Samsung SGH-T429 (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: T429BLKTMB
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Samsung SGH-T429 performs well, but even with Bluetooth it's a rather unremarkable cell phone.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/01/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Samsung SGH-T429 (T-Mobile) price range: $5.94
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 09/20/2007
The good: The Samsung SGH-T429 offers decent call quality, a tactile keypad, and Bluetooth.
The bad: The Samsung SGH-T429 isn't a true world phone and it can't record video. Also, its speakerphone volume was rather low.
The bottom line: The Samsung SGH-T429 performs well, but even with Bluetooth it's a rather unremarkable cell phone.
If you're a Samsung phone fan, you'd be correct if you thought you'd seen the Samsung SGH-T429 for T-Mobile somewhere before. You have seen it somewhere before, two places to be exact. It inherits its design from the Samsung SGH-D900 and the SGH-T629. Like its predecessors, it offers a thin slider style and a large display. The feature set is somewhat comparable with Bluetooth, a speakerphone, and a voice memo recorder, but the camera resolution is just VGA. Call quality is decent, but on the whole the SGH-T429 is a rather unexciting handset. It's $49 with service. To find accessories for this phone, see our cell phone ringtones and accessories guide.
Design
This isn't the first time Samsung has repurposed a favored thin design. Just look at Alltel's Samsung SCH-R510, which was the third incarnation of that particular design. But even though it's not very original, the SGH-T429 is not unattractive. The slender profile (3.9 by 1.94 by 0.56 inches) remains eye-catching and the metallic blue color is a nice change from the standard black or silver. It's also relatively lightweight and feels comfortable in the hand. The slider mechanism felt a tad loose, but it wasn't a distraction.
Front and center is the two-inch display. It's typical of most Samsung displays in that it shows graphics and colors well, even if it supports just 65,636 hues. The simple menus are clean and user-friendly and aren't burdened by too much Flash animation. You can change the brightness, the backlighting time, and the font size, style, and color.
The navigation controls also show a standard Samsung design. There's a four-way toggle with a central OK button, two soft keys, Talk and End/power controls, and a dedicated Clear button. The toggle and OK control have some definition, but the other buttons are somewhat slick. You can change the toggle to act as a shortcut to four user-defined functions. The keypad buttons are hidden behind the sliding face, but they're raised above the surface of the phone. That's a good thing, as it makes it easier to dial by feel than on most slider handsets. The numbers on the keys are decently sized and they're lit by a bright backlighting.
The camera lens and self-portrait mirror are on the rear side of the sliding face, so you must have the phone in the open position to snap a picture. There's no flash, but that's not an issue on a VGA camera phone. A volume rocker sits on the left spine while a camera shutter and the headset/charger port rest on the right spine.
Features
The SGH-T429 has a 500-contact phone book with room in each entry for five phone numbers, an e-mail address, and notes. You can organize callers into groups and pair them with a photo or one of 15 polyphonic ringtones. Other essentials include a vibrate mode, text and multimedia messaging, a voice memo recorder, an alarm clock, a calendar, a task list, a notepad, a calculator, a world clock, a timer, a stopwatch, and a tip calculator. The handset also offers Bluetooth and instant messaging for AOL, ICQ, Windows Live, and Yahoo.
Performance
We tested the triband (GSM 850/900/1900) Samsung SGH-T729 in San Francisco using T-Mobile's service. Though a triband phone like this will let you make calls in a lot of places, we still prefer a quadband world phone. In any case, the SGH-T429 offers decent call quality. We could hear our callers clearly with no static or interference from other electronic devices. The volume level was more than adequate and we didn't have trouble getting a signal. Our only complaint was that the phone picked up some wind noise. On their end, callers said they could hear us, though they said our voices sounded a bit robotic. Voice-automated systems could understand us. Speakerphone calls were fine, though they could be a bit louder, and Bluetooth calls were satisfactory.
The SGH-T429 has a rated battery life of six hours talk time and 14 days standby time. Our tests revealed a very impressive 8 hours of talk time.
User reviews
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Response to mis-information in Ulara's review
by 6string$ on January 8, 2008
Pros: slim, light, great look, easy to use
Cons: wallpaper options, default ringer options
Summary: This review is really in response to ulara's review...I noticed some mis-information and wanted prospective buyers to have accurate information.
Yes, to unlock the phone, 2 buttons need ...Summary: This review is really in response to ulara's review...I noticed some mis-information and wanted prospective buyers to have accurate information.
Yes, to unlock the phone, 2 buttons need to be pressed. This is a feature that really doesn't bother me personally. I have not found a setting where you can disable locking the keypad permanently, but do you want to? I carry my phone in my pocket occasionally and, with other phones, I have forgotten to lock the keypad and have accidently dialed phone numbers. So if you're carrying your phone in your pocket, purse, etc, I would think that keypad locking is a plus. That the T429 does it by default is great for me...one less thing I have to worry about.
