The Mobile Phone Saving Network

Samsung SCH-a970

Wireless/Mobile Phone/Cell Phone

Rated 3.5 out of 5

If you want all the latest technology in the palm of your hand, look no further than the Samsung SCH-A970. With a unique twist design that gives you access to a groundbreaking 2-megapixel camera and camcorder, Bluetooth, an integrated MP3 player, TransFlash memory storage, a stereo speakerphone, and support for Verizon's V CAST service, the A970 is a flagship phone for those who demand the best.

Learn more about the A970 from Verizon Wireless.

Design
The A970's internal 2.2-inch 176 x 220 screen sports a whopping 262,000 colors for viewing high-resolution video and games. The full-color, 98 x 96 supplementary external display shows incoming call information, picture caller ID, signal strength, battery life, current time, and more. Controls for the phone's MP3 player are placed below the external display. Meanwhile, a 2-megapixel camera is cleverly integrated into the hinge of the phone's clamshell. And because the A970 also has powerful video-recording features, the camera unit is also like a camcorder. The main display twists and swivels to provide a viewfinder, and a microphone is housed next to the lens for maximum recording performance. The A970's antenna is housed internally--nothing to snag or break off, and there's a TransFlash/microSD memory slot for storing pictures, videos, music and other media. A standard 2.5mm stereo headset jack is present, and most of the phone's features and onscreen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's control pad.

Calling Features
The A970 boasts powerful calling functions that will make it the heart of your mobile lifestyle. An integrated speakerphone makes it easy to converse without touching the handset--a big plus for car users. Enhanced voice dialing supports voice-to-digit dialing and name recognition for speedy dialing of contacts. The A970's voice recognition software also supports voice commands from any user, not just a preprogrammed user's voice. Plus, with the included VoiceMode software, you can even dictate notes and SMS messages that are immediately converted to text. And because the A970 is Bluetooth-enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total hands-free operation.

The A970's internal memory can hold up to 500 contacts for quick access to e-mail addresses and phone numbers. The phone lets you easily assign pictures to your most common callers. In addition to vibrating alerts, the phone supports polyphonic ringtones. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone, and more ringtones can be downloaded from Verizon's Mobile Web service. The A970's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911.

Messaging, Internet, and Tools
The phone's support for multimedia messaging means that text, photos, video, and audio can be sent with ease (Verizon messaging charges apply). When used in combination with the A970's built-in camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. There's also a built-in Web browser for Verizon Mobile Web downloads and mobile Web browsing. Verizon's optional Mobile Web package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages, and view your favorite Web content on your phone. You can check your e-mail, trade stocks online, compare prices while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings, and find directions to the theater. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile e-mail and text messaging users.

With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, the A970 is fully compatible with Verizon's V CAST service. With V CAST, you can download and stream high-quality video. Need news and weather? Get the latest Accuweather forecast delivered right to your handset, or stream CNN news headlines. ESPN sports updates, entertainment news from E!, and even Sesame Street content for the kids are all available. V CAST also serves as a portal for enhanced 3-D games. Have more fun with a new breed of realistic games.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the A970, including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar, and an alarm clock.

Imaging and Entertainment
Plenty of good times are built right into this handset, and that fun is expandable thanks to the A970's TransFlash/MicroSD memory slot. The phone's 2-megapixel camera with flash bridges the gap between phones and quality digital cameras, and it's designed to capture high-quality video. Video capture length is only limited by the amount of available flash memory.

And don't forget that the A970 makes a great MP3 player; load up your favorite tunes and use the phone as a portable jukebox. The phone also supports V CAST 3-D games, as well as other 2-D games, which are available from Verizon's Get It Now service.

EV-DO Wireless Broadband Coverage
Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered. View EV-DO demonstration.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung SCH-A970 weighs 5.07 ounces and measures 3.74 by 2.01 by 1 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4.58 hours of digital talk time and up to 336 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 850/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
A970 handset, battery charger, lithium-ion battery, user's manual.

Note: The A970 supports Bluetooth Profiles for wireless headsets, hands-free accessories, file transfer and synchronization with compatible PC's. It does not support all object exchange (OBEX) profiles.

Features of Samsung SCH-a970:

2.0 mega-pixel digital camera with flash
262k tft color main display and a 65k tft color external display with unique twist design
removable memory and v cast capable
stereo speakerphone frees your hands and go truly wireless while working or when gathering friends around for a group call
supports headset and handsfree bluetooth profiles

Reviews:

One Great Phone

Rating: 5

I haven't had this phone for a very long time but I can say for sure that this is a great phone. I didn't find this phone bulky at all. I just started a new two year contract with Verizon. My previous phone was bulky and didn't do nearly what this new phone does. I'm actually upset at the people who are complaining about the size of this phone. Think about what this phone does. Its a great phone with many features that you can't find anywhere else. People are amazed when they see it and are even more surprised when they see what it can do. It takes great pics. The internet service...web 2.0 is fast and I love the MP3 player. I picked up a memory card for $30.00 and a headset for $13.00 which was a lot cheaper than what I expected to pay. Just today I was able to figure out how to hook up my phone to my car stereo system. The sound quality was amazing and to think I was doing this all with a cell phone blows my mind. This phone is a must have.

DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE

Rating: 1

The only reason I bought this phone was because it had the best camera available (2.0 Mega-pixel). The camera is horrible. It takes a blurry, off-colored picture EVERY time. I have tried all possible settings. Nothing helps. I am so mad I bought this. I know someone who owns the a950 and those pictures are phenomenal compared to the picture this camera takes!

Also sometimes the light on the front of the phone blinks red or green and won't stop until I shut the phone off and turn in back on. I can't find any information as to why this happens.

If you are thinking about this camera, wait until they fix these problems or come out with another version.

So-so

Rating: 3

I had high expectations with this phone and only some of them were met. First, the camera on the phone, despite being a 2 megapixel, leaves much to be desired. It is nearly impossible to take a picture in medium light that is not blurred. The window of usefulness on the flash is also suspect as well... anything within about 3 feet is whitewashed and anything over about 6 feet is too blurry to be useful. Another negative is the size. Yes, it is a 2.0 pixel camera, but it is big, bulky and heavy.

Despite the camera and size, there are several pros. I like the voice dial function. It will either dial a name from your address book, or dial the number you speak into it. The VCast options on the phone are cool as is online web. (But seriously, who is going to pay $10 or $15 month for the opportunity to download one video for $3.99?!?) I guess the best part of the phone is that it functions as an MP3 player. Save your favorite tunes on the phone's removable memory card and you've got a full function MP3 player. This is a better option than the a950 ("music phone").

And to correct a previous review, the screen on this phone will not rotate 360 degrees. (Well, at least mine won't!)

By Samsung