Samsung SCH R500 Hue - Red (Unlocked) Cellular Phone

I bought this phone used. Our account was originally with Alltel, and as long as I keep an Alltel Programmed phone on the account, I can still use the same service I hve had in the past. At some point, I suppose we have no other choice but to shift to Verizon equipment after the buyout, but for now, I am not gonna do that.

Personally I couldn't give a rat's butt about smart features, camera's, MP3 players or any of the other trendy things. My needs dictate the need for great reception in remote areas with long battery life...y'know, that old idea of service and reliability. My favorite old phone was the Nokia 2865i. Had two of them, and loved em for their fantastic reception, long battery life, and the availability of both Bluetooth and wired headsets. These both died, and since they are older models, it is getting harder and harder to find them.

After the last Nokia died, I had a Motorola V3C that was acquired for my daughter. She decided that she didn't want it, so I used it. Motorola, WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?! That thing was nothing short of CRAP! Couldn't hold a charge for more than a few hours, even with the extended life BR56 battery.

Needed an emergency replacement that would not require a contract extension. The wife and daughter have Samsung phones, so I opted for the SCH-U500. I got this used for about $20.00. After using it for a week, I am really impressed with the reception and battery life. Don't know if the camera or the music player work or not, and don't plan to use those features. Why don't manufacturers build solid, reliable products that just work well instead of pandering to kids who pay mega bucks for features they will never use? I can hear the rest of the world laughing at the USA as they enjoy our cash.

I wish the U500 had the capacity for a wired headset, but can live without it. Also the earpiece volume is a little low, but again, can live with it as is.

Samsung, as long as your phones are solid, hold up well, have long life and good reception, I'll keep using them.

With the Samsung Hue R500, we have had one for approx two months prior to writing this Guide(in March 2008). We have been pretty impressed so far. Its the perfect size, offers good reception and sound, is BlueTooth Compatible, GPS Capable, offers a Digital Camera, and EASILY connects as a modem to the internet, to run your laptop as wireless internet from ANYWHERE.

The Pros outweigh the Cons. The Cons include: no Sync software was included from the manufacturer(and is currently pricey online), cannot transfer pics and such to your laptop without purchasing higher-dollar Sync software(which ranges anywhere from $40.00 online/eBay, to $79.99 from your provider), the camera doesnt offer a flash of any kind which makes picture taking much more difficult and the camera needs time to "focus" before pictures can be captured, it doesnt save very many text messages(at all)/programs/etc even with the optional memory card. As for Syncing to your computer/transferring data/pics, simply purchasing a Data-Cable WILL NOT do. We have tried everything, and even installed/tried many different drivers, and one last thing is that it only comes with two different colored faceplates from the manufacturer(even though the box shows four). Keep in mind when using this as a Modem, that the time used may calculate as MINUTES from your provider, unless your have them list it as a SmartPhone on a Data Plan. One other CON is that it is a standard phone, without Windows Mobile, so the program/setting options are limited.

The Pros: Good sound and reception, good sized display screens, can EASILY act as a Modem for your laptop via USB and a data cable, the modem software is eaily accessible online and the modem works almost flawlessly without much interuption(can be added to any SmartPhone account via your provider), the faceplates/accessories are currently commonly available online/eBay at GREAT PRICES, the Car Charger can currently be found in most stores/gas stations for as little as $4.99. If you're currently on a Data Plan, purchase this phone and have a data cable, you can use it as a modem and have your laptop/home PC on the internet within minutes. You'll need a Data Plan with your provider to run wireless internet, or have the Hue added onto an existing DataPlan/SmartPhone account. Even though it is "not" a SmartPhone, our provider(Alltel) had to program our Cellular Account to reflect it as one in order for the internet to be unlimited, without using plan minutes. As for accessories, there are currently 1000's of choices to pick from in regards to faceplate colors/designs.

Overall, we've been happy with our Hue. The camera not having a flash is probably one of the biggest faults that we can find with it. Other than that, it works great, and allows us to use another laptop anywhere we want, be it on the road or around the house. For the money, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

We write all of our Guides & Reviews with the eBay Buyer in mind, to help you make the most informed buying decisions. We hope you found this Review HELPFUL! If you did, please click YES below, just to let us know it helped.

