X

Samsung Factor review: Competent communicator

The Samsung Factor is one simple cell phone that nevertheless takes its telephonic duties seriously.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
Jessica Dolcourt
Samsung Factor SPH-m260
It's got a smooth body that feels good in the hand, but tends toward the slippery side. Josh Miller/CNET

At first glance, the Samsung Factor is a sturdy and attractive little flip phone that looks like nearly every other appealing Samsung flip phone to predate it.

While it's true that the specs are deliberately modest--an e-mail app and browser are its only software trills--the Factor does a few things right.

Call quality was good enough in our tests to add the Factor to the ranks of simple phones with strong call quality, and the dial pad is very nice to use.

The Factor does elicit one major complaint, however. Find that, plus a video and other details and photos in our Samsung Factor review.