Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G T699 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G T699

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G T699 was a notable release in 2012, embodying Samsung's effort to cater to users who preferred a physical QWERTY keyboard integrated into their smartphones. This device gained attention for its unique combination of Android functionalities with a tactile typing experience, which was gradually becoming rare in the smartphone market dominated by touchscreen devices.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G measures 126 x 66 x 13.5 mm with a weight of 147 grams. The dimensions are compact enough for comfortable one-handed use, yet it accommodates a full physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out smoothly. The build quality is robust, and the slider mechanism feels durable. The phone is outfitted with a black finish, contributing to its sleek and professional look.

Display

Equipped with a 4.0-inch Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy S Relay 4G delivers vibrant and sharp visuals with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The display covers approximately 54.8% of the phone's front, offering decent screen real estate suitable for browsing, messaging, and viewing media. The Super AMOLED technology ensures vivid colors and deep blacks, enhancing the overall visual experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and an Adreno 225 GPU. This setup offers reliable performance for various tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, and running apps smoothly on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The inclusion of 1GB RAM aligns with the standards of the time, supporting the phone's multitasking capabilities.

Storage

The phone offers 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via the dedicated microSDHC slot. This additional storage flexibility is beneficial for users who need extra space for apps, music, videos, and other media files.

Camera System

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G is equipped with a 5 MP rear-facing camera with autofocus and LED flash, allowing for decent photography in various lighting conditions. Video recording is supported at 720p@30fps. Additionally, the phone includes a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, which is practical for video calls and basic selfies.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports GSM and HSPA technology, offering robust 2G and 3G connectivity. Users can benefit from high-speed internet browsing with HSPA speeds of up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps. Wireless options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and a hotspot function. Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC capabilities facilitate wireless sharing and connectivity with other devices.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G is powered by a removable 1800 mAh Li-Ion battery, which offers up to 312 hours of standby time and up to 10 hours of talk time. This battery life was competitive at the time, providing users a full day of standard use without the need for frequent recharging.

Additional Features

Additional features include an array of sensors like the accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the device's functionality for various applications and services. Despite its discontinued status, the Galaxy S Relay 4G holds a nostalgic place for users who valued the practicality of a physical keyboard paired with modern smartphone features.