Samsung Intensity SCH-U450 Phone, Red
- Feature-packed messaging phone with slide-out QWERTY keyboard, threaded messaging display, colorful 2.1-inch display
- Access V CAST Music with Rhapsody service (subscription and PC downloads); GPS-enabled for turn-by-turn directions
- 1.3-megapixel camera for still photos; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD expansion to 16 GB; digital audio player; access to instant messaging and personal email
- Up to 5 hours of talk time, up to 300 hours (12.5 days) of standby time
- What’s in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, quick reference guide
Amazon.com Product Description
A feature-packed phone that keeps you conveniently connected to family, friends and business associates, the Samsung Intensity for Verizon Wireless features a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard for easy text and mobile instant messaging as well as e-mail connectivity. This phone includes an integrated GPS receiver, which enables you to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions. And it’s compatible with the V Cast Music with Rhapsody service, which allows you to side-load music downloaded from Rhapsody on your PC to an optional microSD memory card. See more details on optional Verizon Wireless services below.
The The Samsung Intensity’s advanced messaging functions help you connect to family, friends and anyone else your thumbs can get hold of. |
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Other features include a 1.3-megapixel camera for capturing still photos on the go, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, personal organizer tools, mobile Web browsing capabilities, bi-lingual interface (English and Spanish), and up to 5 hours of talk time.
Key Features
- CDMA 1xRTT data network
- GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service
- 2.1-inch display with horizontal slide-out, four-row QWERTY keypad featuring dedicated Messaging key and Favorites key for easy texting and calling (Learn more)
- 1.3-megapixel camera for still photos with Night Shot, Self Timer, Multishot and Shutter Sound functions (Learn more)
- Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits (Learn more)
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB
- Digital audio player enables you to create and manage playlists right on the phone; compatible with MP3, WMA and unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
- Full messaging capabilities including Mobile IM; Mobile e-mail; Chat; and text, picture, and voice messaging
- Organizer tools include calendar with scheduler, note pad, alarm clock, world clock, calculator (basic, tip and converter) and stop watch
- Voice commands including Voice Dial, Menu Readout, Digital Dial Readout, TXT Message Readout, Call Announcement, My Verizon, and Help
- Mobile Web browser for Internet access
- Media Center-capable for downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, and more
Vital Statistics
The Samsung Intensity weighs 3.53 ounces and measures 4.25 x 2.08 x 0.65 inches. Its 960 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 300 hours (12.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies and 1xRTT data frequency. Learn more about this phone’s technical specifications below.
With a full slide–out QWERTY keyboard, this phone is a text messenger’s dream (see larger pop-up image). |
Verizon Wireless Services
- VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you’ll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps. Additional subscription charges applicable.
- V CAST Music with Rhapsody: Access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks, which delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. For a monthly fee (billed on your Verizon Wireless bill), you can load and reload your subscription songs from your PC to your V CAST Music with Rhapsody phone as often as you want, and take your music on the go.
On PCs running the Windows XP or higher operating system, you can also browse, preview and purchase music using the V CAST Music with Rhapsody software, which is available as a free download from the V CAST Music with Rhapsody download website. Additional subscription charges applicable.
NOTE: Over-the-air downloads are not supported with this phone.
Learn More
The Samsung Intensity Messaging Phone
The Samsung Intensity has a 2.1-inch display (176 x 220-pixel resolution, 262K color depth) that sits above the phone’s navigation area with send/end keys, two soft navigation keys, and a round navigation pad. The front of the face includes a standard alpha-numeric keypad that’s great for quick text messaging as well as dialing numbers. A four-row full QWERTY keyboard slides out from the left side of the phone, enabling easier typing for longer messages.
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The phone has a small internal memory that’s expandable via optional microSD/microSDHC (High Capacity) memory cards up to 16 GB in size. The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 contacts with multiple numbers per entry as well as support for picture and ringer ID. Other calling features include embedded ringtones, vibrating alerts (with silent mode), speed dialing capabilities.
