There are a number of mid-range touchscreens entering the market. In the past, a smaller budget meant a less impressive spec list and unresponsive screen. This is definitely not the case with the Samsung Monte. Take a quick glance at the spec sheet and you will soon see that this sleek entry-level handset packs a load of high-end features.
The most impressive of these is the Monte’s connectivity collection. Boasting quadband GSM, dual band 3G with 3.6Mbps HSDPA and a range of local connectivity options WiFi, Bluetooth, MicroUSB, and a MicroSD card that can handle anything up to 16GB. Regardless of whether you log onto the net via WiFi or through a carriers web connection, the browser is impressive. The Dolphin Web browser is the same that we have seen previously on the Samsung Jet. Based on the well-known Webkit design the Monte’s browser is extremely responsive with finger-friendly features, such as one-finger and double tap zoom, kinetic scrolling, and effortless panning. There is also full Flash support onboard, something that is still considered a rarity, even on high-end Smartphones.
Coming in at 108.8 x 53.7 x 12.4mm the Samsung Monte shares similar dimensions with most of its competitors and weighing just 92g, it’s very pocket friendly. Despite being average size and weight for the mid-range class, the exterior is by no means ordinary. The bold paintwork is a definite eye-catcher, and bears an uncanny resemblance to the well-favoured transformer BumbleBee, or at least we think so. Unfortunately, the Monte is no friendly autobot, but it does have a torrent of hidden weaponry. The Monte sports Samsung’s Touchwiz user interface. Touchwiz 2.0 Plus, various improvements have been made to the system recently, hence the additional word. The jump from Touchwiz 2.0 to 2.0 Plus sees a big emphasis on visual features, the new interface is moving closer to the look and feel of Samsungs new Operating System Bada, which will debut next month on the Samsung Wave. The interface looks fresh and is easy to navigate; the homescreen is made up of three different panels, each with ample space for widgets. Because of its capacitive screen, a simple finger swipe is all that is needed to switch between the three. The widget tray has moved from the left hand side of the screen to the bottom, and is brought up using the gear mechanism at the top of the page. Many will be happy to know that Smart unlock has also been included in the Monte package.
Onto entertainment facilities and the Samsung Monte again exceeds expectations. The music player has all the features to which we have become accustom, 3.5mm audio jack, MicroSD card, Fm Radio with RDS, Playlist function, and decent speakers. The standard audio presets are all available, with dynamic and surround sound options too. DNSe technology provides more options to improve sound quality, externalisation, music clarity, bass enhancement, and megabass. There’s even an option that lets you record radio broadcasts.
The camera set is a mixed bag, while 3megapixels is at the lower end of the snapper scale, the added features work to improve picture quality. Smile detection’s onboard as are a number of different shot options including panoramic view. The Monte has a great photo editor packed in, providing quick photo alterations and uploads to the web. Geotagging sets the Monte apart from the rest of the mid-touch crowd, allowing users to add geographical data to their images.
There are a number of preinstalled applications to suit a variety of needs, Office Document Viewer 2007 allows users to open Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents straight from their phone, while Palringo opens up communication options to instant messaging from GTalk, ICQ, AIM and MSN. Naturally the Social Networking sites all feature, Facebook and Myspace have their own dedicated apps, while Twitter and Bebo can be accessed using widgets. There’s also Emoze, an app that provides push email for Gmail, Outlook and Facebook emails.
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209 Comments
I would like this phone.
think about the older person, we like new things but the eyes and fingers a’int so agile when you reach 70. We like the sun so let us see it in a bright light. We can sing about SAMSUNG.
Has all I need to make life easy & fun
I just can’t get the flash to work. Both BBC iPlayer and YouTube never stream – anyone else have this problem?
Last phone was a Samsung, the phone I have now is a Samsung and now looks like my new one will be a Samsung too! Looks good
Good looking with plenty of useful features, kinda reminds me of myself!
looks good, good quality phones from samsung definately worth checking out
Great looking, I need a phone that is slim but robust, especially when it has to share space with all the clutter in my handbag.
Yummy,scrummy, come to mummy.
Would just fit in my handbag nicely.
Excellent looking phone, would love to own…
I will be putting my phone on the antiques road show as soon as I win this one, thank you
Looks great.
