Sometimes when a new handset is released, it is instantly clear where it fits into that particular manufacturer’s line-up of existing handsets, but every once in a while a new product is announced that, whilst being a fine device in its own right, seems to be nothing more than a filler handset, just another variation on an existing phone. The Samsung S5620 Monte is a device that fits into this category. I mean, it is indeed a fine handset, with an impressive array of features, but I do wonder just who it will appeal to, what is the market segment it is aimed at? Perhaps, though, the S5620 isn’t designed to attract a specific type of user, and will instead offer a broad appeal across the market. It will be interesting to see just where this phone sits when it is released.
As I said, the feature setup on the handset is very good, with a solid if not spectacular line-up. Very lightweight, at just 92g, the Samsung Monte measures in at a comfortable 109 x 54 x 12.5mm, very much among the norm for a mid range device. With a full touch enabled display, using capacitive technology, the Monte delivers a TFT screen measuring in at a good 3.0 inches, supporting up to 256,000 colours and with a pixel resolution of 240 x 400. The handset runs on the proprietary Samsung TouchWiz user interface, which is a simple, icon driven menu system that makes navigation simple for even the newest of mobile phone users. The device has a built in accelerometer for auto display rotation, and there is a turn to mute option included too, which handily allows you to mute incoming calls by simply flipping the phone over. Another nice inclusion is the Smart Unlock option, which allows you to unlock the phone and instantly launch a chosen application by simply ‘drawing’ a pre selected shape on your phone’s display. So for example, drawing an ‘M’ could launch the music player, or an ‘S’ could launch the SMS feature, and so on.
It’s good to see on a mid range device the inclusion of a GPS receiver, enabling the phone to work as a personal navigation device by using the ever popular Google Maps application, with the Samsung Monte shipping with Google Maps 3.0. The GPS receiver also works with the built in 3.2 Megapixel camera, allowing you to add location information to the digital data on captured images, which allows people to see the location images were captured if you enable this on photos you upload to the web. As well as offering Geotagging, the camera on the Monte supports fixed focus, and also smile detection. Video recording is enabled too, allowing video clips to be captured at an acceptable 15 fps, at QVGA resolution, which whilst a bit choppy and blocky would still view ok if uploaded to the web. Social networking integration on the Monte follows in the footsteps of many recent handsets from Samsung, offering live updates that can be set to be delivered direct to the main standby screen on the phone. This option can be activated from a variety of the most popular social networking sites.
The S5620 Monte includes a full media player, with support for multiple music and video formats. Memory on the handset is a rather impressive 227MB internal, which can be expanded with the addition of a MicroSD memory card, with the Monte supporting cards up to 16GB in size. To enhance the music listening capabilities, the Monte includes a 3.5mm audio output jack, plus includes support for DNSe for an improved sound quality. There is a stereo FM radio with RDS included on the phone, and we also find Bluetooth 2.1, which allows for stereo audio streaming to a compatible wireless headset.
Messaging and web browsing are well catered for on the Monte, with support for Palringo instant messaging already installed on the device, plus the usual email facilities found on most Samsung devices, which includes support for push email and multiple account setup. There is a full web browser on the handset, which works well with most websites, and data connectivity is handled via 3G+ Mobile Broadband, backed up by GPRS, EDGE, and there is also WiFi 802.11b/g too.
Overall the Samsung S5620 Monte is a smart looking device, which will offer a broad appeal to a wide variety of users. Available in Q2 2010, the Monte will be available on both Prepay and contract, and given the expected selling press offers very good value indeed.
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6:48 am
I believe I am one of 1st few in Singapore to own this phone. Got it over the weekend and have not fully tried out all the features. The phone hangs twice where playing youtube. I have to remove the battery to reset the phone. I am not sure why but hope it is not an issue.
It is not so easy to remove the cover to reach the battery. My first day with the phone, the battery life reached 2 bars with a couple of hours surfing the internet. The touch screen is good but somehow not all the screen can rotate to landscape. Example if you are texting messages, it stay portrait.
Generally, I like the phone. It is compact and the feel is good. Will give further updates once I get a hang of it.
9:41 pm
I bought the Samsung Monte on monday from Phones4U on pay as you go on the o2 network and since I've owned it I think its a great phone. Its full touchscreen plus it has a-gps plus its a 3g phone and the battery life is very good, not had to charge the phone yet.
It has perfect clear call quality, good choice of ring tunes and a good 3.2mp camera plus has front camera, very responsive touch screen it operates simillar to the iPhone when scrolling through the menus, the added bonus is wi-fi connection which gives a good connection. The only downside is there are no games on the phone, you do have to buy the games off the Samsung web site, the other plus side is you can move the apps on your menu around to your taste like the iPhone, plus you can add more downloaded apps as well.
The phone is light and compact and great in your pocket too, lighter then the iPhone, all in all I can say if your looking for a Samsung touch screen phone with the iPhone feel to it then buy the Samsung Monte on pay and go or contract, its worth a look.
8:40 am
How to set the wifi automatic when signal is good. Wifi connection is already connected but cant surt the net or even a single page it cannot connect, it will say no response. Also the wifi sign will not turn green. Pls advise how can I set the internet access via wifi automatic once signal is good or OK.
6:46 pm
how do i mute the annoying texting sound without turning the whole device to silent mode?
9:23 pm
hi all, great device, one question though, how can i connect laptop to it and make it function as a 3G modem ? well first of all ... can i ? second how to ?
11:19 am
Hi, on the Samsung Monte when texting i am only allowed 160characters, is that for all the Samsung Monte phones or just me and is there a way of changing it?
thanks
1:57 pm
Its been a month since I bought this phone, for the first 2-3 weeks the battery life was good and now I am able to use it only for 4 hours continuously. What should I do to increase the battery life?
11:23 am
Hello, I have recently purchased this phone but the facebook app doesnt seem to update, does anyone know why this is happening? Also I am having trouble connecting the WiFi so can someone help me please?