Samsung debuted a new messaging phone for Cricket's roster.  Called the Samsung Comment, it's a QWERTY candybar feature phone for texting-heavy users.

Sporting a Blackberry-style form factor, the handset measures 4.41 x 2.4 x 0.43 inches and weighs 3.3 ounces.  It appears to be Samsung's replacement for the Freeform II, although the specs aren’t all that much of an upgrade.

Details of the Samsung Comment include a 2.4-inch LCD (320 × 240 resolution), aGPS, Bluetooth, a 1.3 megapixel camera module, a four-row QWERTY keyboard in the front panel, microSD card support (up to 32GB) and a 1,000 mAh battery module rated at 5 hours of talk time.  There's no 3G or WiFi, although you do get GPRS access to  Cricket’s proprietary storefront, where you should be able to download Java apps, wallpapers and various other types of content.  Preloaded apps include MyHomeScreen (access to weather, news and horoscopes), MyBackup, and Cricket Navigator.

While there's really nothing very attractive about this phone's feature set, it should appeal to the text-and-call crowd who aren't really interested in anything much beyond the basics.   Paired with Cricket's cheap monthly plans (which don't require any extended tie-in), those on a budget should find it a decent pick-up, too.

The Samsung Comment retails for $89.99 with no contract.

[Samsung]

Still not into the whole smartphone nonsense you've been hearing about?  Feed your slightly less sophisticated cellphone needs with the LG Cosmos 2, a dual-keyboard slider coming out on Verizon.

The direct replacement to last year's LG Cosmos, it bears a similar form factor to the predecessor, sporting both alphanumeric keys in the front panel and a landscape slide-out QWERTY keyboard.  We're not sure how receptive today's market is to messaging-focused devices like these, but carriers probably keep them on the shelves for a reason.

Details of the LG Cosmos 2 include a smallish LCD screen, a 1.3 megapixel camera module, Bluetooth 2.1, a 3.5mm audio jack and microSD card expansion (up to 32GB).   Even Luddites with dumbphones use social networks, too, so the phone's got Mobile Web, with shortcuts straight to the mobile pages for Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.  With neither WiFi nor 3G, browsing will probably be a pain in the ass, though.  Extra features include a Mobile Email app (trial basis) and a document viewer for all those Office attachments.

The LG Cosmos 2 will be available both in Verizon stores and online starting tomorrow, July 14.  Price is $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year contract.

[Verizon Wireless]

With smartphones dominating the mobile landscape, it's easy to look past the ever-improving range of feature phones out there.  For those who don't need a smartphone, but could use a touchscreen in their lives, the LG Cosmos Touch should provide quite an attractive option.

Physically, it's a very compact messaging device for a handset that pairs both a touchscreen and a sliding QWERTY keyboard.  We like the soft feel of the primary material, as well as the rounded corners that make for a stylish design.  Display is a 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen (400 x 240 resolution) that, unfortunately, lacks the responsiveness we're used to with most modern phones.  Brightness and colors are all nice, though.  The four-row sliding horizontal keyboard is comfortable to use and plenty roomy, which is a surprise for such a small device.

As a phone, the LG Cosmos Touch made for average calls.  Voices came through loud and discernible, although there is noticeable static that creeps up on occasion.  Those on the other end reported a rather poor experience, claiming that our voices sounded hollow.  Speakerphone experience was similarly average.  Battery is rated at 6 hours of talk time.

All the usual phone features are onboard, including a variety of calling options, PIM tools, Bluetooth, voice recording and basic messaging.  Since this is a messaging-focused phone, more advanced communication features are offered, too, including mobile email (for POP3 accounts), IM (AIM, Yahoo and Windows Live) and SocialBeat (a social networking app).  There's no 3G or WiFi, though, so data is slow, even when working with light text transmissions.

There's onboard GPS with VZ Navigator, a wireless web browser and a rather basic music player.  Camera is a similarly basic 1.3 megapixels.  As expected, pictures are one of the weaker points, so forget using this for any involved image capture endeavors.

Overall, the LG Cosmos Touch is a strictly midrange messaging phone for casual use.  While we love the touchscreen and keyboard combo, it's quite lacking in features for more involved business use.  Plus, we think the price is a bit too much at $79.99 with a two-year agreement.

Touchscreen feature phones can be exciting, too.  The Pantech Laser, in fact, puts a lot of effort into doing just that and succeeds in many ways.

Physically, it boasts a svelte figure that makes it the slimmest slider messaging phone ever put out by AT&T.  While that isn't really much to rave about, it does testify to the device's stylish good looks.   The textured surface feels good in the hand, as well.

Display is a stunning 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen, with downright gorgeous colors and crisp sharpness at 480 x 800 pixels. Unfortunately, it's resistive, so touch response isn't the most ideal -- accuracy is decent, though, and requires just a little more pressure on your taps.  A full QWERTY keyboard slides out in horizontal mode.  While well-spaced, it's a bit too flat for my liking.

