-
stars
"Great hardware detracted by Verizon's nickle & diming" on by TonyTMX
Pros: Spectacular screen, very good tactile response on the touch screen, quick response, very usable QWERTY keyboard, excellent interface, great battery life ... Overall an exceptional user experience.
Cons: Verizon, Verizon, Verizon, Verizon ...
Summary: I was the first person in my local Verizon store to purchase the Rogue. There is very little negative about the Samsung hardware. A couple basic layout items that I have issues with 1) power connector on the side and 2) headphone connector on the side. I do understand the reasoning, with the slide out keyboard it would be difficult to locate the connectors on the top and bottom, however it still needs to be mentioned, due to the fact that it is a little difficult to hold when plugged into power, and a little uncomfortable with the headphones plugged in and the phone placed in ones pocket.
Just an update. It's been about a month now since I've had the Rogue. I've only noticed one issue. I had a few occasions, about 2 or 3. where the phone randomly rebooted. No rhyme or reason to it. I proceeded to do a firmware update/reprogram *228 and have not had a problem since. I figured there would be some possible issues since this is a new phone and I got one of the first ones. Other than that so far so good. The battery life is excellent. Call quality is exceptional, and I love the screen. I still haven't explored all the possibilities with this phone, but so far I'm very happy and impressed. Samsung did an excellent job with this piece, and Verizon didn't screw it up too much with their proprietary software. I'll keep everyone posted as I explore the unit deeper over time. Enjoy!
The speed of the Samsung OS is very good. Screens refresh fast, sub-menus load quickly and applications launch at a very respectable speed. It has just about everything you would need in a integrated messaging phone. It would be nice if they made the unit a bit wider maybe 1/8" similar to the iPhone to give a bit more grasp for people with larger hands. This would also add to a slightly larger screen which would make this phone the closet thing to an iPhone killer out there.
The biggest issue I have with the Rouge has nothing to do with the hardware, it's Verizon. Having been with them for decades I don't dispute they have exceptional coverage in most areas, but their pricing has gotten ridiculous. The nickle and dime mentality is going to eventually kill Verizon mainly because people will be disgusted in not being able to figure out what they're paying for. That and the fact that they are expensive just leads to the frustration. Basically I have two phones with them on a family share plane w/ the new friends and family program. If I understand it my new bill will be around $140/mo plus tax for 1400 minutes shared, unlimited emails, data, txt, plus Vcast, and maybe VZNavigator, I stil can't figure that one out. The point is I wish Verizon and the other carriers would approach things like Sprint and Boost - flat fee for everything. I think $99 is not bad for a complete voice/data package, Boost's $50 is much better, but their Nextel network just isn't great, so you get what you pay for. After all these years I still think I'm getting robbed with Verizon. I know it's less than AT&T's iPhone plan, but still it's just ridiculous to spend $150 for a data/phone plan without unlimited everything.
So in conclusion, the Rouge, I'm extremely happy with it. I didn't want another Microsoft mobile device, because Windows mobile is TERRIBLE. I didn't want a Blackberry because the QWERTY is difficult for me, and the STORM, well it's slow and problematic, so with that said the Samsung had everything I was looking for without the issues of Microsoft or RIM. It's slick, has an awesome screen, will probably do everything you want it to, and add a 16Gb microSD card, in my opinion you have an excellent alternative to an iPhone with the bonus keyboard. Samsung, so far you hit a homerun with this handset. Now hopefully it will last two years!
Updated on Oct 4, 2009
- 12 replies to this review
-
what is a *228? can i do that to rogue phone if i have trouble?
-
what is a *228? can i do that to rogue phone if i have trouble?
-
sometimes i cant believe verizon too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they charge so much someday no one will buy from them !
Wat kind of cell phone is just like this and doesnt demand verizon???????????? -
I agree with the comments regarding Verizon's price gouging, but you get stellar network coverage vs T-Mobile and Sprint. I worked in a department for a company that was located in the basement (we helped control the pest problem and I am sill looking for my stapler). I was one of the few who a cell phone signal in the basement. Other's who had Sprint, T-Mobile or AT&T couldn't get a cell phone signals. So, I guess you get what you pay for.
