Hi, I'm Jessica Dolcourt for CNET taking a first look today at the Samsung Replenish.
Now, this is Sprint's first Android eco-phone and, you know, it might not look very much like an eco-warrior but it is actually made from 34% recycled materials.
It's got recyclable packaging that is printed with soy ink and that biodegrades a little bit easier.
Also, there is an optional $30 cover with solar panels that will help charge the phone.
So, all of that is very nice but it won't do you any good if this phone doesn't perform.
Luckily, it does.
The Replenish has a candy bar design with a QWERTY keyboard.
It's rather tall but I found it pretty easy to carry around.
It's got a 2.8-inch QVGA screen, that's a bit on the low end of the spectrum but it is appropriate for the phone.
Below the screen, there are these four hardware buttons for pulling up the menu, going home, going back, and searching.
The keyboard below that is a little bit cramped but it did work pretty fine
and I was able to accurately and quickly type messages and e-mails.
The screen is a little bit cramped for e-mail as well and for surfing the web, but I think it's okay.
The Replenish runs Android 2.2 Froyo with Sprint ID so that will load on things like wallpapers, widgets, and extra apps if you choose an optional ID pack.
New to this phone is Sprint's Green ID pack which adds a lot of eco news and a recycling directory, apps like that.
There is the Sprint Mobile Hotspot on here that will support up to 5 devices
that costs an extra $30 a month.
One thing you should know is that Flash does not seem to be supported on this phone in the browser so you can play Flash videos and games through YouTube and through the media player but you won't be able to play them in the browser, so let's review.
The Samsung Replenish is a pretty entry-level Android phone, especially in terms of features and processing power, but it is an eco-phone and it costs only $50 after an instant rebate with a new 2-year contract.
I found the keyboard to be really convenient and the phone is reliable enough so I think that this is a good choice for Sprint customers who are looking for a starter smartphone.
I'm Jessica Dolcourt, this is the Samsung Replenish.
