T-Mobile’s Samsung Highlight is Not a Smart Phone but it Costs More than One

This should have been a $50 phone. The new $149.99 T-Mobile Highlight dumb phone is a thin and fun little device, but if you’re planning to get a data plan, you’d be close to crazy to buy this phone over more robust smart phones. The Highlight–likely dubbed for its bright “fire” and “ice” color hues–sports a 3MP camera, a microSD slot for up to 16GB of added storage, 3G data speeds, and Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface. It looks a lot like the AT&T Impression, but without the full QWERTY keyboard or eye-popping OLED display. Tweens may be drawn in to the Highlight’s ease of use, colorful hue options, skinny form factor, and touch screen. But if you’re planning on getting a data plan, you’re much better off with a smart phone that offers a better Web browser, Wi-Fi, a more comfortable keyboard, and loads of apps. T-Mobile subscribers should look at the HTC myTouch 3G which costs just $50 more and offers the much more robust Android operating system, a full application store, and a better Web browsing experience. Or even the $149.99 3G-lacking BlackBerry Curve 8900 which offers a stellar keyboard, calls over wireless networks, and the RIM App World for new software. Then again, you could save $50 and hop carriers to AT&T for the iPhone 3G.Stay tuned for a full review.