Sleek and Sexy (Samsung SGH-A300)

Member Name: 1357

Product:	Samsung SGH-A300
Date:	05/11/01 (268 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sexy, Great looks, lightweight

Disadvantages: battery life, no games

My previous phone was a Nokia 3210, and when the time came to upgrade it I felt that I wanted something different - everyone seemed to have Nokia handsets ! I selected the Samsung Dual Band GSM SGH-A300 (hereafter to be known as the A300).

THE HANDSET :- The A300 is a small, compact 'flip phone' (similar to the motorola v.50). It comes in a stunning silver color (the only choice), and has an innovative external blue-backlit screen. This screen shows who is calling and the time/date. The screen is very stylish, and really sets this phone apart from its peers.
The internal screen is aqua-green backlit, and is quite substantial. The keypad is a bit small, and those with big hands may have trouble (although I did not).

There is also an IR port, allowing te easy transfer of data for you business types (I have not have cause to use it).

The handset is very light, and fits easily into the hand. When 'flipped' open, it is very comfortable to hold and use.

FEATURES :- The A300 has all the features that you would expect from a phone in its class (bar a few). It has(amongst others) missed calls, phone settings, 48 ringtones (plus a composer facility with 2 song memory), messaging and an organiser - which allows you to view a calendar, make a to-do list, set various reminder alarms and use the handset as a calculator. This is all pretty standard stuff. One minor problem though, is the absence of any games. I really enjoyed the games on my old Nokia and was surprised to find none on the A300.

The A300 also has WAP, which I have yet to use. Most people seem to think that it is useless, so I will not elaborate on it here.

The menus system itself is very easy to navigate. I found it to be almost identical to the nokia menu system (thus nokia users will be very much at home).

THE A300 IN USE :- First off, I should mention that the standard battery is not that longlasting (compared to other similar ha
ndsets in this category). I think that this may have something to do with the energy expended by dual screens. However, the battery life is perfectly acceptable.

I have found the signal strength to be excellent, and the call clarity superb (at least in comparison with my old nokia 3210). The call quality is so good, that people can not even tell if you are on a mobile or not.

WHATS IN THE BOX :- The standard retail box contains the handset, a battery, a travel adaptor, a hand strap (which attaches to the phone for ease of carrying), a manual and a hands free kit (which is particularly superb - it being finished in a similar silver to the handset, and being fashonably designed).

The manual is excellent. It is easy to read, logically laid out and will enable anyone (even those who have not ever used a mobile before) to become aquainted with their new handset. It is 123 pages in length, and has a superb index.

CONCLUSION :- This phone is top notch. It combines the best looks on the market, with the highest levels of specification. By purchasing this phone, you also become part of a more exclusive club - ie. those who don't have Nokias.

This phone is the fashion-conscious persons choice. It will attract attention (mine was the envy of the office).

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