Samsung MM-A700 Mobile Phone Review
March 10, 2005
Reviewer: Jedd
Editor's Rating: 
Company:
Samsung, www.samsung.com
Price:
Approximate retail price is $199.99 - $379.99 US. Phone is only available on the Sprint
PCS CDMA network. Check it out at www.sprint.com.
Ratings
Price: 
Install/Setup:
Usability: 
Quality:
Average Rating:
Getting Started
Recently Samsung launched the MM-A700 Multimedia phone. It is currently only available on the Sprint
PCS network. The phone is jam-packed with normal phone and text messaging options, a 1-Megapixel Camera,
Internet access, and streaming video options just to name a few.
When I first picked up the phone it felt a little large in my hand. But I'm getting used to this as I
work with more phones that have larger screens and cameras built in. The keys seemed a little large too. Once
I began using the menu to operate the multimedia options, I soon realized the phone design and key layout was very
user friendly. It was a cinch to navigate the menus and operate the camera and other options.
Phone conversation and audio quality are excellent as usual on a Samsung phone. But once we got into using the
camera and streaming video, we noticed some drawbacks to this phone. First, the on-board memory would only hold around
14 pictures at the highest resolution. What point is there in using the 1-megapixel camera if you are going to lower
the resolution? The A700 also does not include an option to use a compact flash or other removable flash media storage
option. Once you have a few pictures and record a few 15 second video clips, the memory was full.
The option to view video clips from selected categories was a cool feature. The only negative of this feature is the
video quality. When viewing CNN clips and movie previews, there were often lags in the download process that caused
frequent audio and video distortion. I found I was watching clips at least 2 times to make sure I saw and heard everything.
Despite the distortions and pixelation, it was pretty cool to know that at any moment I could not only get up to date sports,
weather, stock, and news updates on the phone, but I could even watch and listen to clips instead of scrolling through
the data. That's pretty cool!!
Features and Specifications
- Never miss the breaking news from CNN or the latest sports scores from Fox
Sports with the MM-A700's streaming video capabilities.
- Leave the digital camera at home. Point, click and shoot hi-resolution
images with the MM-A700's embedded digital camera. Never miss a
moment!
- Send and receive funny "in-the-moment" home videos via the MM-A700's
built-in camcorder.
- With advanced voice-recognition software powered by VoiceSignal, experience
the world's first "one step"command voice activation. Address text messages with
one, single command. Simple and easy, from Samsung.
Specifications
| Operating Mode: |
Dual-Band/Tri-Mode:
This phone may be used on and while roaming off the enhanced Sprint Nationwide
PCS Network. |
| Dimensions: |
3.5" x 2.0" x 0.96" |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery Life: |
Up to 4 hours continuous digital talk
time.
Analog mode uses more battery, up to 1.5 hours continuous talk
time.
|
| Weight: |
4.2 oz |
Features
| Built-in Sprint Media Player |
Enjoy high-quality audio and video running at up to 15 frames per
second (fps) on the built-in media player, available from the main menu. It's
like having a TV right inside your Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia Phone.
|
| Multimedia Capable |
Multimedia represents the next step in Sprint PCS Vision's
streaming services by offering high-quality video and audio clips from the
brands you know, like CNN, Fox Sports, The Weather Channel, and more. |
| Built-in Video Camera |
Record 15-second videos and play them on the LCD screen. Easily
save your videos on your Sprint PCS® Phone. |
| Sprint PCS Video Mail Capable |
Enjoy sharing captured video clips with your friends and family
anywhere on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Store them online, or
send them to computers or other Sprint PCS Vision Video Phones. |
| Built-in Digital Camera |
Shoot digital pictures with the built-in megapixel class camera
(1024 x 768 pixels on highest resolution) with auto-focus and rotating lens, and
zoom capability. |
| Sprint PCS Picture Mail Capable |
Take a picture anytime and send it to family and friends
instantly while on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. You can attach a
10-second voice message and text message to your picture. |
| SMS Text Messaging Capable |
Send, receive, and reply to text messages instantly with any
SMS-capable Sprint PCS Phone across the room or across the country while on the
enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. |
| Video Screen Saver |
Assign a downloaded or captured video as a screen saver, and you
can see that video play everytime you open the phone or press a key. |
| Customizable Photo Caller ID |
Know who's calling you by linking downloaded images and photos to
the contacts in your internal Phone Book. |
| Large Full-Color Screen |
Vivid 2.0" main (176 x 220 pixels) and external color sub-LCD.
