Samsung Gravity 2 T469 Review

Introduction:

Still somewhat fresh off the release of the Samsung Gravity for T-Mobile, Samsung is already back with a successor to the side-sliding QWERTY handset – enter the Samsung Gravity 2 SGH-T469.  Sporting a thinner profile, this messaging oriented phone has some upgrades over its predecessor while some design elements previously used are relatively intact. With the vast mix of text messaging phones already crowding the carrier's lineup, the Gravity 2 will need to come out swinging with something worthwhile to keep it in contention.

The package contains:
•    Samsung Gravity 2
•    Charger
•    Hands-free Headset
•    Start Guide
•    User Guide
•    T-Mobile Services Guide

Design:

As with most successors, the Gravity 2 keeps the same side-sliding style of the original while minimizing its overall footprint. It's not considered fashionable or innovative during a first glance, but fits well for a relatively inexpensive messaging device. We're not surprised with Samsung's choice of using a somewhat cheap feeling plastic material for its casing – although it does have that slippery polished feel at first. As stated earlier, Samsung reduced the size of this one a little bit, enabling it to slip into a pocket more easily thanks to its slimmer profile (0.59”). At the same time, you really can't feel the difference of weight (4.4 oz) between this one and the original (4.3 oz). Even with the low quality plastic, the overall construction is nice. Despite it being labeled as an entry level device, it's very prominant in the sliding mechanism.



You can compare the Samsung Gravity 2 SGH-T469 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

The 2.3” LCD screen is a step up from the previous one with the resolution of it being bumped up to 240x320 pixels while the 262k colors remain. One glaring issue we had with it was the extremely poor viewing angle – you literally have to view it in a ninety degree angle to see anything. In addition, you lose visibility when you take it outdoors in direct sunlight – even when set at the highest brightness setting.



The keypad layout is more spaced out this time around with an excellent tactile feel to them. Three circular shaped buttons constitute  the send, end, and okay keys – all having that really good button feel. We had an easy time using the circular directional pad around the okay key without too many mispresses.  The only buttons on the front that were too small for fingers were the soft keys, dedicated messaging key, and the one for back/clear. In just any lighting condition, we were able to view the keypad thanks to the bright white backlighting. The volume rocker sits alone by itself on the left edge; appropriately placed and sized while the dedicated camera button and proprietary PC connection/charging port are found on the right side. Flipping it over to the back will reveal the 2-megapixel camera with the speakerphone found closely next to it. Removing the plastic back cover will provide you access to the battery, SIM card slot, and microSD slot.



Sliding the phone from left to right will open up the QWERTY keyboard – we liked the snappy feel of the mechanism. Text messengers will be quite thrilled to notice an extra row created for numbers; making it less cumbersome. In total, there are four rows used for the QWERTY- all of which are rectangular in shape, equally spaced from one another, and two larger sized buttons for the soft keys. We actually preferred the usability of this QWERTY than the one found on the Samsung Comeback – you'll be speed typing right away on this one.