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I’ve spent the last month working (and playing) with Straight Talk’s Samsung Finesse r810c (available for $329 from Straight Talk, here). I’ve written up my final conclusion about the phone, below. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section at the end of this or any post. Now, on to my review summary.
First, let’s start with the Pros of the Finesse:
- The screen is big (3.2 inches diagonally), bright, and very attractive. Indeed, the phone as a whole is sleek and pleasant to look at.
- The phone includes EVDO data access, a full html browser, and large screen make the browsing experience much faster and more usable than the other Straight Talk phones.
- The camera is better than that of the LG 290c or the Samsung r451c, and includes video recording ability.
- Battery life is good for a phone with so many features, and the phone charges quickly.
- It’s easy to transfer files to/form Finesse using USB cable or bluetooth.
- Email access on Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo is fast (mobile versions work best).
- Audio quality is very good.
- Expansion memory card slot allows you to carry a lot of pictures, songs, and even videos.
- Straight Talk offers very affordable plans.
And now, for the Cons:
- It’s expensive – currently $329 for the phone alone.
- You cannot “tether” a laptop to this phone for internet access on your laptop.
- YouTube, and other streaming video sites I tried, do not work on the Finesse.
- There’s no ability to add applications from other sources.
- The contact list does not have fields for your contact’s address or other note sections such as birthday, etc.
- The mp3 player sounds great, but navigation and organization in the player is poorly designed.
- Signal reception is poorer than the LG 290c and 220c, and I experienced a couple of dropped calls with the Finesse but not the LG models.
- It doesn’t seem to support syncing of contacts or calendars from Outlook.
- The Samsung Finesse lacks wi-fi support.
Conclusion:
I think that Straight Talk made a wise decision when they decided to offer the Samsung Finesse. It’s much more expensive than any of the other models offered by Straight Talk, but offers features not available on those other models. I think they really needed to have a phone like this to get the attention of people who might have had contracts and, therefore, better phones in the past. The large screen, full html browser, and EVDO access are very helpful, perhaps even necessary, to take full advantage of the unlimited data access offered with the $45 monthly plan.
That being said, I can’t say that I fully recommend this phone. It’s probably a good bet for people that are always on the go and want constant access to their email and occasional web browsing. But true business users will probably be disappointed by the limited address book features and lack of Outlook syncing.
Others will be disappointed with the inability to add third-party applications. That’s not to say that there aren’t any such apps that should work on this model; it’s just that Samsung (or maybe it was Straight Talk) decided to prevent this phone from installing them. Samsung touts the “widgets” as a way to make the phone more useful, but in reality those widgets are just shortcuts.
Activating the Facebook widget, for example, simply loads the web browser and opens it to your Facebook home page. Sure, it will save you a few seconds clicking through the menus, but it’s a far cry from the Facebook application available for other platforms such as the iPhone/iPod touch.
If you’re looking for a device that can do what the iPhone does, this isn’t it. The Finesse falls short of the iPhone in so many ways, I doubt you’ll be happy with this phone if you’re comparing it to Apple’s phone. That being said, you’d be saving a LOT of money over the course of the two-year contract you’d be required to sign with AT&T to get an iPhone.
Indeed, the low-cost plans offered by Straight Talk are the main attraction of this phone. As I said above, I think the Finesse r810c is probably a good bet for prepaid users that are always on the go and want to stay connected. If that describes you, don’t be too hesitant to buy this phone. Just be sure to read through my review and know what to expect. If you don’t expect too much, you won’t be let down.
But if you want more flexibility and functionality, here’s what I’d suggest:
Instead of forking out $329 for the Finesse, go with the Samsung r451c (if you want a qwerty keyboard) for $100 or, better yet, the LG 290c for $80. You might even consider going with the $30/month plan, as you won’t be using the web as much on the smaller screen and slower connection offered by these alternatives. Then take the money you’re saving, and buy yourself an iPod Touch.
