Review: Samsung WEP200 Bluetooth Headset

Samsung WEP200

Samsung WEP200

Samsung WEP200

Lately, it seems that Samsung has been full steam ahead in the mobile technology market, releasing handset after handset. Not wanting to be left out of the running in the Bluetooth headset arena, the company released the WEP200. The headset is designed to complement the ever expanding range of Samsung Bluetooth capable mobile phones and hopes to offer users an affordable yet stylish device.

We first saw the WEP200 earlier this year at a press event in New York City, and were excited to get the chance to test it, since it appears to be the first Samsung headset to actually make it to market.

Physical Aspects

When the WEP200 finally showed up here at our door, it seemed much smaller and lighter a device than I had remembered. Weighing a mere 9g (0.3oz), this headset ranks among the best in the weight department. Its feathery weight is not the only thing the WEP200 has going for it. At 40mm x 18mm x 18mm (1.5" x .5" x .5"), the Samsung WEP200's diminutive size makes it one of the smallest headsets on the market.

The WEP200 is a petite in-ear Bluetooth headset that uses ear buds that are fitted into the ear. The device, which can be worn on either ear, uses a small rubber loop attached to the ear bud to provide a snug and secure fit. But, if the headset is not positioned correctly, the headset can and likely will fall out of your ear. The headset's small size and light weight helps in preventing ear fatigue when worn for long periods of time. The WEP200's simple and boxy body has a high-gloss black finish and is susceptible to fingerprints and smears. Not a major concern for something that is discreetly worn in the ear and is mostly out of sight, but worth noting. The body itself seemed fairly resilient to scratches and abrasions.

Samsung WEP200
Weight	9g (0.3oz)
Body Size	40mm x 18mm x 18mm (1.5" x .5" x .5")
Talk Time	Up to 4 hours
Ear Loop	None
Left/Right Ear?	Both
LEDs	1, blue/red
Pairings	Multiple
Headset Sound	Good
Mic Sound	Poor
Included Accessories	AC charger, three ear bud covers, and a charging/storage case

Our Samsung WEP200 came with an AC travel charger, 3 earbud covers (small, medium, and large), a box/case, and a hard copy of the user manual. The included black box doubles as storage and a charger for the headset. Samsung has come up with a great concept here but forgot one minor detail – the headset has no means to accept a direct charge itself. Meaning if you lose or misplace the carrying/charging case, there is no way to provide further power to the device. Just some food for thought. The WEP200 comes with a claimed talk time of up to 4 hours along with a standby time claim of up to 3 days from a full charge. Recharging the unit can be done in as little as 2 hours.

Usage and Controls

With limited space on the WEP200, Samsung's creators have provided only what is necessary: volume controls and a multi-function button. The volume control is a rocker type button located on the flank of the headset. The rocker is easily found and activated during conversations. The multi-function controller button sits flush in the center portion of the device and is the hub for all operations. With a combination of short and long presses of the multi-function button, the device supports the standard headset functions such as answering and ending calls, voice dialing, transfer of call audio to the phone, last number redial, and call waiting. Samsung also provides some enhanced features available for phones with handsfree profiles including placing a call on hold, and muting the microphone.

To power up the WEP200 headset, press and hold the multifunction button for four seconds. The device will beep and the LED will flash blue 4 times. To power down the unit, press and hold the button again for the same time duration, which will again cause a beep and a couple of LED flashes. Quick presses of this same button will answer or end calls, as well as activate voice dialing, if your phone supports it.

 

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