T-Mobile, the fourth largest mobile carrier in the US, has recently released a new affordable handset: Samsung T229 (or Samsung SGH-T229).

Given its low price, Samsung T229 is an entry-level device, hence it can't offer too many advanced features to those who need their handsets to pack the latest in technology. Therefore, the new Samsung will only attract those who need simple phones, reasonably priced.

Samsung T229 comes in a clamshell form factor and, when not flipped, it looks a bit weird. That's because its external display is not positioned in the center of the case, but a bit to the right. Aside from this, the phone is a normal clamshell, with a pretty small internal display (probably of 176 x 220 pixels) and a flat, easy to use alphanumeric keypad.

The new Samsung also comes with: tri-band GSM connectivity (850 / 1800 / 1900 MHz), Bluetooth, Instant Messaging, MyFaves capability, Photo caller ID, picture messaging, speakerphone, a photo camera (of maximum 1.3 Megapixels), calendar, calculator and so on. The SGH-T229 weighs 3.3 ounces (93.5 grams) and, when closed, it measures 3.6 x 1.9 x 0.8 inches (91.5 x 48 x 20 mm). Its battery is a 880 mAh one and it should provide up to 6.5 hours of talk-time and up to 11 days of stand-by time.

Samsung T229 is now available from T-Mobile, both online and through the carrier's retail stores across the US. The clamshell will cost you only $29.99 (after the signing of a contract agreement for two years), coming with a handsfree headset in the package.

Samsung T229 is the tenth Samsung mobile phone currently offered by T-Mobile to its subscribers. The other handsets include models like Samsung Beat, Samsung Blast, Samsung Katalyst, Samsung Stripe and Samsung T219.