Samsung Messager II SCH-R560 (MetroPCS)
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: SCHR560TSAM
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- With definite advantages over its predecessor, the Samsung Messager II is a solid addition to MetroPCS and Cricket lineups.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy Authorized store |  | See Site | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
  | ||||
CNET editors' review
Samsung Messager II SCH-R560 (MetroPCS) price range: $149.99
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 09/10/2009
- Updated on:09/25/2009
The good: The Samsung Messager II has an easy-to-use design with a comfortable, tactile keyboard. Its features are functional, and its performance is satisfactory.
The bad: The Messager II's display offers few customization options. The camera lacks a flash and self-portrait mirror and we don't like the placement of the soft keys on the keyboard.
The bottom line: With definite advantages over its predecessor, the Samsung Messager II is a solid addition to MetroPCS and Cricket lineups.
When we saw the Samsung Messager earlier this year, we thought that it was an adequate messaging phone, but we were disappointed it didn't offer much else. Fortunately, Samsung took a little more care in designing the new Samsung Messager II. With a more appealing design and a stronger feature set, the Messager II, aka the SCH-r560, offers messaging and multimedia in one easy-to-use package. Call quality is decent and the photo quality is good. The Messager is available with both Metro PCS and Cricket Communications. We tested the former, but with the exception of some performance differences, the two handsets will be largely similar. Also, as neither carrier requires contracts you will have to shell out more for the Messager II than you would at a standard carrier. At MetroPCS the price is $149.99, while Cricket charges $129.
Design
The original Messager wasn't unattractive, but we couldn't get over the fact that we thought it looked like a toy. In contrast, the Messager II is larger with a sturdier feel. Its profile and blue-gray color scheme aren't particularly striking, but for what it lacks in pizazz, it makes up for with a bright display and well-designed controls.
The 2.2-inch display supports 262,000 colors. Its graphics and photos are more than presentable, and its colors are bright. It lacks the impact of the some of the higher-resolution displays, but it's a good match on a phone of this caliber. The menus are easy to use as well, and we like the shortcut icons on the standby display. However, we'd prefer to have more controls over which icons we'd like to appear. Also, though you can change the backlighting time, no other display options are customizable.
The Messager II's nifty navigation array is one of its biggest draws. The circular control functions as both a four-way toggle and a scrollwheel. Indeed, we could move our finger all the way around when navigating menus. The control in the middle of the toggle opens the menu when in standby mode and functions as an OK key when inside menu pages. Its remaining controls are spacious and tactile. You'll also find two soft keys, a speakerphone shortcut, a clear button, and the Talk and End/power controls.
Below the phone controls is the standard numeric keypad. The keys are flush, but you have enough space for dialing and even texting. The individual buttons are also separated from each other, though the numbers on the keys are somewhat small. Users with visual impairments should test the phone before buying it.
A volume rocker and the microSD card slot are on the left spine, while the camera shutter and the Micro-USB port are on the right spine. The latter is used to connect a USB data cable and the charger. On the top of the phone is the 3.5-millimeter headset jack--that's a nice touch on a music phone. The camera lens and speaker sit on the back of the handset. The Messager II lacks a flash and a self-portrait mirror.
To find the Messager II's keyboard, just tip the phone to the left and slide up the top face. The slider mechanism is neither too stiff nor too loose--you can open and close it with one hand and it clicks into place at either end. The display will rotate to landscape mode when opening the keyboard, though the Messager II doesn't have an accelerometer. The keys are flat, but the keyboard's spacious layout makes it easy to use and comfortable. What's more, the top row of keys is not too close to the bottom of the sliding face.
The large space bar is conveniently positioned in the center of the bottom row. On its left side, you'll find the messaging shortcut and the shift and function keys. On its right side are the arrow directional buttons. As on many messaging handsets, the numbers share space with letters and symbols. We didn't like that the soft keys are at either end of the bottom row. Though they're a different color, they are a long way from the corresponding commands on the display. Also, though the buttons are backlit, they numbers are difficult to see on the sliver keys.
Features
The Messager II has a 1,000-contact phone book with room in each entry for five phone numbers and an e-mail address. You can save callers to groups and you can pair them with a photos and one of 13 polyphonic ringtones. Other essentials include a vibrate mode, text and multimedia messaging, an alarm clock, a calculator, a calendar, a tip calculator, a voice recorder, a world clock, a stop watch, a unit and currency converter, and a notepad.
