Introduction

Featuring an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera, video recorder, 262K color screen, and 64 chord polyphonic ringtones, the Samsung SCH-A890 is the latest multimedia phone to be released on the Verizon Wireless network.

However unlike previous devices, the SCH-A890 takes advantage of Verizon's new high-speed EV-DO network. As one of the first handsets compatible, it's able to access a variety of VCAST applications including Video-on-Demand (VoD); designed to stream television content such as news, weather, sports, and movie trailers.

Design

Resembling the Samsung MM-A700, Sprint's first video phone, the SCH-A890 is similar in shape and size. Built with rounded curves in a clamshell form factor, the front panel contains an external color screen, capable of displaying 65K colors at 128 x 96 px. Positioned above, a lens and flash to the 1.3-megapixel camera allow photos and video to be captured, while a front speaker on the bottom left loudly plays ringers.

Turned around, the back includes a second speaker grill in the upper right for multimedia content, and a capped antenna port on the upper left to attach an external antenna for extra reception.

Flipped open, an internal screen is revealed, able to display 262K colors with a resolution of 176 x 220 px. And navigation and text messaging is performed with the standard 5-way directional and numeric keypads.

Against the left, up and down side keys adjust the ringer volume in standby and earpiece volume during a call, while a 2.5 mm headset jack allows for handsfree access. To snap unexpected moments, a dedicated Camera Key is positioned on the right side. Meanwhile, outlets for attaching the charger and accessories are located on the bottom.

Out of the box, the Samsung SCH-A890 comes with a standard 1100 mAh Li-Ion battery, desktop charger, stereo headset, Welcome CD, quick reference guide, and user manual.

Camera

A rotating 1.3-megapixel camera is attached to Samsung SCH-A890's hinge, able to take pictures at up to 1280 x 960 px in resolution. Other resolutions include 640 x 480 px, 320 x 240 px, and 160 x 120 px. Also functioning as the viewfinder, the internal screen shows camera information such as control options, resolution, and available memory. The versatile design of the rotating lens allows users to snap pictures from different angles, such as shooting over a crowd, or taking self-portraits while looking at the screen.

Additionally, an abundant array of camera filters and controls are incorporated including Brightness (EV -4 to +4), Rotate / Flip, Color Effects (Normal, Backlight, Solarize, Negative, Sepia, Black and White), File Quality (Low, Medium, High), Flash (On, Off, Auto), Zoom (5X), and Self-Timer.

Video clips recorded on the SCH-A890 are encoded in 3GPP2 codec (MPEG-4 and H.263 Video, AAC and AMR Audio) format. Limited to 15 seconds in length, the SCH-A890 takes advantage of MPEG-4 for delivery of video and audio.

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