Samsung Galaxy Pro Review

Introduction:

With a flurry of Android handsets released in the past year, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between them. That said, QWERTY devices are thinner on the ground and for this reason, when the Samsung Galaxy Pro landed on our desk, we were hopeful. With a BlackBerry-esque form factor, 3MP autofocus camera and 2.8" capacitive screen as well as a host of connectivity options, the Galaxy Pro also packs a 4 tiered QWERTY keyboard.

Design:

The Samsung Galaxy Pro looks rather rectangular and rigid, so while similar in form factor to BlackBerrys of late, it lacks the curvaceous styling. Below the 2.8" capacitive screen, a 4 tiered QWERTY keyboard can be found. The phone is entirely plastic, though feels sturdy.



You can compare the Samsung Galaxy Pro with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

A 2.8" screen is pretty small for an Android handset, though as there's a QWERTY rather than an on-screen keyboard on the Galaxy Pro, the screen size itself isn't a major issue. Unfortunately, its low resolution of 320x240 pixels is. Add to that the lack of multi-touch and the Samsung Galaxy Pro display begins to lose appeal. Viewing angles are also pretty poor, as is outdoor visibility, making the display's one redeeming factor being its responsiveness.


Fortunately the design of the phone helps make up for the screen's shortcomings, with a pleasing aesthetic and overall solid feel finished off with a good keyboard experience. Directly below the screen are four physical keys offering access to options, home, back and search. Below this is the QWERTY keyboard, occupied by raised keys that are easily identifiable. We were very pleased to find out that the keyboard is nicely sized (for a portrait QWERTY, that is), and the keys themselves have a pretty decent travel that leaves you without hesitation as to whether or not you've pressed it right.


To the right of the phone is a volume rocker and to the left a power button. Up top you can find a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microUSB port which has a cool sliding cover, while on the reverse of the handset is the battery cover complete with a textured finish, 3MP camera and loud speaker.