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After covering the camera and the web browser in separate posts, the biggest “extra feature” left for me to review is the mp3 player. I was happy with the sound quality on this model. Despite the very limited equalizer options, music sounded very good. It’s not quite as good as an iPod in my opinion, but it’s pretty close. It’s also a big plus that you can use standard headphones to listen to mp3s, since some other models require an adapter or special headphones.
However, I was once again disappointed with the navigation and organization of the mp3 player software. It appears to be the same software as on the Samsung r451c, which is also available for Straight Talk. The problem with this music player software is that I could not find any easy way to setup playlists to play in a specific order. All songs played in alphabetic order, as determined by the file name. Even when songs were added to a playlist, the songs were sorted by filename rather than any custom order determined by the user.
The music player can be shifted to the background while you do other things such as take pictures, browse your photo gallery, or compose text messages, but NOT while you browse the web, which is unfortunate. Incoming phone calls will interrupt your music, but the music then resumes automatically when the call is either rejected or ended.
Another feature that is sadly lacking is the ability to add your own apps. There are a few different sites that advertise as offering free downloadable applications for the Finesse. I tried two different sites that I found, and in each case the r810 failed to even download the applications I chose, let alone install them. And in the case of the Opera mini browser, I attempted to download directly from the opera site. In this case, the downloaded completed, but then the phone said the filetype was unsupported. This lack of application support really limits the functionality of this device.
The organizational tools are pretty standard, although I must say that the qwerty keyboard makes entering appointments into the calendar a breeze. The notepad is also nice, especially if you use the handwriting entry method I showed in the text messaging video. The alarm clock works fine as well, and I like that it allows to set the volume of the alert tone, as well as the snooze duration and number of snoozes for each separate alarm. This can be very helpful if you use the alarm function a lot, as you don’t need the same settings for all of your alarms/ reminders. The alarm has a limit of 4 alarms; after that you’ll need to use the calendar instead.
Voice service is a very nice feature on this phone. I found that it was quite accurate in deciphering my spoken commands, even when I was using my bluetooth headset. I used it both for calling people from my contact list (for example, “Call Bob Smith”), and for directly dialing a number (such as “Call 9-8-7-5-5-5-1-2-3-4″). This could be very helpful if you’re using your phone while driving (in which case, remember, safety first – you’re navigating a potential deadly weapon down the highway!)
Other tools include world time, calculator, stop watch, unit converter, and tip calculator. These are pretty commonplace, so I won’t take the time to explain them here other than to say that they function properly.
The Finesse comes with 150 mb of internal memory, but also includes the microSD memory card slot for tons of extra storage. The phone accepts memory cards of up to 32gb, which is a ton of space even if you’re loading up on mp3s and videos for mobile entertainment. If you’re looking for a starter memory card, though, I’d suggest 2 or 4gb, which are very reasonably priced. For example, check out this $10 4gb card from Amazon
Here are a couple other random thoughts that I didn’t squeeze in elsewhere in the review, so I’m including them now in bullet-point form:
- I was able to transfer my contact list from one bluetooth-enabled phone to the Finesse.
- My iPod headset, which is also the same as used by the iPhone, worked extremely well with the Finesse both for listening to audio and for use during calls. Here’s the pair that I use.
Well, that’s pretty much the extent of my written content about this phone. I’ll be back soon with a conclusion to summarize it all.
January 15, 2010 at 12:30 am
Can you listen to any online radio stations? I’m especially interested in public talk radio. I’m hoping that it won’t be blocked because it doesn’t use as much bandwidth as video streaming.
Also, is there a place to store addresses for regular mail, birthdays etc…
I just received the r451 but haven’t activated, so I would really appreciate a quick response.
Thank you!
January 15, 2010 at 12:50 am
Samsung’s website says that the R810c (tracfone) has a flash. The website doesn’t list a flash for the unlocked or metro pcs models. Do you think that the website is wrong, they’re coming out with an updated model, or they’ve hidden it so well that you haven’t found it yet?
January 15, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Is the email app like the one on iPod Touch/iPhone? Where I could set it up to check my different IMAP accounts?
January 16, 2010 at 1:47 am
Unfortunately, there is no email “app.” I just checked my web-based email by using the browser to access the websites.
January 16, 2010 at 1:47 am
I think the website is wrong.
January 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm
What pros/cons would you say exist with the straight talk plan? I like the r810 Finesse but just curious how the overall experience is compared to a contract service (i.e. AT&T)? Thanks!
January 16, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Ann – I think the biggest limitation of Straight Talk is the rather limited selection of phones. If you’ve settled on the r810, then I think you’ll love the plans. $30 for 1000 minutes/1000 texts/50mb, or $45 for unlimited everything. It’s pretty straightforward, and you’re getting the benefit of the Verizon network. The feedback I’ve heard from other customers regarding the plans, especially their cost, has been overwhelmingly positive.
January 16, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Thanks! Good to know that there aren’t any BIG drawbacks that you have noticed!
January 19, 2010 at 1:27 am
I have had straight talk for a little over a month using the Samsung r451c and couldn’t be happier. the only problem I see is that the internet is not 3G quality. the phone displays 1x which is half the speed of 3G. all in all a great phone and even greater cell service
January 28, 2010 at 1:14 am
Hey man, thanks for the review. I went searching online and seemed to see that new Finesse browers(3.4 & higher) were able to view youtube videos. Have you heard about this and is it true? Thanks again.
