Samsung Stereo Bluetooth Headset
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: AWEP870JBECSTA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Samsung WEP870 is a great choice for those who want a convertible mono and stereo Bluetooth headset.
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CNET editors' review
Samsung Stereo Bluetooth Headset price range: $42.99 - $49.99
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 09/14/2009
- Released on: 08/18/2009
The good: The Samsung WEP870 can be used as both a mono and a stereo headset. It has a dedicated on/off switch, a handy OLED display, comfortable earbuds, and good sound quality.
The bad: The Samsung WEP870 doesn't have additional earbud covers, and we would have liked to see a mic integrated into the lanyard. We also wish we could control the audio playback from the headset.
The bottom line: The Samsung WEP870 is a great choice for those who want a convertible mono and stereo Bluetooth headset.
Even though stereo Bluetooth is now more widely accepted, there are those who just want a simple mono headset to make and receive calls. But there's no reason you can't have both; there are a few headsets out there that can convert from mono to stereo and vice versa, like the Jabra BT8010 and the Plantronics Voyager 855. The Samsung WEP870 is the latest to do just that, with the help of a stereo earbud lanyard attachment, letting you listen to your music as well as manage your calls. With its ease of use, comfortable fit, and good sound quality, the WEP870 is a fairly good deal at $89.95 retail.
The Samsung WEP870 looks like a normal Bluetooth headset from the outset. The WEP870 is rectangular with curved corners, with silver chrome trim and a mostly black surface, and it measures 1.77 inches long by 0.7 inch wide by 0.47 inch thick. Though it isn't too obvious, the upper part of the front surface can be pressed down to act as the multifunction call button. We found it easy to press, even when worn on the ear. Underneath that is a tiny OLED display that shows the battery life, Bluetooth connection status, and phone call connection status.
On the left spine is a dedicated power switch, which we like to see on Bluetooth headsets since it makes it much easier to turn the headset on and off. The volume rocker is on the right and the charger jack is on the bottom. Turn the headset over and you'll find a simple in-ear earpiece with a soft rubber cover. It's small enough to fit comfortably in the ear, though we did wish it came with different size earbuds for a more customized fit. We also found that we needed to wear the flexible ear hook for added security and stability.
In order to switch the WEP870 over to stereo mode, you need to attach the included stereo earbud lanyard. Simply snap the connector to the headset's charger jack, and you're good to go. The lanyard is made to be worn around the neck much like a necklace, and it has two gel in-ear-style earbuds hanging off it. We found the earbuds very comfortable; they fit in quite securely in the ear and we felt as if we could wear them all day if desired. Again, we did wish there were additional earbuds for different-size ears, but we were pleased with the ones we had. The earbud wire length can be adjusted thanks to sliding cord management grommets on the lanyard. Also note that there is no mic on the lanyard, so whenever you get a call, you need to bring the headset to your mouth so your callers can hear you.
Features of the WEP870 include the typical answering, ending, and rejecting calls, last-number redial, voice dial support, call mute, placing a call on hold, and the capability to transfer the call from the headset to the phone and vice versa. Also a nice feature is that whenever a call comes in, the audio playback will fade away, and when the call ends, the music will gently fade back on. However, we were disappointed that we could not control the audio playback from the headset--we could only play, pause, and skip tracks on the device itself.
We paired the Samsung WEP870 with the Apple iPhone 3G. The pairing process went smoothly; we didn't even need to enter the PIN code, though this might depend on your phone. We were quite pleased with the call quality on the whole. On our end, we heard our callers loud and clear, with a little bit of static here and there, but nothing distracting. Voice quality was good and natural as well.
On their end, callers said they could hear just fine, too. They did say our voice sounded a bit hollow with a slight echo, but the overall call quality was good. When we had the stereo earbud lanyard attachment connected to the headset, callers said they heard slightly more static. We also tested the WEP870 in a moving vehicle and in a crowded restaurant, and it did a decent job of canceling out background noise. Callers could hear some environmental noise, but not much. Still, we wouldn't use the WEP870 in a windy environment; the wind muffles the calls too much.
As for audio playback, we found the sound quality to be very good. The stereo earbuds provided rich and warm audio, though bass was still a bit on the light side.
