Customer Reviews

Unlocked Samsung Xplorer B2100 Solid Extreme Anti-Shock Waterproof Quad-Band Phone Red -International version with Embedded Flashlight

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Samsung B2100 is a decent phone, and feels good in the hand. I found it difficult to get up and running though. For example, there was no advice on how to migrate an address book from SIM card to phone--the automaticity I was used to just wasn't there. The menus are a bit clunky to move around, but speed dial and short cuts help. The one annoying thing is that the middle selector button immediately connects you to the WAP application and there is no way I have found to change this option. Also, you need to re-configure Time/Date every time you take the battery out--more annoyance. Texting is awkward, and voice slightly muffled, due to the phone's waterporoofing. Forget about using this mobile for Internet browsing--this is NOT a multimedia phone. The flashlight and voice recorder features are very useful, but the radio and music player less so because of the poor jack cover design--see below.

Pluses: a really tough phone. Hardware design wise, the only real failing is the flimsy multifunction jack cover, which swings downwards and slightly out, making it vulnerbale to a knock from your hand. The camera works okay, and it is possible to take good snaps in certain conditions. With only 1.3 megapixels picture quality is not great though. Videos also turn out rough. But the reason you buy this phone is for its ruggedness, most particularly the waterproofing. Don't expect much more from it. You can adequately call, text and take snaps in harsh and challenging environments. Therefore, the B2100 is a good choice for manual workers, travellers, fisherpeople etc. If you want multimedia, or any kind of slickness, don't buy this phone.

Update: I've been using the Samsung B2100 for a while now and the thing that has come to bother me most is the terrible menu/function design. You have to take so many actions to achieve the simplest of tasks. Dreadful. On the other hand, my copy is still working and can definitely take a knock. Overall, not an everyday phone but handy for rough and tumble situations.

I work as a dive instructor, and I have lost count of the cell phones that have either been 'drowned' or salt damaged in the past 6 years since I started my business.

This phone is awesome, it's waterproof as long as the port that covers the battery charging access is firmly in place, so if it should 'go for a swim it's much more likely to survive. My phone has already had a couple of water encounters that would have killed lesser phones.

The unit is sealed so I don't have to worry about using it with salty / dirty / oily hands as it can be rinsed off. The case fits nicely in the hand, and the keys are good size.

I would recommend this phone for boating, dirty or wet out door pursuits, and even mechanics and other folks involved in jobs where your phone is likely to get mucky!

The battery has a pretty good life. The phone also has a torch, the only thing that it lacks is a bottle opener!

So impressed am I that I have bought additional phones for my staff / business.

I bought this phone because I travel for work to unpredictable places where you need your phone working. I am in Haiti right now and the phone is working perfectly. Back in the states I use an AT&T sim in it and it works fine. Here, I popped a DigiCell sim in and no problemo. Phone calls and texting work without a problem.
I cover multiple countries from Haiti to Sudan to Pakistan all in different time zones and their is a world clock application that let's me know the time in those places as I scroll through. It's got the other standard applications such as converter (currency, time, temp, etc...), alarm clock and timer, calendar, etc... The flashlight is strong and use it often.
I am used to the Nokia set up, so the Samsung is taking a little getting used to going through the menu.
I purchased all the peripherals so I can charge it on the go or when there is no wall outlet. The battery life is strong. I have been here one week and still have two bars. So far, looks good. Works well. A good travel phone.

I love this phone, keeping in mind it is what it is, a basic phone. Maintains great connection, works like a champ in the Philippines and China by simply installing a country specific sim card and carrier. Volume is good, connects easily with Bluetooth and has some good features. I am even able to sync my MS Office Outlook address book, calendar and notes by simply downloading software from Samsung's support website. Don't buy this phone if you are wanting a smart phone or multi-media phone, it's just a very well done basic phone.

Pros: Solid performance, feels sturdy when holding it, small enough to put in your pocket, great MP3 player, menus are easy to navigate, bios can be flashed from Samsung's support website. Holds all personal data even if battery is removed except time and date. All in all, this phone does everything it should do for its type and is definitely a very rugged phone which is perfect for me.

Cons: Only thing I can think of is that I have to update the date and time when the battery is removed. Instruction manual is in Russian, (LOL!) but is easily downloaded from Samsung's website.

One additional comment, never order anything if it isn't available through Amazon's fulfillment department, you can rest easy you're getting great service, an actual new phone not a reconditioned one that is advertised as new or an open box item.

i am a construction worker
i used to buy wimpy flip phones
they would junk after 6 months
this phone is not afrade of dirt
water or droppingon the ground
the light is very usefull

Overall I am pretty satisfied with this phone. In the age of hand held, everything at your finger tips, smart phones, it's hard to find something that will take the abuse that I'm going to dish out. I don't plan on submerging the phone. I live in the rainy NW, and I commute by bike everywhere so the water proof/resistance gives me piece of mind that if I drop it in a puddle (or toilet) it will survive. The phone is very sturdy and seems to be holding up after a month of use and doesn't feel like it's going to shatter if I drop it on the floor. The operating system is pretty easy to get used too. I like past samsung phone operating systems, and I have had a real problem with some phones, but this one works out find. I have not used the phone to store or listen to music, and I don't really plan too. The camera is pretty nice for a brick phone, at least better than expected.

My only real complaint is that the buttons are very sturdy therefore hard to push. Especially the middle select key between the direction buttons. Sometimes I will have to press several times. Also the phone is a little slow to respond and I will end up double "clicking" because it takes longer than my impatient mind handles. But I am slowly working out my kinks to get used to the phone. Overall I really enjoy this device.

This is a good, tough, basic phone. Do not buy it if you want to surf the web or have all the bells and whistles, it's pretty basic.

Due to the water proofing, it's very hard to get the battery door open. I'm not downrating it much because of this because I rarely if ever need to take the battery out, but they could have put a grip on there or something.

Just received my phone and can not charge it. I live in Mexico... Should be listed as European Version not International Version because it arrived with only a Euro Plug.....Should have a universal plug for charging.

The phone is durable, looks the same as the picture, is in obviously new condition, has a pretty sweet remake of Pong pre-loaded (and some trial games), and I only have to charge it once every 6-7 days. It works with a TKS (German T-Mobile) SIM card, so the international aspect is true, and I like the pre-loaded ringtones.

This phone is great for talking in the shower. No speaker-phone and REALLY bad reception. I dropped it and it fell apart.