As a phone, the Pantech Laser makes for serviceable calls.  Although voices went through with ample volume, it usually went with some static noise.  Those on the other end reported a better experience, although they did notice occasional interference.  Battery is rated at 5 hours of talk time.

All the usual phone capabilities are onboard, including a number of voice calling features, PIM tools and basic messaging (SMS, MMS).  Connectivity options are complete, with 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 and GPS all available.  Being a messaging-centered handset, it's also got IM (YM, AIM and Windows Live) and email (it only uses AT&T's Mobile Email app, though, so not the most convenient).  For social networking, several dedicated apps are preloaded, including ones for Facebook and Twitter, apart from AT&T Social net, an all-in-one hub for social networking and content feeds.

Data connectivity over 3G is good, especially with AT&T's numerous multimedia services.  The wireless web browser can render full HTML, as well, with lots of heavy sites loading in under 20 seconds.  Onboard media player is rather simple and straightforward.

The 3.0 megapixel camera offers a good amount of editing options.  Unfortunately, photo quality falls a bit below expectations, with colors looking washed out most of the time.

Overall, the Pantech Laser can do the core of what smartphones offer, all while managing to look sleek and stylish.  AT&T has it for $99 on a new two-year agreement.

Cricket Communications just announced a new QWERTY candy bar in their roster.  Called the Cricket TXTM8 3G A410, the handset represents the first sub-$100 release from the carrier featuring high-speed EVDO access.

Clad in a black and silver color scheme, the phone measures 4.5 x 2.36 x .55 inches and weighs 3.58 ounces.    Judging from the picture, looks aren't much to be impressed with, but it does look adequately presentable (particularly for the price).

Details of the Cricket TXTM8 3G include a 320 x 240 pixel display, a 2.0 megapixel camera module, a four-row QWERTY keyboard, 3G with HSPA, stereo Bluetooth and microSD card expansion (up to 16GB).  Battery is 1,150 mAh, rated at 5 hours of talk time and 330 hours of standby.

It's strictly a feature phone, although it does pack a full range of messaging options, including SMS, MMS and mobile email.  No word on IM support, but Cricket does have IM apps in some of their previous releases, so we fully expect that to make it here.

Price for the Cricket TXTM8 3G is $99.99 when purchased either with Cricket's $35 or$45 all-inclusive unlimited plans.   Considering there are plenty of smartphones with similar price points (although the plans will be a tad more expensive), it may not be the clear-cut better choice.

[Cricket]

Samsung has a new messaging handset on the block.  Called the Samsung Freeform II, the phone comes in a standard QWERTY candybar form factor, with a decidedly basic feature set.

Measuring 2.12 x 4.13 x 0.59 inches and weighing 3.81 ounces, it's a relatively compact device that should easily fit into most users' pockets.  The QWERTY keyboard spans four rows, although the keys look a bit too cramped for comfort (compared to the spacious separation between keys on the original Freeform), basing on the product photo.

Details of the Samsung Freeform II include a 2.2-inch TFT LCD (320 x 240 resolution), a 1.3-megapixel camera module, aGPS, 3G, stereo Bluetooth and microSD card expansion (up to 16GB).  It's got a 1,000 mAh lithium-ion battery onboard, good for 5 hours of talk time and 550 hours of standby.

Slated for release in the US by MetroPCS, it expectedly gets the carrier's range of applications, including MetroNavigator, Metro 411 Directory Assistance and the MetroWEB WAP 2.0 browser.  It's designed for heavy messaging users, so all the requisite capabilities are onboard, including SMS, MMS, threaded messaging, email and IM.

The Samsung Freeform II should now be available from MetroPCS retail stores and Samsung's website.  No pricing was announced.

[via Samsung USA News]

AT&T has announced a new messaging phone from from Korean manufacturer, Pantech.  Called the Pantech Laser, it's the slimmest horizontal slider in the carrier's roster yet, coming in at only 9.95 millimeters in thickness.

As you can tell from the picture, this is one stylish-looking bundle, with its thin edges and rounded corners.  Plus, the four-row QWERTY panel looks ample-sized, well-spaced and adequately raised for extended typing use.

Details of the Pantech Laser include a 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen, a 3-megapixel camera module, aGPS (with AT&T Navigator), stereo Bluetooth and microSD card expansion.  No word on whether either 3G or WiFi comes onboard.

Don't let the smartphone looks fool you - it's all "quick messaging" for this handset.  Features include basic messaging (SMS, MMS), email, IM, Social Net (for access to Twitter, Facebook and MySpace)  and other AT&T apps (e.g. Mobile Share, Address Book).   There's also a unique "Drawing Commander" capability that allows you to draw shapes that trigger various actions, such as making a call or launching an app.

