Samsung REX 80 S5222R

Overview

Feature Rich Touch Screen Phone

Samsung REX 80 Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Rex 80 dual-SIM Smart Feature Phone comes in a distinctive candy bar shape with dimensions of 102 x 58 x 11.5 mm, available in a choice of White, Gray, Black and Red. The 3 inch touch screen has three buttons below the screen - a Home button flanked by Call Attend and Call End buttons.

User Interface and Comfort to Use Samsung REX 80

The phone runs Samsung’s Java-based TouchWiz UI but the significantly fewer applications and the Java back end means that the user experience is significantly less satisfying than that of comparable smart phones.

Telephony and Phonebook

A user can simultaneously make or receive calls with both lines and, through Samsung’s revolutionary True Hot Swap technology, can swap SIM cards without switching their phone off.

Messaging and Emails

The Rex 80 stores up to 500 messages and the message composer features predictive input, also known as T9. Other messaging options are available as well, including Multimedia Messaging, Email and IM in addition to SMS.

Gallery, Photo Viewer and Video Player

The phone supports most popular image and video formats, but the low pixel density and the absence of an ambient light sensor to adjust screen brightness automatically results in poor image and video display.

Samsung REX 80 Music Player and FM radio

The phone handles most of the major audio formats well, even in noisy environments, through the included headphones or the phone speaker. The inbuilt radio also allows recording and reception of RDS data such as traffic updates.

Samsung REX 80 Camera and Image Quality

The 3.15-megapixel camera takes still photos with a resolution of up to 2048x1536 pixels but since it lacks auto focus function, it is not able to capture macro shots. The lack of a flash limits night time operation.

Samsung REX 80 Video Camera and Video Quality

The phone provides capable video recording with digital zoom in good ambient lighting conditions and the included TV output enables streaming of video to an external screen or TV set.

Samsung REX 80 Connectivity Options

The phone offers a choice of MicroUSB and Bluetooth for interfacing with devices such as PCs. In addition, the built-in 802.11 Wi-Fi adapter allows connection to a wireless router or access point.

Organizer and Other Utility Tools

The Rex 80 is bundled with productivity apps that help the user organize their communications, files and contacts. These apps include a File Manager, Tasks, Alarm, Calendar and Download Manager.

Web Browser and Applications

Opera Mini 7 comes preloaded on the phone, but a major let-down for buyers of this phone is the lack of high speed data due to the 2G connection. However, the phone makes up for this with a host of social apps including ChatON, Samsung’s cross-platform instant messaging application.

Value for Money

Available at a price of about INR 5200 (approx., may vary) across India, the handset provides good performance and it does not come across looking or feeling “cheap”. The phone has good power economy with the battery giving up to 15 hours of talk time.

Verdict

The Samsung Rex 80 is a phone that is ideal for users who want a low cost touch screen phone, but are not heavy users of apps. The relatively lower browsing speeds due to its 2G network might also put off some users but, at this price point, the trade-off of certain features is to be expected.