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Messaging phone with e-ink keyboard is otherwise unexceptional
Pros
- Unique e-ink keypad
- Bright interior screen
- Sturdy build quality
- Good battery life
Cons
- Extra data options can get pricey
- Poor web browser
- Mediocre media playback
- Dull interface
- No Wi-Fi
Great keyboard, so-so style
Critics are impressed with the Samsung Alias 2's novel keyboard, which uses the same e-ink display technology found on ebook readers like the Amazon Kindle. Like the earlier Alias, the Alias 2 is a clamshell phone that can open either vertically like a flip phone (think Motorola Razr) or horizontally like LG's enV line. When held vertically, a numeric keypad for phone calls appears; while in horizontal mode, it morphs into a QWERTY keyboard for messaging. Reviewers agree that this dual functionality works much better on the Alias 2 than on the original model, though many point out that using the soft, uniformly shaped keys takes a bit of practice.
The Alias 2's build quality is sturdy, though it is a bit bulky at 2 inches by 4 inches by 0.7 inches and just over 4 ounces. "The overall look isn't bargain basement," says BrightHand.com's Jen Edwards, "but there isn't anything particularly pretty or sexy about it." The phone has a somewhat dim 1.3-inch LCD screen on the outside of the flip, but reviewers note that the 2.6-inch internal display is brighter and easier to read. Call quality is generally praised in reviews, though some find it lacking, and others report dropped calls and other reception issues. Battery life is cited as a plus, exceeding the Samsung's rated talk time of five hours in a number of expert tests.
Verizon's interface not so great
Critics say the Alias 2 is hampered by its software. Reviewers are not impressed with Verizon's standard user interface, and they point out that the web browser is particularly lacking and renders web pages poorly. The factory-default menu theme, called My Place, is universally derided as cutesy, gimmicky and childish, though it can easily be swapped out for Verizon's classic menu scheme.
Music and video playback get mixed reviews from testers, as does the 2-megapixel camera. Some note that it's an improvement over the original Alias, but it does not have a flash. Lastly, a number of reviewers point out that without Wi-Fi capability, Alias 2 users must go through Verizon's network for web browsing, and because services like visual voice mail and GPS cost extra on this phone, operating costs can get out of control quickly.
The Samsung Alias 2 gets plenty of attention from reviewers. We found thorough reviews at CNET, PCMag.com, InfoSyncWorld.com, PhoneArena.com, PhoneScoop.com, MobileBurn.com, Laptop Magazine, Mobiledia.com, BrightHand.com and PC World.
Where To Buy
Our Sources
1. CNET
Kent German is mostly positive in his CNET review of the Samsung Alias 2. He likes the morphing keypad and finds that most features work satisfactorily. However, the lack of Wi-Fi and poor email integration are downsides, and German notes that Verizon charges extra for a number of data features on the phone, which can quickly drive up the monthly bill.
Review: Samsung Alias 2 SCH-U750 (Verizon Wireless), Kent German, Brian Tong, and Nicole Lee, May 11, 2009
2. PCMag.com
Sascha Segan says the Samsung Alias 2 is the best texting phone currently offered for Verizon. The e-ink keys are very tactile and easy to see, but Segan admits needing some time to get acclimated they layout.
Review: Samsung Alias 2 SCH-U750 (Verizon Wireless), Sascha Segan, May 15, 2009
Philip Berne at InfoSyncWorld.com says the Samsung Alias 2 is a good voice and messaging phone, but falters when it comes to advanced features. He likes the e-ink keypad, but cites a number of glitches (disappearing or unresponsive keys) on his test unit. Call quality is very good; Berne says voices sound "very present and clean," while reception is "average."
Review: Samsung Alias 2 Review, Philip Berne, May 18, 2009
PhoneArena.com's review of the Samsung Alias 2 isn't quite as detailed as the site's evaluations of other phones, but, as usual, provides plenty of representative screenshots and sample photos taken with the phone's camera. The Alias 2 is praised as an "all-around winner for the heavy text messenger," thanks to its unique keyboard. Call quality, both outgoing and incoming, is described as "clear and natural," and reception is also good.
Review: Samsung Alias 2 U750 Review, Editors of PhoneArena.com, May 15, 2009
Eric Zeman's PhoneScoop.com review of the Samsung Alias 2 expresses disappointment with the phone. While Zeman is suitably impressed with the keyboard, he feels that the lack of advanced messaging and social networking features holds the Alias 2 back. He also isn't impressed with Verizon's "tired" user interface.
Review: Review: Samsung Alias 2, Eric M. Zeman, May 20, 2009
Writing for MobileBurn.com, Ricky Cadden gives the Samsung Alias 2 a Recommended rating. He likes the design and "extremely customizable" interface, though the new My Place theme has "awful" usability. Music playback options are limited, and web browsing is poor. Reception is described as strong, and Cadden says that call quality is also excellent.
Review: Review of Samsung's Alias 2, Ricky Cadden, June 4, 2009
Todd Haselton's review of the Samsung Alias 2 for Laptop Magazine is very positive, though he doesn't go into too much detail when evaluating features and performance. Call quality is described as excellent, and Haselton says that the GPS finds the phone easily too. Haselton finds the My Place theme annoying to navigate and says some of the key placement takes getting used to.
Review: Samsung Alias 2 U750 Review, Todd Haselton, June 2, 2009
Emily Anderson says the Samsung Alias 2's e-ink keyboard is a love-it-or-leave-it feature and thinks it may be too much for some users. Anderson says the Alias 2 is a good media phone, with plenty of storage, but adds it doesn't come loaded with any games or music, and downloading through Verizon's network can get expensive.
Review: Samsung Alias 2 Review, Emily Anderson, June 21, 2009
Jen Edwards likes the Samsung Alias 2 and its unique keyboard, though she admits that it may not be for everyone. While she's lukewarm about the phone's overall aesthetics, she notes that it's surprisingly light. Call quality is good, but not outstanding; likewise, Edwards indicates that the music player and camera do the job, but are not particularly impressive.
Review: Samsung Alias 2 Review, Jen Edwards, May 31, 2009
10. PC World
In this brief review, Sarah Jacobsson says the Samsung Alias 2 has good call quality, and she praises the keyboard. The camera and speaker are less impressive, however, and Jacobsson doesn't like the fact that many of the more advanced features, such as visual voicemail and GPS, cost extra.
Review: Samsung Alias 2, Sarah Jacobsson, July 6, 2009