Samsung SCH-A950 Review

Equipped with an MP3 player, the A950 offers convenient music listening functionality through Previous, Play / Pause, Stop, and Next keys, giving users complete control of MP3 playing capabilities without having to ever open the phone. For more advanced functions, the A950 allows consumers to quickly scroll through their playlists with just a few spins of an innovative scroll wheel, reminiscent of the iPod.

Above the external display, the lens to a 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder with built-in flash is activated by pressing the Camera Key on the left side. Located below the Camera Key, an expansion slot is incorporated for extra memory through TransFlash cards. While the right side contains a headset jack and volume keys to adjust earpiece and tone volumes during calls and standby.

Through the dual stereo speakers on the ends of the hinge, users are able to experience enhanced sound quality - from ring tones to music / video playback to conversations via speakerphone.

Flipped open, the main 262K-color LCD is revealed, able to display images at up to 176 x 220 px in size. Standard 5-way navigational and numeric keypads provide fairly sizable for comfortable typing through T9 predictive text.

Out of the box, the Samsung SCH-A950 comes with a standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, and user manual.

Samsung SCH-A930 Review

Giving off an industrial feel, the strong angles and pure black exterior embeds a narrow vertical external screen. Meant to be held sideways, the LCD is more stylish than functional; adding an aesthetic element to the design for a monochrome view of commonly glanced at information.

Below the elongated screen, Rewind, Play / Pause, and Fast Forward buttons control the built-in MP3 player, while above, a rotating 1.3-megapixel camera with flash is positioned on the hinge captures photos up to 1280 x 960 px in resolution. Dual speaker ports on to bottom corners give users an open-air listening experience.

Volume Keys along the left adjust earpiece and tone levels during calls and standby, while a dedicated Speakerphone Key nearby activates handsfree access. On the right, a 2.5 mm Headset Jack is positioned next to a microSD expansion slot, able to accept memory cards up to 1 GB in size. The Power / Accessory Connector Port is located on the bottom.

Samsung SCH-A890 Review

Turned around, the back includes a second speaker grill in the upper right for multimedia content, and a capped antenna port on the upper left to attach an external antenna for extra reception.

Flipped open, an internal screen is revealed, able to display 262K colors with a resolution of 176 x 220 px. And navigation and text messaging is performed with the standard 5-way directional and numeric keypads.

Against the left, up and down side keys adjust the ringer volume in standby and earpiece volume during a call, while a 2.5 mm headset jack allows for handsfree access. To snap unexpected moments, a dedicated Camera Key is positioned on the right side. Meanwhile, outlets for attaching the charger and accessories are located on the bottom.

Out of the box, the Samsung SCH-A890 comes with a standard 1100 mAh Li-Ion battery, desktop charger, stereo headset, Welcome CD, quick reference guide, and user manual.

Samsung SCH-A870 Review

Instead, it offers the standard array of mid-range features packaged together with a mid-range price. Keeping its lower price in mind, the A870 is hardly a disappointment; it offers a nice design, a VGA camera with flash, Bluetooth, voice command and other handy features.

The design features both internal and external screens, as well as a two-tone exterior. Display options give users some leeway to customize wallpapers, fonts, and color schemes. And while the camera doesn't take print-quality images, it does feature various tools for fine-tuning PC-ready photos, as well as color effects for some added fun.

Audio features standard MIDI ringtones as well as VibeTonz, which causes the phone to vibrate along to song beats or game action. The Internet connectivity is not the most cutting-edge, but the cdma2000 1xRTT certainly gets the job done when it comes to messaging and browsing the Mobile Web network, while a handful of Bluetooth technologies allow for the most common accessories - headsets and hands-free kits.

Operating on the higher-end of standard, the A870 is no state-of-the-art multimedia communication device, but it remains a strong mid-level offering from Verizon.

Samsung MM-A940 Review

Housing a 96 x 96 px screen, the A940's front panel features a 65K-color LCD allowing users to quickly glance at basic and incoming information. Below, Rewind, Play / Pause, Stop, and Fast Forward Keys control the built-in MP3 player. Through dual stereo speakers on the bottom corners, the A940 becomes a portable speaker system, letting users experience music through an open air environment.

Pressing the Voice Command / Speakerphone Key on the right activates voice and hansfree functionality. And located nearby, the Camera Option Key offers additional functions when Camera Mode is active.

Personal music listening can be enjoyed through the Headset Jack on the left, also doubling for handsfree headphones. Additional storage is available through the adjacent TransFlash card slot.