Beyond the basics, the Messager II has Bluetooth with a file transfer profile, voice commands and voice dialing, USB support, and can run a handful of applications including Loopt, MetroNavigator, Mobile IM, @Metro e-mail, premium directory assistance, Pocket Express, and MetroBackup. Your exact selection will vary by carrier. The handset also supports additional content downloads through the WAP Web browser and MetroWeb. The Messager II has 40MB of internal memory, but you get additional storage with an external memory card.
The 2-megapixel camera takes pictures in five resolutions, from 1,600x1,200 pixels down to 176x144 pixels. Other editing options include five quality settings, four color tones, an adjustable ISO, a night mode, a self-timer, three white balance settings, spot metering, series and mosaic shot modes, a digital zoom, and adjustable brightness. Its camcorder options are similar, though not as plentiful. Clips meant for multimedia messages are capped at 30 seconds, but you can record video for a much longer time in standard mode.
When finished shooting, you can save videos to the phone's internal memory, or you can transfer them off the handset in a multimedia message or via the memory card. Its photo quality was quite good for a 2-megapixel shooter. Our photos showed natural colors and not too much noise. Lighting was a bit tricky--either too much or not enough--but that's expected on a camera phone. Its video quality was just average.
The Messager II's music player is standard for a Samsung device. The interface is simple and easy to use, and the scroll wheel is convenient for scanning through a long list of songs. The player supports album art and even lyrics for some songs. You also can set an equalizer visualization. Additional features include playlists and shuffle and repeat modes. However, its music quality isn't great over the external speakers, so we suggest using a headset.
You can personalize the Messager II with wallpaper, alert tones, and a banner. Additional customization options and more ringtones are available. The handset doesn't come with any games.
Performance
We tested the dual-band (CDMA 800/1,900; AWS) Samsung Messager II SCH-r560 in San Francisco using MetroPCS' service. Call quality was mostly satisfactory. We enjoyed clear conversations with enough volume and little static or interference. Voices sounded mostly natural, through there occasionally was a robotic effect on our end. It wasn't a big deal, but it was there. Its speakerphone calls were loud and relatively clear.
On their end, callers reported few problems beyond some background noise. Most of our callers were satisfied with the voice quality. They could tell that we were using a cell phone, but that's a common experience. If we were in a loud place, we had to speak at a loud volume to be understood. Calls to automated systems were fine, but we had to be inside. Bluetooth headset calls with the phone were decent.
The Messager II has a rated battery life of 4 hours talk time and 12.5 hours standby time. in our tests, we found that the Messager II has a rather short talk time of 3 hours and 1 minute. According to FCC radiation tests, the Messager II has a SAR of 1.10 watts per kilogram.
User reviews
-
-
Amazing Budget Phone!
by ty407 on October 21, 2009
Pros: Better qwerty than the original Messager
Great camera
Video recording (finally!)
Good music player
Good speakerphone
Calls sound crisp & clearCons: Limited in terms of phone customization (Can only change wallpaper, ringtones & sound levels).
Can't play streaming videos on Metropcs' i-net! (ughhh)Summary: I've had this phone for a month now and i absolutely love it. Huge upgrade from the messager I (which i owned). Has a great 2.0 megapixel cam (...
Summary: I've had this phone for a month now and i absolutely love it. Huge upgrade from the messager I (which i owned). Has a great 2.0 megapixel cam (Versus 1.3 on the original), plus a camcorder.
Picture quality is great. Camcorder quality is decent, but still records better than most budget phones. Pic cam has nice features, such as mosaic shots (to customize pics) and 3 multi-shot options (to take multiple pics at once) Qwerty keyboard makes txting and browsing the internet a breeze! keys are alot spaced out better than the original messager. speakerphone sounds great, unlike other budge phones.
Music player plays songs loud and clear. Can make songs ringtones. With a microsd card, you can play movies that have been formatted for 3g & 3gp2. Only drawbacks are not being able to stream videos online, due to metropcs' work in progress internet, and limited phone customization (Can only change wallpaper, ringtones and adjust sound levels). But overall, i definitely recommend this phone to anyone who's looking for a good phone under $200.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
I Love IT!! It's Amazing!!!
by pretty_poison03 on September 25, 2009
Pros: Has an awesome camera (2.0MP), *Video Capture, GPS, Email, web, AOL AND Windows Live, Memory card slot is on side of phone, rather than having to remove the battery cover, unlike its predecessor, and typing is a breeze for me with the qwerty pad.