As far as the slider constantly asking me if I want to lock the keypad - I have NEVER had that happen. I open the slider, the keypad unlocks; I close the slider, the keypad locks. Its a setting on the phone that can be changed. Not sure where its at in the manual, but if you go to Menu - Security - Phone Lock, you can enable/disable. My Phone lock is set to "Disable" and I get the actions with my slider as I stated above.
I agree with the fact that the "t zones" soft key is annoying and unfortunately, there is not a way to remove it that I can tell. On other phones, I have never used the right soft key for anything, so its not a big deal for me. Honestly, I'm never really looking at the "main screen" anyway -I'm either texting or talking. I'm getting used to the t zone button in any case.
I agree with the fact that what you get charged for going to t zones is not exactly straight forward though. I too probably will get charged for sending a couple of photos to My Album. This was a little confusing for me at first. I snapped a photo and a message popped up asking if I wanted to "send it to My Album". Of course! After all, that's what I would call my picture folder on my phone right? Nope - it sends it to My Album on the T Mobile website. This is a setting that can be changed while selecting Options in Camera mode. I have stayed away from T Zones except to download some hi-fi ring tones ($2.49 a piece). Using T Zones is free - just watch out what you click on. When in doubt, don't do it.
Another piece of misinformation with ulara's review is Camera mode. There IS a camera button on the side of the phone - one click and i'm ready to snap pictures. Once in "take a picture" mode, there is an Options soft key which will enable you to change any and all camera settings. Also, from that Options menu you can view your stored pictures pretty easily.
The "delete" and then "confirm delete" can get pretty annoying but what can you do? I have already cancelled a couple of my delete actions thanks to the confirm delete. One of those things I can personally live with.
The display is great - font size can be adjusted along with font color and background color. Right now I have a black background with white text - nothing is fuzzy. The graphics look great.
When sending text messages, there IS a recent-recipient option. After typing your text, click send - its the first option on the list! From there you can check off who you want to send it to without going through the phone book.
Overall, I am very pleased with this phone. The call quality is great and I have always had a signal - even in my small town. If you do purchase this phone, read all the material that comes with it - the samsung manual and all the t-mobile booklets. Read up on T Zones so there is no misunderstanding of what you will get charged for. Lastly, play with all the settings and menus on the phone - it will get you more familiar with things and will permit you from hastily judging a truly great phone!10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Avoids the fads
by Aoiryu on December 30, 2007
Pros: Cool blue color, less flashy design
Cons: No data cable to download pictures to computer, no lanyard
Summary: I needed a new phone to replace my Samsung RH225, which I had for about 5 years. I picked the Samsung t429 for several reasons. First, it was a Samsung, ...
Summary: I needed a new phone to replace my Samsung RH225, which I had for about 5 years. I picked the Samsung t429 for several reasons. First, it was a Samsung, which I have grown to trust. Second, it was a low price for the amount of features compared to other brands. And last, it allowed me to have a phone with all the new features without being drawn into a fad. RAZR phone and their kin are decent products, but I like the simplicity of the t429 more. The keypad is a big plus, especially next to the RAZR. The keys are more defined and are individual, compared with the RAZR with its 'stencil' buttons. I also wanted to steer clear of flip phones and either wanted a one-piece or a slider, figuring I'd be less likely to break it. The only downsides are things like not having a transfer cable to move pictures back an forth between the phone and computer. As it is set up, you can send the picture to your personal T-Mobile page, but first, you get charged for accessing the web, and second, how do you get them if you have access to the net at that time? Lack of a MicroSD slot doesn't help either. Lack of a lanyard means hold on for dear life (However, I've dropped mine twice, without even a scratch).
In general, this is a great phone for those want to upgrade and get cool new features, but don't want everything under the sun and want to avoid being a sheep. I'm going to be with Samsung for quite some time. Good work.Updated
Another feature of the t429 is the camera location. Samsung made the smart choice by the camera at the extreme end of the phone. most other camera phones, RAZR included, puts the camera more toward the center, making it more likely your fingers will get in the way. The t429 allows you to hold almost the whole phone, making it less likely picture would be blurred by not having a good grip. You can hold the phone the same way you would while making a call, and still take pictures, cutting down the time to snap a picture.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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pretty good but with flaws
by shylohd on May 2, 2009
Pros: -nice size
-good sound system
-overall an average phoneCons: -turns off/on randomly
-keys SOMETIMES stick
-slow when getting on the internet
-camera qualitySummary: I've had this phone for about a year and i'm fairly content with it. Although it might not be perfect its flaws aren't all that frustrating. Occasionally ...
