Introduction

Long before its release, the Samsung SCH-A870 had rumors circulating about various advanced features like EV-DO and a 2.0-megapixel camera. Unfortunately, the actual A870 is not quite so advanced.

Instead, it offers the standard array of mid-range features packaged together with a mid-range price. Keeping its lower price in mind, the A870 is hardly a disappointment; it offers a nice design, a VGA camera with flash, Bluetooth, voice command and other handy features.

The design features both internal and external screens, as well as a two-tone exterior. Display options give users some leeway to customize wallpapers, fonts, and color schemes. And while the camera doesn't take print-quality images, it does feature various tools for fine-tuning PC-ready photos, as well as color effects for some added fun.

Audio features standard MIDI ringtones as well as VibeTonz, which causes the phone to vibrate along to song beats or game action. The Internet connectivity is not the most cutting-edge, but the cdma2000 1xRTT certainly gets the job done when it comes to messaging and browsing the Mobile Web network, while a handful of Bluetooth technologies allow for the most common accessories - headsets and hands-free kits.

Operating on the higher-end of standard, the A870 is no state-of-the-art multimedia communication device, but it remains a strong mid-level offering from Verizon.

Design

The look of the A870 is not particularly exciting, but the external screen and two-tone faceplate keep the clamshell design a touch above average. The black-and-silver exterior features a 96 x 96 px external LCD screen in the center, with the VGA camera lens centered above the screen towards the phone hinge. The back panel is solid silver with the standard battery slot. An internal antenna gives the phone a smooth oblong shape devoid of any strange protrusions which might distract from its aesthetic regularity.

Opening the phone reveals the 120 x 160 px 65K-color internal LCD screen and a standard keypad. The entire interior is basic black with backlit keypad buttons. The power input is found in the usual spot on the bottom of the phone, with a headphone port on the upper left side. Dedicated side buttons on the left side control volume, while the two buttons on the right operate the camera and activate the speakerphone.

Measuring 91 x 46 x 22 mm and 97 g, the A870 is relatively light for its standard dimensions. While the phone is rather thin compared to older models or even other phones in its class, it does not approach the slimness of more cutting-edge (and more expensive) ultra-thin phones.

More streamlined that its predecessors with an above average look, the A870 looks pretty nice for a mid-level offering. Its standard button and keypad layout should require little or no adjustment for previous Verizon customers and previous mobile phone users in general. While not on the cutting-edge of fashion, the phone is certainly fashionable enough for the average user looking for a reasonably-priced deal.

Out of the box, the Samsung SCH-A870 comes with a Standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Welcome CD, Quick Reference Guide, and User Manual.

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