Samsung Vibrant Review

Introduction:

Back in the fall, Samsung was able to build up some steam surrounding the Behold II as it was one of the few handsets in the market to differentiate itself with an AMOLED display. Everything on paper definitely made the smartphone quite interesting and at one point was thought to be part of the upper echelon of Android powered smartphones at the time. Unfortunately for Samsung, it failed to be a compelling device to appeal to consumers who wanted to experience yet another customized Android experience. However, T-Mobile surely has an ace up its sleeve in the form of the Samsung Vibrant T959 – their version of the Galaxy S. Already finding itself in the comfy position amongst other premier Android powered smartphones, the Vibrant packs on some things not found on the other variants to differentiate it. Nevertheless, there's no arguing at this point that the Vibrant will become one of the biggest phones to grace T-Mobile this summer.

The package contains:

• Samsung Vibrant
• Stereo Headset
• Quickstart Guide
• Wall Charger
• microUSB Cable
• 2GB microSD card

Design:

The Samsung Vibrant employs the same exact design and build quality found with the Galaxy S I9000, which isn't to say is a bad thing, but rather, refreshing for the US market when you consider the stark difference from the Behold II. Constructed primarily out of this slick durable feeling plastic, it may not embody the premium feel of AT&T's version, the Samsung Captivate, but nonetheless practical and comfortable to hold. There is a chrome bezel that holds the recessed display in place which also adds an element of charm to the handset while the patterned design found on the back accomplishes the same feat. One of the most comforting things about the handset is that it's extremely thin (0.39”), especially more so when you take into consideration its packed internals – plus it's one lightweight (4.16 oz) handset that won't burden you in the pockets. Construction-wise, the Vibrant feels solid enough all around, but we'd imagine that its glossy plastic exterior would be prone to some scratching.



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

If you seek out lush and exquisite looking colors, you'll find plenty of that with the Vibrant's beautiful 4” Super AMOLED display – where its name perfectly sums everything up. Gazing at it for the first time will easily make anyone forget about the last-gen AMOLED display found on the Behold II. Sizing up with a WVGA (480x800) resolution and support for 16.7 million colors, there's no arguing about the sheer color tones and gradients it's able to showcase – plus it's able to replicate pure black so well that you may not even know where the borders of the touchscreen end. Additionally, it boasts some great viewing angles and sheer luminance to keep your eyes glazed from every angle you look at it. Although it's believed to provide an improved experience outdoors in direct sunlight, there is still some instances when shading it would allow for a better view of what's on the screen.


Gone are the front-facing camera and physical button from the original, but aside from that, everything else about the handset is intact. The same four touch sensitive buttons found on the Samsung Captivate dominate the area beneath the touchscreen, but thankfully this time around, they are more recognizable in low lighting conditions as it offers a brighter back-lighting. Physical buttons are minimal with the handset as you'll find the volume rocker and dedicated power button clinging onto the sides – which unfortunately doesn't offer the most assuring responses when pressed. The 3.5mm headset jack is found on the top edge with the microUSB port hidden underneath a sliding latch. Using the same patterned design that's also evident on the original, the branding has been altered to “Galaxy S” as opposed to “Samsung.” Towards the top left of the back of the phone you'll find the 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with the two notches for the speaker phone in close proximity. Removing the rear cover can simply be accomplished by yanking it off – providing you access to the battery, SIM card slot, and microSD card slot.