Snap Photos on the Go
You’ll be able to shoot still images wherever you roam with the Intensity’s 1.3-megapixel camera on the back of the phone (no video capture capabilities included). You can choose from one of six resolution options (1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120, and 128 x 96 pixels) as well as get closer to the action with up to a 10x digital zoom (available depending on resolution selection). Other features include a dedicated camera key, brightness and white balance (Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent) adjustments , color effects, multi-shot capabilities (Series, Divided), self-timer, and multiple sound effects.
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Wireless Freedom with Bluetooth
In addition to the integrated hands-free speakerphone, this phone provides the latest version of Bluetooth connectivity–version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), which makes pairing with an optional headset as well as other Bluetooth-enabled devices a snap. It includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and phonebook access. And with the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones.
Technical Specifications
- TTY Compatible
- In Case of Emergency (ICE) contacts
- Hearing Aid Compatibility Rating = M4
- 2.5mm headset jack
- Over–the–air downloadable software upgrades
- Bilingual Interface: English/Español
Samsung Intensity SCH-U450 Phone, Red
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The Samsung Intensity is a pretty good phone.
Features: Although this phone is not a smart phone, it has all the basic features you would expect out of a phone. This phone is able to play Music over bluetooth if you have a device that supports this. I use this feature on my Volk-L system in my car. The bluetooth stereo support isn't always the clearest sound though (although this may be just my radio that is the problem). Also I use Zune, and it is nice that I can just copy and paste my music to my phone (using the included USB charger/data cable). The phone has "Word" or I think it is called "T9" for quick txts. Which if you are used to that form of txting, it very well could be quicker than using the keyboard. The keyboard is nice (it feels nice in your hand), but the keys are not very intuitive (meaning, the keys don't always feel like they are in the places they should be). I would imagine (like anything) after getting used to the keyboard it won't be so bothersome. I would give it 5/5 on features (with the expectation that whoever is buying this is NOT expecting a smart phone).
Battery life: I would only say that the battery is 3/5 stars. It surely isn't the worst battery I have ever used, but if you are actively using the phone for txting (which is likely since it is a txting phone) the battery drains relatively fast. It will probably only last you till the end of the day with constant use (and that might be stretching it). If you leave the phone alone in your pocket the battery may last for a day and a half, but it would still be smart to charge it every time you go to bed (cause the phones buttons do get pressed in your pocket, and it will cause the screen to light up, draining battery life).
Call Sound: For call sound I would rate this phone 3.5/5. The call sound is decent enough. I can hear what the people are saying, but sometimes it is not very clear. It does get crackly at times, and sometimes it can seem quiet. It definitely isn't as good as my LG Accolades sound was. But despite the not as good quality it is still bearable. I would just give the phone a "C" rating on sound. Also I'm not sure if it has speakerphone on it, but if it does it isn't as intuitive to find this option (meaning, it isn't an easy option to find).
"Make up" quality: The phone appears to be very sturdy. Although I haven't dropped the phone yet, it feels as though it wouldn't break on the first few drops. Also since it was an almost free phone it wouldn't be too much of an issue if it did break. I give the "Make up" quality a 5/5.
Design: The phone design has its goods and bads. First impression of the phone is that it is very stylish. It is truely a nice looking phone. After examining a few things about the phone you immediately notice that the phone looks REALLY slippery and easy to drop. So a suggestion would be to search on here (Amazon) and get a new rubberized backing for the phone if you are concerned about dropping it (I'm not... But you may?). The next thing you notice after how slippery the phone is, the keyboard. The keyboard although it has a nice feel, just doesn't seem intuitive enough. The last thing you might notice, is that when reviewing the phone you realized that they said it had a micro SD card slot. And now you are starting to wonder "Where the heck is that slot?". Well at that moment you try and open the battery backing (which is a pain in the butt if you don't have long finger nails), and then you see it directly under the cover. Now you ask yourself the question.... "Why wouldn't they make a slot in the backing for the SD card? It's almost as if they forgot to or something?" It is in a perfectly easy place to do this, but they just decided not to? Oh well. Overall for a design I would give it a 3.75/5, a C plus (can I do that?). It has a nice sleek design, but it could be made less slippery, the keyboard layout could be better, and an SD card slot access (without having to remove the backing) would be nice. Other than those flaws, I really like the design.