You can get the 8GB iPod Touch for $185
February 23, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Craig, it seems that all ringtones have this ascending volume applied to them, even those I created myself. However, now that I think about it, there’s probably SOME software (though I don’t know what software exactly), that would allow for the user to ramp up the volume for certain portions of an audio clip. So if you could do this, the software altering of the audio level would offset the ascending quality applied by the phone. Just a theory, but probably worth a try if it’s important to you.
February 27, 2010 at 6:03 pm
hi, thnx so much for ur detail review! this made me decide on getting the finesse! I just had a few questions, Does this phone support GPS capabilites? does aim or yahoo messenger function on it? and Can u stream any type of video on it?
March 2, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Jessica, the phone supposedly supports GPS (at least the MetroPCS version does), but it looks like there’s no way to take advantage of it since Straight TAlk didn’t include a GPS client, and there’s no apparent way to add your own applications.
I think that the “no applications” covers your instant messenger question.
I also have not had any luck getting video to stream. I’ve just heard, though, that there’s a site that allows for you to directly download some videos. I think it’s m.break.com, but I haven’t used it myself.
March 9, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I am pretty sure I am going to be getting this phone. The i phone is way to expensive and so far I like what i have read about this phone. Im not to concerend with it not comparing to the I phone as I would probably never purchase one. So my only question is, in general is it a good quality phone. If you didnt have the i phone to comare it to is this phone really worth the 329?
March 9, 2010 at 7:04 pm
It really depends on how you’re going to use it. There are better values our there on my opinion, but it all depends on you, really, and your preferences. If you’ve read the review articles I’ve posted on this site, I really can’t explain myself any better in this short comment than I did in those articles.
March 16, 2010 at 9:36 pm
how do you play games on the phone? and is there any website that can download any games for this phone? or perhaps a website where you can transfer games from the usb? also is there a website where u can download free ringtones for this phone? thanks =)
March 20, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Hey, I am having no luck connecting my phone to my computer. Iv tried formatting the card and everything but when I hook it up, all it does is charge. Its a Sandisc 2gb microsd card. Does the kind of cable matter? Im using a cable I got from a charging kit. Should I be using a data cable ?
March 24, 2010 at 12:18 pm
does anyone know if u can access aol?thanks
March 24, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Hi Rufi
See this comment on another post:
http://r810finesse.com/2010/02/23/samsung-finesse-review-index/2009/12/16/samsung-r810c-straight-talk-review-coming-soon/comment-page-1/#comment-277
March 24, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Hi Flo
I think your cable should be fine – make sure the phone is set to usb mode. I think it’s under the settings menu, as “USB mode.”
March 24, 2010 at 5:11 pm
What are you trying to access on AOL? I think you can access the site just fine, but I don’t know of any way to get instant messenger on the phone.
April 27, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Still nothing…is there any software I should have? I mean…the cable i got came with a charging kit. Its used to connect the phone to the wall charger and car charger..
April 30, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Hi Flo
Did you make sure the phone is set to usb mode under the settings menu?
May 8, 2010 at 4:21 am
Thank you!!!! You just saved me $300. I was seriously considering buying this phone as I though it was a true smart phone, and I wanted the features of putting full contact info., addresses, etc., and being able to back it and my calender up on to my laptop (like I used to do with my Blackberry). I am so glad I read your review, and found out that this phone does not synch with Outlook. You saved me a lot of time, and a lot of money. I’m a little bummed though, as my excitement over the phone was dashed. I wish that the cell phone companies would offer smart phone usage with out data plans again, or if Straight Talk would offer an actual true smart phone I’d be real happy.
May 9, 2010 at 7:16 am
Can you use Outlook Express for email on it?
May 10, 2010 at 2:26 pm
bought a Finesse R810G May 20, 2010. I am returning it because the widgets function does not respond to the touch pad, I can not light off Yahoo and entering a name for a new contact takes an unacceptable amount of effort, i.e., the screen seldom responds the the first touch.