Opened, the main 262K-color LCD is discovered. Standard 5-way directional and numeric keypads offer comfortable navigation and text messaging through T9 predictive text.

Samsung MM-A920 Review

Regardless, its design is well-suited for MP3s. Situated on the front, an external screen displays vital information at a glance away in vivid 65K-colors. Positioned above, a lens and flash to the 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder is activated with the press of the Camera Key on the right side.

Below the screen, a 5-way keypad provides music listeners access to convenient Rewind, Play / Pause, Fast Forward, List, and Shuffle Keys for complete MP3 playing controls without having to ever open the A920. Accessing music through TransFlash memory cards, an expansion slot on the right side pops open.

On the left, a Headset Jack allows convenient music listening and handsfree access, while Volume Keys to adjust earpiece and tone during calls and standby. Power and Accessory Interface Connectors on the bottom allow users to connect optional accessories such as the USB cable. Meanwhile dual stereo speakers on the ends of the hinge allow users to experience enhanced sound quality - from ring tones to music and video playback to conversations via speakerphone.

Samsung MM-A900 Review

Using a lightweight magnesium metal instead of more commonly used plastic shell, Samsung managed to increase the rigidity of the A900 to withstand the everyday wear and tear of daily use.

Maintaining its slim profile, the front panel prominently features a brilliant 65K-color screen to glance at essential and incoming information. Blasting music through dual external speakers on the bottom corners, music listeners can control the built-in MP3 player through dedicated Rewind, Play / Pause, and Fast Forward Keys; all without ever having to open the phone

On the right, Volume Keys adjust earpiece and tone levels during calls and standby, and Power and Accessory Interface Connectors allow users to connect optional accessories such as the USB cable to transfer music and multimedia from a PC. Should users want to enjoy the music privately, headphones can be connected to the Headset Jack on the right side, also doubling as the output port for handsfree access. And a Camera / Voice Memo Key nearby allows consumers to take pictures in Camera Mode or record voice memos during a call.

Nokia N75 Review

Optimizing for design, the N75 sports an internal antenna. A small, black Power Key is positioned at the top of the phone, while the top left hand side has a large tab that covers the USB Port. The USB Port provides connectivity with a PC or a compatible media player. Nokia PC Suite software can be used to print images or transfer data. The Charger plugs into a port below the USB Port.

Below on the left side is a smaller tab that covers the microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage space with extra memory cards. This cover is less flimsy than some, but it still seems delicate enough to break at some point.

A bi-directional Volume Key on the upper right side also doubles as the Zoom Key during Camera Mode. Directly below, an Infrared Port lets consumers transfer data wirelessly to other devices. Above the multi-function Mode Key gives users added convenience by switching between different applications. The bottom right is the Camera Key, which activates the camera and camcorder and snaps photos with the phone open or closed.

While the keypad is overall very simple and well designed, some users might have difficulty with the Menu key and Music Key. These two buttons are positioned between the Call, End and Right and Left Selection Keys. One misplaced touch to the Menu or Music Key brings up those applications, and can interrupt texting or dialing.

Key multimedia features on the N75's exterior are the two 3D speakers located discretely at the top corners, and the three simple Music Player buttons on the face, below the display.

Back and Forward arrows straddle a Play / Pause Key, and all three Multi-Function Keys control other applications in addition to music. A blue light pops up behind the keys with the touch of a finger, an attractive color that ties in well with the black exterior.

Out of the box, the Nokia N75 comes with an 800 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Charger, Data Cable, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual.

Nokia N-Gage QD Review

One of the first noticeable changes was the design of the N-Gage QD. The original N-Gage's microphone and speaker were located on the top. This forced users to hold the phone on edge. Due to the N-Gage's shape, the term "taco phone" or "elephant ear" came to be synonymous with embarrassed users talking on the N-Gage. Many people complained about it's awkward shape and even more awkward design as a phone.

Nokia listened and created the QD to have the earpiece and speaker on the front allowing for a much more natural way of answering the phone. Additionally, the dimensions are slightly smaller at 118 x 68 x 22 mm, compared to the 133 x 70 x 22 mm of the N-Gage. But unfortunately, that makes the N-Gage QD slightly harder to grip.

The N-Gage QD keypad has been altered as well. Many consumers have complained that the original N-Gage's keypad was too stiff to be used comfortably. Fortunately, the QD has been redesigned to include a more responsive keypad.

The directional keypad has also lost the ability to be pressed down. Instead of a 5-way keypad, the QD has a 4-way keypad with an extra button below. As to if this is better or not will depend on the user. Some may find it frustrating to pick up their thumb to press the button, while others may find the change refreshing.