I only wish that we had cell service like in other countries where you choose your phone and then choose which carrier you wanted. Having your phones locked to be used with a specific carrier doesn't make sense. -
Verizon REQUIRES the data plan option now. Any phone with released as of Sept 2009 with HTML is now REQUIRED to have a data package, starting at $10 upto picking a new plan that includes it. Why am I forced to pay for data and web, when I only want the phone with text and its built in features? Thats plain crazy.
-
I actually saved $20/month buy dumping my Verizon Blackberry for the Rogue and my my old Curve can't hold a candle to this phone. Better screen, better browser, luv the slide out full 4 rw, rubberized keyboard. The menus are intuitive and easy to navigate and the touch is perfect. My daughter has the enV Touch and she want's to switch phones....not gonna happen!!! I bumpred from a select plan to a connect plan (+10) and dumping my $30 blackberry data plan resulted in a savings of $20 bucks!! Blackberry is way overpriced...not worth it when compared to what this phone can do. I just don't see the value in Blackberry anymore. As far as I can tell, you're paying for a perceived advantage and a brand name...wake up and smell the coffe people!!!
-
An additional comment regarding the data package pricing -- anyone who is a "government employee" which includes teachers, can get an additional percent off their entire bill for the month AND my $10 for unlimited web browsing with this phone only cost me $7.51 per month. Make sure you get hooked up with someone knowledgeable at the Verizon stores. Our local rep was fantastic -- not all of them there were. She sold my husband and me several things from their clearance rack that would work with our new phones and NONE Of the other reps were knowledgeable enough to be able to offer us the same benefits the one gal did!
-
I do not know if this helps but I just got the rouge and realized verizon mb plans are changing you can get unlimted mb on connect plan for $10 a line with mobile email or $10 for 25mb $20 for 75mb makes no sense if you can get connect for $10 so if you want to save money switch to connect and it drops ver navigator and $10 per line I believe. I agree unlimited texting for $30 on fam share plan is expensive but it covers up to 5 lines for same price as 2 but with ver 10 numbers on share plan is getting much better and unlike t mobile you all share so you may not get 5 a piece but if you tend to call same numbers it can work out to where you actually have more
-
You might look at Page Plus. They use Verizon's network (coverage map) and claim most vz phones will work on it. They are offering unlimited voice, text, and 20 mb for 39.95/month. Just block the browser and check to see if phone features still work. Hope this helps.
-
As everyone has stated the money spent with Verizon can be more than that with other carriers. But you get what you pay for, service area. Now, lets get off the money issue and talk about the phone. The Samsung Rogue is an incredible phone. I carry a CrackBerry for the office. Can't get away from it. But as a personal phone the Rouge is unbelievable. It does almost everything, except allow me to edit/create MS docs, and who wants to do that on a phone anyway, that my BB does. And looks better doing it. The UI is excellent, I haven't noticed any sluggishness. Now back to the Verizon issue, the coverage area can't be beat. I've been in places where my AT&T BB won't work, but my Verizon phone is crystal clear. I thought long and hard about the Pre, but then spoke with a friend who has had one for about 3 weeks. And he has had a number of dropped calls already. When the others can offer the same quality of coverage area, I'll think of switching, until then, I'll pay a few extra bucks.
-
TonyTMX - Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough review! I am currently using AT&T but am considering switching to Verizon b/c so many friends/family use it. Now I will check out Boost and Sprint. Many thanks!
-
I am not standing up for Verizon and I do agree their plans are confusing. But that being said, there are other options, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T. Just compare and switch. The other carriers, in my opinion, have better phones (Palm Pre, MyTouch, etc). I think Verizon will be catching by the end of the year, with their new Android and Blackberry phones (Storm2, Moto Sholes). They also offer what some consider one of the best smartphones, the HTC Touch Pro2 for $149, offered by other carriers for $349. But you can?t beat their coverage. They are always the highest rated. There are many choices out there. I have been a long time Verizon customer, but right now I am trying out Sprint. The Palm Pre is an awesome phone. But I have not cancelled my Verizon account yet.
Write a Review
Online Stores
| Store | Promotions | In Stock | Price | Total Cost | Initial Sort Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Yes | Yes | Tax: TBD Ship: TBD | $159.00 Shop Now | |
| See all prices | |||||
Check coverage in your area 
%20user%20review%20and%20rating%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-rogue-sch-u960/4864-6454_7-33770733.html&x_breadcrumb=8900:3488:3504:6454&x_arw_bkts=MAD:high_wireless_switcher){kind=small}