The Samsung Focus was released in November of 2010 as a Windows-based competitor to the growing smartphone market. This GSM phone features the bells and whistles you would expect to find in a current-gen smartphone: a sleek and sexy design, multi-touch input, GPS and seamless integration with social networks and other mobile internet services.
Under the hood, the Focus has a single-core 1 GHz Scorpion processor with 512 GB of both RAM and ROM. The 8 GB of internal storage can be easily expanded by up to 32 GB with the addition of a MicroSD memory card, however, the phone's back panel battery cover must be removed in order to access the expansion slot.
If you are looking for a phone for multimedia use, the Focus can deliver. Its 5-megapixel autofocus camera includes a bright LED flash for great pictures in low-light settings and doubles as a full 720p HD video camera. For music lovers, the phone accepts a standard 3.5mm headphone plug and includes an integrated FM tuner. The Focus uses the same vibrant 480 x 800 AMOLED display that many other Samsung phones use, which is undoubtedly one of the best on the market.
While in many ways the Focus seems like another run-of-the-mill smartphone, the major benefit it touts is its ability to synchronize with much of the Microsoft software on your PC. The Office Hub package allows users to view and edit Microsoft Office documents while out and about, email can be synchronized with Outlook Mobile, and users of the Zune can add their music library to their phone similar to iPhone users with iTunes.
Its lithium-ion battery boasts up to 300 hours of standby time and 6.5 hours of talk time; however, in real-life situations you'll probably need to recharge every day or two. Conveniently, the Focus can charge and synch simultaneously via a standard micro USB cable, so this typically isn't a problem.
All in all, the main selling point of the Focus is its integration with Windows programs. For users who do not rely heavily on Microsoft software, the Focus is simply another bland offering in an ever-growing sea of smartphones.
Need to know: Samsung Focus
1. The Samsung Focus's AMOLED multi-touch screen is vibrant, beautiful, and highly responsive. (The Good)
2. The Focus integrates effortlessly with Windows 7, MS Office, and other Microsoft software packages. (The Good)
3. The Focus does not support Java-based applications at all. (The Bad)
4. With a single-core processor and only 512 MB of RAM, the Focus is a bit underpowered when loading or switching applications. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Jen Edwards, BrighthandThe Samsung Focus is a winner in just about every category. Though it's a bit bigger than I personally would like (I prefer more pocketable phones over those with ginormous cinema-quality displays), I do like just about everything about it.The display is truly gorgeous, the phone is fast and respons...
- PhoneArena Team, PhoneArenaIf Samsung keeps on producing fantastic devices like the Samsung Captivate and Focus, there is no stopping them from creeping up to the top spot in the global scene. Even though they sport opposing platforms, the results in various categories are in fact relatively similar – and that's why...
- EngadgetThe Focus is kind of the everyman of the Windows Phone 7 line. It doesn't really have any fancy features and isn't especially stylish... but it gets the job done. If you're in the market for a WP7 handset, here in America you don't have a huge amount of options. We prefer the Focus over the Surr...
- Todd Haselton, MobileBurnIt's finally here. Windows Phone 7, Microsoft's latest mobile operating system has arrived and it's loaded on a handful of devices, including the HTC 7 Surround. The HTC 7 Surround is an excellent device that's going to attract casual smartphone owners and heavy multimedia users alike. ...
- PhoneArena Team, PhoneArenaBased on our initial experience with Windows Phone 7, it's clear to say that Microsoft placed a lot of emphasis on its presentation – which is evident with its heavy usage of transition effects and dynamic tiles. Although it showcases plenty if stunning visuals throughout the platform, the...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Focus user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Focus with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Focus has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Samsung Focus Manual (PDF)
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.
