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Samsung Galaxy Indulge: Metro's first 4G smartphone (review)

The Samsung Galaxy Indulge is either hero or anti-hero in the 4G story, depending on which way you look.

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Jessica Dolcourt Editorial Director, Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt's career with CNET began in 2006, and spans reviews, reporting, analysis and commentary for desktop software; mobile software, including the very first Android and iPhone apps and operating systems; and mobile hardware, 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 practical advice on expansive topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Jessica Dolcourt
Samsung Galaxy Indulge
Josh Miller/CNET

There are two stories that star the Samsung Galaxy Indulge.

In one (the romance-adventure), the intrepid Indulge is MetroPCS' first smartphone foray into 4G territory. What's more, the humble Android 2.2 Froyo handset goes on to become the world's first commercially available LTE smartphone. Cue the crescendo!

In the other (the dystopia,) the Indulge is a good-but-not-great Galaxy S phone that's costly even for a non-contract phone. At least, it isn't sensational when compared to its premium cousins like the Epic 4G.

Our anti-hero's 4G also doesn't appear to be as fast in our (admittedly cursory) test. That could be the result of many factors--Metro's spectrum and infrastructure versus Sprint's, LTE versus WiMax, hardware versus hardware.

That said, if we narrow our focus to MetrPCS' hardware lineup, the Indulge is a great choice for Metro customers seeking a speedy smartphone. Watch my video, learn the details, and peruse photos in the Indulge review.