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Do you want a phone that does absolutely nothing except make a call and send a text message? If so, then you might be considering the Huawei Pal for MetroPCS. You also might be thinking about the Pal if you're going to a costume party dressed as 2001. OK, that last one was a bit harsh, but there's no denying that the Pal is from another age. Its squat candy bar body is clad in plastic, the screen is tiny, it has only a numeric keypad, and you could count its features on two hands. Heck, it doesn't even have a camera.
Now, believe me, there's nothing wrong with a basic handset. As hard as it may be to believe, even in 2013, not everyone wants a smartphone that can do a million things. Sometimes, it is just about communication. The Huawei Pal, however, takes that simplicity too far. And for a phone that's all about communication, call quality is middling. That's why I'd opt for the Samsung Freeform M instead. It's also free, but you get a full keyboard for texting and more features like a camera (though we haven't reviewed the Freeform M, the Freeform 5 on U.S. Cellular is similar).
Design
My guess is that it's been a long time since you've seen a phone like the Pal. At 4.37 inches long by 1.85 inches wide by 0.57 inch deep, it's so small that I can almost close my hand completely around it. It's also so light (2.65 ounces) that I barely knew I had it in my hand. Both of those things are fine, it actually feels nice not to lug around a brick for a change, but the Pal's plastic skin hardly inspires a feeling of confidence.
The Pal has a small, serviceable display and user-friendly navigation controls.(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET) The 1.8-inch TFT screen is full color. Of course, it's not amazingly bright and vibrant, but that's not really the point here anyway. You can change a few options like the wallpaper, the brightness level, and the backlight time duration. The list-based menus are deadly simple to use.
Below the display is deliciously-retro navigation array. There's a raised circular toggle with a central OK button, a dedicated speakerphone control, a Clear key, and the Talk and End/power buttons. There are two soft keys, as well, one of which you can use as a shortcut to a feature of your choice. Below them is the alphanumeric keypad. The individual buttons are raised and a comfortable size, though the keypad as a whole feels rather cramped. And horror of all horrors, you'll have to use T9 to text. Trust me, once you stop using it, it is hard to go back. The only other features on the Pal's exterior are a 3.5mm headset jack on its top end and a Micro-USB charger port on the right spine. It does not have a dedicated volume rocker.
There's just a speaker on the back of the Pal.(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET) Features
The Pal's phone book holds 1,000 contacts, which should give you plenty of space. Under each contact, you can store four phone numbers, an e-mail address, and a URL. You can pair contacts with a photo, as well, but without a camera, a memory card slot, or USB syncing, you'll have to have your pals (pun intended) send photos to you. So, yes, it's more trouble than it's worth. Alternatively, you can pair contacts with a (polyphonic!) ringtone and organize them into groups.
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