Samsung Instinct Review: A Phone that Bridges the Gap

With touch screen phones rising in popularity, the Samsung Instinct is new competition for the popular Apple iPhone and the LG Dare. The Instinct, which can be purchased through the Sprint / Nextel network, has standout features that would please any cell phone fanatic. The Instinct has features a sensitive touch pad, a music and TV player, and a 2.0 megapixel camera. This is a great phone for text messaging fans and those who like to play media on their phones. With a 2-year contract and a mail-in rebate, the Instinct costs $129.99.

In comparison to the iPhone, the Instinct is a bit lighter at just 4.5 ounces, though it's heavier than the LG Dare (3.76 ounces). The elongated design would be perfect to put in a pocket or a purse, but I would recommend buying a case to help protect the sensitive touch screen. The phone can be used either horizontally or vertically for text messaging, watching live TV, or even using the GPS to look up directions. It's a very versatile phone.

The Instinct's main touch screen features e-mail, messaging, voicemail, navigation, calculator, notes, calendar, clock, and settings. The screen is quite sensitive, so it does not need to be pressed on hard to access these features. The phone features around six hours of talking time, though when connecting to the high-speed Internet, the battery life goes down quickly.

For music and TV fans, you can use your phone as a music and media player. The Sprint Live TV feature is especially compelling, as it features many popular channels like ABC, the Discovery Channel, Comedy Central, Fox News, MTV, and many others. The Sprint Digital Lounge also offers downloads for $.99 per single, along with free tracks each week. There is also Sprint Music Premiere, which streams different channels to your phone; it's like having a radio with you at all times. The phone comes with a 2GB memory card, which is smaller than both the iPhone and the Dare, but it will hold a decent amount of media.

The 2.0 megapixel camera is decent for a cell phone, but it cannot compete with the Dare's 3.2 megapixel camera. However, most just use cell phones to snap a quick picture to send to friends, so the quality of the shots isn't a huge concern. This camera seems standard in comparison to other phones on the market.

In terms of contracts, Sprint/Nextel offers an unlimited deal that costs $99.99. This plan includes unlimited anytime minutes, text messaging, Internet usage, e-mail, GPS, music and TV services, and no roaming or long distance charges. This is a great deal for anyone who uses his or her phone frequently. You never have to worry about roaming fees or going over minutes, which will be a relief for many customers.

The Samsung Instinct is a great value for the current price if you're renewing a contract or switching to Sprint/Nextel. The Instinct is strong competition for the other touch screen phones on the market, though it's really a matter of personal preference. The live TV and music features would be great for those who love pop culture, and the GPS and e-mail features are great for a professional crowd. The Instinct bridges the gap between cultures; there's a little something for everyone within.