Samsung W279

Overview

Affordable Dual-SIM Mobile

Design and Build Quality of Samsung W279

The Samsung W279 is a mid-range device is a candy bar style device with an alphanumeric keypad. The sleek design has a brushed metal finish that gives it a high-quality look.

Samsung W279 User Interface and Comfort to Use

In terms of the user interface, the W279 has the typical offering of a Samsung branded device. The keypad is responsive to your input with the downside being that it not offering a QWERTY style keyboard for texting and emails.

Telephony and Phonebook

The phone book is capable of storing about 200 contacts in addition to 200 entries in missed, received, and dialled calls. You can save your typical phonebook information such as home number, work number, email address, etc.

Messaging and Emails

As stated before, messaging is inconvenient on the W279 due to the keypad style. It does have a predictive text input feature that will assist you. Email access is also available but you must use it on a CDMA network because internet is not available on GSM.

Gallery, Photo Viewer and Video Player

A standard gallery is available on the W279 and you can view JPEG photos as well. The screen resolution for photo viewing is solid. There is also a video player that supports MPEG4, H.263, and H.264 format videos. Due to the small screen, it may not be the best user experience to use for primarily watching videos.

Samsung W279 Music Player and FM Radio

There is a music player and an FM radio with RDS support. You can also record your favourite FM stations. You can listen to MP3 and MIDI files on the W279. The sound quality is decent for a device in this category. One drawback is that you don't have the ability to play the music in the background while you use other functions of the phone.

Samsung W279 Still Camera and Image Quality

Featuring a 2MP camera with a 1600x1200 pixel resolution, the W279 is not going to be a photo powerhouse by any means. There are several different options available on the camera including single shot, continuous shot, mosaic, and frame shot. There are also options for photo effects and white balance.

Video Camera and Video Quality

YouTube support enables you to stream videos as long as you are connected to a CDMA network. You can also watch videos on the W279, though it may not be the best experience on a device this small.

Connectivity Options

With a dual SIM feature, the W279 can work on one GSM and CDMA network at the same time. Bands that are supported include GSM 900 and 1800 and CDMA 1X and EVDO Rev A (800MHz).

Distinctive Features of Samsung W279

There is also a pre-loaded Mobile TV application that will allow you to watch Live TV when you have access to the CDMA network.

Value for money

You can get your hands on the W279 for Rs. 5990 (approx.) that makes it very affordable and a solid buy for the features.

Verdict

Multimedia experience is not the strong suit of this device. However if you are looking for a good dual-SIM option for primarily use as a phone, the W279 is a good choice.