Summary: I've had this phone for about a year and i'm fairly content with it. Although it might not be perfect its flaws aren't all that frustrating. Occasionally the phone does turn off and then on again, which may get annoying, but it doesn't happen often enough to be a huge problem. The keys do stick somethimes but it catches up in about a second or two. Overall i would say a good phone
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This Phone is GARBAGE
by CBrook1 on March 11, 2009
Pros: I like nothing about this product!
Cons: Freezes randomly/turns itself on and off/buttons stick
Summary: This phone is terrible, and this is coming from someone who is pretty loyal to Samsung for my electronics. I have had nothing but problems for the year I have ...
Summary: This phone is terrible, and this is coming from someone who is pretty loyal to Samsung for my electronics. I have had nothing but problems for the year I have had the phone and my husband has already had to replace his within months of getting it.
The buttons stick, the phone requires "rebooting" at least twice a day, it turns itself on and off randomly, I have nothing good to say about this product!
If you are considering buying it - RECONSIDER.
(I rarely post negative reviews of anything, I am usually a satisfied customer)1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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terrible! don't waste you money
by tara1425 on February 11, 2009
Pros: nothng! i did not like anything about this phone.
Cons: short battery life, shuts on and off randomly, freezes when dialing or texting and no one can understand when i am talking.
Summary: bottom line-this phone is junk, works better as a paper weight than a phone. have only had this phone for about 4 months and have problems since day one!
Summary: bottom line-this phone is junk, works better as a paper weight than a phone. have only had this phone for about 4 months and have problems since day one!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best of the OK
by janakatja on January 26, 2009
Pros: Crisp and customizable display. Friendly user interface. Admirable camera quality for what it is.
Cons: No video camera. Speaker is a bit weak.
Summary: In the 15+ phones I've owned over the last few years, this has to be one of the best. Attractive, light-weight slider design and easy access to virtually every ...
Summary: In the 15+ phones I've owned over the last few years, this has to be one of the best. Attractive, light-weight slider design and easy access to virtually every feature, this phone is great for those who want an eye-catching device without any learning curve or a ghastly price tag.
It's one of the more customizable phones of it's type. Personalize menu style, wallpaper, theme, dial font, color and size and even record your own ringtones. The display is always clean and sharp any way you slice it -- even in bright sunlight there isn't much glare to obstruct your view. The keypad is also brightly back-lit and very easy to dial without accidentally hitting two buttons at once. Everything seems to be where it should be. The slider mechanism is sturdy and smooth; there is a single rib to make it easier to slide, and though it isn't placed well it's also not really necessary.
Call quality is clear, no real issues with static or aquatic sounding voices. Volume for this phone could be better, and the speaker phone sounds nice but could also be louder.
Another downfall is the lack of video recorder, which is disappointing and among all the various features it almost seems like Samsung just forgot to check that off the list of things to include. However, the camera takes fine pictures and has yet even more settings to choose from.
All in all the Samsung t429 is a cool phone with reliable functionality. A great buy for the casual user.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Standard samsung with a problem
by clewttu on October 2, 2007
Pros: simple, clean, functional
Cons: software issue, low tech
Summary: Ive owned the T519 Trace, and really enjoyed the Samsung OS. After borrowing a RAZR I will never own a Motorola again and was ready to go back to a ...
Summary: Ive owned the T519 Trace, and really enjoyed the Samsung OS. After borrowing a RAZR I will never own a Motorola again and was ready to go back to a Samsung. This phone was great until transferring my phonebook came up. There is a known flaw which needs a software update from Samsung in this phone and the Samsung Blast (they dont know when/if itll happen). Tmobile didnt bother to mention this when they tried to sell both phones to me. I ended up returning it because it doesnt recognize any numbers stored on my sim card (and I tried multiple cards/phones). With at least 150 contacts, some with multiple numbers, I wasnt about to do this manually. Not happy with the way this was handled.
2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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not worth $150
by unable2009 on January 8, 2009
Pros: slide feature
easy 2 use
bluetooth
camera
instant messageCons: bluetooth only for headseats. cannot connect to pda's or other phones
camera only. not video cam
limited memory
slowSummary: ok so i got this phone a few months ago. mid november it started to lock up, randomly turn on and off and other wierd stuff. i called tmobile cuz ...
Summary: ok so i got this phone a few months ago. mid november it started to lock up, randomly turn on and off and other wierd stuff. i called tmobile cuz i wanted my damn money back. they told me to send it to their repair center. it took three weeks b4 i got a damn replacement. now the replacement phone is doing the same thing. all i do is talk on phone, text, and take pics. i don't drop it or put it at risk. bottom line is that this phone is $h1tty.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Completely Amazing!
by anonymous1213 on August 18, 2009
Pros: very slim, cute, keypad is amazing, txting is easy, record voices, picture quality is alright... so much better than a shine!!!!!
