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Samsung Cleo review

4.8/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Cleo
Samsung Cleo
...


4.8/10
Informr score
The Samsung Cleo currently has an Informr score of 4.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 147 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

With a nod to female fashionistas, Samsung offers up an exciting, new form factor for women who want an uncluttered phone with good looks and a focus on texting. The Samsung Cleo looks much like a woman’s compact or pocket mirror. This unique design allows for a keypad that makes texting enjoyable and the ability to view text messaging threads.

But the Samsung Cleo is not just a novelty phone. In addition for the full QWERTY keyboard, the Cleo boasts a 1.3MP camera, music player, expandable memory (up to 8GB) and comes in a choice of Pink, Blue and Champagne. As a practical matter, women will enjoy texting, talking and taking pictures, all with simple keystrokes.

Rounding out the feature set is Bluetooth, email capability, speakerphone and support for downloadable games, ringtones and applications.

Pros: Fun, fashion-focused design, has the most popular features for the casual phone user, easy on the eyes and easy-to-use.

Cons: External display small/monochrome, internal display resolution low, internal navigation buttons very small/squeezed.

Verdict: While clearly not designed with cutting edge technology, the Samsung Cleo offers a fresh, feminine feel and a feature set geared to a specific demographic. The Cleo makes texting easy and gives soft corners to mobile technology.


Custom
Operating system
Operating system
Custom
Unknown
Processor
Processor
Unknown
2.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.2"
1+ MP
Camera
Camera
1+ MP
800 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


CNET
CNET

The Samsung Gloss is compact and lightweight with a nice display and a great QWERTY keyboard. If you're not looking for a lot of features, the Samsung Gloss is a nice and compact messaging phone for U.S. Cellular customers.

- Nicole Lee, CNET

I completely disagree with this review, it has an overall bad keyboard (malfunctions constantly), it does not have very good messaging (turns off when you attempt to send messages after about a month of having the phone), and it is most definitely not compact (does not fit in a pocket at all). There are also many problems with the battery pack. This phone deserves a 2 at best, not a 6. I know you're the professionals, but this is not a 6 rated phone. The keyboard malfunctions are the hugest problem for me, it puts in symbols instead of letters at times, shuts off if you press a button incorrectly, and is very bad for people with larger fingers. Besides that, it is a very difficult layout as well. The symbols are in difficult positions for hands to get used to, and as is the button to select them. The phone does not contain any way of using picture messaging without creating an account, a hassle as this phone usually does not connect to the internet easily (personally, mine doesn't at all). The messaging feature continually fails to send messages or just decides to shut the phone off! It is inconvenient when you need to send a quick message, as it glitches out so often. There are also problems with sending mass texts, as in texts to more than one person. Every time, the phone shuts off as it is sending a text message to multiple recipients, and will refuse to restart. As most women do, I wear skinny jeans a lot. This phone is inconvenient, as it does not fit in pockets whatsoever. It is far too large to fit in even a standard pocket. The only good thing about it is that it can take a beating. I have had this phone for almost 2 years now, as I am strapped to a 3 year contract. I have had many problems with the battery pack not charging fully, turning the phone off, and overheating if you use the phone at all while charging. This is a terrible problem, as I need this phone for school daily. A typical charge for me now lasts about a full school day (about 6 hours). This is very inconvenient, and a huge downside to a phone. So, why buy this phone? I see no reason to.

Doesn't sound like a good phone for you. I got my wife one and for the most part. it's been OK. We did screw it up attempting to send a text to multiple contacts. Had to follow instructions on Pg. 106 of the manual to erase messages to get it to stop rebooting when attempting to send a message. You may want to try that so yo can at least do basic texts for your remaining year .



Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your Cleo 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
2.2"

The Samsung Cleo's screen size is 2.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
Unknown

There is a processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
1+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 1+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
55 MB

Internal memory is 55 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 16 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
800mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 800 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 11 days standby time.

Samsung Cleo Specs

Overview
Release Date October 8, 2008
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Custom Smartphones

Processor
Internal Storage 55 MB
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.21 W/kg
Body: 0.69 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi No
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 16 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Self-portrait, Self-timer, White balance
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 2.2 inches
Secondary Display Color LCD (STN), 96 x 96 pixels, 1 inches, 65k
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 800 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 11 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Flip
Colors Blue, Gold, Pink
Dimensions [H x W x D] 7.5 x 6.5 x 2.1 cm (3 x 2.6 x 0.8 in)
Weight 95 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Other / proprietary
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY
Navigation Type D-pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: No
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Contact List Capacity: 600
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: No
Brew Applications: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: -
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung u440, SCH-u440, Samsung Gloss
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Cleo Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Cleo
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