Hands on: Samsung Focus 2 for AT&T
updated 07:17 pm EDT, Mon May 7, 2012
New Windows Phone targets budget market
AT&T held a special event in New Orleans to detail its home automation and security system, however the carrier also brought along Samsung's Focus 2. Electronista had a chance to try out the company's latest Windows Phone device, which represents the third model to feature the Focus label and the carrier's first to be equipped with an LTE radio for 4G data speeds.
We usually talk about the price last, but the Focus 2's $50 price tag clearly differentiates the target market from the Focus S, which costs $200, and the Focus Flash, which costs a mere $0.99. Despite the significant price cut, the Focus 2 approaches the Focus S features with a four-inch AMOLED display, five-megapixel camera and front-facing VGA shooter.
The Focus 2, weighing in at a scant 4.3 ounces, does not feel quite like a high-end smartphone, though we've handled plenty of cheaper-feeling phones that costs four times as much. The device brings a white housing, contrasting with the other Focus models and maintaining an attractive appearance that many potential buyers will appreciate.
As we've mentioned before, the basic AMOLED display brings out vibrant colors despite its PenTile pixel design that makes small text appear slightly fuzzy. The Focus 2 also shrinks the display size down to four inches, slightly smaller than the 4.3-inch panel of the Focus S but still larger than many entry-level handsets.
Overall, we feel that the Focus 2 is an excellent device for the price. Both Samsung and AT&T appear to be rethinking their Windows Phone strategy, aiming the new model at the entry-level market rather than attempting to compete solely in the high-end range among many well-designed Android handsets and the iPhone.
