Introduction

The innovative Samsung UpStage (SPH-M620) music phone will have consumers literally flipping over its dual-screen design and multimedia features. This uniquely designed handset from Sprint is at first glance an ultra-thin (0.37-inches thick) candy bar model phone. But flip it over, and the phone resembles an iPod Nano with a larger and brighter 2.1-inch TFT screen. For consumers looking for something that's lightweight or just something different from a flip phone, the UpStage will be a perfect fit.

Samsung UpStage (SPH-M620)

Your Price: Free! with service

Its LCD on the phone side is dedicated to making calls, text messaging and contacts management. With a simple push of a button, the focus is "flipped" onto the music side. With a large, bright-color LCD screen, the music side is ideal for navigating the music library and allows easy access to Power Vision products and services, including Sprint Music Store and Sprint TV.

The UpStage sports a 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder, Bluetooth compatibility, a microSD external memory card slot and EV-DO high-speed broadband network for media downloads from the Sprint Power Vision Network. Touch-sensitive navigation keys also provide easy synchronization with a PC-based music collection, quick access to the music library and easy purchasing of music over the air. Five sensitivity settings are available for user customization.

Design

The UpStage is an ultra-thin 2.57-ounce handset that comes in a stylish black and measures in at 4.07" x 1.73" x 0.37". In terms of aesthetics, the it lives up to the best of both worlds as far as the convergence of phones and music players go. Its telephone side resembles a trendy, candy bar-style phone; while the flipside actually looks like an MP3 player.

The UpStage's phone display is quite standard - there's a toggle key with an OK/menu button in the center. Around the toggle are two soft keys, a Camera Key, Back Key and Talk and End/Power Keys. The buttons lie flat to the surface, plus, consumers won't have to worry about leaving greasy fingerprint marks on the keypad or exterior, which has a no-gloss, matte finish to it.

On the MP3/Main LCD side, users can admire a large, 2.1-inch TFT LCD screen. Below the screen is a touch-sensitive navigation pad with control zones for "Menu," "Back," "End," Track Forward and Back, and a center Play/Pause button.

On the right side is a "Flip" button that allows users to switch from the phone to the MP3 player side. (Consumers can operate only one side of the UpStage at a time.) Above the Flip Key is sliding button that can lock exterior key functions so users don't make any unwanted actions, like accidentally calling someone while the phone is in a purse or pocket. Below the Flip Key is a microSD card slot, handy for the 64 MB memory card that comes with the phone package. And on the opposite side panel is a Volume Control, Reset Key and a Charger Port, which also serves as a Headset Jack.

The UpStage's internal antenna is located in the bottom half of the handset. There is a carrying hole on the top left corner to attach a hand strap or cell phone charm.

For first time users, the touch-activated pad takes some getting used to. Samsung notes that circular movements, like that one would use on an iPod, will not work on the UpStage. However, light tapping for moving horizontally or vertically through screen choices seems to work best. Additionally, short swipes move the highlighted menu choice over or up one selection, while a long wipe moves it two choices. A long swipe and a pause will scroll through the icons continuously until the finger is lifted.

What also may take time to learn is remembering which side of the phone bears which functions, however, the UpStage does a good job of prompting users to flip the phone during use. One scenario where the flipping habit could become annoying could be when typing text on the keypad becomes necessary. Since users can only view features like the Sprint Music Store or the Internet on the Music Side, they would have to activate the Flip Key, turn the phone over, type their email or search query, and then flip the phone back over. The UpStage also gives the option to type using a "Virtual Keypad" that is controlled by the touch-sensitive navigation pad.

The easy-to-follow menu interface can be changed from Icon View to a List View. Users can customize their display settings between two colors - white and black - change text sizes and choose from six wallpapers that come with the phone.

Out of the box, the Samsung UpStage comes with an Extended Battery Wallet, Travel Charger, 3.5 mm Headset Adaptor, 64 MB microSD Memory Card, Sprint Music Manager Software, and User Guide.

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