed a phone with a damaged / defective earpiece speaker.

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2.

trikster2 @ 15 November, 2007 10:10:14 AM

Mr

I'm suprised there is no comment on the soft screen.

Holding and playing with the i760 it's fantastic but then you touch the screen and it sort of gives. It's like touching the service of the LCD on your computer. It soft plastic that squishes in and makes weird designs.

Very disconcerting and it makes you wonder how well it will hold up.

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3.

hanson @ 15 December, 2007 08:33:11 PM

well freaking duh, thats the touchscreen! and um, mine dosent make any kind of "wierd designs." I also have experienced great call quality so far. and the speakerphone and voice commands are amazing.

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4.

Ray @ 30 December, 2007 11:57:24 AM

Having upgraded from the SCH-i700 I have a couple comments on the i760.
Cons:
-No cradle
-No data/charging cable (data cable only)
-Stupid rubber flap that has to be moved out of the way to charge phone
-Stylus flimsy
-Buttons on side easy pressed during a call. Have hit the END button more than once while on a call
-Have to install hack to use SDHC cards and 4 GB the limit so far
-Why a 2.5mm headset jack when 100% of headphones are 3.5mm-forces you to buy an adapter

PROS:
-Great sound
-Lock feature so screen not active if carrying in pocket
-Great battery life

Overall I like the phone.

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5.

Autoboy2000 @ 31 May, 2008 03:33:35 PM

I am having a problem getting the phone sounds to come through my bluetooth headset. I have tried manipulating the settings and switching headsets and I still am unable to get sounds, other than the actual phone conversation play through the headset. When the phone dials, rings, gets a text message, or when using my GPS, those sounds play only through the phone speakers and not through the headset. Any ideas?

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6.

mdvga @ 18 June, 2008 01:20:18 PM

I have been using the phone for over six months now. I think the battery life is really poor, even with the so-called "Extended life" batteries. If I am connected continuously to the internet, the battery goes flat in about 3-4 hours.
I like the keyboard. Sometimes I have a hard time answering a second call when I'm already on another call. Text messages can only be sent to one person at a time even though I can type multiple phone numbers in the "To" field. No distribution lists for emails???
The screen is too small compared to my iPAQ 4355. I wish the Iphone worked with Verizon. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this phone to anyone. Still not ready for prime time in my opinion.
mdvga

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7.

secretkpr9 @ 20 August, 2008 05:11:54 PM

There may be something you are doing incorrectly in reference to multi-person messages. From day one I have been able to send messages to up to 10 people at once in either sms or mms modes. Now with the upgrade to mobile 6.1 it's even easier to send multiple person messages, and the coolest part is each individual message is threaded! How cool is that?!?! It took me a minute to get used to the side control start and end call buttons but you can get used to them. It's still difficult figuring out how to use the call holding features but I've found the easiest way is to do so from the soft touch screen. Overall, I think the features availabe with the phone are an amazing value for the price.

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11.

anonymous @ 13 October, 2008 03:42:50 PM

yeah sounds to me like that dude just likes to complain...... now secretkpr9 ur cool but the whatever ur name is a whiner!

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8.

FlipItBig_dot_com @ 28 August, 2008 09:07:51 AM

I have to say, I am very impressed with the Samsung SCH-i760. With the battery life, call quality, everything! The phone is very easy to use and navigate. I paid full price for the phone, while that was expensive, it was worth it.

With this phone I am able to connect to any open WiFi network, establish a VPN connection to my remote equipment and manage many of my customers networks all from the comforts of my phone. I respond to nearly 100 emails a day through this phone and have never had the battery drain on me. Try having your laptop turned on, running on battery for 5 hours! just not going to happen. This device has allowed my customer service to increase, which ultimately increases my bottom line.

I would love to see more apps available for the Windows Mobile 6 Pro though.

Conclusion: 5 thumbs up! Great product.

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9.

anonymous @ 24 September, 2008 03:39:13 PM

The i760 has been the best PDA I have had. I have had it replaced under warranty for camera issues 2 times. I now hear from our Verizon rep that the i760 is on "quarantine"at Verizon and cannot be sold. It's missing from their website also.

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12.

anonymous @ 13 October, 2008 03:44:12 PM

yeah i know that sucks because i really want that phone and its been gone for like almost 2 months....
and im still waiting on it!

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