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Samsung Intensity II (photos)

While Samsung has changed its user interface somewhat, many of the phone's features remain the same in this refresh of the original Samsung Intensity.

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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1 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Intensity II messaging phone

The Samsung Intensity II follows up the original Samsung Intensity with some fresh user interface changes, although it mostly remains the same compact texting phone aimed at the teenage demographic.
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2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Compact but solid

The Intensity II is a dense phone, but we appreciate its compact build. It fits comfortably into our hand, which are on the smaller end of the spectrum, purse, and pockets.
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3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Compact and convenient

The sliding mechanism is sturdy, and reveals a QWERTY keyboard that has a few convenience keys. We're talking about the key to bring up favorite contacts, four directional arrows and an OK key, and a shortcut to launch a new text message.
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4 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Good fit

Typing was comfortable, and we appreciate the two soft keys, which moved from the keyboard itself in the previous model to just below the phone's screen.
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5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Snakeskin back

The Intensity II sheds its sure-touch matte back in favor of this textured plastic cover that didn't feel slippery in the slightest.
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6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Two goods and a 'meh'

To Samsung's credit, the microSD card on the Intensity II has moved from its original location behind the back cover to a conveniently-accessed slot on the phone's spine. The dedicated voice command button is also handy, while the 2.5 millimeter headset jack requires users to get special headphones or a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm adapter.
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7 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Night vision

We had hoped Samsung would upgrade its 1.3-megapixel camera on the Intensity line, but no such luck. In addition to a vanity mirror on the back of the phone, Samsung includes an infrared emitter that the camera uses to snap shots in night mode.

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