Hopefully I’ll get a fresh one and these issues will not be present. Thank God for the 30 day buyers remorse feature! Love the look and feel of the phone and don’t need the all the bells/whistles and expense of the I-phone. For the money-can’t beat it. Just having a cell bill of $30 or $45 a month-heck if it was only a phone it would be well worth it!!! Sure beats my T-mobile plan.
May 10, 2010 at 4:46 pm
4ghost – no, unfortunately there’s no way to get any apps on here, and there’s no pre-installed equivalent to outlook.
June 1, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Hello,
I had to return my r810c(with straight talk) after 4 months of usage because it was having charge problems. I would keep it on charge the whole day and still the bars on the top right corner would not indicate a full charge. I want to buy this phone again because it gives me internet capability everything. however, i read your review and you mention for the sake of economy – “buy an LG phone and then buy ipod touch”. I have never used iphone/ipod touch to I am completly ignorant(sorry). So, do you mean to say buy the cheapest $40 LG phone. then somehow connect that LG phone to ipod touch and use ipod touch to access internet? Sorry, if this sounds crazy. please do respond quickly as I need to make a decision if I should buy this phone again or not.
June 9, 2010 at 10:04 pm
I have a blackberry curve 8330. I don’t use it for the appt. features but mostly for twitter & facebook as well as e-mails. I love the option of taking a picture then uploading it to facebook or twitter or e-mailing it. How does the R810c compair to the blackberry using the features I mentioned?
June 12, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Thanks for taking the time and effort to post all this information. I was considering buying this phone, but after your review, think I’ll stick with my itouch and R451 which is an EXCELLENT combination. Can’t beat it with the $45.00/month service plans. The coverage is excellent, very few dropped calls, the texting is easy and large enough to read for older eyes. You are right about the itouch. I love mine and the combo gives me the best of both worlds, although I wish I could have it in one phone AND cheap – but you can’t have everything. Again Thanks.
June 21, 2010 at 7:31 pm
I bought this phone, had it for four months and now it won’t charge. I’ve actually had nothing but problems with this phone. You can’t write a text message over 160 characters, so don’t plan on getting into any real conversation with anyone. You can’t add ringtones through any company at all, even if you want to buy them, there is a block on this phone. The only way I was able to get any other than the ones that come with the phone, was by a friend’s bluetooth. Oh and the customer service is TERRIBLE. They have done nothing to try and fix my charge problem, all they want to do is tell me things I already know. I wouldn’t recommend this phone or this company, unless you’re just getting a cheap phone to make it through the day. If you want something better, something more along the lines of a “smartphone” go to someone you trust, a main carrier where you know you can go to your local store and they can fix your problem rather than wasting $300 on a phone that wont charge and a foreign woman acting like you’re a retard…but that just my opinion.
August 13, 2010 at 9:31 am
where can i get the phone from if i can’t get off the straight talk website
September 20, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Jamal, try this:
http://r810finesse.com/2010/02/23/samsung-finesse-review-index/2010/04/30/where-to-bu-the-samsung-finesse-for-straight-talk/
October 7, 2010 at 7:00 pm
im thinking about buying this phone thanks for all the information. i have been with straight talk for almost a year now i let my phone laspe a few times and have never lost my number and also my husband just switched to straight talk from sprint transported his number to the new phone i know it says it can take up to ten days to get your number but he had his in about 10 minutes his phone was working. also igot the r451 and it just broke the slider caome apart ive had phone about 8 months and i called straight talk and they are goinjg to replace it for free. ithis is a good company and its cheap 45 a month for unlimited talk ,text and internet. plus you go to myxer or zedge and get free ringtones and backgrounds although my husband has the 40 dollar phone and i cant get the ringtones to download on it but works fine with the 80 dollar phone and r451 so i say everyone change to straight talk
January 2, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Unfortunatly unless u want to pay $500 on ebay it is no longer for sale. also it only text a 160 characters at a time.
January 24, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Does the Samsung R810C go off the Verizon towers or AT&T?
February 11, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Verizon
April 25, 2011 at 9:58 am
Please help me to transfer the contact info from finesse to iphone. I tried the bluetooth pairing but did not worked.