Samsung SGH-D900: Review
The Samsung SGH-D900 is an elegant phone with a keypad that slides under the screen, thus allowing a compact size. The phone is compatible with GSM networks across the world. It lets you send messages via the EDGE mobile data connection. The SGH-D900 is for style-conscious people, but there are some features that may attract users who demand more, like the 3 megapixel camera, MP3 player, and the ability to project photos and videos to a TV screen.
Key features:
- Quad-band GSM world phone for 850/900/1800/1900 MHz frequency bands. EDGE and GPRS mobile data connectivity.
- 240x320 pixel resolution display with up to 262 000 colors.
- 3 megapixel camera. A dedicated shutter button on the side (on top when the phone is held like a camera).
- Video recorder and player.
- Music player can recognize MP3 and AAC tracks. MP3 and polyphonic ringtones.
- Voice recorder.
- Email (POP3 and IMAP4), MMS, and text messages.
- WAP/xHTML browser for viewing pages designed for phones only.
- Photos and videos saved on the phone can be viewed on a TV. Once the phone is set to TV Out mode and an A/V cable is connected to a TV monitor, everything on the phone screen will be displayed on the TV.
- The USB connection allows transferring of data from a PC, using the phone as a modem for a PC, and printing directly from the phone to a PictBridge-compatible printer.
- Bluetooth connectivity, with stereo audio capability.
- 60MB of internal memory.
- Additional storage space available on removable MicroSD memory cards.
- Java applications can be downloaded and run on the phone.
- Dimensions 105.5 x 51 x 12.9 mm / 4.1 x 2.0 x 0.5 inches, weight 85 g.
When we picked up the Samsung SGH-D900, we first felt its smoothness. The device not only looks slick, but it also feels smooth and solid in the hand. The phone effortlessly opens up when the screen is pushed upwards with the thumb.
The five-way navigation key, two menu keys, start call, end call, and backspace key are located on the top half of the unit; volume keys and the camera shutter button are on the side; all other keys are placed on the sliding keypad. The keypad provides good contact for the properly-sized keys. The screen is bright, displaying large icons and text on a high-resolution screen.
Two issues about the Samsung SGH-D900 bothered us. The overall design and graphics of the menu system look like the whole menu was imported from an entry-level phone with a low-resolution screen. Pretty quickly, our eyes and fingers got used to the menu; but for the price, we expected something better.
Another problem was the placement of the backspace and navigation keys. In regular use, there's nothing wrong with these keys, but when we wanted to slide the screen, the problem became evident. The keys have been placed right on the spot where our thumbs pushed the screen up to reveal the keypad. We realize that space is scarce on a small device; however, this layout is likely to cause unwanted actions.
The Motorola Moto Z8, Nokia E65, and T-Mobile Wing are examples of slim products that come with a slider mechanism. The T-Mobile Wing hides a full qwerty keyboard under the screen.
Who likes this product:
The Samsung SGH-D900 is a phone for people who appreciate style over features. The 3 megapixel camera will appeal to photo-snappers who want to be sure they always have a camera with them. If you need high-speed Internet access for watching videos or TV, for downloading music, or for browsing Web pages, you should consider other products that come with 3G or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Style:
During the last couple of few years, Samsung has been able to produce attractive phones that charm people who are seeking small, elegant devices. The SGH-D900 is a fine example of this product concept. The unit feels just right in the hand. It's not too small. The keys on the keypad are easy to hit, and the screen is easy to read. It's not too large. The unit is slim and compact, so it easily slips into a pocket or purse.
Value for the money: 3 out of 5
We tend to seek balance in design, features, usability, and price in the products we purchase, use, or review. Taking into consideration these four factors, the Samsung SGH-D900 relies heavily on design, but is thin on features. The phone features are mediocre (at best), with two notable exceptions: the 3 megapixel camera and the TV interface. Also, to our taste, the design of the menu system is not at the same level as the hardware design. Nonetheless, the SGH-D900 is a modern camera phone with messaging features and a removable memory card for storage. If you are ready to pay a premium for fine hardware design, the SGH-D900 might be your product.
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Reader rating:
Angelica 14.11.2007 22:50
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