Storage

The Samsung SCH-A890 contains 14 MB of free space dynamically shared among stored files including multimedia and third party applications. Unfortunately the SCH-A890 does not feature an expandable memory card slot, so users will have to clean out memory should more free space be needed.

Connectivity

The connectivity features on the SCH-A890 are severely lacking. Verizon Wireless phones are notorious for having limited connectivity resulting in Get It Now as the most convenient way to download multimedia and games; conveniently profitable for Verizon.

Conclusion

The Samsung SCH-A890 is part of the trio of VCAST phones, along with the LG VX8000 and UTStarcom CDM-8940, released on Verizon's new EV-DO high-speed network; capable of streaming high-quality video and television programs.

Featuring dual TFT screens, the 262K internal display is wonderfully bright and clear, large enough to watch videos. The 1.3-megapixel camera provides versatile imaging capabilities, with reasonably accurate color representations and exposure. And 3G gaming ensures users will be entertained, outperforms former Java platforms by rendering impressive graphics comparable to consoles of the past.

But the SCH-A890 does have some flaws, most notably the lack of a memory card slot, missing speakerphone, limited connectivity features, and cost associated with using Get It Now. To use the SCH-A890 to its full potential, consumers should expect to pay a nominal fee to download multimedia including wallpapers, screensavers, ringtones, and games, and a monthly subscription fee for VCAST access.

Regardless, the SCH-A890 is a compact stylish phone with impressive multimedia strengths taking advantage of the broadband transfer rates. Compared to the other VCAST models, the SCH-A890 is by far the most aesthetically appealing, combining the power of video streaming with the compact size of a clamshell.

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