January 29, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I think what u r doing is cool. I just started “straight talk”, it is pretty sweet so far. I have the LG 220c its ok but not what I’m used to. I think you should stress that this is not a smartphone, in turn it won’t act as a smartphone. Being a pre-paid phone it is sweet, a little over priced, however, it is has touchscreen technology which is expensive. My last phone was a “HTC Touch Diamond” with i wireless. This was the worst phone I have ever owned that retail’s for $600. Thanks for the video’s it helped me make-up my mind as I will buy the phone soon.
C
January 30, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I had a cell phone contract through one of the major companies. Living out in the country I always had dropped calls. The cell company wasn’t able to correct the situation; nor did I recieved any credit for my usually high dropped calls. During the last month of I contact (and advice from a Walmart salesperson) I purchased the STraight Talk phone plan. I was surprisingly satisfied. I disconnect my service plan with the other company. My whole family has StraightTalk phones and plans. The service and customer service is outstanding; in addition to saving a boat load of $$$$.
February 1, 2010 at 3:11 pm
BeN – I hadn’t heard of that. Could you give a link to where people are saying that?
I have browser v 3.4 on mine.
March 14, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Does the Finesse upload or read data off of the memory card? Like maybe an ebook or notes from classes.
March 24, 2010 at 5:03 pm
You can access some files from the memory card, but I’m not sure about the file types. I don’t think ebooks would work, unless you have it saved in jpg format.
March 28, 2010 at 1:26 am
is there a way to make the text messages longer? what i mean is when i send them it only lets me send 160 characters and when i go over i have to make a new text message. is there anything that can be done about this?
April 30, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Hi Jeff
There’s nothing that can be done about this; that limit is a limit of the SMS system, and would apply to any phone regardless of brand or carrier.
May 13, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Hi I got the samsung T401g last december for net10 and absolutely love it. Actually i might upgrade to the finesse b/c im going to college next year-on the t401g someone found out how to download games on it using gmail and umnet.com and this works great! Does this work on the finesse? Have you figured out how to get to youtube? Ive seen a few vids on youtube of finesses having youtube videos. Thanks for this website and everything you’ve really helped me pick out a phone!
May 13, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Hi Cubsgo
I couldn’t get the app download thing to work on the finesse, so if you want to add games, stick with the t401g.
May 16, 2010 at 1:14 am
Ok Thanks!
May 19, 2010 at 3:25 am
Have you tried geting games on it useing blutooth? Also can you get google maps?
May 19, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Ryan, I did try bluetooth for games, and that didn’t work either. I believe the error message I got was “unsupported file type.”
And google maps worked, but mapquest worked a lot better, if I remember correctly.
May 24, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Hey PB – thanks for the extensive review has been great resource. Have an 810 plus 8G card and have syncd to my PC via a USB. Have copy/pasted music and jpg photos to the card and am able to listen to music without problem. However with the jpeg photos, the “files” show up on the gallery in the phone but there is not image, just a generic file symbol. These photos were taken with a Canon camera and are about 2M in size. Do you know why the photos won’t display? Has anyone else had this same issue? Are the jpeg files in the wrong format or are the files too large to be viewed? Any ideas?
May 31, 2010 at 10:01 am
i do not like my samsung finesse from straight talk, i finally got it worked out to not hang up on anyone who calls me but i still dont understand why its called a smartphone?? it needs a flash player upgrade….can you get one um NO! no games no upgrades no apps no nothing, it either doesnt match the server or its too big….i wish i would have stayed with at&t and upgraded to blackberry or iphone
August 26, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Okay So I Go Through Straight Talk And I Was Interested In The Finesse But I Was Wondering What A Metro PCS Phone Is ; And If It Can Be Used With Straight Talk ?
September 20, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Unfortunately, that won’t work.
October 8, 2010 at 6:00 am
How or what website can I go to “Flash” my samsumg r810 finesse to operate on Straight Talk Network? Have 2 right now..One is on The Metro PCS. with 18 digits for the Serial No. The Other was on Applician Network. Will appreciate help in this issue.. Thanks in advance Johnny Boyd
November 5, 2010 at 11:02 am
Unfortunately this won’t work, you can only use phones on Straight Talk if they came in a Straight Talk-branded package.
January 20, 2011 at 2:42 pm
I have the Nokia e71 Business phone and I am very pleased however it doesn’t have a facebook app without having to go online.. Everything is 3G and I love that! I use Opera Mobile 10 for all my browsing needs and it also didn’t come with a threaded sms, however I did download Threaded SMS Pro from the OVI mall, and I love it!! But I have been considering upgrading to the Samsung Finesse r810 and I need to know the following if someone would be great to let me know:
1. Does the Finesse have threaded SMS? (Like the iphone sms)
2. Does the Finesse have a facebook app that doesn’t require going online?
3. What are some of the features the Finesse offers?
4. Is there an app on the Finesse to download more apps?
5. And is the Finesse worth the almost 400 dollars that my service company is asking for it??
Please get back to me someone.. I am very interested in this phone!! And if anyone is selling one, hey let me know!! Lol… My email is ilovemyangelz@yahoo.com thank you so much!!
February 22, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Don’t buy this phone! i warn all of you reading this if you have not purchased it, don’t! Can’t watch video, only allows 50 entries into the Calendar. Waste of money.