With the market full of complicated smartphones a person might have trouble trying to find an affordable phone with simple features. Not everyone plans to use their phone to surf the web, watch videos, or even check their stock. Some people want a simple phone for talking and messaging. That phone has finally arrived. The Samsung SGH-A177 phone lacks many of the features of other big name phones, but with its focus on typing and comfortable keyboard it will make a great phone for any text and IM junky.
The Samsung SGH-A177 has a simple design. Those tired of over the top models and outrageous colors might see the simplicity as a welcome change. Others who are used to the Swiss army knife nature of most phones today might be put off by it. The phone is a simple rectangular phone, with no flip or slide mechanism. There are 2 design flaws found on this phone that might sway people away. Firstly the plastic the phone is made out of simply doesn’t feel strong enough to withstand constant use. If you plan on purchasing this phone should also get a pouch or some kind of case. Also the screen is rather small. Despite the bright color display photos and games are going to appear slightly pixilated and muted. The best feature on this phone is obviously the full QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard was designed to make texting and sending long messages in instant message windows easy. They keys are slightly raised and there is a very satisfying click noise whenever you press a button.
This phone clearly lacks any of the features found on many of the heavy weight phones out there. The phone does come with a camera, instant message capabilities, and even Bluetooth. For some people this is all that they might need. The IM function and Bluetooth work well but the images captured on the camera are mediocre at best. Along with not being able to record any video the camera seems like an afterthought.
The microphone installed in the phone needs definite improvement. If you are in a high traffic or loud noise area the microphone will pick it up and the caller on the other end will have trouble understanding you. Additionally the speakerphone is just atrocious. The other caller will sound very low and if the volume is increased to over compensate the caller will sound very distorted and garbled.
The Samsung SGH-A177 clearly is not a phone for everyone. If you wont miss watching videos, and surfing the web then consider buying this phone. But be cautious because the phones call performance is not that great.
June 30th, 2009
Susan Gerard
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