Samsung SPH A523 Mysto (Helio)

My previous phone was the Samsung Drift, so adjusting to this phone was easy. It's a thinner version with sensitive soft keys. Definitely a nice design. I may have a defective one, because it crashes every now and then, usually when I'm texting, and needs to reboot (turn off, then on). I still have to contact Helio to inform them and ask for a replacement. Other than that, it's great.

This phone, combined with the Helio phone service (now run by Virgin Mobile) caters to Korean-English clients who want the ability to read menus and send or receive text messages in Korean and English. It's interface is straightforward and uncomplicated, and the phone functions as promised. All in all, a solid performer, especially when communicating in Korean is a plus.

I like the slim package and features. The 3G through Helio/Virgin is fast - faster than my friend's iPhone at least. We race to see who can watch YouTube videos faster, and I always win. Mobile internet works great, and I can update Twitter and Facebook, read the news and resolve pointless arguments on the spot. The biggest con from the beginning has been battery life. If it's not dead by the end of the day, it's very close. Also, it doesn't allow using mp3 files as ringtones, MMS only. I prefer vibrate anyway, and it's a very strong shaker.

It has performed well since I got it with a plan almost exactly a year ago, but now it's starting to have problems...

First the camera software stopped working - no more uploading to TwitPic.

Then the screen started going blank or having a dull glow and I have to pull the battery to shut it off, turn it back on and pray the startup screen shows up, or I have to do it over and over again until I'm back to normal. This seems to be triggered by receiving text messages, so this happens often to me. On occasion, the screen will turn hot orange and/or reverse itself. I've freaked out a few times - it looks possessed. I guess it's a hardware problem, and I didn't take out the extra $4 a month, so I'm on the hunt for a new phone.

I had an Ocean before the Mysto that kept breaking down and decided to switch to the Mysto. Worst decision ever. I regret it every day. Even if it did keep breaking down, the Ocean is like 20 times better than the Mysto. The touch pad sucks. You can't use Opera Mini or Mobile or whatever on it. Sorry, Mysto, but Ocean is wayyyyyyy better.

absolute piece of junk. phone gets no service, can't connect online, takes about 15 tries just to send a text, the charge holds for maybe 4 hours at most, and that's with minimal usage. I'm freaking out because I can't do anything with this, and I spent $200 on it! My dying Drift is 1,000,000,000 times better than this piece of garbage. I wish death upon the creator of the Mysto. GARBAGE!!!!