Samsung Focus First-Look Review

BUILD & DESIGN

The first word that comes to mind when I look at the Samsung Focus is "sleek". Its curved edges, rounded top and bottom, and smooth finish make this a very nice looking device, plus it's thin and light enough to slide easily into a pocket.

Screen & Keyboard
This model has a 4-inch, WVGA (800 x 640) capacitive touchscreen -- close to the largest available on any smartphone. A big screen makes web browsing, email, and just about everything else easier.

Plus, this is an Super AM-OLED display, which means it provides very vibrant colors.

As the Focus has a tablet shape without a physical keyboard, the big screen also comes in handy for typing. Windows Phone 7 lets you enter text with the display in either portrait or landscape mode. I found both to be usable, but, as is always the case, landscape mode gives you more room, making typing easier.

Other Buttons and Controls
Below the touchscreen are the three buttons that Microsoft has made standard on all devices running its operating system: Back, Windows, and Search. Around the Focus' edges are an array of other buttons: the Power and Camera buttons are on the right side, the Volume rocker is on the left.

The micro-USB data and charging port is on the top, and so is the 3.5 mm headset jack.

Video Overview