Both are TFT and support 65K colors for easy reading and a rich, full-color
experience. |
| Advanced Voice Recognition |
Say the name of any entry in your phone book, or simply say the
phone number you want to call digit-by-digit, and the number is dialed
automatically without using the keypad. Or say "status" and the phone will
respond audibly with the current signal and battery strength. Or record a voice
memo by voice command. This feature is speaker-independent, so there's no need
to train the phone to respond to any one person's voice. |
| Enhanced Ring Tones |
Ten ring tones, ten festive melody ringers in 64-chord polyphonic
sound, and nine single ring tones. Personalize your Sprint PCS Phone by
downloading more ring tones and images. |
| Internal Phone Book |
Rolodex-style phone book allows entries with up to five phone
numbers per entry (up to 500 total phone numbers), and supports email, images,
URLs, customized ringers, and more. |
| Enhanced Call Log |
Recalls 20 of the most recent outgoing, incoming, and missed
calls—for a total of 60 quickly accessible phone numbers. |
| Personal Organizer |
Includes internal Phone Book, Scheduler, Task List, Voice Memo
function, World Clock, Alarm, Countdown Timer, and Calculator. |
| Airplane Mode |
This phone can be powered down independently of the display so
games and applications can be used while the phone itself is turned
off. |
| Multiple Languages |
Supports English and limited Spanish menu navigation. |
| 2.5mm Universal Jack |
Accommodates most standard headsets for hands-free
operation. |
| E911 Emergency Location Capable |
Features an embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) chip
necessary for utilizing the E911 emergency location services, where
available. |
| TTY Compatible |
Compatible with select TTY devices. |
| Sprint PCS Vision Capabilities |
Multimedia, Sprint PCS Video Mail, Sprint PCS Picture Mail,
Messaging, Games, Ringers, Screen Savers, and Web. |
Optional Accessories
| Vehicle Power Adapter |
This charging option enables you to power your phone and charge
the battery at the same time. Plugs into any vehicle charging port. |
| Extended Battery |
This Li-Ion battery provides up to 6 hours digital talk time
(actual times may vary). |
| Adapter/Travel Charger |
This lightweight, compact charger plugs directly into your phone
to charge the battery. Plugs into any standard 110-220V 60 Hz outlet. |
| Holster |
Hard plastic holster designed specifically for the MM-A700 by
Samsung with integrated clip for securely attaching the phone to a belt or purse
strap. |
| Dual-Slot Desktop Charger |
This convenient dual-slot charging stand provides a secure place
to charge your Sprint PCS Phone, while simultaneously charging a second battery
(purchased separately). |
| Leather Case |
This case is custom designed to fit the MM-A700 by Samsung in the
most secure fashion. It is made from high-quality leather to make it attractive
and durable.
|
Pros:
- Screens and displays have excellent color
- Phone design makes it easy to use the many options
- 1 Megapixel Camera
- Streaming Video
Cons:
- The multi-media options are cool, but performance and quality isn't quite there
- Not enough internal memory
Adding It All Up
The Samsung MM-A700 phone has some cool multimedia features. We found the quality to be lacking in
the streaming video area. But this has as much or more to do with Sprint as it does Samsung and the phone. Really
the main thing lacking on Samsung's part is the internal memory. Either they should have bumped this up or provided
an expansion slot for a flash based media card.
In all fairness to Samsung, I have to say I liked this phone, but I think it is a little early to tell you to
rush out and buy one. If you are already on the Sprint network and like to have the latest cool gadgets, then please
do go buy this MM-A700. You will not be disappointed in the phone as a communication device. But for the streaming video and
other multimedia options, you are paying a little extra for functionality and convenience that just isn't quite
ready for the masses. Stay tuned though...over the next few months I'm sure we will all be impressed with what's
coming!
Discuss this in our Forum
|
