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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