Samsung Wave 2 review

The Samsung Wave II comes with a new hardware overhaul

Samsung Wave II GT-S8530
The definitive Samsung Wave II GT-S8530 review

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Samsung Wave II review: Maps and apps

There's GPS on board, so the possibility of navigation is not out of the question. But this is not an Android phone and there's no Google Maps app. You can use Google Maps, but via the website - or download the lower-end application from Big G.

Samsung provides its own Navigation application, but it's not good, to be honest.

Samsung wave ii gt-s8530

Simply from the point of view of finding somewhere and looking around a map, the mapping quality is poor. To do any routing you have to buy a license and for the United Kingdom and Ireland maps that comes in at €4.99 for 31 days or €19.99 for a year. Could work out expensive, that, and Google Maps offers the service free.

There are a fair few apps that bulk the Samsung Wave II out: a reasonably nice calendaring tool, memo maker, tasks manager, calculator and a mini diary in which you can make jottings (though it is very childlike in its design).

But Samsung wants you to use its app store. This is where we think it has missed a trick. There just aren't that many apps to choose from – 347 in the Entertainment category, 234 in Health and Life, 87 in Productivity. Compare these numbers with iPhone and Android apps and it is snickerworthy.

Samsung wave ii gt-s8530

And they are pricey too. We noticed that the Sims 3 costs £4.50, and you have to pay £1 each for themes, often more for widgets. There's a Sudoku widget for £1.25, when you can get a barrel full of Sudoku apps for free on Android.

Samsung wave ii gt-s8530

Latest in Samsung Phones
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could have even smaller bezels - and that could mean an even bigger display
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on an orange background
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is still full price and I don't know what Samsung's playing at
An image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from a hands-on event
Will Samsung's new Galaxy AI features come to older devices? Here's what we know
'Circle to Search' on a Galaxy S25 Ultra can now identify a song you sing, hum, or play.
Samsung’s clever new ‘Circle to Search’ trick could help you figure out that song that is stuck in your head
An image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from a hands-on event
We celebrate the Samsung Galaxy S25 launch event with a special episode of our podcast
Samsung Galaxy S24 hands on handheld back straight white
Samsung Galaxy S25 AI leak teases major Gemini upgrades and new morning briefings
Latest in Reviews
An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on its retail packaging
I've reviewed three generations of 3D V-cache processors, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best there is
Mac Studio on a desk
Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra): the ultimate creative workstation
Apple iPad Air 11-inch M3 (2025) Review
I tested the 11-inch iPad Air with M3 for five days, and it stretches the value even further with more power for the same price
Moiraine using her magic in The Wheel of Time season 3
The Wheel of Time season 3 proves that Amazon's Lord of the Rings TV show isn't the only high fantasy heavyweight worth watching on Prime Video
Cricut Maker 4 cutting machine making projects with basswood and cardstock
After a month with Cricut Maker 4 I’ve pushed my crafting past its limit, and past the limit of the machine
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) REVIEW
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) is the best ultraportable – and the new price makes it even more appealing