T-Mobile Sidekick 4G Pro Reviews

Our time spent with the Sidekick was generally positive. A sometimes-confusing interface, one that is hampered with slow speeds was the biggest turn offs. Yet neither were deal breakers, and the 4G accomplished what it set out to do, with stylishly crafted and solidly built hardware, and one of the most attractive looking skins even devised for Android. Long time fans of the line will feel right at home, while those who simply want an affordable, mid-range Android device, yet one that is still very much unique, need not look any further.

While we were slightly disappointed with the lack of flash and the 3MP camera, overall the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G has been a stellar addition to the Android line-up. The battery life alone made us wistfully look at our daily drivers and ponder why Samsung (and other manufacturers) weren't able to put together such a power-sipping device when obviously the capability exists in the Sidekick 4G. The consistent key action and the solid build will satisfy not only a business customer, but also teens who focus heavily on messaging. Ignoring the slightly buggy or insufficiently capable widgets, the UI even surprised us with its responsiveness. Sadly, the built-in browser failed to perform, but there are a few solid (and free) replacements which negated the impact.

After spending several weeks swapping the Sidekick 4G in and out as my primary phone, I can conclusively say it’s not for everybody — but it’s definitely not a terrible phone. And in fact, for some, it could be a great phone. Adults — even ex-Sidekick users who’ve simply grown up and entered the workforce — might find something with a little more power and a little less flash to be more appealing, and for those folks, T-Mobile offers the myTouch and the G series. In fact, in many ways, the G2 is a perfect “adult” counterpoint to the Sidekick 4G.

T-Mobile’s Sidekick 4G delivers the same great keyboard and hip posturing the line is known for, but falls short where more modern handsets deliver.

Looked at solely on it's own merits, the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is a very solid device. It's got nice build quality, a great keyboard, fast performance, and an ergonomically comfortable design for messaging. However, it's when you look at the device in the context of it's $100 suggested retail price that it becomes a hit. T-Mobile Sidekick 4GSamsung and T-Mobile have delivered a solidly mid-range experience, on a solidly low-end budget. The result is a phone which I don't hesitate to recommend as being one of the best entry-level smartphones I've used. While it may not match the flash and bang features of the higher end Androids, it does everything most people will need it to do, and does it well.

My big sticking point is that it really loses the spirit of the original Sidekick. Sure, it looks and acts similar, but the Android 2.2 user interface lacks any of the real UI elements from the Danger-designed devices (such as the carousel menu). For the Sidekick purist, that may be a dealbreaker. But for those most likely to choose the Sidekick 4G -- teens and perhaps early 20s -- it offers an abundance of messaging capabilities and a great keyboard on which to peck out he-said, she-said gossip and whathaveyou.

The T-Mobile Sidekick won’t appeal to everybody: It’s certainly no dual-core, large-screen, enterprise-heavy superphone. But then again, that’s not really what the Sidekick brand is all about. It’s not really meant to be used in the boardroom. The Sidekick was designed for social networkers, first-time smartphone owners, and people who really appreciate a good QWERTY keyboard. I think the Sidekick succeeds at what it sets out to do and more. For $100, you get a 4G phone with some fantastic messaging capabilities and a fun but useful design.

The T-Mobile Sidekick 4G continues the Sidekick's legacy as an excellent messaging device and also serves as a great entry-level smartphone.

Rising back from a shallow grave, the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G has enough fuel in its tank to supremely live up the expectations brought on by previous devices. Still embodying and placing a lot of attention on some of its beloved prime features, there’s no denying that this modernized Sidekick will undoubtedly keep up with the demanding needs of the no talk and all messaging personalities of today’s youth.