Samsung Wave 2 review

The Samsung Wave II comes with a new hardware overhaul

Samsung Wave II GT-S8530
The definitive Samsung Wave II GT-S8530 review

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Samsung Wave II review: Maps and apps

There's GPS on board, so the possibility of navigation is not out of the question. But this is not an Android phone and there's no Google Maps app. You can use Google Maps, but via the website - or download the lower-end application from Big G.

Samsung provides its own Navigation application, but it's not good, to be honest.

Samsung wave ii gt-s8530

Simply from the point of view of finding somewhere and looking around a map, the mapping quality is poor. To do any routing you have to buy a license and for the United Kingdom and Ireland maps that comes in at €4.99 for 31 days or €19.99 for a year. Could work out expensive, that, and Google Maps offers the service free.

There are a fair few apps that bulk the Samsung Wave II out: a reasonably nice calendaring tool, memo maker, tasks manager, calculator and a mini diary in which you can make jottings (though it is very childlike in its design).

But Samsung wants you to use its app store. This is where we think it has missed a trick. There just aren't that many apps to choose from – 347 in the Entertainment category, 234 in Health and Life, 87 in Productivity. Compare these numbers with iPhone and Android apps and it is snickerworthy.

Samsung wave ii gt-s8530

And they are pricey too. We noticed that the Sims 3 costs £4.50, and you have to pay £1 each for themes, often more for widgets. There's a Sudoku widget for £1.25, when you can get a barrel full of Sudoku apps for free on Android.

Samsung wave ii gt-s8530