The Samsung WEP870 has a rated battery life of 6 hours talk time or 6 hours music playback time. It has a rated standby time of 6.25 days.
User reviews
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Nice sound quality-Nice in high noise surroundings
by rich6661 on March 5, 2010
Pros: Lightweight. Comfortable fit
Cons: Nothing....Yet
Summary: I bought this because on a recommendation that it would work well in noisy surroundings and that was correct. I pump motor oil all day and standing next to a ...
Summary: I bought this because on a recommendation that it would work well in noisy surroundings and that was correct. I pump motor oil all day and standing next to a Peterbuilt with a pump running along with the motor I was able to here my music fine through the headphones. The noise cancellation was fine.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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OK sound quality, cheap build quality.
by Willie Snyder on May 9, 2012
Pros: Unique design
Cons: Not comfortable
Tinny sound qualitySummary: I purchased these for my wife. She has long hair, and the cord that goes around the neck was too much of a hassle for her, so I took them ...
Summary: I purchased these for my wife. She has long hair, and the cord that goes around the neck was too much of a hassle for her, so I took them to use at work.
I also have a Plantronics 903+ at work too, and after a lot of use, there is no comparison. The Plantronics is cheaper, more comfortable, has a MUCH better sound quality, easier controls, and a better battery life.
If I didn't have the Plantronics, these headphones would probably look better.
They do have a unique design (you can disconnect the earbuds from the main unit and use it as a traditional mono-bluetooth headset.
Also, after about a month of light use, the headset cord started pulling out of the housing, so they're not built very well.
If you want a better option, go for the Backbeat 903 or 903+. If you don't care about comfort, sound quality, build quality, cost, or battery life, Samsung has an OK choice here. -
Great for 6 mos until left channel dropped out.
by Captain-Bill on May 11, 2011
Pros: Excellent hands-free design.
Ear buds isolate sound well
Very good audio fidelityCons: Connection sometimes lost when transmitting unit carried in pants pocket.
Left channel cut out permanently after six months of useSummary: This headset was purchased through the Verizon marketplace in order to listen to music on my Droid while gardening. I was very pleased with the unit although, as mentioned above, ...
Summary: This headset was purchased through the Verizon marketplace in order to listen to music on my Droid while gardening. I was very pleased with the unit although, as mentioned above, the signal was sometimes lost if my Droid or iPod was in my right pants pocket and I turned to the left. When the device malfunctioned after six months I sought to find a replacement, checking reviews by CNET and others. Finding a replacement was very frustrating since my main interest was in finding a bluetooth stereo headset to listen to music, not make phone calls.
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Near Perfect
by sashank_1234 on May 2, 2011
Pros: good call quality.
noise suppression.
can use while driving with windows downCons: no multipoint.
no voice commands. -
comparable to other stereo bluetooth for the price
by bigmikeom56 on March 9, 2011
Pros: Long battery life without recharge, sound quality was pretty good, very light
Cons: the bluetooth signal was broken very easily when my phone was in my pocket,
Summary: Over all for the price it makes a great bluetooth for either single in ear or stereo bluetooth try to keep a short distance from your mp3 player or phone ...
Summary: Over all for the price it makes a great bluetooth for either single in ear or stereo bluetooth try to keep a short distance from your mp3 player or phone and you'll be fine
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Muffled sound with mono earpiece
by dwoliver on July 7, 2010
Pros: I bought this listening to music with the supplied wired stereo earbuds and it sounds good with them. Good battery life.
Cons: Poor mono sound. Proprietary connector for stereo earbuds so you can not upgrade.
Summary: Trying to use it as a mono earpiece for the phone is a challenge. No high frequencies at all and only moderate volume at max. Mono earpiece is one size ...
Summary: Trying to use it as a mono earpiece for the phone is a challenge. No high frequencies at all and only moderate volume at max. Mono earpiece is one size only and does not fit my ear.
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Excellent headset, love it, just what I was looking for
by jkennedy50 on November 1, 2010
Pros: Great sound, great fit, great looks, easy operation, bold bass, don't even know I have it on except the powerful music I hear and love listening too. comfortable to wear, Samsung out did themselves with this one.