Call Reception: Call reception seems to be 5/5. Everywhere I've been has had good reception. I have even taken it up in the middle of the woods and have had reception (which is speaking highly of a phone that doesn't have an antenna in my opinion).
Overall Rating: 25.25/30 or 84% or B. I think the phone is a generally good phone. It isn't the best phone in the world, but most certainly not the worst. If you are looking for a decent phone (that doesn't require the new data package plan) this would be a good choice.
Hope this helped you guys out.
Rating: 4 / 5
Pros:
- Simple design
- Compatible w/ Verizon network
(in the US many people think that's important)
- Cost me nothing to get 4 of these
(ordered on line from Verizon on a 2yr contract)
- Music player handles AAC files
- Music player displays album art
(w/ proper skin selected)
- Battery charges over USB cable
- Keypad lock
(a must if you plan to carry your phone in your pants pocket)
- Slide out QWERTY, good for text messaging
Cons:
- No way to sync calendar to PC
- Can't transfer notes (text) files to PC
- As w/ most phones, difficult to see the screen outdoors in sunlight
- Custom mp3/aac ringtones only by way of picture message - not USB or SD card
- Music player is very slow to load library
- Bad placement of left/right select buttons
- microSD card access is not convenient - behind battery cover
- No video capability
I was due for an upgrade and this Samsung handset seemed like the best option for a Verizon phone w/ a music player that did not require a data plan ($10/month per line or higher.) It was already going to cost me another $10/month to add a line for my son and $30/month for the texting package. And I couldn't justify spending more for the data since I would not use it enough.
This handset makes for a decent phone for voice calls and is good for texting. It also feels pretty good in my hands.
Having the keypad lock is something I appreciate. My old phone didn't have this feature so I had to always carry the phone on my belt. With the phone in my pocket buttons would get pressed, the screen would come on at full brightness and run down the battery. With this phone the buttons still activate the screen in locked mode, but the screen doesn't come on full brightness. I'd have preferred that the keypad be completely locked - so to me this feature needs improvement. But it is a step up from my old phone.
The music player handles AAC (nice plus) - but it is slow to load the music and is picky about id3 tags!! I had to use a program called Mp3tag to make the tags ISO format. With the right skin selected it will display the album art (a minor perk.)
The placement of the left/right select buttons on the regular keypad (i.e. Messages/Contacts select on the main menu) makes it quite difficult to push left/right select w/o pushing send or end respectively. Not a major problem most of the time, but it can be annoying - for this and the slow music player I'm subtracting half star.
I've struggled with getting custom ringtones on to this phone. It seems you can only transfer AMR and MIDI by way of the SD card. The AMR quality is dreadful and for some odd reason the volume drops to an inaudible level when the files are loaded to the phone memory. I've only been able to get custom mp3 or aac ringtones onto the phone by emailing them using picture messaging. This is a minor issue for me since with the texting plan I don't have to pay for each picture message - but for this fact and the fact that the SD card is behind the battery cover I'm taking off half star.
I have found no way to sync the calendar to my PC. That's a bigger issue for me. Subtract one star. Having the QWERTY makes it easy to capture notes on the go (in the grocery store, sitting down to lunch, waiting in lines, etc). But there is no way to transfer the note files off of the phone.
I have been able to get my contacts onto the phone by exporting to vCard and then depositing them into the my_contacts directory on the SD card. Then I had to transfer from the card to the phone memory through the menus. This was a painful multi-step process that should be much easier, but since it's not something I need to do very often I am not taking any thing off for this.
