SAMSUNG: Samsung PM-A840

Sunday 15 July 2012

Samsung PM-A840

With every new wave of cell phones, consumers are being offered more and more features for less and less money, a trend exemplified by the Samsung PM-A840, available from Sprint PCS. In addition to the admittedly low-grade VGA camera, a speakerphone, Web-surfing capabilities, and a simple yet striking style that aids instead of impairs ergonomics, the light and compact PM-A840 offers superior volume and sound quality. Originally priced at $229.99, the Sprint PM-A840 is available for as low as $59 with a service contract. The sleek style on the Samsung PM-A840 hardly jumps out at you, but that's not to say it isn't remarkable. Rounded edges and an internal antenna make for few extremities, while the silver trim bordering the black face allows visibility inside a dark purse. At just 3.5 by 1.9 by 0.9 inches and 3.2 ounces, the PM-A840 also slides easily into tight pockets. The postage stamp-size external display is monochrome, but it shows the date, the time, battery life, signal strength, and caller ID (where available). You can't change the backlighting time, however, so the face goes completely black when off. The camera lens sits above the display. You won't find a flash or a self-portrait mirror, but the external screen doubles as a grainy, barely visible viewfinder if you activate the camera with the flip closed. Below the camera-activation key on the right spine is a key with a speaker icon. Holding this button activates the Voice Commands function. With the flip up, pressing the same button once also brings up a list of recently made calls. On the left spine are the volume toggle and the headset jack.