The Samsung Blast Mobile Phone is an inexpensive cell phone that offers quite a few features. Before you even open the phone, a multidirectional toggle is present along with seven dedicated buttons that spread around it, making for easier navigation of features. But perhaps the best function on this phone is its SureType capabilites. Once the slider is slid, a numeric keypad is revealed along with two columns of other buttons. All of this doubles as a compressed QWERTY keyboard with each key offering access to two letters. In comparison to alphanumeric texting, the Blast is much better for typing and a welcome relief from having to watch the screen as you scroll through options for the correct letter. The buttons are slightly raised, making them good for firing off messages by feel, say, while your holding your phone under the conference table.

The 1.3-megapixel camera can take photos in numerous resolutions, but all of them deliver photos that lack color detail. There is also not a flash. Meanwhile, video clips include sound and can be sent along with text messages. But because the EDGE network is utilized, don't expect exceptionally swift uploading. The internal memory has 11MB of space, but if you need more you can purchase a MicroSD card. All of these multimedia files can be displayed on a very respectable LCD that supports up to 262K colors.

The Blast also has an MP3 player onboard, though it is unexceptional and gives the user music that is somewhat tinny in quality. Sound quality is better when using a stereo Bluetooth headset. Meanwhile, you can also record voice memos and can also dial via voice activation.

Another noticeable feature of this device is its weight. Despite it being over 4 inches tall when closed, the Blast weighs only 2.8 ounces. The phonebook is sizeable at 1000 contacts, each of which can be assigned a distinctive ringer and a Photo ID. Each contact can also store five phone numbers, an e-mail address, and notes.

Call quality is respectable, with good incoming sound and only the occasional hiccup of static. The microphone on the phone, however, offers up sound that lacks richness. Meanwhile, the battery provides about up to five hours of talk time and up to 200 hours of standby.

Though loaded with multimedia options, some of the Blast feels cursory. But on the whole, there are a lot of features, making it a jack of all trades and a master of none. But if your multimedia needs are only occasional, and if you text message a lot, the Blast could be a good option for you.

Pros: Inexpensive, text messaging, lightweight, SureType texting
Cons: Music player, camera

Warranty
1 year