Review: Samsung Replenish, the Underwhelming Green Phone

About two years ago when ‘green’ phones like Samsung’s Blue Earth and Sony Ericsson’s GreenHeart started popping out in the market. This year, the green phone returns with Samsung Replenish. However, the first eco-friendly smartphone can be very underwhelming. True to its identity, the Samsung Replenish’s materials are free from Polyvinyl Chloride, Phthalates, Beryllium and Brominated flame retardants. The handset meets the European Union’s Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances Directive, and 34.6% of its casing is made of post-consumer recylced plastic content.

The Samsung Replenish is not ugly by any means, but it’s not the prettiest phone either. With its piano black face and chrome details at the back, the handset looks like a plastic case. The front has a 2.4-inch display and a full QWERTY keyboard, separated by four hardware buttons: Standard Meny, Home, Back and Search. The QVGA screen is decent for using basic apps, reading e-mail and texts, browsing for certain websites, but it’s not ideal for watching videos. The full QWERTY keyboard, on the other hand, is good enough for sending SMS and short emails. However, users with larger hands might have difficulty using the keyboard.

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