Samsung SGH D820 (Unlocked)

While many rumors have circled regarding the Samsung SGH-D820 and the T809 appearing to be sister phones due to their apparant similarities. I, however, feel they are SO VERY different. The Samsung SGH-D820 finally brings us Quad-Band GSM to our clever and feature-packed handset. Yes, I said it, those of us in the US will not have to worry about not picking up any 850MHz transmissions when using Cingular sim cards specifically! WooHoo! More Signal Strength!

To start with, service is coming in perfectly, full strength, using my T-Mobile SIM card. Unlike on the D800 and T809, the D820 is fully customizable. You can change the shortcuts, there is a ring & vibrate option, and many other missing things on the D800 can be easily found on the D820. Common MP3 issues when trying to apply them as a ringtone and not being allowed to due to DRM issues are also cleared up, but be sure to remove any ID3 tags or there may be some issues.

While I would almost try to put it up there with my favorite phone, there are flaws. While none of them are huge they still exist and are noteworthy. As with the T809, the ring does ascend while ringing. It would be nice to have the option to turn this off. The slide mechanism is a little stiff. If you aim to use the small ridge they provide to open it, you will most likely also press the up button on the four-way keypad. I have found the best way to open it is place your thumb on the right side of the screen and push. The only other problem that I have found so far is that the automatic time and update features do not work properly within the UK and Europe as the carrier networks do not have the ability to provide your phone with this information. Other than that, I'd have to tip my hat to the boys at Samsung once again, they keep proving that they have some of the best designs and features available in the mobile market together, essentially proving that they deserve the rank I give them amongst mobile manufacturers....

#1 Nokia
T-2 Sony Ericsson
T-2 SAMSUNG!!!

At least that's how I see it, I hope that it helps!!

I bought this phone here on ebay about two months ago, and I do love it. First of all, I'm a little hard of hearing, so an earpiece that sounds good with the volume all the way up is important, and this phone has does that.
I like the ability to manage files with the Samsung PC connectivity kit, expecially since I can edit and create my own ringtones out of full mp3 songs and avoid paying a dollar for a 20 second sound clip. The 180 degree flip camera has come in very handy, particularly as a way to keep the lens covered and clean as the slide hides it when turned away. The pictures from the camera have a very good color balance when uploaded to your computer, they look excellent for a camera phone. Every other review I read about this phone said the directional pad is small and hard to use, but you get used to it in about a week, then don't even think about it. One issue is that the directional pad's location right under the lip you use to slide it open makes you hit the up key when you open the phone, but you can turn the up key's fuctionality as a shortcut off in menu options and eliminate this problem. I do recommend a car charger or a spare battery, the slime profile of this phone leaves it with less than lengthy battery time, especially if you use it as an mp3 player attached to a car stereo as I do. The screen is huge, and very crisp and bright. One feature never mentioned is the mp3 player's song limit, you can fill your memory card with music, but the player can't handle playlists with that many songs, so you have to make more than one playlist. The quad band capability was a must for me, as I'm possibly relocating to Europe from the U.S. for a few months next year, and I'll be able to use this phone anywhere with the right sim card. (Curse the U.S. carriers and thier 850mghrtz band). Other features include picture or VIDEO caller ID with assaignable ringtones, ability to sync contacts and all files with a computer over USB or bluetooth, bluetooth functions include headsets and file sharing and printer connectivity, Samsung's PicSel Viewer witch opens txt, doc, and other office type files, included stereo headset, 1.3 megapixel camera, video camera, an included TV out adapter cable (watch pic and video on your TV), the best call history format I've ever used, J2ME java games and programs capability, and multiple alarm clocks.
For the technophile, I urge you to look into the available stereo adapters if your car stereo has a 3.5mm input jack, the adapter I got has a microphone and call answer button built in, and turns my car stereo into a speakerphone, as well as plays my mp3 songs off the phone.
I think this model is one of the best you can get without getting a full blown smartphone.