Mobile Reviews

Samsung SCH-U740

“The SCH-u740 pulls off an impressive design feat: Its dual-hinge design lets the phone open horizontally or vertically. Open it like a normal clamshell phone, and you’re ready to talk or take pictures. Open it the other way, and you’re ready to use the full QWERTY keyboard for text messaging, IM, or e-mail. Though the phone is small–it’s almost exactly the same size and weight as a Motorola Razr–its keyboard is incredibly comfortable, thanks to keys that are taller than those on most thumb keyboards. The hinge feels quite solid; after a month of use, I wasn’t at all worried that it might wear out down the road.”

Samsung SGH-A717 

“The SGH-A717 is about the same size as its predecessor at 4.1 inches long by 2.12 inches wide by 0.5 inch thick; it weighs 3.29 ounces. It’s not quite as svelte as the SGH-A727 but it still captures the thin-phone phenomenon while retaining a comfortable feel in the hand. What’s more, the hinge has a solid construction and the flip clicks audibly into place. The black color scheme is pretty standard but not unattractive.” 
                                                                     
Samsung SPH-M620 UpStage

“Thinner than a RAZR, at 4.1 by 1.7 by 0.4 inches, and weighing a light 2.6 ounces, the two-faced UpStage feels solid and has the touchability factor manufacturers strive for. Turned off, it’s beautiful: matte black with chrome accents. One side of the phone has a set of medium-size, nonbacklit keys and a small, clear 176-by-65 display that measures 1.4 inches. A 1.3-megapixel camera sits above the screen. The phone’s keys do get a bit smeared with finger grease, but not as much as a shinier surface would.”