Review: WEP185 & WEP200; two Bluetooth headsets from the Korean company
Samsung and accessories? It is the first question many people will ask when they check out the latest Bluetooth headsets from the Korean company. Samsung does have a large name on this part of the market.
Samsung and accessories? It is the first question many people will ask when they check out the latest Bluetooth headsets from the Korean company. Samsung does have a large name on this part of the market, but it does not mean that it takes the opportunity to create several accessories. Samsung delivers video-out cables, data cables with software, car chargers, stereo headsets but also Bluetooth headsets for a large amount of models.
Within this review two new Bluetooth headsets will be discussed; the WEP185 and WEP200. It should be noticed that both headsets have comparable specifications, but in a different colour and style. Both can address incoming calls, reject incoming calls, activate voice dials (when available on the device), can be worn on both ears and support Bluetooth 1.2.
The big difference between the two is the used colour and style. The WEP185 is the black headset in this review and the WEP200 is the white one. Both have their own fit and the WEP200 has a special box delivered with it.
On the pictures it is quite visible that the headsets are placed inside the ear without any special connection around the ear. There is no ring around the ear which fits the headset better and enhances the placing in the ear. Quite often people are replacing or refitting the headset inside the ear. In some cases the headset does not stay correct positioned and goes downwards. There are some special ear peaces inside the package that will enhance the fit inside the ear. However the question should be asked if people can get used using a certain headset inside the ear. Other manufacturers like Sony Ericsson and Nokia use this technique and customers should decide for themselves if they like it. It is quite personal!
The box delivered with the WEP200 is specially ment for charging the headset. The available charger should be connected to this box. The charger has a different connector as the mobile phones from Samsung which will lead into having a double amount of charging cables inside the car. (There should be mentioned that there is no 12V charging cable for the headset available at this stage) One simple charging cable for both is not something Samsung has at this stage in the contrary to Nokia and Sony Ericsson.
The audio quality of both headset is quite a drain. After using several Jabra, Sony Ericsson and Nokia headsets a comparison in relation to the Samsung headset does not turn out well. It is a pity that they could not realize a better quality in these headsets. The sound quality is not sufficient and quite weak.
Answering and ending a call is slower than expected. Especially addressing the call takes some time and when you press the button the headset can shift. During a conversation it is quite noticeable that the spoken text lines sound dull. Also the volume is no that great and together with the mentioned clarity both headsets do not have a high score on making a call. No, the Samsung headsets cannot be recommended above other headsets from manufacturers like Sony Ericsson, Nokia or for instance Jabra.
The weight of the headsets is around 9 grams and that is quite light for a Bluetooth headset. The headsets can achieve a maximum of 70 hours standby time and a call time of about 4 hours. Low battery values in comparison with other models within the current market.
As a whole it is nice that Samsung shows us some Bluetooth headsets next to other products as mobile phones. But the quality of the headsets is not at a level that they can be recommended above other products. A plus is the fact that they can be used in any ear. Next to this there is no car charger available for the headsets and the quality during conversations is not that great. It is quite average and not something that would have been expected from a company that presents itself as a premium brand.