Cons: So far, there is nothing I do not like about this product. I upgraded from previously owning a Samsung slider cell phone, that did WAAY less than this one. Put it like that.
Summary: I didn't even realize the full potential of the $45/month plan on Metro PCS, til I got this phone! I have had the $45 plan for over a ...
Summary: I didn't even realize the full potential of the $45/month plan on Metro PCS, til I got this phone! I have had the $45 plan for over a year, and I wasn't even using HALF the features in that plan. I now own the Samsung Messager II, and I must say, instant messenger, facebooking, and just typing altogether is so much easer, looking back. My old phone had only a numeric keypad. Even on T9mode, typing started to get a little tedious. My new phone also has video capture, a feature that was not on the previous Samsung Messager. I almost got the old one, but something told me to wait. I am so glad I waited! This phone reminds me so much of my LG Chocolate, the phone I had on contract with Verizon before I switched to Unlimited with Metro. The only difference between my Chocolate and my Messager II is the qwerty key pad. It's like a bonus. I also managed to find the 'return' function that everyone had been complaining about. It's been there all along. You just have to go to the symbols, and find it there. It's like an arrow pointing left, like on an 'enter' button on a computer keypad. Anyway, now that I have mastered that, I'm unstoppable. It took a night or so to get used to the fact that I now have a qwerty keypad, but I love it now. I seriously can't keep my hands off it. When I purchased my phone I also got an 8GB memory card. Yes, it can take 8gigs. I think it may even be able to hold up to 16, but I have not tried it yet. The memory card was free with mine because of a special deal that was given to me. Everything is so easy to use. But maybe that's just me. I'm 23, and pretty savvy with most gadgets. If you're trying to get a great phone, that's sporty, and is also reasonably priced, the Samsung Messager II would be the way to go. Plus, the features pay for themselves, if you get the $45 plan. You will be sure to get the best use of it with this plan. Trust me, I had NO idea what I was missing out on!! Go buy it!! Now!!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
easy to use, fast, fun, convenient, sturdy, fantastic!
by heavensweetbliss on November 22, 2009
Pros: I love this phone!!!
It is very, very convenient for my lifestyle.
Great Camera! Speakerphone is loud and clear! Keyboard is genius!
Internet is fast and easy to use!
It is as if this phone was made just for me!
Cricket seems to always get better!Cons: For people that don't use their fingernails or small parts of their fingers the top buttons would be too small.
The screen is too small for those that don't have about perfect eyesight.
There are few display/ringtone options available.Summary: This is just the perfect phone for me. I am not really into ringtones, games, etc..... just mostly phone for business, internet for news & email and camera.
I would ...Summary: This is just the perfect phone for me. I am not really into ringtones, games, etc..... just mostly phone for business, internet for news & email and camera.
I would also like to add that when I hold the phone in my hand it fits perfectly. I have problems with my hands sometimes if something is a little heavy or flimsy. It is also made Sturdy and not at all like a cheap plastic. A very nice phone!!!
I always seem to end up with a Samsung and they always last years for me.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
samsung, you've done it again!
by loowkey on December 8, 2009
Pros: excellent camera, good video recorder, qwerty, thread texting, nice call quality, great speakers for playing music
Cons: keyboard takes a little getting used to.
Summary: another great messaging phone from samsung. this phone just about does it all. the keyboard does take some getting used to, but once mastered it becomes a breeze. only thing ...
Summary: another great messaging phone from samsung. this phone just about does it all. the keyboard does take some getting used to, but once mastered it becomes a breeze. only thing holding it back is it's not a touch screen, but for a messaging phone this is one of the best out for the price. recommended for avid texters and people who like nice, crisp call quality.
-
SUCKS DO NOT BUY
by CamiloBautista92 on December 5, 2009
Pros: Good battery life. Good camera. clear sound. good reception Awesome phone...... if it worked
Cons: It shuts off randomly. If I try to send a text message it turns off. the qwerty keyboard is to small. The keyboard randomly lock into symbol mode. software has a lot of glitches (text messes up to where you cant read anything on the screen.) SUCKS
Summary: I HATE this phone because if I try to use the BASIC features on it such as sending text messages the stupid thing will just freeze. If I try to ...
