Samsung SGH-T528G From Tracfone Review – Specification, Features, Price

With the introduction of yet another feature phone, the SGH-T528G, loaded with smartphone type features, Samsung has yet again started blurring the line between smart and feature phones. The SGH-T528G from Samsung comes with features that are usually associated with smartphones.

Samsung SGH-T528G From Tracfone

Specifications

• Display: 3 inch touch screen
• Connectivity: 3G
• Wireless: WiFi
• Bluetooth: 2.0 Stereo
• Camera: 2.0 Megapixel
• Recording: Video Recording and Sound and voice recording
• Music: MP3 Player
• Messaging: Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) Support, Video Messaging
• Sensors: Accelerometer (measure tilt and shake)
• Storage Removable: MicroSD Card with 32 GB support
• Interface: TouchWiz 2.0

Features

This feature phone should not be mistaken for the Samsung Androids that are shipping with the TouchWiz 2.0 user interface customizations. The SGH-T528G comes with three customizable home screens and that can be customized with your choice of widgets to suit your needs. There is a good selection of applications on the Samsung Apps market where additional applications may be downloaded, though; the phone comes with a decent set of applications that will cover most of the daily usage. You will not be missing much unless you are an appetite for applications. The 3 inch display is comfortable to use and is bright and clear with a decent touch response. The TouchWiz 2.0 comes with a notification panel that can be accessed by tapping on the top status bar, this is similar to the Android notification area with toggles to basic features like 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, Mute and Auto Rotation. There are three main buttons for the phone dialer, contacts list and messages, featured at the bottom of each home screen as well as the main menu. There are three dedicated buttons below the display for Send or Dial, Cancel or End Call; and, Main Menu button in the center. It offers voice recognition, voice and decent video recording with the 2.0 Megapixel camera. The address book is capable of storing up to 2000 entries with multiple details for each contact which include multiple phone numbers, email address, Instant Messenger ID (Name).

Verdict

The SGH-T528G is a very good entry level feature phone that is best for those who are using messenger phones and want to experience what the smartphones are capable of offering. Coming from a no commitment carrier like Straight-Talk through a no surprises prepaid no-contract plan, makes this phone even more attractive because it give a clean exit to those who may not want this to be their final choice in phones. The main problems with using the phone over the Straight brand from TracFone are the coverage limitations as well as very few phones to select from. Straight-Talk uses Verizon Wireless services which does not have national coverage.

Price

The Samsung SGH-T528G is available through the budget plan provider Straight from TracFone for $99.99. Straight-talk offer cellular connectivity through pre-paid plans offering no bills, contracts or surprises. At the moment Straight-talk is offering free ground shipping when you purchase a phone or airtime card totaling over $29.99, this offer will be expiring on September 30, 2011. Straight Talk services are available in two packages; for $45 you get 30MB and unlimited calls and messages, also for $30 per month you get 1000 minutes and messaging (SMS or MMS).