Basic Features
Released for Verizon Wireless, the dual-band A930 operates on CDMA 800
/ 1900 frequencies nationwide. However, lacking analog support, customers
in rural areas may want to double check digital coverage.
The original Samsung user interface has been replaced with a preconfigured
Verizon-branded menu. Commonly found on other devices in their network,
the A930 exhibits an overly simplistic layout, with limited options for
the bare essentials in usability. While ideal for consumers who prefer a
simple easy-to-use menu, advanced functions are absent.
Miscellaneous features include Standalone Mode (RF Off) for operation
in environments where radio frequencies may interfere such as airplanes
or hospitals, TTY/TDD support and hearing aid compatible (M3-Rating) for
the hearing impaired, and English and Spanish language options.
Samsung rated the A930's 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery at 4.0 and 210 hours
(8.75 days) of talk and standby times respectively. However, these times
are under optimal conditions. Handset manufacturers and carriers often list
talk and standby time ratings with disclaimers about variable performance
and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Actual times
will vary.
Screen
 The
A930's 176 x 16 px external screen illuminates to show greenish-blue 4-color
text. Manufactured from OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology,
the LCD doesn't require backlighting to function, conserving more power
over than traditional displays. However, being less vibrant as well, the
screen can be quite difficult to read in direct sunlight.
The external screen's vertical design (horizontal view), while stylish,
is an added inconvenience. Requiring consumers to adjust from the more traditional
rectangular format, the A930's narrow screen provides a cramped view of
frequented information such as battery charge level, signal strength, date,
and time.
Conversely, the 176 x 220 px internal screen is large and colorful. Built
from TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology, the LCD displays 262K-colors
brilliantly, providing an ideal canvas for watching streaming videos, but
consuming a significant amount of power.
Offering an ideal blend of imaging and battery life, both OLED and TFT
displays give consumers the best of both worlds. Since users frequently
glance at static information on the external screen, OLED is logical to
prolong battery life without sacrificing much on imaging. Meanwhile, the
sparsely used internal display offers exceptional clarity and brightness
for multimedia viewing.
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