The first U.S. Cellular handset to promise 4G LTE data access, the $199 Samsung Galaxy S Aviator provides a solid if not exceptional Android experience.
Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a single-core 1GHz processor, and 1.44GB of internal memory, perhaps the best attribute of the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator is its big 4.3-inch (800x400 pixels) Super AMOLED Plus display. The phone also can connect to U.S. Cellular's 4G LTE network if you're lucky to find it.
2 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
All the usual Android and third-party apps come pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator such as Gmail, Kindle, Amazon MP3, and even Audible for downloading audio books. Of course one of the real strengths of Android is the vast selection of software available within the Google Play market.
3 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
On back of the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator is an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash. Though the black back cover is plastic, it does have a pleasing matte finish, which feels both premium and resists greasy fingerprints.
4 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
The left side of the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator holds a small volume bar and Micro-USB port.
5 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
From Verizon to T-Mobile, it seems like every U.S. carrier hawks a mobile TV solution and U.S. Cellular is no different. The U.S. Cellular Mobile TV app serves up a similar selection of canned and live programming from numerous networks including Fox, ABC, and Disney for a $9.99 monthly subscription.
6 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
The top edge of the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator contains a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting wired headphones to the handset. You can also opt to use the Aviator's included Bluetooth radio for wireless audio.
7 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
As a Samsung Galaxy-class phone, the Galaxy S Aviator uses Samsung's Touchwiz UI layered on top of Android 2.3 Gingerbread. With the interface comes the handy Weather app plus the Samsung Media Hub, which offers Movie and TV shows for purchase.
8 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
Outfitted with an HDMI port, the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator connects to compatible HDTVs and monitors to view handset-based HD video content.
9 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
Here's a better look at the Galaxy S Aviator's HDMI port, which is covered by a rubber flap.
10 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S Aviator (U.S. Cellular)
Unlike many of Samsung's Android smartphones, the Galaxy S Aviator uses physical Android keys instead of capacitive buttons.