I don't need a smart phone - don't care about apps, games and surfing the web on my phone. But I would like to be able to easily sync my calendar and backup my contacts on my PC. And so far the only tool I've been able to find is the program Datapilot (there's a listing here on Amazon but as of 5/31/2010 Amazon is out of stock.) [[ASIN:9984958116]] The Amazon listing/description is specifically for the Samsung Intensity and it says quote :
>>> "Used to safely access and/or sync your Phonebook, Pictures, Ringtones, MP3,
>>> Calendar, Images, Video, and more to your PC or Mac. (Features may vary from
>>> phone to phone)."
But if you check Datapilot's website for the u450 it says:
>>> ONLY SUPPORTS ADDRESS BOOK AND IMAGES. < <<
Most others probably won't care about this last bit, but I had bought a LG Stereo Earbud Headset for LG VX9800 from Amazon for my old LG VX8350. The LG headset adapter works with this Samsung phone - that was a pleasant surprise. I mention it because I had issues using a Samsung headset with the LG. The plug was not compatible.
Because Verizon doesn't really offer a better option for me now, I'm seriously considering switching back to my old LG VX8350 clamshell. With that phone I could sync calendar, contacts and mp3 ringtones from my PC w/ bitpim, it had a satisfactory music player, I could even do video (which comes in handy now and then) and it just did what I needed it to do. I mainly use my handset as a phone. The small amount of texting that I do is easily done with a regular keypad (I only got the texting plan for my kids) so most of the advantages of this phone are lost on me. But if texting is what really floats your boat, and you don't care about the calendar sync you might want to give the Intensity a try.
Rating: 3 / 5
I love this phone. I had the LG enV touch and absolutly hated it, i had to replace it twice before i decided to switch to this phone. On my old phone it unlocked really easialy unlocked and called people on its own (the touch screen also had ceased)and this one doesnt have any of those problems. I love everything about it, the way it's so simple yet up to date technology wise is amazing. the only bad thing about this phone that if it's locked and you get a text message, it unlocks for awhile, which could result in butt-dialing. But other than that its Amazing!
Rating: 5 / 5
I recently re-evaluated my cell phone needs and plans and decided to go from a full smart phone to phone that was more of... well, a phone. My old phone was a samsung and I liked it because it had the separate qwerty keyboard and numeric keyboard which was great for texting and typing. Also, it was very well built and decent sound quality. The physical ergonomics of the Samsung Intensity was very similar to my old phone so I decided to give this a try.
I'm struck by how small the phone is compared to my previous Samsung brick. I agree with many reviewers that say that it is very slippery to hold so you might want to get a skin to hold it more securely. The build quality of the phone is decent -- particularly for this price point. Call quality is very good on both ends -- much better than my previous Samsung which is at least 2 years old. The speaker phone is very loud and decent quality.
There are some things I'm not wild about:
Cons:
-----
__ battery life - very poor especially compared to the limited functionality. My cell phone was charged but turned off
_______ in my purse and within 48 hours, the battery was totally drained. This is not good. Of course, the phone does not
_______ come with a car charger.
__ software interface - while I love the separate numeric keyboard and qwerty keyboard, the software interface is clunky and
_______ difficult to navigate. My old phone was a Windows Mobile OS and this phone has a proprietary software interface
_______ which can only tolerate limited customizations. Definitely not a useful email, calendar tool set.
I'm probably going to return it and go back towards the smartphone range. However, if you want a good basic phone with good voice and texting capability, this will do well for you. It would be good as a kids first phone since it seems relatively sturdy -- just get some sort of case for ease of holding and protection.
It is a good phone -- just a bit more basic than I wanted -- even though I really thought all I wanted was "just a phone".
Rating: 4 / 5
This sure is a great phone. It has so many wonderful features. It came with a bluetooth and a corded earphone. It also came with a belt clip holder, and chargers for both the phone and the bluetooth.. This is such a great deal. I got it through verizon at Costco. It can do so many functions including texting, photos, email, ect. I would recommend this phone to anyone.
Rating: 5 / 5