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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.