Samsung Ace Cell Phone Review - Tour & Design
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Alfredo Padilla Published on April 29, 2008 Comment on this |
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Summary
The Samsung Ace is slightly larger than an iPhone from the front and a little thicker sporting a large QWERTY keyboard and smallish display on the front. It resembles the Blackjack that it was derived from with a few small changes like the layout of the keyboard and a more prominent D-Pad. |
Front
The front of the Samsung Ace is dominated by the QWERTY keyboard, which takes up the lower half of the device. Above this are the control keys and D-Pad and above them the 2.3 inch QVGA display. Although the display is not small for a cell phone, it does seem a bit dwarfed by the Ace's long body.
Left
On the left side of the Ace you'll find the volume rocker keys near the top and just below this the proprietary port that is used for power, data and headphones. The port is protected by a tethered cover.
Top
The top of the Ace holds the power button on the right side.
Bottom
There are no features on the bottom of the Samsung Ace.
Right
On the right side of the Samsung Ace you'll find the Micro SD slot near the top, with a tethered cover, the scroll wheel below it and a back button below that.
Back
Turning the Ace over you see the lens for the 1.3 megapixel camera near the top flanked by the self-portraite mirror and loud speaker. The lower two-thirds of the back are taken up by the cover for the battery.
Battery Out
Removing the battery cover you battery and just above it a slot for a SIM card. This is interesting as the Ace is one of the few CDMA handsets that is also equipped to run on GSM networks for global roaming.
In the Box (5.0)
The Ace ships with a reasonable selection of accessories for a smart phone. In addition to software CD and manuals you get a charger, data cable and stereo headset. Interestingly, you also receive an adaptor for UK wall outlets, a nod to the Ace's international capabilities.
Handling (6.0)
The Ace feels fairly comfortably in the hand, the plastic isn't overly slick so you probably won't find yourself dropping it too much. It also weighs less than four ounces, despite a rather large size, so it won't bother you to hold it up to your head for long periods. The controls are well placed for your thumb, as is the scroll wheel (as long as you're right handed). The phone is a bit tall and wide, so those with smaller hands may have some trouble holding it, but apart from this handling is solid.
Portability (5.5)
The Samsung Ace measures 4.6 x 2.3 x 0.47 inches and weighs in at 3.84 ounces. The weight is nice, it won't feel heavy in a pocket or bag, but the size is a little on the large side, despite being fairly thin. You'll notice this phone in a pants pocket and it may even be a bit large for smaller purses and bags.
Aesthetics (5.0)
The Ace is styled in black, with a dull finish across most of the device but a glossy finish around the screen and on the controls. Frankly we're not bowled over by the phone's looks. It isn't ugly, but it won't turn heads and doesn't impress. Professional good looks is probably the best you can say about it.
Durability (8.0)
The Samsung Ace feels well built, we detected no creaks or other worrisome sounds. We are a little concerned that the plastic may get scratched up easily, especially on the screen, but aside from that we believe the Ace will stand up well to serious use.
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