Samsung Replenish review: Boost Mobile's cheapest Android phone

If you're on a tight budget, Boost Mobile's $100 Replenish gives you a QWERTY keyboard and Android Gingerbread without a contract.

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).

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Jessica Dolcourt

Feb. 6, 2012 2:51 p.m. PT

Boost Mobile isn't just about offering phones off-contract, it's also about style. So if you're a phone that lands in Boost's lineup, you might be the hot stuff.

Or you could just be a good bargain. The Samsung Replenish was an entry-level Android phone to begin with when it first emerged last spring for Sprint. It grew from Android 2.2 Froyo to 2.3 Gingerbread since then, which keeps it pretty fresh.

Not so fresh is the smaller screen, which can make reading a challenge. I'm on the fence about the portrait-mode QWERTY keyboard, which is narrow but types pretty well, and the 2-megapixel camera, which did well with outdoor shots, but stumbled once you brought it indoors.

At the end of the day, it'll either be the keyboard or the price that draws people to this humble device, not a flashy camera or a cutting-edge design. At $100 without a contract, it's Boost's least expensive Android player.

Watch the video, see the photos, and read the pros and cons in our full Samsung Replenish review.

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