Samsung SCH R500 Hue (Unlocked)

My first observation is the solid feel, the metallic skin certainly adds to this. It's well balanced in the hand, open and closed, and the hinge feels solid.

Buttons

The buttons are RAZR-esque, however, the Samsung Hue has somewhat greater tactical distance upon depression - so you actually feel like you like pushing a button.

Interface

I am adjusting to the Samsung interface. My last Samsung was a Samsung X-427, about four years ago. A few quirks, but nothing to complain about.

Camera

Not as grainy as I had predicted. It lacks a flash, but does well in low-light nonetheless.

I wish manufacturers would get away from mirrors near camera lenses, they've been made too small to be useful, as if they ever really were useful, you know?

Speed

Web-browsing is quick and this is my first experience with Alltel's Cell Top. After deleting a number of useless Cell Top 'Cells' (think Vista gadgets or OS X widgets), I warmed up to it. Beware downloading the upgraded Celltop application, it will reset all of your Cell settings.


PROS

Solid, balanced feel
Excellent call quality and very good speakerphone
Quick web browsing and Cell Top turns out to be handy
Fair camera quality
Customizable face and battery plates
LED outside panel actually turns out to be pretty sleek

CONS

As far as I've been able to tell, it's impossible to configure what the directional pad keys do at the main screen. I would prefer that down take me to my contacts, it's an old habit.

You have to go into message settings to specify you want T9 as the default for composing messages.