Nokia 7610 Review

Nokia has taken a more aesthetic approach when designing the 7610. From one look, the vivid casing colors and stylish keypad layout provide a unique and unforgettable impression. The Nokia 7610 comes in two colors: Silver Grey, and Black / Red, however additional colors can be purchased through Nokia's X-Press cover accessories.

The front of the 7610 features a 65K color 176 x 208 px TFT screen. The LCD doubles as a viewfinder when camera mode is enabled. A cascading keypad layout is located below. Users with bad flashbacks of the 3650's rotary keypad can be at ease. Unlike the former, the 7610's artistically designed layout is as functional as it is fashionable, with a 5-way directional keypad to navigate the Symbian OS menu as well.

The back of the Nokia 7610 is colorfully designed with intricate patterns and shapes. It is also where the camera lens lies. Featuring a 1 megapixel built-in camera, the Nokia 7610 has the ability to capture images at up to 1152 x 852 px. Unfortunately the lens is unprotected, so scratches will occur if not careful.

Nokia 7250 Review

On a bright note, the 7250 plays ring tones through its internal speaker rather than an ordinary buzzer. That means you'll get vastly improved sound quality for ring tones, alerts, and game tones.

What has been improved upon is the new addition of a built-in camera. With Sony Ericsson, and Samsung planning cameras in their new phones, Nokia had to follow. In terms of image quality, it's not the best. But what would you expect from a camera phone. It's main purpose is talking on the phone. It does it's job for taking quick snaps of some idea you jog a napkin, or taking pictures of people to stick as your background. But aside from that, don't expect to get printable photos.

Things that Nokia hasn't added since the 7210 are still voice commands. If you use this feature a lot, it'll be quite disappointing to you. Better get your thumbs ready, because they'll get quite a workout.

Nokia 7210 Review

The 4096 color screen is one of the best we've seen. The 7210 has a resolution of 128 x 128 px. The display shows 5 lines of text and a service line. When messaging, 8 lines of text and 2 service lines are displayed due to scaling. The screen is bright and clear in dim conditions. However in sunny weather, the screen becomes washed out. Ghosts have been a problem where you see residual images that fade out when the screen changes. But it isn't all that noticeable. Overall though, the screen is considerably better than the T68i screen. The resolution is higher and you can have bigger pictures as wallpaper.

Nokia 7200 Review

An external monochrome 96 x 36 px display is included on the front lid, offering information such as time, missed calls, messages, and caller ID. Additionally, there are animated black-and-white screensavers for the mini display to add to the 7200's look.

The internal screen is a 65,000 color 128 x 128 px TFT display. Up to 5 lines for text can be shown in basic mode with 16-pixel font. TFT, as opposed to STN, has the circuit transistors placed on the glass at the pixel location instead of the need to scan the pixel location. This results in greatly increasing the response time and allows for very fast refresh rates. Up until now, Nokia's new releases have primarily been 4096 colors, and have lagged behind other manufacturers. But the 7200's display is wonderfully bright, crisp, and colorful.

Nokia 6820 Review

Not much has changed in appearance from the 6800. The 6820 still retains the same revolutionary flip QWERTY keypad. A few additions and improvements have, however, been added. Since the 6820 was designed with text messaging in mind, it is chock full of text messaging features. Among other things, users can SMS to send standard text messages, or attach pictures, sounds, or video clips with their MMS messages. A fully functional email client contains POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP capabilities for receiving and sending email from 3rd party sources.

A built-in 352 x 288 px CIF camera with video recording and playback capabilities peers out from the back housing of the 6820. The phone has a variety of shooting modes such as Standard Mode, Portrait Mode, and Night Mode. Self portraits are possible with a self-timer delay function. As with most camera phones, users should not expect standalone digital camera quality. Pictures taken with the Nokia 6820 are great for capturing impromptu moments, or attaching images to caller information and business cards, but anything more is best served using a dedicated digital camera.

There are, however, a few features missing from the 6820's precursor, most notably the built-in FM radio. Users who still desire a radio have the option to purchase it as a separate plug-in accessory.

Nokia 6800 Review

As expected, the 6800 is packaged with a heavyweight line-up of messaging software. In addition to the normal SMS, MMS, and chat, the 6800 comes with a fully functional email client. It has POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP capabilities, so now you can send and receive emails. The phone also comes with T9 predictive text input to speed up your typing.

With many of the added features, the phone is not by any means small. Compared to other phones, it is large and bulky. However, some people might welcome a phone with a little more weight. It makes typing somewhat easier with more surface area to work with.

