Samsung SCH A950 (Verizon Wireless)

I recently got this phone around Thanksgiving time with the special deal from Verizon. It retails for $349.99, but we got them with a $300 rebate. Not bad, right?

I have nothing but good things to say about this phone. It's a little larger than some of my friends phone - but not overly large or bulky.

Battery life on the phone is very good. Recharging isn't really that long of a process either.

This is a color screened phone. It has a camera/camcorder. You can send them to yourself on the internet if you want to, fees apply. Photo contact directories are possible with this phone, which is nice to see the caller ID and a picture pop up.

The phone has internet, e-mail and instant messager abilities (AIM, MSN, Yahoo).

This is a V-Cast phone and has many options on the "Get It Now" menu - Get Tunes & Tones, PIX & FLIX, Fun & Games, News & Info, etc.

Some other features are Speakerphone, Speed Dial and Voice Dial. No need to train the phone to listen to your voice, just speak.

The phone also has an MP3 player, but I haven't used it so I can't tell you about it. It can also take a flash memory card.

Another feature of this phone that I've found particularly nice is the bluetooth compatibility. It is great being able to use the wireless headset and be within 30 feet of the phone and having a conversation. This helps a lot when I am driving as well - as I go to school over 450 miles from home and I can make calls on the road while driving. (New York State handsfree cell phone law)

It's a wonderful phone and I definitely recommend it! I'm learning and discovering new things about it every day!

This review is for the Samsung SCH a950 and the Samsung SCH a950 with VCast Music both for the Verizon Wireless network. This phone packs VCAST, Get It Now, a built in 1.3 megapixel camera, camcorder, stereo speakerphone, and Bluetooth wireless technology, it’s the ultimate in high speed, high tech and high style.

The main difference between the two models is the first generation allows you to play MP3 files that you downloaded to your memory card. All new models come flashed with the new software that basically took that capability away but replaced it with a WMA player (Microsoft Windows Media files). Opinions sway in many directions when it comes to MP3 vs. WMA none the less the new models only play WMA. If your looking for the MP3 version make sure you ask the seller before you buy. The plus side with WMA on the newer models is that you can search, preview, buy, and download songs in WMA format directly from and to your phone and another e-mail account that you setup with the service. You download the higher compressed file directly to the phone while the less compressed CD-Quality file is sent to your e-mail address. With an optional VCast Music Kit you get a USB Data cable, Windows Media 10 software and a pair of stereo headphones so you can download your WMA music files to your phone.

This is an excellent looking and solid phone. It has a lot of bells and whistles maybe too many, but it does the job and does it well. The Keypad is well laid out and has medium sized buttons; this may be a problem for those worried about fat fingering numbers. Another stand out feature of this phone is the Intenna. Basically the antenna is built into the case nothing extending out. The plus side is that the phone looks and feels great especially with the red metallic faceplate that is standard. The trade off is that you lose about a bar of signal strength. Those into the media player thing will appreciate the full functioning outside media player buttons and jog dial that quickly allows you to scroll through your files. It’s an awesome phone, great primary or backup phone if you lost your main phone or it was stolen.

GENERAL FEATURES

All Digital
1XEVDO
1XRTT
Automatic Answer
Bluetooth Enabled
Calendar
Caller ID - Picture
Camera
Camera - Flash
Camera Resolution - 1.3M Pixel
Clam Style Design
Digital Music Player
Display - Color
Display - Internal & External
Dual Stereo Speakers
GPS enabled
Get It Now
Intenna
Mobile Web 2.0
Multi Media Services (MMS)
OTA Capable
Removable Memory Slot - TransFlash/Micro
Speakerphone
TTY compatible
VCast
VCast Music (will require a free software flash if you have the first generation model)
Video Messaging
Voice Dialing
Voice Note/Memo



SPECIFICATIONS

Up to 235 Minutes Usage Time
Up to 200 Hours Stand by Time
WEIGHT: 4.55 oz.
SIZE: 3.59H x 1.91W x 0.95D inches

Item as described. Good condition. Appears to be functioning well. Service was fast. Packing was also very secure. thanks