We're really at a toss-up with the Samsung Focus 2. We find ourselves reluctant to fall in love with the current crop of devices as the next version of Windows Phone looms ever closer, but geez does the Focus 2 tug on our geeky heartstrings. When it comes down to it, we feel like Samsung is playing love games with us on this one. You've now got a $50 option for an LTE-capable Windows Phone that can outlive the batteries of the $100 Lumia 900 and $200 Titan II and outperform at least one on audio quality, marred by a PenTile display, a paltry 6.51GB of user-accessible and non-expandable storage, and slow LTE speeds. Furthermore, the overall package doesn't serve as a compelling upgrade from even the earlier Focus models unless your heart is set on LTE and tethering. Every day that we get closer to Apollo it gets harder to recommend the likes of the Lumia 900 and the HTC Titan II on AT&T's network, making the lower-tiered Focus 2 an even harder sell. There's no question that the Focus 2 is a solid little handset, but we also have no doubt that when faced with a two-year agreement the Lumia 900 is still the best bang for your buck if you can pony up the extra $50. Read more...
If you've been searching high and low for a bundle of Windows Phone value, the Focus 2 is Samsung's AT&T LTE answer both to T-Mobile's Nokia Lumia 710 and also to its own Focus Flash. The specs hold their own for a midlevel or entry-level smartphone, with a better-than-average screen and camera (especially when you increase the sharpness) and extras like a front-facing camera. I won't blame you one bit if the low price tips your decision in the phone's favor. Just keep in mind that at times, you can see the trade-offs Samsung made to keep the phone within range of the offer, like a smaller memory store and a slippy finish. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Focus 2, but would steer away those who yearn for marathon battery life and top-of-the-line camera quality. Read more...
If you have more money to spend and aren't devoted to Windows Phone, our current Editors' Choice on AT&T is the HTC One X ($199.99, 4.5 stars), which offers faster LTE speeds, a dual-core processor, a gorgeous 4.7-inch high-definition display, and the latest version of Android, although it's a significantly larger phone. Finally, if you want something small but powerful, the Apple iPhone 4S ($199.99, 4 stars) has the best multimedia and third-party apps you can get, although it lacks LTE data speeds and has a smaller (if sharper) 3.5-inch screen. Both the iPhone and One X offer 1080p video recording and have superior cameras too. Read more...
For $49, the Samsung Focus 2 is a pretty good deal, offering a slick interface, solid performance and 4G LTE speeds. Android fans, however, should stick with the $29 Pantech Burst, which also has 4G LTE and offers access to lots more apps. And for $49 on Amazon, those who prefer a Windows Phone can walk away with the more stylish Nokia Lumia 900, which has a better Carl Zeiss camera and a larger AMOLED screen. The Focus 2 is a solid choice for shoppers looking for a compact smartphone that's easy to use, but there's nothing here that really stands out. Read more...
The Samsung Focus 2 is a very tidy device, and currently the cheapest phone on AT&T to combine LTE and Windows Phone 7. Anyone who purchases it won’t be disappointed, especially those who require long battery life. That said, if a great camera or a big, high-res screen are in your list of must-haves, look elsewhere. Read more...