Overall the Nokia 6800 is geared towards a specific market. Many people won't use the 6800 to it's full potential. However for the few who will, the 6800 is the phone you were waiting for. Currently the 6800 is available in 900 and 1800 frequency ranges for European and Asian countries. However a North American model is set to be released using 850 and 1900 Hz.

Nokia 6610 Review

Polyphonic ring tones are all the rage these days, and the 6610 definitely delivers. Ring tones are played through a speaker rather than an ordinary buzzer. This means you get improved sound quality for music, alerts, and games.

Proof of the better sound can be heard through the included FM headset. It needs to be plugged into the 6610 in order to access its menu. Once plugged in, its menu lets you present 20 channels or tune to stations. The excellent sound quality is in stereo, and the same headset can be used as a handsfree device.

One of our favorite feature is the loudspeaker mode. It's loud enough so people can hear you clearly while you're within 1 to 2 feet. After 2 feet you'll have to speak up a bit. The incoming voices are loud and clear too. It works great for talking in a moving car, or writing down from a call without having to hold the phone. Only works in quiet places.

Nokia 6200 Review

The passive matrix display has a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels and has the ability to show 5 lines of text and a service line. When messaging, up to 8 lines of text and 2 service lines are displayed. Nokia uses the same screens on other models, such as the 7250, 7210, 6800, etc.

Unfortunately, similar to all those other phones, the 6200 also experiences "ghosts." Ghosts happen when the screen changes and the old imprint can still be seen on top.

The 6200 has a STN display (as opposed to TFT) which do not have the circuitry on the glass and has to scan the pixel locations. This slows the response time and produces what is commonly referred to as "ghosts." Most phones use STN because the need for fast refresh rates aren't needed, and ghosts aren't a big deal. However, if you plan on playing a fast action packed games with a lot of motion, then this could potentially be a problem.

Nokia 6103 Review

Diverging from the color scheme of the 6101, the 6103 features a black-lined silver exterior, with a 4K-color external screen highlighting incoming and basic information such as signal strength and battery charge level. Above, a built-in 0.3-megapixel camera is activated by pressing the Camera Key situated to the right edge, capturing photos up to 640 x 480 px in size.

Near the Camera Key, an infrared port lets consumers send, receive, and synchronize data wirelessly, while the Volume Keys on the left side adjust earpiece and ringer volumes during calls and standby.

An integrated speakerphone is located on the top of the 6103, while a multi-functional system connection port (Pop-Port) is located on the bottom.

Also used to charge the 6103, the Nokia designed outlet automatically identifies accessories attached. Offering stereo sound with the use of headphones, users can charge their accessories with a single USB cable without the use of separate power sources. The Pop-Port transmits at rates of up to 230 kbps.

Nokia 6133 Review

The clamshell layout ideally protects the keys and internal screen; however the style of the black soft rubber exterior is debatable. Not quite the phone for the fashionista, the muted black silhouette against the shiny silver makes the 6133 look rather sporty.

At the top of the frontplate sits the 1.3-megapixel camera. While it does not have a mirror for vanity shots, the 120 x 160 px exterior display works as a mirror in Camera Mode.

The backplate is constructed with the same rubbery texture as the front, protecting the battery, SIM card, and oddly placed microSD slot. Able to be removed while the phone is in use, the microSD card is inconveniently located under the backplate. The battery charger and USB port plug into the top of the phone making it extremely difficult to talk on the phone while charging it. The power button lies below the camera button on the left side of the phone, making it difficult for left-handed consumers to take vanity shots, and making it easy for the camera button to be accidentally pressed.

Nokia 6102i Review

Basic and incoming information is displayed on the 4K-color external LCD, such as battery level and signal strength. With the VGA camera lens above, photos can be captured up to 640 x 480 px in resolution, activated by pressing the dedicated Camera Key located on the right edge.

Also along the right, an infrared port conveniently lets consumers send, receive, and synchronize data wirelessly. Volume Keys on the left adjust earpiece and ringer volumes during calls and standby.

For handsfree communication, a speakerphone is integrated on the spine, while the multi-functional Pop-Port connection is positioned on the bottom. Transmitting at rates of up to 230 kbps, the Nokia designed outlet functions as the charger and accessory port, even offering stereo sound with the use of headphones.

Opened, the 6102i reveals its 65K-color internal screen, with two soft keys below to provide convenient access to shortcuts. The comfortable 5-way keypad provides easily navigate through the menu, while a standard numeric keypad offers fast text messaging through T9 predictive text.