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Samsung Focus 2 review

6.9/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Focus 2
Samsung Focus 2
Samsung Focus 2
Samsung Focus 2
...


6.9/10
Informr score
The Samsung Focus 2 currently has an Informr score of 6.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 15 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

There aren’t too many products available running Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS. Part of the reason for this is the somewhat strict system requirements for such smartphones. So the Samsung Focus 2, which runs Windows Phone 7.5 Mango by default, is almost guaranteed to perform well and give a great overall experience. And it actually does, based on comments from users and professional device reviews. It’s tagged as one of the most impressive smartphones with Windows Phone 7 released to date. And it’s affordable, too.

The Focus 2 is available at a cheaper price than the old Nokia flagship with Windows Phone 7, the Lumia 900. Despite being cheaper, it ships with similar specs, only with a slightly smaller screen, less internal storage, and a less impressive camera. But it has a few advantages of its own, which include a great processor and RAM combination, 4G LTE network support, and a removable battery. These make the Focus 2 more than capable of easily handling the Windows Phone 7 OS.

Speaking of the OS, the Focus 2 won’t be getting an upgrade to Windows Phone 8 any time soon. In fact, it will be stuck with Windows Phone 7 until the end of time. If you can look past this potential deal breaker, the Focus 2 stands to offer plenty of bang for your buck. Just don’t expect its app selection to be as good or as extensive as the one on iOS and Android, and you’ll be fine.

Need to Know: Samsung Focus 2

1. Ships with high-end features that include speedy processor and 4G LTE. (The Good)

2. User-replaceable removable battery. (The Good)

3. Won’t be upgraded to Windows Phone 8. (The Bad)

4. Uses an old design and looks boring. (The Bad)


Windows Phone
Operating system
Operating system
Windows Phone
1.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.4 GHz
4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1750 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Brighthand
Brighthand

The Samsung Focus 2 is definitely a solid phone, one that offers performance a small step above what you would expect for $50. It's certainly a good deal for an entry-level phone (with the not-so-entry-level luxury of 4G LTE), but bearing that in mind, if you're willing to shell out another $50 you...

- Grant Hatchimonji, Brighthand
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

While the Samsung Focus 2 may appear to be just another mid-to-high level smartphone, it’s actually an impressive Windows Phone 7 handset that gives the pricier Nokia Lumia 900 a run for its money.Don’t take that to mean it’s as good as the 900 - the 8GB of non-upgradeable storage is disappointing,...

- Sam Kieldsen, Pocket-lint
SlashGear
SlashGear

The Samsung Focus 2 is a very tidy device, and currently the cheapest phone on AT&T to combine LTE and Windows Phone 7. Anyone who purchases it won’t be disappointed, especially those who require long battery life. That said, if a great camera or a big, high-res screen are in your list of must-haves...

- Michael Crider, SlashGear
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

For $49, the Samsung Focus 2 is a pretty good deal, offering a slick interface, solid performance and 4G LTE speeds. The Focus 2 is a solid choice for shoppers looking for a compact smartphone that's easy to use, but there's nothing here that really stands out.

- Sherri L. Smith, Laptop Mag
Wired
Wired

The Samsung Focus 2 gets you access to AT&T’s 4G LTE in a compact, appealing, and most importantly, cheap device. Don’t get me wrong, this definitely isn’t a better phone than the Nokia Lumia 900. It doesn’t have the same curb appeal and falls short in comparative specs like the onboard camera and a...

- Alexandra Chang, Wired


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Focus 2 user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Focus 2 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Focus 2 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.



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Quick view

Screen Size
4"

The Samsung Focus 2's screen size is 4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.4 GHz

There is a Single Core 1.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
1750mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1750 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 10.5 days standby time, 360 minutes.

Focus 2 Specs

Overview
Release Date May 20, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Windows Phone Smartphones

Processor Single Core 1.4 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.68 W/kg
Body: 0.99 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/e/g/n
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging, Panorama
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1750 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 360 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.2 x 6.3 x 1.1 cm (4.8 x 2.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 122 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, MSN, Windows Live
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: XT9
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, M4A
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Currency Converter, Weather, Stocks, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SGH-I667, Samsung Mandel
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Focus 2 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Focus 2
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