Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2 review

With Apple dominating nearly 70 percent of the MP3 player market, there would seem to be little incentive for competitors to jump into the fray. But Samsung isn't likely to shrink from a challenge from Apple or anyone else, leaving no stone unturned as it tries to chip away at Cupertino's market share.

That's where the latest Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2 comes in. Essentially a Galaxy-class Android smartphone without the cellular radios (and monthly data plan that comes with it), the Korean consumer electronics manufacturer may need to rethink its pricing strategy in the wake of Google's own low-cost tablet.


Let's dive in and discover if the Galaxy Player 4.2 offers any compelling options other than relative pocketability.

Hardware

Samsung isn't exactly a slouch when it comes to hardware, and the Galaxy Player 4.2 is no exception. It's just the right size for all but the most diminutive hands, although the slick plastic back requires a firmer grip than we'd like.

At 2.6 inches wide, 4.89 inches tall and 0.35 inches thick, this isn't exactly a direct rival for the smaller, thinner iPod touch. Apple's media player is also significantly lighter at 3.56 ounces compared to the Galaxy Player at 4.0 ounces.


Battery life and storage
Long battery life is where the Galaxy Player 4.2 truly shines. Without an always-on cellular radio continually siphoning juice from its removable 1,500 mAh Li-ion battery, Samsung can promise a maximum audio playback time of 60 hours on a single charge, trumping the iPod touch by a whopping 20 hours.


Samsung also boasts eight-hour battery life for video playback (versus Apple's seven hours), but we wound up closer to five hours and 18 minutes from a continual play test streaming over Wi-Fi. Looping Transformers: Dark of the Moon from Google's Play Movies & TV, we were able to play the 154-minute feature just over twice before the battery conked out.

Camera and chat
The Galaxy Player 4.2 includes a pair of cameras, although Samsung remains mum on specs for the front-facing lens, which is intended for video chat.

Despite an initial warning that the Galaxy Player wasn't certified for the Skype app, we were able to sign into our account and initiate a video call without problem. The quality of the front-facing camera may not be the greatest, but it's sufficient for catching up with loved ones.


The hardware is pretty good and the stereo speakers in particular are a nice touch. Although it's not quite as svelte as an iPod touch, the larger screen makes the extra heft easier to accept.

Although we're usually not fans of preinstalled software, Samsung's Kies Air really gave us something to get excited about here. In fact, our biggest lament was that we couldn't install the app on our Samsung Galaxy Nexus, as well.

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