This phone is a dummy for display purposes only (Samsung SGH-A300)

Member Name: nicolemorgan

Product:	Samsung SGH-A300
Date:	21/03/03 (628 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: small, compact, sexy blue screen

Disadvantages: expensive if on PAYG, limited features, short battery life

I've had my samsung a300 for just over 6 months now and I can't wait to upgrade to something better. I, like many others, was instantly attracted to it's aesthetic qualities - on first site it appears to be a very sexy phone. The dual screens are useful in monitoring incoming calls, checking the time etc. Other than that though - there really isn't much to write home about. Here?s a list of some of the handset features:
· Size: 81 x 42 x 22 mm
· Weight: 83g
· Battery standby: 80 hours
· Battery talktime: 4 hours
· Vibration alert
· Dual band
The Samsung A300 is a very stylish phone, with its silver case, flip design and blue backlit external display. The external screen shows you the name/number of anyone who calls, as well as the signal strength and battery level. The phone is also a ?flip? model so you won?t end up accidentally calling the first person in your phonebook when it?s in your back pocket or in the depths of your handbag. The phone also offers the following features:-
· WAP
· Large 6-line internal display plus external display
· Predictive text messaging
· 48 ringtones plus ringtone composer
· Phone memory
· Built-in infra-red modem
· Caller display
· Downloadable screensavers
It is now possible to get the phone free with a contract with all network providers but to buy on pay as you go the price ranges from about £154.99 - £179.99. (pricing information taken from www.carphonewarehouse.com) In my opinion this is far to much money for a phone with so few advantages.

The battery life, though advertised at 4 hours talktime, is nowhere near this and if you use the infra-red signal alert your battery will run down in no time. The WAP facilities are limited and also expensive unless you are fortunate enough to have WAP access included in any free talktime you may have.

Also, despite all these features, there are no games - which to some people are
a big selling factor with mobile phones and the menus aren't clear at all. Without reading the instructions in great detail I think it would be virtually impossible to work out how to add a telephone number to the phone book. The text message facilities are poor. There are no picture messages and no way to re-access a message after it has been sent unless you save it. Also - sending a message to multiple recipients is an absolute nightmare!

The phone may look pretty but it lacks practicality. Stick with Nokia is my advice - I know I'll be changing back to them ASAP!

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