What Hi-Fi? Verdict
It looks rather snazzy from the outside but we’re a little underwhelmed by sound quality and usability
Pros
- +
Looks good
- +
good price
Cons
- -
Fiddly controls
- -
lacks detail
- -
lightweight sound
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Samsung's super-affordable USB-stick-style YP-U4 MP3 player is available in three colours and in 2 and 4GB incarnations – we're looking at the smaller model here.
A flick-out USB connection allows you to connect straight to your PC (it's not Mac compatible), and once connected you can drag and drop MP3, WMA or Ogg Vorbis files to the sleek chassis, as well as charging the player for 16 hours of battery life.
Touchscreen controls and a 1in OLED screen help you make your way around, but while it looks smart the controls are a little fiddly and at times unresponsive.
Sonically the Samsung has to step up against the iPod Shuffle and it simply can't match the level of detail and emotion, with Adele's ‘Hometown Glory' sounding lightweight and bright in the treble.
Looks can be deceptive and this Samsung sadly flatters to deceive.