Summary: I HATE this phone because if I try to use the BASIC features on it such as sending text messages the stupid thing will just freeze. If I try to open a picture message it shuts on and off everytime I click on the file. This is THE SECOND PHONE that I have of the same kind. I bought the first phone brand new and 2 days later it started messing up. I went to mertro pcs to get a new one and they charged me 10 dollars to exchange it under the manufacturers warranty the second one has the same exact problems. WORST PHONE I HAVE EVER HAD. WOULD NOT RECOMEND IT TO MY WORST ENEMI.
-
love it! couldn't be happier
by mjames-1 on November 20, 2009
Pros: everything about it is great!
Cons: not a thing!
Summary: this phone beats my old kyocera by a long shot. good cam, records vids, wonderful keypad, what more can you ask for?
Summary: this phone beats my old kyocera by a long shot. good cam, records vids, wonderful keypad, what more can you ask for?
-
This phone has all i need!!
by flickwick on November 18, 2009
Pros: Screen size ; keyboard; video and music player
Cons: cant change the themes and feature menu
Summary: I love this phone. I was looking for a phone with a keyboard because everyone i know texts and i was told that its faster. I have metro so i ...
Summary: I love this phone. I was looking for a phone with a keyboard because everyone i know texts and i was told that its faster. I have metro so i have limited options in a phone but i was shocked by this phone. It has a great camera and good video recorder, i found it easy to use right out the box. i did have to read about the function in the keyboard but from what i have been told the function is pretty standard for a qwerty phone( i keep forgetting to change back to letter) I also love that the screen glass covers the entire top of the phone and larger size. I found that the click wheel dial easy to use. my last phone was a samsung myshot so the menu is the same so no trouble there. I don't like the fact that there are no extra themes and limited in that preset pictures ( i think there are 5). the speaker phone is the easiest thing to ues you can either press the button or just slide it up. I paid about $140 for my samsung my shot and $160 at best buy for the messengerII so for 20 dollars i got a better camera; a video camera; mp3 player a louder and better speaker phone; a qwerty keyboard; and its 3g(for when metro goes there). I think that this is best phone metro has that is not a smart phone and its at at a great price
-
cool phone
by -ronnyjay- on November 1, 2009
Pros: Cam, keypad, nice looking
Cons: The keypad does take some getting used to
Summary: I've had this phone a week and had to adjust a little to pressing a separate button just to get to certain symbols like @, #. But other than that, this ...
Summary: I've had this phone a week and had to adjust a little to pressing a separate button just to get to certain symbols like @, #. But other than that, this phone has been such a surprise. I'm really pleased with it.
-
i love my phone!!
by tkmartin on October 31, 2009
Pros: everything about it is great!
Cons: can't think of a single thing i don't like!
Summary: omg, i really LOVE this phone!! it beats my old krzr which i had on tmobile. no more contracts for me! i get unlimited everything on metro. i love the ...
Summary: omg, i really LOVE this phone!! it beats my old krzr which i had on tmobile. no more contracts for me! i get unlimited everything on metro. i love the keypad. i'ma super texter, so having a good one was a must for me! :D
-
Phone is pretty damn good
by nyc4lyfe on October 31, 2009
Pros: good call quality
good cam
nice video quality
great keyboard
easy to use menu
loud speakerphone
can make song ringtonesCons: can upload videos to youtube but can't watch videos on there :(
Summary: phone is pretty awesome for $200. it has a nice music player, nice keyboard. calls sound nice and clear. my only qualm is not being able to watch videos on ...
Summary: phone is pretty awesome for $200. it has a nice music player, nice keyboard. calls sound nice and clear. my only qualm is not being able to watch videos on youtube. yet, for some reason you can STILL upload stuff on there. pretty strange. hopefully metropcs resolves that issue. other than that, phone is great!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: SCHR560TSAM
- Description: The Samsung Messager II is a cooler and more powerful texting powerhouse than the original. Packed inside this sleek device - along with a full, slide-out QWERTY keyboard - is a 2.0-megapixel camera and camcorder, an MP3 player with expandable memory, a fast moving WAP browser, stereo Bluetooth Wireless technology and a lot of style. Get the message?
General
- Product Type Cellular phone
Product series
-
Samsung Messager II SCH-R560 (MetroPCS)
Manufacturer: Samsung
Specs:
-
Samsung Messager II SCH-R560 (Cricket)
Manufacturer: Samsung
Specs:
Manufacturer info
- Samsung
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.samsungusa.com/
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-messager-ii-sch/4014-6454_9-33770603.html){kind=small}