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- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"Fun and user-friendly, great potential, minor gripes"
Pros: Great connectivity, sound quality, and fully customizable
Cons: Google maps NOT a GPS, Web access limited, beware magnets
Summary: I was excited about trying out Helio's "All-In" unlimited service after growing tired of hidden fees with other cellular providers. So far I have no complaints about the service, I get signal everywhere I've traveled to (and I travel quite a bit), and the menus are userfriendly. It's a little pricey, but worth it for me since I used the web-browsing and txt/pic-messaging CONSTANTLY which would ring up a hefty bill for me reguardless.
Pros: The phone itself is very nice to look at, many of the features and menus being fully customizable and allowing you to make the phone look and function however you'd like it to. Txt messaging is quick and easy (though you have to grow accustomed to the limited T9 smart-text and touch-sensitive keys), access to the most popular websites are clean and crisp, and I like the plan. The phone is small and feels a little 'dinky' but it's actually a lot more substantial then it first appears. I've dropped it several times on concrete, hard tile, wood floors, and carpet and I haven't even dented it. Everything is flashy and nice to look at while still maintaining excellent functionality.
This phone can also function as a flash-drive (albeit with limited space) and the software it comes with for transfering files is easy to use and very handy. You can also password protect any and all media files.
Cons: The touch sensitive buttons take some getting used to, the only one I still have issues with is the "Backspace", especially while texting. You have to adjust your thumb and how you press the button to get it to function properly, and you simply can't delete text fast with it. Set it to "Super" Sensitivity as soon as you get it, it's the only way the buttons will actually be usable. And once you're used to it, they're a breeze.
Google Maps is NOT a GPS. It can locate you and provide step by step directions to wherever you'd like to go, and find destinations for you just like web based Google Maps. The Satellite views are excellent. But don't be fooled, it doesn't follow you in the car and does not function like a GPS. Take this into account, Verizon's VZ Navigator is MUCH BETTER and is in fact a fully functional GPS that I highly recommend. Too bad Verizon is a mega-conglomorate vacuum with absolutely no interest in customer satisfaction, and limits ALL of the functionality on their phones.
Web access with the provided browser is very limited. You really can't access much more then the sites it lists in your favorites by Default. Easy solution for this is downloading "Mini Opera". Fully functional web browser, you can access everything. Highly recommend it.
Beware of Magnets. If you have a cellular case that uses a magnet strip to shut, you'll have to replace the case. The magnet will confuse the sensor and make the phone think it's opening and closing, effectively hanging up on phone calls you didn't know you had. I learned this the hard way
If you want a flashy yet functional phone with lots of potential that I think will blossom as the company grows, buy this phone, get this service.
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