Gorgous!!
its a a shame about the camera being smaller than Im used to, but id be willing to overlook that and give this beauty a go. Looks like im staying with samsung!
I love Samsung tech, its reliable and full of features. This one looks like a winner too. great video. Im sold – save one for me!
stunning, im ready to buy one for myself
I like the look of this, looks better than my iPhone
I’m a recent convert to Samsung phones and this is looking like something I may have to buy soon! Very stylish looking and sounds like a good spec, but then again, I’m always swayed if its shiny and new : )
My 60th birthday is on the 21st of April, this would be a lovely wee thing to win on my birthday! So happy birthday to meeeeeeee!
WOW looks like i found my next phone,i am using a Samsung at the moment and it looks like i am staying with them
Nice.
Great phone looks fantastic
LEAN MEAN -SPORTY LOOKING PHONE
O.K. will admit I am not a phone nut – as long as I can call people, and maybe take the odd photo then happy. This phone seems to do that plus more so would be more than happy!
They really did let the creative director go through all the cliches with the promo advert though. Why would you show your phone as if in a wind tunnel? Are they suggesting that it will fly aerodynamically if you chuck it?
Spirits low, finances cronic
A nice new phone would be a perfect tonic
Really smart looking phone. Always got on with Samsung phones and this looks like a cracking little handset.
I want it so i can wind up the wife
Like it!
Looks like a very nice phone indeed! I’ve previously owned a Samsung phone and it was the slimmest phone ever with the most wonderful photo and video playback…
This phone looks great and makes me want to swap my handpiece!
Nice sleek looking handset with plenty of gadgets.
Nice and slick looking!
Lovely looking screen on this, looks like it would make a good replacement for a netbook if you wanted have less to lug to work etc…
Stylish, user friendly and full of great stuff! all in all a great phone!
The Samsung phones always look stylish.
Much awaited new phone from Samsung.The Office Document Viewer sounds amazing, cant wait to see it for real now and give it a go!
Another good looking phone. Loads of connections, can be used as a portable media centre. Does any know what the battery life and internet browersing like on this phone.
Will wait for user feedback before purchasing.
really do need this great phone
Would defiantly recommend it for the dolphin web browser, however they are still playing catchup to the big 3, the design is stereo typical mid end smart phone, the orange colors help it stand out from what would otherwise be a bland phone with a average to poor camera, unfortunately despite being new its already years out of date and still playing catchup in most areas.
I also question how many people who would honestly use this with the powerpoint apps, its so gimmicky its like they don’t even bother doing focus groups of what people who want a modern phone who lets face it like to show it off, not do work with.
Without going into real detail i’ve given up saying any more, its not worth the time or effort into a product where the company have also had the same feelings. I expected more from Samsung as they can release stunning products when they want to.
With all the necessary social network apps and Emoze too, this looks like the perfect phone for my teenager! Nice one, Samsung!
looks nice
absolute brilliant phone!!
Superb!
if i dont win, i think ill buy one,
I just love this.
nice looking phone
Its got all you need in a phone. i’d like to get my hands on one!
3.5mm audio jack, that’s a win for me
Perfect size for my new pc!
looks great ,
Lovely.
Very nice and shiny
Lovely looking handset, appears to be more then a phone and more like a tool for everyday use.
Definitely one to look out for. iPhone killer perhaps?
Nice it’s nearly time to upgrade my phone. Will have to have a play with one first though.
Ooo,just watched you tube vid’s of this phone and “I LIKE IT”, like the gadgety look with the apps pages, the feedback feel from the touch screen best of all is the charger loads from the top so no more having to fidget around the charger when texting whilst it’s plugged in, bout time some one did this, most of the kids at my youth club have the genio so might get this one to show off, lol, having 4 teenage kids myself price and coolness are a must.
looks super stylish and sleek, cant wait to get my hands on one!!!!!
Looks so cool, would love to win one!
looks great, smart and most importantly looks simple to use
the draw takes place on april 1st??? APRIL FOOLS!! is there really a prize?
I’d love to own a phone like this
Great looks, great spec.
