Basic Functions of the Samsung UpStage

Sound Quality

The internal antenna of the Samsung UpStage is good at best and the sound quality during phone calls could use some work. The inbound sound is fine but it’s the quality from the other end that seems a bit low in volume and some what distorted at times. This could very well be because of the position of the microphone; too far from the average user’s mouth. However, this is the issue that you get with such a small device as the Samsung UpStage.

Contacts Storage

Looking at the Contacts function of the Samsung UpStage, we see a very common arrangement with cell phones nowadays. You are able to store multiple numbers, an email address, nickname, webpage and a memo note for each of your contacts. 500 numbers is the maximum allotted storage for the Samsung UpStage. This may sound okay but let’s remember that a good portion of your contacts will probably have a cell phone as well as a home phone. So, in essence, 500 numbers may only equal 250 contacts. You are also able to set speed dial and voice dial for your contacts.

Volumes and Modes

Unlike many of the other Samsung cell phones, the Samsung UpStage doesn’t have a one key option to switch to vibrate mode. You have to use the side volume keys to scroll through the possible ring volumes and modes including vibrate all and silent all. You are also given the option of having the Samsung UpStage vibrate during all modes or just the vibrate mode.

Bluetooth Capabilities

The Samsung UpStage has Bluetooth capabilities including support for A2DP stereo devices. The Bluetooth function is excellent and, depending on the Bluetooth headset used, actually improves the sound quality for both sides of a conversation. When you receive a call while using a Bluetooth headset, the Samsung UpStage pronounces a known caller by name and an unknown caller by the full phone number; an impressive feature. Making a phone call while using a Bluetooth handset is also very easy and the voice recognition is first-rate.

Text and Photo Messaging

The Samsung UpStage comes with the ability for text and picture messaging. MSN, AOL, and Yahoo instant messaging functions are also supported. The Samsung UpStage uses the T9 predictive text system which comes with an editable user dictionary. It also has a very useful feature that scans contact names and older messages for words that aren’t already in the dictionary. The main drawback with messaging on the Samsung UpStage is that the big display is located on one side of the phone and the keypad on the other; so you have to sacrifice one to use the other.