Samsung Wave review
The Samsung Wave is the first of Samsung’s Bada-based smartphones, but is it a real competitor to other platforms on the market? We review it to find out.

The Samsung Wave is just the first device on the Bada platform and it’s a great start for the Korean manufacturer. Although the App Store has to go a little way before it’s even close to becoming a competitor to Android or Apple, we hope it does succeed as a smartphone platform.

What does make the applications better though, is the super-speedy ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor. It just makes everything run like clockwork. It's seamless to use, even when you have multiple apps open, or are using power-hungry ones. It's even highly effective when using the accelerometer that switches instantly when you tip the handset.
You can access the open apps screen by pressing and holding the menu button at the bottom of the screen. It's then easy to swap between open applications or close them all.
Although most smartphones include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HSDPA, it's pleasing to see the full package here, including support for the full range of Wi-Fi profiles, including 802.11n.
The Samsung Wave is a stunning device that deserves praise. Bada may not be the most polished platform out there and the Touchwiz UI isn't up to the same standard as HTC Sense, but it's an excellent first attempt by Samsung.
The one thing that really lets Bada and the Wave down, is the lack of apps in the Samsung App Store. We hope this is something that changes very soon.
Verdict
The Samsung Wave is just the first device on the Bada platform and it’s a great start for the Korean manufacturer. Although the App Store has to go a little way before it’s even close to becoming a competitor to Android or Apple, we hope it does succeed as a smartphone platform.
Connectivity: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA 900/2100 Display: 480 x 800 pixels, 3.3 inches OS: Samsung Bada Camera: 5-megapixels, autofocus, LED flash GPS: A-GPS Processor: ARM Cortex A8 1GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11bgn Dimensions: 56 x 10.9 x 118mm Weight: 118g Battery: Li-Ion 1500 mAh
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.
Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.
As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.
-
Cleo attack victim list grows as Hertz confirms customer data stolen – and security experts say it won't be the last
News Hertz has confirmed it suffered a data breach as a result of the Cleo zero-day vulnerability in late 2024, with the car rental giant warning that customer data was stolen.
By Ross Kelly Published
-
Women show more team spirit when it comes to cybersecurity, yet they're still missing out on opportunities
News While they're more likely to believe that responsibility should be shared, women are less likely to get the necessary training
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
OpenAI wants developers using its new GPT-4.1 models – but how do they compare to Claude and Gemini on coding tasks?
News OpenAI says its GPT-4.1 model family offers sizable improvements for coding, but tests show competitors still outperform it in key areas.
By Ross Kelly Published