Samsung Jack / BlackJack II

Specs

Windows Mobile 6.0 Operating system

2.4" Screen size

2MP Main camera

OMAP1710 Processor

155 MB Storage

1,700 mAh Battery

By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic reviews

No Cellphones.ca Score yet. We calculate one once enough reviews include a score.

MobileBurn

“Samsung's original BlackJack, the SGH-i607, was a very good device that had a couple of serious flaws. This new i617 variant addresses a number of them, including the biggest problem with the original: battery life. The BlackJack II still lacks voice dialing, which is disappointing for a business phone, and I am not very fond of the new glossy exterior, but overall the BlackJack experience has improved greatly.With its gobs of RAM, great keyboard, crisp display, and solid battery life, the new BlackJack II has earned its place among the best QWERTY phones on the market, including RIM's fantastic BlackBerry Curve 8300 series. If Windows Mobile is your thing, the new BlackJack II is very likely the best non-touchscreen QWERTY smartphone on the market. It has a great form factor, robust capabilities all around, and won't require daily recharging. That's easily enough to earn it a Highly Recommended rating from this fan.”

Community opinion

What people say

1 community rating · Recommendation data coming soon.

Recent voices

Anonymous · 18 years ago

If you are looking for a PDA phone but didn’t think you could afford one, check out the Samsung Jack. Running at the fastest speeds available (HSPDA), the Samsung Jack provides outstanding multi-media capabilities, a 2.0 megapixel camera and comes loaded with Microsoft Mobile 6.0. The Samsung Jac...

Abdallah · replied 9 years ago

Thanks, I was getting one already,PS, I didn't know 2015 was old

Carl · replied 9 years ago

Hi Abdallah. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way. My answer was based on what I will do if the same happens to me. Again, my apologies.

In Depth

The Blackjack is back, and Samsung has made some improvements, mostly marginal.

The Blackjack II sports a 1700 mah battery, which is key, since the prior model was heavily criticized for having an inferior battery. It also ships with Windows Mobile 6, has an improved combination D-pad/scroll wheel, which work together to allow for easier surfing. It also comes with a software suite that allows you to edit MS Office documents.

The Blackjack II also has a GPS receiver. You can either pay a monthly fee and use the Telenav service, or use Google Maps for free.

Unfortunately, they got rid of the rubberized exterior, which made for secure handling, replacing it with lots of shiny parts. Any shiny cell phone owner will tell you that fingerprints are a constant problem. The 2.4 inch screen is smaller than most smartphones, and screen display size is a critical element to consider for any phone that will be used to surf the web.

While Samsung did rearrange the number keys by grouping them together, the keys remain small and very close together. Many users state that the keypad makes it difficult to type without making errors. I found typing on the Blackjack very challenging.

The Blackjack II is definitely a viable entry-level smartphone. Its form factor allows you to use it one-handed. Its slim enough to slip into your shirt pocket. Because it runs Windows Mobile 6, you will be able to choose from a nice selection of third-party software, and the addition of GPS capability adds a meaningful touch.

But you’ll definitely want to test drive this model in the store and see for yourself how you feel with the closely-spaced keys.