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Samsung Jack / BlackJack II review

6.3/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Jack / BlackJack II
Samsung Jack / BlackJack II
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6.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Jack / BlackJack II currently has an Informr score of 6.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 79 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Blackjack is back, and Samsung has made some improvements, mostly marginal.

The Blackjack II sports a 1700 mah battery, which is key, since the prior model was heavily criticized for having an inferior battery. It also ships with Windows Mobile 6, has an improved combination D-pad/scroll wheel, which work together to allow for easier surfing. It also comes with a software suite that allows you to edit MS Office documents.

The Blackjack II also has a GPS receiver. You can either pay a monthly fee and use the Telenav service, or use Google Maps for free.

Unfortunately, they got rid of the rubberized exterior, which made for secure handling, replacing it with lots of shiny parts. Any shiny cell phone owner will tell you that fingerprints are a constant problem. The 2.4 inch screen is smaller than most smartphones, and screen display size is a critical element to consider for any phone that will be used to surf the web.

While Samsung did rearrange the number keys by grouping them together, the keys remain small and very close together. Many users state that the keypad makes it difficult to type without making errors. I found typing on the Blackjack very challenging.

The Blackjack II is definitely a viable entry-level smartphone. Its form factor allows you to use it one-handed. Its slim enough to slip into your shirt pocket. Because it runs Windows Mobile 6, you will be able to choose from a nice selection of third-party software, and the addition of GPS capability adds a meaningful touch.

But you’ll definitely want to test drive this model in the store and see for yourself how you feel with the closely-spaced keys.


Windows Mobile
Operating system
Operating system
Windows Mobile
260 MHz
Processor
Processor
260 MHz
2.4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.4"
2+ MP
Camera
Camera
2+ MP
1700 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


MobileBurn
MobileBurn

Samsung's original BlackJack, the SGH-i607, was a very good device that had a couple of serious flaws. This new i617 variant addresses a number of them, including the biggest problem with the original: battery life. The BlackJack II still lacks voice dialing, which is disappointing for a business ph...

- Michael Oryl, MobileBurn


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



Samsung backs up the Jack / BlackJack II with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Jack / BlackJack II has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
2.4"

The Samsung Jack / BlackJack II's screen size is 2.4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
260 MHz

There is a ARM OMAP1710 260 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
2+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 2+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
155 MB

Internal memory is 155 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 4 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1700mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1700 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 15.5 days standby time.

Jack / BlackJack II Specs

Overview
Release Date October 23, 2007
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Windows Mobile Smartphones

Processor ARM OMAP1710 260 MHz
Internal Storage 155 MB
RAM 128 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.2 W/kg
Body: 0.92 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
HSDPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, BPP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi No
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 4 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Brightness control, Multi-shot, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
QVGA (320 x 240 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 2.4 inches
Secondary Display No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1700 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 15.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black, Blue, Pink, Red, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 cm (4.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 in)
Weight 116 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Other / proprietary
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY
Navigation Type Scroll wheel
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, MSN, Yahoo
ROM: 256MB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: No
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, AAC+, AAC
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: -
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: Microsoft Office Mobile, Windows Media Player Mobile
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Currency Converter, Weather, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SGH-i617

A Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system update is now available.
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Jack / BlackJack II Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Jack / BlackJack II
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