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Review: Samsung Sidekick 4G

Form Basics Extras Wrap-Up Comments 7

Media Camera Photos/Video Browse/Customize Extras

Apps

The Sidekick 4G has a number of interesting apps installed. For example, DriveSmart is on there. DriveSmart lets account holders control the Sidekick 4G's behavior when it senses that the device is in a moving car. In other words, look out, teens, your parents might use this software to prevent you from texting and driving. The Sidekick 4G also has ThinkFree Office, Qik's video chatting software, Google Latitude, and a Diary application.

Bluetooth

The Sidekick 4G supports mono and stereo Bluetooth headsets. I had no trouble pairing with either. Sound quality through mono headphones was very good. Quality through stereo headphones was also very good. I was also able to pair it with my computers and other handsets for sharing images, etc.

Clock

The Sidekick 4G has a funky spelled-out clock that's plastered on the lock screen. To be honest, it takes some getting used to. It takes your brain longer to process "Three Forty-Seven" than it does to process "3:47." It doesn't help that the clock text is angled, and set in different font sizes. As for viewability, it really depends on the theme you choose. Oddly, I was unable to find a way to adjust the clock on the home screen. It is what it is. The time shows up as normal in the status bar at the top of the screen.

GPS

The Sidekick 4G offers two options for directions: Google Maps and TeleNav. I enjoy Google Maps and think it does a great job of providing directions. TeleNav is a solid alternative, though T-Mobile charges $10 per month for its use. Both will get you from here to there with no problems. The TeleNav app also offers voice commands.

Next page: Wrap-Up

We spent some time with the new Samsung Sidekick 4G for T-Mobile. It does have a Sidekick feel to it, and some interface changes that make it quite different than most Android phones.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G Boasts Group Text, 21Mbps HSPA+

Mar 14, 2011
T-Mobile and Samsung today announced the Sidekick 4G, a new generation of the Sidekick family that retains the Sidekick's defining characteristics while also breaking new ground. The Sidekick 4G keeps the familiar hardware design with pop-up 3.5-inch touch screen and five-row QWERTY keyboard, but it runs Android 2.2 Froyo with a number of customizations by Samsung and T-Mobile.

T-Mobile Version of Qik Updated with Better Privacy Controls

Jul 15, 2011
Qik today announced an update to its video chatting client for T-Mobile Android devices. The most significant change to the software is enhanced privacy controls.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G Supports Mobile Hotspot and Tethering

Mar 16, 2011
Samsung has confirmed to Phone Scoop via email a few unannounced features of the Sidekick 4G. It supports both mobile hotspot and tethering for broadband data, as well as microSD cards (ships with 2GB card, has 1GB built-in).

Samsung Expands Mid-Range Lineup with Galaxy A35 5G

Apr 18, 2024
Samsung is bringing more mid-range phones to the US this year with the introduction of the Galaxy A35 5G. Samsung brought the Galaxy A32 5G to the US in late 2021, but the A33 and A34 skipped the US.

Samsung Sidekick 4G

3.5" display 480 x 800 pixels
Samsung Hummingbird Cortex A8 processor
Memory Card Slot, Hardware Text Keyboard, Headphone Jack (3.5mm)

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