Cons: None that I have experienced yet.
Summary: I am using this headset with a sprint blackberry 8530. I have all kinds of music on it and have been listening to it through wired headset. I have been ...
Summary: I am using this headset with a sprint blackberry 8530. I have all kinds of music on it and have been listening to it through wired headset. I have been looking for a bluetooth stereo headset for sometime. I didn't want spend a lot and needed one that was easy to wear and had great sound. I kept reading reviews and looking for prices. Finally ran across this one. Once I got it and have used it I am not sorry. My wife wants one and I will purchase another for future use. You can't go wrong with this product.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent performance, great sound. I love it.
by jeffreylsmith900 on October 4, 2010
Pros: Sounds great, nice to have both stereo or mono for driving. I work in a loud environment and the dual ear buds really help block out the sound when taking/making calls.
Cons: The headset cable was broken by my 3 year old, and Samsung doesn't have, nor sell, a replacement. I would have to buy the entire thing.
Summary: Great Bluetooth headset. I'd recommend it to anyone, particularly based on the price. Also, if you don't plan to use the stereo ear buds, I'm not crazy ...
Summary: Great Bluetooth headset. I'd recommend it to anyone, particularly based on the price. Also, if you don't plan to use the stereo ear buds, I'm not crazy about the ear piece iteself attached to the electronics portion of the device. Ridiculous that I can't buy a replacement headset cord from their mobile accessory parts group.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Perfect combo of quality, sound, price, and technology~
by shinobi-x on August 17, 2010
Pros: I have have nothing but perfect performance from my WEP870. I have owned it for many months now. It works with every phone I've tested it with and it also can be used as a wireless mic for online chat. #1 headset IMO.
Cons: No issues at all.
Summary: I LOVE THIS HEADSET!!!! I purchased this and the WEP301 and they are both great products. I've been able to sync it with every bluetooth device in my home ...
Summary: I LOVE THIS HEADSET!!!! I purchased this and the WEP301 and they are both great products. I've been able to sync it with every bluetooth device in my home without error. It even works with aftermarket bluetooth adaptors for the PC! This comes with bluetooth 2.1 and it is compatible with older (1.x, 2.x) devices as well. I could go on and on about how good it is. There is just NOTHING wrong with this . . . .that is all.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Can't beat it for the price.
by preplus on June 24, 2010
Pros: Lanyard/neck strap to support the weight of the headset when not in use. Adjusters to prevent the earbuds from flying around when not in use. Headset is comfortable, sturdy, good sound/voice quality, digital battery monitor, on/off switch.
Cons: Earbuds are uncomfortable and have mediocre sound quality. The battery leaves something to be desired. The earbud USB connection is tough to detach causing you to press a bunch of buttons and feel like you may break it.
Summary: I haven't had the product long but overall I would totally buy it again. It is worth the $30 I payed and does everything as advertised. It's a ...
Summary: I haven't had the product long but overall I would totally buy it again. It is worth the $30 I payed and does everything as advertised. It's a great design. Easy to set up and use. It uses a microUSB connection for charging which is the same as my Palm Pre. The wall charger it comes with actually powers a Touchstone charger with no problem too. I am able to hold a convo with one earbud and the headset by my chest. If you aren't looking for high sound quality and tons of battery life than for $30 this is for you. Inexpensive solution to eliminate a physical connection the your phone, computer or other compatible bluetooth device.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: AWEP870JBECSTA
- Description: Take the latest technology in Bluetooth audio and entertainment with you in one convenient package with the WEP870 convertible mono and stereo music streaming headset. This brilliant device not only provides advanced, dual microphone noise cancellation for crystal clear conversations, it easily converts to a stereo, music streaming wonder with the included adjustable stereo ear bud lanyard. Plus, the WEP870 allows you to take calls in mono and stereo mode, gently fading your music when a call comes in then returning to your music when your call ends.
General
- Product Type - Bluetooth 2.0,
Headset - Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Noise isolating,
On/off switch Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Ear-bud
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0
- In-Cord Volume Control Included
Microphone
- Type Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Bluetooth
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Earhook
Power
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 150 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Samsung
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