Cons: it does not take vids
Summary: I love this phone. It is very simple and easy for my to use. I can record my voice or my friends and use it as a ringtone. Going from ...
Summary: I love this phone. It is very simple and easy for my to use. I can record my voice or my friends and use it as a ringtone. Going from a phone which a friend of my sis's called a house phone to this is awesome...
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Completely unremarkable.
by shandragetsinnocuous on August 5, 2009
Pros: Great display quality, raised keypad feels nice while messaging, camera is definitely pretty good for VGA, snazzy blue color
Cons: Awful call quality, impossible to find reception, speakerphone too quiet
Summary: I paid $150, after taxes, for the Samsung T429, after deciding it was time to move on up from my overwhelmingly mediocre Samsung T229. Alas, I found no improvement whatsoever (...
Summary: I paid $150, after taxes, for the Samsung T429, after deciding it was time to move on up from my overwhelmingly mediocre Samsung T229. Alas, I found no improvement whatsoever (even though I paid nearly double the price) between the phones, and was also left feeling incredibly stupid for wasting almost an entire paycheck on the T429.
Let us first focus on the good. The T429 has great display quality. I would probably rate it an 8.5 out of a possible ten. The camera, for being VGA, takes surprisingly good pictures--with the proper lighting, of course. My favorite part of the phone, though, was definitely the keypad. The smooth, raised buttons felt quite nice under my fingers while messaging through SMS and AIM--and call it "simple pleasures", but I rather enjoyed the clicking sound they made, especially when I was typing particularly fast.
Yes, all these features were nice, but the T429's Achilles heel lies in its primary function--a phone. As a phone, it functions barely short of abysmally. I could not find reception anywhere, except in one classroom at my school, and inside of my house. And even then, I was lucky to scrape one or two bars. In fact, the only place I can ever remember having full reception (five bars) is a city about forty miles away from where I live. Really, that's not exactly what I'm looking for in a phone!
I believe it is a problem with Samsung phones, as my T229 had nearly the exact same problem, and a friend's Samsung Gravity experienced similar difficulty. This belief is perpetuated by the fact that neither my Nokia 5310 nor my Sidekick 2008 have ever experienced this problem with such severity.
The Samsung T429 would work fine if the user lived in a fairly-large city and did not spend much time in areas with low elevation, but as the city in which I reside fills neither of these criteria, the T429 was not the best choice for me.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: T429BLKTMB
- Description: Slide yourself into something new. The cool slider design, integrated camera, and Bluetooth technology make the Samsung t429 both fun and functional.
General
- Product Type Cellular phone With digital camera
- Service Provider T-Mobile
- Width 1.9 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 3.9 in
- Weight 2.9 oz
Cellular
- Technology GSM
- Band GSM 850/1800/1900 (Tri-Band)
- Phone Design Slider
- Antenna Internal
- Vibrating Alert Yes
- Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Call Timer Yes
- Conference Call Capability Yes
- Voice Recorder Yes
- Caller ID Yes
- Speakerphone Yes
- Wireless Interface Bluetooth
- Additional Features Intelligent typing (T9)
Phone Memory
- Phone Book Capacity 500 names & numbers
- Missed Calls Memory 20
- Dialed Calls Memory 20
- Received Calls Memory 20
Messaging & Data Services
- Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
- Messaging Services ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger Service (AIM), Windows Live Messenger (MSN Messenger)
- Internet Browser Yes
- Messaging / Data Features Text messages, Multimedia messages (MMS), WAP Push
Ring Tones
- Polyphonic Ring Tone Voice Qty 40
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 0.3 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 4
Organizer
- Alarm Clock Yes
- Calendar Yes
- Reminder Yes
- Calculator Basic
Display
- Type LCD display
- Display Resolution 128 x 160 pixels
- Color Support Color
- Color Depth 16-bit (65000 colors)
- Display Languages French, English, Spanish
Connections
- Connector Type Headset jack
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Hands-free headset
Power
- Type Power adapter
Battery
- Technology - Lithium ion
- Capacity 800 mAh
- Talk Time Up to 360 min
- Standby Time Up to 336 h
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details 1 year limited warranty
Accessories
- Samsung WEP200 Bluetooth Headset (black) (31995314)22.37 - 41.94
- Samsung WEP 410 - headset (33206032)35.85
- Samsung WEP870 (33769487)39.95 - 49.99
- Jabra BT8010 Stereo/Mono Bluetooth Headset (32327768)13.97
- Motorola S9 Bluetooth Active Headphones (red) (32363768)37.99 - 130.42
- Samsung WT17200000113 - holster bag for cellular phone (33311579)8.14
- Samsung WT17200000136 - case for cellular phone (33560848)9.99
Manufacturer info
- Samsung
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.samsungusa.com/
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
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