Surprisingly, they're pricing the Pantech Laser a bit steep at $99.99 on a two-year agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate.  That's right, it's along the same range as many mid-market Android releases, sans the more expensive data plans.  Expect it to drop October 17th.

[via Engadget]

AT&T quietly added the LG Neon II to their website today.  The sequel to last year's Neon, the new handset retains the basic messaging capabilities and beefs it up with a faster data connection.

One thing of note: this appears to be slightly different from the Neon 2 (at least, in the front panel's design), which was released on Rogers' network earlier this year.  Yes, the confusing differences between models "2" and "II" from Korean cellphone manufacturers appear yet again.

Like its predecessor, the LG Neon II features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for that all-day messaging convenience.  It sports 4.06 x 1.96 x 0.6 dimensions, weighs 3.7 ounces and retains the youthful styling present in the original device.

Details include a 2.4-inch screen (240 x 320 resolution), a 2.0 megapixel camera,  stereo Bluetooth, 3G, microSD card expansion (up to 16GB) and a built-in GPS.  Battery  is a 950 mAh slab, good for 4 hours of talk time and 11 hours of standby.  Preloaded apps include  AT&T Maps, Social Net and Instant Messaging.  In a lot of ways, it's actually very similar to the original Neon, with just a few tweaks (3G inclusion being the most prominent upgrade).

The LG Neon II is available now, priced at $29.99 on a two-year agreement after a $50 discount.

[AT&T]

The Pantech Jest is the latest in the line of the company's quirky-looking messaging phones.   While there's likely nothing here you haven't seen before, it does bundle the range of features today's social networking-obsessed young crowd typically look for in their handsets.

Physically, it looks pudgy.  Pantech did manage to make it reasonably slim at 0.6-inch thick, despite the presence of a vertically-sliding QWERTY keypad.  It has a good fit in hand and allows a firm grip with its textured back.  Display is a small 2.6-inch panel (320 x 320), with gorgeous colors and excellent detail.  Navigational array sits right under the screen - it's decent, although the optical direction pad could have been more responsive.  The QWERTY keypad is a bit cramped, but usable.

As a phone, the Pantech Jest made for mixed call quality.  Voices came through load and relatively clear, although there's a notable harshness to the sound.  Those on the other end reported better audio.  Speakerphone performance was actually good, occasionally sounding even better than regular calls.  Battery life is rated at 4.6 hours of talk time, making good for over a day of regular use.

All the basics are onboard, including a 1,000-entry phonebook, a variety of calling modes and PIM tools.  Extras include Bluetooth, a mobile web browser and aGPS with support for VZ Navigator.  Messaging, as expected, is a strength.  There's SMS and MMS (with support for threaded messaging), email  and IM.  It also comes with Social Beat, a Verizon app that gives you access to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, as well as Google Talk and Gmail.

Onboard media player is rather basic, but it gets the job done.  The 2.0 megapixel camera gets a decent set of editing options, along with shooting above average quality images.

Overall, the Pantech Jest is a decent messaging phone, with a cute appearance and a serviceable set of features.  Plus, it's free from Verizon on a two-year agreement, so it's  a good option for younger users.

The Samsung Gravity 3 doesn't stray too far from the Gravity 2's formula.  Having been one of T-Mobile's bigger messaging phone successes, there's really no reason to.  However, it does add some changes that make it an overall worthy option for text-heavy users.

Physically, the latest handset in the series has received a noticeable makeover.  It's a more attractive, more stylish design that's bound to make it an even bigger hit among its core audience.  Display is a 2.4-inch LCD (320 x 240 resolution), with good colors and plenty of sharpness for its size.  It has two keypads - an alphanumeric one in the front panel and a slide-out horizontal QWERTY.  Both are good, although, the keys are only slightly raised (you can get used to it after a while).

As a phone, the Gravity 3 makes for good calls, with clear audio and just very slight distortion on some occasions.  Those on the other end reported the same thing.  Speakerphone has ample loudness and adds just a bit of echo to the sound.  Battery is rated at 6 hours of talk time.

Designed for heavy messaging, it supports SMS, MMS, IM (Yahoo, Windows Live and AIM), audio postcards and email.  For email, there's support for all sorts of web-based providers, as well as one Exchange account (with SSL encryption, no less).  Messaging interface is simple, but full-featured.

It has all the basics covered, including a 1,000-contact address book, PIM tools, various voice features and stereo Bluetooth.  There's also aGPS and HTML web browsing using T-Mobile's web2go.  The Gravity 3 has pretty strong 3G connectivity, with YouTube videos loading after just a few seconds of buffering.

The media player is pretty much the same as the old Gravity - serviceable, but nothing special.  It has  2.0 megapixel camera with a good range of editing options and average-looking photo quality.

Overall, we love the  Samsung Gravity 3 as a messaging phone.  While it could use some improvements in user experience and a better keyboard, it's a solid purchase for $49.99 with a two year agreement from T-Mobile.