Samsung Rant (red, Sprint)

Pros: Well-spaced QWERTY keyboard
One-Click software
Solid feel

Cons: Call and text logs combine all numbers/messages into one list...no separate Incoming/Outgoing/Missed Calls lists

Summary: I have had the Sumsung Rant for just one day, but I am very impressed with this phone. I've seen some initial reviews that said the phone was too heavy, but I feel like it merely has a well-constructed, solid feel. I don't feel as though the phone would shatter if it was dropped.

The slide-out QWERTY keyboard is excellent. The letters are spaced out nicely and it makes sending texts very easy. The screen shifts from portrait to landscape when the keyboard slides out, and the phone has two buttons that are conveniently located on top of the keyboard so that the phone doesn't have to be turned if you need to go to "Options" or "Contacts".

I've only taken one photo with the camera, but if taken in proper light, the picture comes out pretty well. Not digital camera quality, but fine for a cell phone.

The sound quality of the phone is good, both from the receiver and with a headset. The phone comes with a number of preset ringtones...I chose the one that actually sounds like a phone for my ringer. There are both ringtones and melodies that come with the phone, and you can use your own.

The only con that I have found so far is that the call log has all calls combined into one list. My previous Samsung had a separate list for Incoming, Outgiong and Missed calls. One thing I do like is that you can see a back and forth history of text messages with a Contact...that's pretty nice.

I have found this phone to be very intuitive. I judge a phone by how much I can do without reading a manual. I have set up everything I need without reading the manual at all. The phone also has a built-in tutorial for One Click, which I think is great if you don't feel like reading.

I give this phone 4 1/2 stars...if I find a way to set up separate call logs, I'll give it 5 stars. At $49.99, this is a great new addition for Sprint!

Updated on Oct 27, 2008

10/27/08 - I have had the phone for a week now. Battery life is very good. I do not use the phone to browse the internet, so I cannot speak on that.

After exploring the phone further, I have decided that I like the new Sprint setup better than the previous one. Both calls and texts can be viewed by contact to show text conversations and incoming/outgoing/missed calls. At first, I missed the separate call logs, but being able to view interactions by contact in one place is very helpful.

I have noticed the phone doing some interesting things...last night the phone rang, and a female voice announced that I had a call from a Blocked ID. I am not sure if I changed a setting that does this, or if it's automatic. Before I make judgement, I am going to take the phone back to the store to ask about this.

Updated on Oct 29, 2008

I did discover that the Rant has a "Voice Caller ID" feature, which was the talking voice I heard. I turned it off, as I found it a bit spooky. I guess it would be helpful it you were not looking at the phone display to know who is calling, but it didn't appeal to me. Since I took the phone into the Sprint store, I haven't had any more issues. I keep the key lock on, and this had eliminated numbers being dialed by accident. I am very pleased with this phone.

The battery life on this phone is excellent. I do not surf the internet, so that may be why the battery last so long. I am considering getting a car charger, but so far I have had no need for it.