This phone looks awesome. It looks similar to the Tocco Ultra which I have and if thats anything to go by I reckon it’s top dog. The features on this phone look great too and comes with bluetooth and wi-fi to communicate with the world. Touch Screen technology also shows the development of technology and will ensure to satisfy its customers.
Awesome phone, cant wait to end my contract to get one!
Impressive phone!
Impressive looking phone!
Nice looking phone… always liked Samsung mobiles
The phone looks great – for once Samsung seem to be making some decent phones.
once again Samsung have delivered a top class product which is easy to you with fantastic features!! love it!!
Nice looking phone… & I think 3 megapixels is PLENTY!
This phone looks beautiful. Not as beautiful as me, nut it could enhance my appearance!!
Looks awesome!
Handset looks great, looking forward to being able to test one out
i love tvs
Good looking, sleek and practical, good spec – apple should be worried!
don’t usually like samsung phones but this looks great
Samsung-simply the best.
Wahooooo Yes Please
Wow. This phone looks a bit special!
wow I want one
looks great
Looks fab! I need to get one
Samsung bring the best Technology
Average phone, body of the phone looks pretty cheap, camera is dated, depends on final price how interesting it’ll be for public. But don’t think it’ll have many buyers.
Woops, I meant awesome phone, let me win!!!!!
Not normally a fan of Samsung phones but this one seems good.
Mates would be jelouse if i had this phone, certainly turn a few heads. Samsung seem to be putting together some very nice mobiles.
Perfect for work and great for keeping in touch with friends too.
What a smart looking phone
looks brill
awesome
POPTABUOLOUS……….
Nice bit of kit… well done samsung!
love this phone – looks great and has all the functions i want
Brilliant Samsung way to go Amazing.
This phone looks amazing a lot better than the one i currently have.
An excellent phone with plenty of features but with somewhat ‘traditional’ styling. It would be nice to see a real ‘wow’ design to match the features!
great phone-i want one
Great stuff! I love it.
I’ve never been a fan of Samsung mobiles – couldn’t get to grips with them at all … but, in light if this review, I think I’ll have another look.
Wow, this phone looks great. My e900 has just died on me (after years of faithful service) and I think I’ve now found a replacement. Can’t wait to get this!
Like someone says in another post, these phones are really slick, too slick. I’ve broke 2 by dropping them. Maybe some rubber on the side would help. Otherwise it looks fantastic.
I like Samsung’s and this one looks great, shame my contracts not up for renewal for 6 months.
Looks good and non-techie friendly
what a fantastic phone cant wait to get one awesome
what a fantastic phone cant wait to get one could awesome
Looks a great phone.
Attractive looking phone. Samsung make quality products at competitive prices.
This phone is cracking. Better than any phone I’ve owned. Ahead of it’s time and it’s competition.
Wow! That phone looks amazing!
Leaving early, running late its the convenient way to communicate. Look good as you go – no hidden expense – Samsung affords confidence. I’ll be using the Samsung Monte for excellence.
looks good – if only i could afford one!
WOW!!!! What a BRILLIANT phone from Samsung, this is a 2010 must have!!!
cool looking phone!!
looks awesome xxxx
hmm.. could be worse
It looks nice. Samsung have got a winner here. But, will it be as good as it looks? I guess I will find out- when I win.
like me it is..slim,easy to handle,and looks prety good too..
Great looking phone, will consider replacing my blackberry with this as it has all the functions and more.
Does it make calls well? After all, isn’t that what a phone is for?
Wow, the phone looks great, may actually trade in my Nokia for this one now!
Looks like a cracking phone!Liking these feature phones with all the widgets and stuff
Beautiful instrument!
Just what I need.
No fear of losing this phone
splendid and tremendous!
Looks a fantastic phone, like the colours,and its a Samsung
i like the look of the samsung my girlfriend and i both have samsungs its a name u can trust
Have been looking for a phone that rivals the iphone and I reckon that this could be it!
I can put all my other toys back in the draw now
fantastic fabulous fone
superb samsung again
Awesomesauce!
Nice
looks like a nice phone, but will is it better than the iphone.
looks great! and got all the bells amd whistles
Looks like a great handset, big fan of samsung products.
A beautiful piece of design – would be nice to use.
