Review: Samsung Galaxy Beam

Samsung Galaxy Beam
Price: Rs 28,990
Specs: Android v2.3; 4-inch display; 1GHz dual core processor; 768MB RAM; 8GB internal storage, 32 GB expandable; 5 MP camera; 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi; 145 gm; 2000 mAh battery.

Samsung's first attempt at incorporating a projector in a phone wasn't a success. But the Korean giant decided to step back and rework the concept. With the Galaxy Beam, Samsung has ensured that both the projection and smart phone fuctionalities go hand in hand.

DESIGN
Ask us about the design and we will tell you that the phone revolves around the projection. There is still a big touch display, home key at the bottom and camera key at the back. But the projection lens has been prominently placed on the top panel. There is also a dedicated projector key.

LET'S PROJECT
Wondering what you can project with the Beam? Everything on the phone - including applications, browser, pictures, text messages and even games. The phone-projector duo are connected so smartly that everything that appears on the display can also be projected. The projection of the 15 Lumens bulb was bright and clear in a pitch dark room. But the show was spoilt with a little light coming in.

PROJECT AND…
Projection with this phone is not simply beaming an image on the wall. We found, for one, that we could adjust the zoom. We could also swap projection between landscape and portrait modes. The Quick Pad option offered a pointer and a pen for pointing and drawing. While there were the quick settings instantly available after launching the projector, there are numerous others under the DLP Projector app. The Virtual Presenter launches the camera and projects whatever is captured by the lens. The projector also doubles up as a torch light.

OTHERS
The Beam has Android v2.3 on board. This has been clubbed with a 1GHz dual-core processor and 768 RAM for smooth performance. It has a 2000 mAh battery that hardly lasted a day with a little bit of projection and regular use.

BAG IT OR JUNK IT? A fun phone, but not meant for professional projection.

Courtesy: Gadgets and Gizmos