We offer hundreds of Reviews & Guides on eBay, for you to browse at your convenience! eBay Reviews & Guides is the BEST PLACE to find the most current information/ratings on new and old products, to inform Buyers about products prior to purchase, and even after the purchase! We hope they help! Have a Great Day!! CHAOTICZ Specialties

Guide Written 3/21

After Verizon bought Alltel in my area I was glad to know that I didn't have to change my equipment. I don't use Text, I don't use voice mail, I use my phone for what it is... a device used to communicate using speech. Alltel had some of the most bland looking phones, also they had only about 8 different types of phones that were not "Smart" phones and as I stated I don't use any features except "Talking". The best phone that Alltel ever sold is the Samsung Hue. When I got mine they had a BOGO so I got 2. After dropping the first in a bucket of water I activated the 2nd one, it served me well for almost 2 yrs. I have had cell phones since Bag phones that I used to carry with a big battery pack and when in my car I hooked it up to a mounting plate on the floor of my car so I've had my share of cell phones since they came out and I can say that this phone is the best looking with the best screen size and ease of use of any of the 10 plus phones I've owned over the years. As of 12 months ago I have been without a Contract as my Alltel one has expired. I don't want to change the phone I use so I am staying with my Samsung Hue until I can't buy them any more and then I'll go to a Pay As You Go Service like Boost when these Samsung phones is no longer available. Take a look at the Samsung Hue (not the Hue 2 but the Hue) and see if you don't think it's a very nice looking phone. I choose the Red color because I have very bad vision and it's easy to spot when I search for it among the stacks of paper on my desk. It's to late to buy one unless your a Alltel customer that is still without a contract with who ever bought Alltel out in your area, but if your one of the lucky ones like me.... get your hands on one and you will see what I mean....

My first observation is the solid feel, the metallic skin certainly adds to this. It's well balanced in the hand, open and closed, and the hinge feels solid.

Buttons

The buttons are RAZR-esque, however, the Samsung Hue has somewhat greater tactical distance upon depression - so you actually feel like you like pushing a button.

Interface

I am adjusting to the Samsung interface. My last Samsung was a Samsung X-427, about four years ago. A few quirks, but nothing to complain about.

Camera

Not as grainy as I had predicted. It lacks a flash, but does well in low-light nonetheless.

I wish manufacturers would get away from mirrors near camera lenses, they've been made too small to be useful, as if they ever really were useful, you know?

Speed

Web-browsing is quick and this is my first experience with Alltel's Cell Top. After deleting a number of useless Cell Top 'Cells' (think Vista gadgets or OS X widgets), I warmed up to it. Beware downloading the upgraded Celltop application, it will reset all of your Cell settings.


PROS

Solid, balanced feel
Excellent call quality and very good speakerphone
Quick web browsing and Cell Top turns out to be handy
Fair camera quality
Customizable face and battery plates
LED outside panel actually turns out to be pretty sleek

CONS

As far as I've been able to tell, it's impossible to configure what the directional pad keys do at the main screen. I would prefer that down take me to my contacts, it's an old habit.

You have to go into message settings to specify you want T9 as the default for composing messages.

I bought this phone from the cell phone company with a rebate offer. I really wanted a different phone, but I got this one on the suggestion from the cell phone sales person. I had doubts. But this phone has met my expections completely. I really like the small screen on the front of the phone that shows who is calling before you actually open the phone. The small screen also shows the time with out having to open; this feature is also great. It gets pretty good signal. I have only had a few problems getting a signal when in big grocery stores or in a factory. The picture feature works good. For the most part I get good pictures for a cell phone. But there is no flash for the pictures, so you have to make sure the lighting in the room is right.

However, this phone only has the 10 digit key pad. So if you are into texting a lot, it can take some time. I text often, but only keep it to short messages, due to not having a full key pad for texting.

I will tell you to becarefull around moist, damp, or wet places. My husband was riding his motorcycle in a rain storm, and left the phone in one of the puches in the bike. Eventhough, it did not get wet, the moisture in the air damaged the phone. When we sent it back to the company, they said it had water damage. That would be the only caustion I would have.

Overall, I really like the phone. I have not had any problems. I have even dropped it a few times, and it still works good.

Hope this review helps!!!! A great buy for my money.