The Samsung Corby has easily proved to be one of the most successful entry-level touchscreen handsets aimed at younger users. With the new Samsung CorbyTXT B3210, the company is hoping to replicate the same results in an adjacent category: candybar messagers.
Physically, the new handset sports that familiar Blackberry design with a screen on top and a full QWERTY keypad at the lower half. The rear panel embraces the customizable spirit of the Corby, though, and can be replaced with other colorful snap-on cases. It's slightly bulkier than its touchscreen brethren but remains easily pocketable and comfortable in hand.
The screen is quite small at 2.2 inches, with a rather low resolution of only 220 x 176 pixels. As you can imagine, much of the images can appear pixelated with such low amount of details. The keyboard is a little cramped, but should be comfortable once you get the hang of it (and that slanted style does require some getting used to).
As a phone, the CorbyTXT manages average quality of calls, with good volume and easily-discernible voices. Speakerphone has plenty of loudness, though the resulting audio is a little too sharp. Battery is good for up to 7.5 hours of talk time, which should see it last at least two days under normal use.
Geared towards young users, the UI is simple but attractive. It sports a customizable homescreen that you can fill with up to 15 of your most often-used icons. All basic phone features are here, including PIM tools, a few preloaded apps and solid messaging capabilities. Notable messaging niceties include threaded views, automatic email setup and push support.
Since it lacks support for either 3G or Wi-Fi, web surfing isn't the most ideal use for this device. That's why there's barely any integration with social networks too. If you want a Facebook or Twitter phone, better find something else.
It comes with a 2.0 megapixel camera that takes average quality shots without a lot of editing options. The music player is pretty good, though, with above average audio quality. Other features include stereo Bluetooth, FM radio and microSD expansion.
Overall, the Samsung CorbyTXT B3210 isn't anything to get excited about. In fact, we believe Samsung should overhaul their UI for non-touchscreen feature phones - it's just not that good. Just get it somewhere near what they're doing with TouchWiz and we'll be happy. At its price (around $230 unlocked), it's not a bad offer - just not a very satisfying one.
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