Camera

Using the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, the Samsung SGH-P777 can take photos of people and events on the move. Additionally, pictures can be sent to others through Multimedia Messaging or set as a wallpaper or caller ID image.

High enough in resolution to reproduce prints, images can be taken at up to 1280 x 1024 px. Other resolution sizes include SXGA (1152 x 864 px), VGA (640 x 480 px), QVGA (320 x 240 px), Mobile (176 x 160 px), and QQVGA (160 x 120 px). Saved in JPEG file format, four quality settings allow users to choose between Super Fine, Fine, Normal, and Economy.

Short cuts adjust the 4X digital zoom, while the directional keypad fine-tunes Brightness levels. Additionally, users can set a time delay before the camera takes photos allowing for self-portraits and group shots.

For dim and low light conditions, the SGH-P777 includes a LED-based flash located next to the lens on the back. Various shooting modes allow users to take single shots (Single Shot), a series of action stills (Multi Shot), or piece together 4 to 9 photos to store them as one panoramic shot (Mosaic Shot).

While several effects allow consumers to add color tone or apply special effects to photos, only images 640 x 480 px in size and under are capable. Unfortunately higher resolutions don't support effects. Photos can even have one of twelve decorative frames applied to add a touch of fun. However, doing so automatically fixes the photo size to 176 x 160 px. After applying, the frames are meant for caller ID photos.

Encoded in 3GPP2 codec (MPEG-4 and H.263) format, video clips can also be captured at up to CIF (352 x 288 px) resolution. Other available video resolutions include QVGA (320 x 240 px), QCIF (176 x 144 px), and Sub-QCIF (128 x 96 px). The SGH-P777 can record an unprecedented 60 minutes of video time and store up to 100 clips, memory limiting. A dedicated microphone located on the back next to the lens ensures audio is captured clearly. But users also have the option to mute audio while recording.

Basic Features

Released for Cingular Wireless, the Samsung SGH-P777 is built on a tri-band GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 network, making it compatible in most North American, European, and Asian GSM markets, provided the phone unlocked. Samsung rated the SGH-P777's 800 mAh Li-Ion battery at an impressive 5 hours and 200 hours of talk and standby times respectively. However, those are under optimal conditions.

When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case users are probably safe to assume they'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Actual talk and standby times are lower.

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