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Unexceptional messaging phone for AT&T customers
- Good multimedia capabilities
- Full QWERTY keyboard
- Attractive, slim design
- Keyboard is cramped
- A bit difficult to navigate
- Mediocre camera
- Incomplete IM, email services
The Samsung Propel is AT&T's latest dedicated texting phone. Off the bat, most reviewers like the Propel's slim design. Measuring 3.85 inches by 2.33 inches by 0.58 inches, the Propel is described as more attractive than the Verizon Blitz, but not as sleek as the LG Lotus. It is available in three colors -- blue, white and green. The Propel's advanced features include a web browser, stereo Bluetooth, 1.3-megapixel camera and instant-messaging services such as Yahoo! and AIM. Experts call the built-in camera "mediocre" due to a lack of vibrancy in photos. A music player comes with access to AT&T's Mobile Music service, but CNET's Nicole Lee calls its interface "generic." Critics aren't thrilled with the Propel's battery life, which comes in at just under five hours.
Philip Berne of InfoSync says "the Samsung Propel should really shine" for
its intended
purpose -- texting. Reviewers are not blown away by its messaging capabilities,
though. The Propel is powered by AT&T's proprietary multimedia interface,
which can be a bit tedious to navigate with its two small soft keys. The full
QWERTY keyboard slides out from underneath the Propel's 2.2-inch color display
and is of average size for a handset in this class. Noticeably absent from
the Propel are popular email services such as Gmail. CNET's Nicole Lee is impressed
with call quality, but users at CNET and editors at PhoneScoop.com disagree;
it may simply be a matter of location.
Although the Samsung Propel gets the job done as a dedicated messaging phone, experts agree that there are better options out there. Sprint's LG Lotus receives better overall reviews; both of these phones are currently free with a new contract. If you must stick to AT&T's network, the Pantech Matrix, which is recommended by a few professional reviews, might be a better choice.
An adequate number of detailed reviews exist for the Samsung Propel. CNET
and InfoSync provide ratings for the Propel as well as comparisons to other
handsets in its class. These reports are well written and aren't afraid to
point out the Propel's limitations. PCMag.com examines the Propel in a more
direct manner, saying there are better devices on the AT&T network --
namely, the Pantech Matrix. A thorough write-up can be found at PhoneScoop.com,
a comprehensive cell-phone site that contains information on virtually every
model ever released. CNET has the biggest collection of user reviews for the
Samsung Propel. These can be helpful in determining where the Propel excels
and comes up short in real-world applications.
| Samsung Standard Battery for Samsung SGH-A767 Propel | |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET takes a look at the Samsung Propel and its capabilities as a messaging phone in this concise report. Editor Nicole Lee likes the Propel's multimedia extras, but is disappointed in its design due to a cramped keyboard and slightly tedious navigation system.
Review: Samsung Propel SGH-A767 -- Green (AT&T), Nicole Lee, Oct. 29, 2008
This review offers helpful comparisons between the Samsung Propel and other texting phones such as the Verizon Blitz and LG Lotus. A large keyboard and good price are among the virtues of the Propel, and while the device is more refined than the Blitz, the LG Lotus is a favorite here.
Review: Samsung Propel Review (AT&T), Philip Berne, Oct. 29, 2008
3. PCMag.com
Sascha Segan says that the Samsung Propel's "major appeal is to texters." While not as robust as a smartphone, the Propel still performs adequately as a texting device. If he had to choose, though, Segan prefers the Pantech Matrix to the Propel.
Review: Samsung Propel SGH-A767 (AT&T), Sascha Segan, Nov. 24, 2008
PhoneScoop.com examines the Samsung Propel in this very detailed critique. Stewart Wolpin is happy with the Propel's form factor and QWERTY keyboard, but cites poor voice quality and a lackluster music player as its downfalls.
Review: Review: Samsung Propel, Stewart Wolpin, Dec. 22, 2008
5. CNET
Many user reviews for the Samsung Propel exist at CNET. The Propel receives a 3.5 out of five rating, which is equivalent to a "very good" editor's score. Users are happy with the phone's full QWERTY keyboard, but some pan its voice quality.
Review: Samsung Propel SGH-A767 -- Green (AT&T), Contributors to CNET
