Basic Features
Released for Sprint, the Samsung A640 utilizes ReadyLink technology for
walkie-talkie style communications. Only available between callers who use
Sprint's service and ReadyLink-capable phones, the service can be used for
both one-to-one and group calls, allowing for easy off-network conference
calls.
Special ReadyLink folders keep track of ReadyLink contacts as well as
incoming, outgoing, and missed ReadyLink calls. The contacts folder holds
up to 200 personal and 200 company contacts. By default, all ReadyLink calls
utilize the speakerphone, although this option can be changed. Convenient
for communication among groups of people who are all on Sprint's network,
ReadyLink is ideal for families sharing a service plan or coworkers with
coordinated mobile phone service.
Samsung rated the A640's 800 mAh Li-Ion battery at 3.8 hours of talk
time. However, this is under optimal conditions and testing suggested it
may yield a lower performance.
Screen
 The
black clamshell design offers a "disappearing" external OLED screen, giving
the illusion that the blue OLED lights appear directly onto the glossy black
casing. This effect not only makes the text easy to read, but also gives
the phone a cool futuristic look, a nice break from the traditional gray-and-silver
approach.
The external grayscale OLED screen measures 96 x 96 px, and features
mostly blue lights with some red and green highlights. When active, the
screen automatically displays the time, date, battery charge level, and
signal level, as well other information, such as mailbox status, if relevant.
When idle, the display completely disappears so that the exterior of the
phone appears solid black. The VGA camera lens is found towards the top
of the phone in the center.
The internal screen measures 128 x 160 px and offers 65K-color, more
than satisfactory for viewing photos or playing games. The screen can be
adjusted through various options, including brightness level, menu style,
and wallpaper settings. The keypad features the standard set-up, with sufficient
backlighting for easy key readability. A variety of font colors and sizes
allows for easy reading of dialed numbers. Upon dialing, the phone displays
the state to which the dialed area code applies, helping to locate unfamiliar
numbers.
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