Samsung Memoir Review: Main Specifications, Design, Build Quality and Ergonomics

Written by: sammy • Edited by: Simon Hill
Updated May 19, 2010

The Samsung Memoir is the latest multimedia phone for US markets integrated with an 8 megapixel camera, powerful xenon flash and 16x digital zoom. Here is a look at its main specifications, looks, design and ergonomics.

Main Specifications of Samsung Memoir

Screen: 3.1 inch TFT touchscreen with 262k colors at a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels

Wi-Fi: No

GPS: Yes with Assisted GPS

Bluetooth: Yes, v2.0 with A2DP

Camera: 8 megapixel camera with Xenon flash

Battery: Standard Lithium-Ion battery with a capacity of 1000 mAh (Rated talk time of 5.5 hours and stand-by time of 300 hours)

Dimensions: 106 x 53.6 x 14 mm

Weight: 125 grams

Price: USD 499.99 (Available with T-Mobile 2-year contract plan for $199.99)

Image of Samsung Memoir

click to enlarge

Design
Rating

The Samsung Memoir adopts a sleek candy bar form factor and almost looks like a digital camera. The design is simple and the front panel is dominated by a 3.1 inch TFT touchscreen followed by three calling keys at the bottom. The back panel holds the camera assembly and most of the keys are located on both sides. The dimensions are almost similar to that of the Samsung Pixon but unlike its predecessor it is not curved and has quite attractive sharp edges. Once you hold it in your hands you will feel that it is lightweight and very easy to grip. Despite its bulgy shape (because of the camera assembly on the back panel), the phone weighs only 125 grams and will fit in your pockets comfortably. The model that I got a hold of for my review was grayish black in color with a beautiful touch of silver on both sides.

Build Quality
Rating

The phone is strongly built with the best quality hard plastic material with a faux leather finish providing a solid grip and durability. Like all other Samsung phones, build quality is impressive and of the highest standards. The outer casing is double sided with a raised strip at the bottom of the camera assembly for solid finger grip. The camera lens is protected by an automatic cover that opens only when the camera is initiated.

Ergonomics
Rating

The entire front panel is covered by a large 3.1 inch TFT touchscreen followed by three calling keys (talk, back and end) at its bottom. You won't miss the camera assembly bulge at the back panel including an 8 megapixel camera along with a xenon flash at its top and a sensor at its left. The right side holds the volume rocker keys at the top also used as zoom keys when the camera is activated, followed by a lock/unlock button that is used to lock the touchscreen. This is followed by a camera shutter key that is used to take pictures and videos. You will notice that the camera keys are very conveniently placed so that you can easily use your index finger to click pictures. On the left side you will find a microSD card slot preinstalled with a 1GB memory card that can be expanded up to 16GB.

Conclusion

The Samsung Memoir is a good looking phone and definitely a head turner with its sleek and attractive design. Despite its solid build quality, the phone is lightweight. You won’t be disappointed by placement of keys either. The keys are very well placed with minimal buttons on the front panel. The rest of the keys are neatly placed on both sides and are easily accessible. The camera assembly is slightly bulky but that can be overlooked because the phone fits into pockets comfortably.