
While Windows Mobile 6.5 is far from the most attractive smartphone OS on the block, the Samsung Exec brings enough sleek features to make it an interesting business handset. Carrying an affordable price tag, it brings a a good mix of productivity and a few multimedia capabilities in an easy-to-use package.
Physically, the design may be familiar. Both the Samsung Code and the Samsung Blackjack had a similar QWERTY candybar form factor and general design aesthetics. Looks are decent for a business smartphone, while build feels strong, despite the all-plastic construction. The 2.4-inch screen manages very clear text and graphics, although it can feel too small for those used to today's larger displays. Keyboard is a little cramped, but had good response.
As a phone, the Samsung Exec managed mixed calls - it was mostly good, but made muffled voices on occasion. Quality seemed better on the other end, with callers reporting excellent sound. Speakerphone was pretty good, with clear audio and lots of volume. Battery is rated at up to eight hours of time, which makes for around two to three days (maybe more) of regular use.
Windows Mobile is notorious for speed problems, but it wasn't apparent here, with the handset managing quick operation almost the whole time. In fact, the only instances delays occurred were when we had multiple apps open and were trying to launch another, which are perfectly acceptable. Samsung skinned the OS with their WizPro UI, but navigation remains a little iffy.
Being a Windows Mobile phone, it gets the platform's usual strengths, including a robust messaging system (SMS, MMS and POP3 and IMAP emails, Direct Push, Exchange synchronization) and a great collection of apps (such as Microsoft Office Mobile Suite, MSN Money, an RSS reader and more). It gets Samsung's Communities tool too, which allows easy access to multiple social sites, including Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, and YouTube. The phone supports IM, although none of the apps come preloaded - you'll have to get them from the Windows Marketplace.
There's no WiFi, but it supports 3G, making for speedy download speeds and quick browsing. The 2.0 megapixel camera takes surprisingly impressive photos. Other features include aGPS, stereo Bluetooth and microSD expansion.
Overall, the Samsung Exec is one of the most solid pairings of Windows Mobile 6.5 and a QWERTY slate we've seen, especially at the $99.99 price point (with a two-year contract). If you need a Windows Mobile handset for business use, this could prove a good choice.





























