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Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G falls short despite its QWERTY (pictures)

The Galaxy Metrix 4G's keyboard is great, but it isn't enough to redeem the phone's poor call quality and pokey processor.

Jessica Dolcourt
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).
Jessica Dolcourt
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Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G is LTE-ready

U.S. Cellular's slowly expanding 4G lineup includes the Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G, though I had to test it outside the carrier's 4G network.
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2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Keyboard is the word

The spacious five-row QWERTY keyboard is roomy, comfortable, and responsive, but wide for some with smaller hands (like me).
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3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Thick and heavy

The keyboard contributes to the device's nearly 6-ounce weight and over 0.5-inch-thick girth.
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4 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Build quality

The phone's design isn't particularly eye-catching; in fact, it's a little homely and plain. That won't be a problem unless you refuse phones without style.
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5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Gimme some palm

The Metrix 4G is a handful and runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
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6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Cameras

The 5-megapixel lens on the back disappointed with soft focus and blue glows, but some shots were usable. There's also a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
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7 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Storage to get you started

There's 2GB of onboard memory at your disposal, plus a 4GB card preinstalled. You can swap it out and add up to 32GB in all.

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