Samsung Focus Flash review: A lot for a little

Samsung's new Focus Flash is a great Windows smartphone for those who want a little bit of everything, but who don't require the utmost in cutting-edge specs.

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.

See full bio

Jessica Dolcourt

Nov. 4, 2011 8:42 a.m. PT

I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by AT&T's Samsung Focus Flash.

The specs looked more than reasonable for a smartphone that costs a quarter of the price of most high-end smartphones out there. More than that, the features all came together to achieve a solid Windows Phone at a stellar value. While the Samsung Focus S may be a better choice for those interested in more onboard memory (16GB versus 8GB) and a potentially higher-end camera (8 mexapixels versus 5), this model has its own shot at mass appeal.

Why? Let's start with the vibrant SUper AMOLED screen, we'll move on to the 5-megapixel camera that takes quite good photos, and we'll round it out with the fast 1.4GHz processor. Plus, speakerphone delivered, and it runs on AT&T's "4G" HSPA+ network.

It isn't all rosy, of course (it never is), and there's a lot more to know. So, read the full review and see all the pictures (including the phone's camera photos) in CNET's full Samsung Focus Flash review.

Mobile Guides

Phones

Foldable Phones

Headphones

Mobile Accessories

Smartwatches

Wireless Plans

Mobile coupons