The T229's VGA megapixel camera takes in pictures in four resolutions. Editing options include a night mode, brightness and white balance settings, exposure metering, a 4x zoom, three shutter sounds, and 28 fun frames. The T229 doesn't record video, but you can take audio postcards, a photo with a sound file attached, that you can send to friends. The postcard comes in a special frame with a postmark graphic. Photo quality was disappointing, even for a VGA camera. Our shots were fuzzy and the colors were washed out.
You can personalize the T229 with a variety of wallpaper, color themes, and greeting messages. You can download more options from T-Mobile's t-zones service with the WAP 2.0 wireless Web browser. The T229 comes with three demo games--Forgotten Warrrior, Bubble Beach and Midnight Pool-- you'll have to buy the full versions for extended play.
Performance
We tested the tri-band (GSM 850/1800/1900) in San Francisco using T-Mobile service. Call quality was fairly good overall, though some voices sounded rather mechanical. The volume also could be a touch higher. When we were speaking in very noisy environments, we had some trouble hearing. On their end, callers could hear us well enough, though some reported a slight buzzing in the background. All callers could tell we were using a cell phone. Speakerphone calls were quite decent. The volume level and clarity on both ends was satisfying and automated calling systems could understand us. It's best if you use the speakerphone in a quiet place. We had no trouble getting a signal, but we're disappointed that T-Mobile seems to have turned away from offering full quad-band world phones.
The Samsung SGH-T229 has a rated of 0.383 watts per kilogram.