Looks good
Looks like a great phone!
Looks ok spec-wise, not convinced by the design though
The Samsung phones always look stylish.
looking for an up grade would be ahppy to own one of these.
love the slimness and The bold paintwork, samsung is a brand i trust, a great home pc in my pocket..
Like a lot of phones it looks good but does it perform up to its spec??? Only time will tell. Hope they have improved from the TOCCO’s poor performance. Still looks good though!!!
Samsung has gotten so cool
Looks like a good phone. Not fond of the video though, it was a bit strange..
megapixels only 3,come on samsung
I might well get one, looks good
I’m a samsung person through and through .Looks like a great phone
on my 6th samsung phone atm looking like this will be number 7
this is a stylish piece of equipment, well done
some nice ideas but it doesnt have a high enough spec list for me.
Looks really really nice, can’t wait to get my hands on it
Love samsung phones.. would not have any other
wow looking fab hope i get 1 for my anniversary
great phone,really cool
Nice price, veryt smart!
Once again Samsung have come up with a top phone.The music player has brillant sound like found on any good mp3 player,the phone its self is very stylish and certain not a phone your be ashamed to take out of your pocket.
Also its great for social networking whilst on the move.
Only downside I’d say was the 3mp camera if your looking for a phone with a camera for top notich photos,but then at the end of the day its a phone and not a camera,and you wouldn’t expect to make calls on your camera!
i hope he buys it for me !!
Another good phone from Samsung
please enter me in this competition. thankyou
This phone is awesome !!!!!!!!
would love to own one of these phones,been thinking about a new one for while,this would fit the bill nicely.
Looks cool, cant wait to buy one
Sorry still the Iphone for me not my cup of tea
Looks like a great phone, nice design. Would be nicer to see a better camera though
Looks like a great phone…have always been a Nokia fan myself, but this will get me to look at Samsung when my upgrade is due!!!
wow this looks great!! Samsung have got some great phones coming out soon, and my contract ends in a month.MMMMMMMM
That is a nice looking phone.
Stunning sensual sensational SAMSUNG!!!!!!!!!!
Looks brilliant!
Technology at its best moving with the times!
Nice design.
Amazing phone. i gotta have it!!!
Want one
Fab phone..just as I needed a one, along comes this sleek little number
Its slim and lightweight, will fit nicely in my shirt pocket this summer.
Samsung provide another winning model
This looks great – Samsung has great reliability too!
Looks like a great phone.
Looks like a great phone, would be better if the megapixels were higher on the camera
Looks slick, samsung needs to seriously consider android though…
Its ok – not what i’m after, i’ll be waiting for the WAve or X10 maybe a htc one im undecided but i wish they would do this kind of funky design on one of those
Looks like a good phone for the youngsters, i bet i’d turn a few heads using that bright thing!
I like this phone, i like the monitor, i like Samsung
Looking Good – Even better if i get a monitor! haha
Cool Phone, Love Samsung they never let me down.
Haha transformer in your pocket!
Impressive stuff – Not good enough to beat the iPhone though
Cool Video – I want one!
Looks like a solid phone. I’d like to give it a whirl!
I agree with Alan – samsung always make good looking phones!
This looks like a cool phone
wow this looks great!! Samsung have got some great phones coming out soon, and my contract is up!! brilliant!!
Great stuff, I cant wait to get my hands on it.
This is a great looking phone, as always Samsung impress with us great looking handsets and this handset as the looks backed up with great features.
nice phone! I think i shall be purchasing this phone! I wna be a phone tester??
Looks fantastic I hope it’s the right price!!
I agree
I’m a samsung person through and through – really hope it is as good as it looks!!!!!
Looking good – like the colours, it’s like a grown up version of the genio!
Finally, a mid-range touchscreen with high end connectivity options. Thank you Samsung!
Wow, impressive phone
Nice looking sleek phone. Samsung are very good at making very attractive phones. I just wish all companies – including Samsung – would realise that these phones are very slick but also are very slippery in your hand. Therefore design them with a more grippy feel!
slim,easy to handle,and looks prety good,,
Looking forward to test this phone myself, looks amazing!
Smashing phone, I would recommend.
Looks like a great phone – the Video is awesome too!