Samsung Infuse 4G hands-on (photos)

The Samsung Infuse 4G will finally be available from AT&T starting May 15. CNET takes another look at the Android smartphone before launch.

Bonnie Cha

May 5, 2011 1:30 p.m. PT

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Samsung Infuse 4G for AT&T

First introduced at CES 2011, the Samsung Infuse 4G finally has a release date. The Android smartphone will be available from AT&T starting May 15. It will be the carrier's fourth 4G handset, joining the Motorola Atrix 4G, HTC Inspire 4G, and HP Veer 4G.

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Features

The Infuse 4G will ship running Android 2.2.1 along with Samsung's TouchWiz user interface, but unfortunately, Samsung would not divulge any information about future software updates for the smartphone. Still, there's plenty to love about the device, including a 4.5-inch(!!) Super AMOLED Plus touch screen, a 1.2GHz processor, and 16GB of internal memory.

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Samsung Captivate vs. Samsung Infuse 4G

The difference between Super AMOLED and Super AMOLED Plus displays is the latter offers 50 percent more subpixels for better clarity and outdoor visibility.

Though it's hard to tell in this picture, there is quite a bit of difference in the sharpness of the Infuse 4G's Super AMOLED Plus touch screen compared with the Super AMOLED on the Samsung Captivate.

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Gorgeous display

Here's another view of the Super AMOLED Plus display. As I said in my review of the Samsung Droid Charge, I'm really not one for watching full-length movies or TV shows on a phone, but with such a sharp display, I don't mind so much.

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Large but thin

Due to the 4.5-inch touch screen, the Infuse 4G is rather large. However, it's also superthin at just 8.9mm, so it makes the smartphone more manageable and less bulky. Always one to make big claims, Samsung says the Infuse is the thinnest smartphone available in the U.S.

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Left side

The left side of the phone features a volume rocker, and the right side (shown in the previous side) has a power button.

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Back side

One of our biggest complaints about Samsung's Galaxy line is the plasticky build quality. The Infuse 4G, thankfully, breaks that mold. It features a textured battery door, so it doesn't feel so slick, and overall, the handset has more of a premium feel to it.

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Top view

The top of the phone houses a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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Bottom view

The bottom, meanwhile, features a Micro-USB port.

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Packaging

AT&T will package the Samsung Infuse 4G with an AC adapter, a USB cable, and a 2GB microSD card. The latter will be preloaded with a few movie trailers ("Bridesmaids," "Cowboys vs. Aliens," "Fast Five," and others), and you also get a $25 credit to use on Samsung's Media Hub video store.

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Angry Birds special edition

Who doesn't love a little game of Angry Birds? And who doesn't love free stuff? Well, Samsung has combined both by preloading the smartphone with a special edition of the game that includes a golden egg that will lead you to a special Samsung Web site where you can win free prizes.