Review: Samsung Droid Charge
Like the HTC Thunderbolt, the Samsung Droid Charge is absolutely ginormous. At 5.1 inches by 2.66 inches by 0.46 inches (0.59 at thickest part), the Charge is a full-on whopper of a handset. Given the sheer size, it is surprisingly light. The Charge is not a phone for small hands (or small pockets). I had a hard time getting the Charge to rest comfortably in my palm. Using it definitely evoked nightmares of my high school calculus class. Yes, Texas Instruments, the Charge reminds me of your massive calculators.
Samsung has adorned the Charge in trappings similar to its Galaxy S kin — that is to say, the plastics that make up the Charge's skin are smooth, shiny, and slippery. The feel of the plastic doesn't sit well with me. It's so smooth and slippery as give off the impression that the skin has been well oiled in time for some sun the beach. It also has a V-shaped chin and semi-rounded off shoulders that give it a science fiction look. You almost expect to receive phone calls from Flash Gordon.
The Charge is one of the first devices from Samsung to stretch its signature “Super AMOLED” display all the way up to 4.3 inches. With so much space dedicated to the display, Samsung had little room for much else on the front of the Charge. There are four physical buttons tucked into the chin for the standard Android controls. Having real buttons that your thumb can feel is refreshing, even if it clutters up what would otherwise be a clean face.
Samsung positioned the volume toggle on the left side of the Charge. The toggle feels slightly rubbery, which prevents your thumb from sliding right off it. The travel and feedback were both good.
The power/lock key is on the right side of the Charge, which is where Samsung typically puts it. I prefer the power/lock key to be on the top of the device, but the Charge's button is easy to find and use. Below it, the Charge has a microHDMI port. It is covered by a hatch that is easily removed. The 3.5mm headset jack is on the top of the Charge, right where I like it to be.
To access the battery, SIM card and microSD card slot, the battery cover needs to be removed. It pops loose with just a little effort from a thumbnail. The Charge has a 1600mAh battery, and both the SIM card and microSD slot can be accessed without yanking the battery out.
Samsung Droid Charge
