• Phones
• Phone Finder
• News
• Carriers
• Android
• iOS
• How To
• Glossary

• Advertising
• About
• Contact
• Privacy
• Terms of Use

The Epic 4G Touch is enormous — just like nearly all the Galaxy S phones from Samsung. It has gently rounded corners and an inky blackness that almost sucks the light out of the room. I can barely get my hands around it. It is thicker than some of the other Galaxy models, in order to accommodate the WiMax radio, which also adds weight. It is a dense, large, heavy phone. Were it not for the rounded back edges, it would feel like a brick in the hand. Guys shouldn't have any problems putting the Epic 4G Touch in their pockets, but gals might.

Samsung continues to use cheap-feeling plastics to skin its Galaxy smartphones. The sheer size of the E4 helps a little, but I still long for some metallic surfaces and less plastic. These devices have looked essentially the same since mid-2010. It's time to change up the design, Samsung.

To say that the front is all screen would be putting it mildly. With 4.5-inches of Super AMOLED Plus display stretching across the front, there's little room for anything else. Samsung did manage to place four capacitive Android keys at the very bottom edge. They worked well and I liked the haptic feedback.

Other controls are kept to a minimum. On the left edge, you'll find the volume toggle in its customary place. It stands out stiffly from the side, making it easy to find. Travel and feedback are very good. The power/lock button is opposite the volume toggle on the right edge. This button works well, too.

The microUSB port is tucked into the bottom. The 3.5mm headset jack is where I like it to be, on top.

The battery cover — which has a carbon fiber texture to it — peels off easily enough, but it is flimsy. The battery is accessible once the cover is removed. The memory card slot is positioned so that cards can be swapped without yanking the battery.

Over all, the Epic 4G Touch is an impressive phone. It may lack some features — such as a dedicated camera button — but the hardware doesn't get in the way of usability. Still, the size might be a hair too much for some users.

Log In  or  Register

Forgot password

By registering, you agree to our Terms of Use.
We value your privacy and will never share your email address. (full privacy policy)