Cell phones: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by dave1973 - 8/6/04 6:29 PMI'd like to know of anyone who has this phone and if it's any good. I'm shopping around for a new phone now that I'm eligible for an upgrade. I noticed that this Samsung color phone has tri-mode, which is what I'm looking for. I don't need a lot of fancy gadgets added to the phone. Just a simple color phone with "Get it Now" for occasional downloading games, great reception in most areas, and be a flip phone. Speakerphone doesn't really matter and don't care for cameras on phones. Is this phone a good performer? I'm also looking at Audiovox CDM 8900, only because of tri-mode. I heard the Audiovox CDM 8600 is garbage. I looked at LG VX3200 and was considering that until I noticed no "Get it Now" or games, and a stubby antenna. What do you think? And please, don't suggest Motorola. I've had bad luck with them, especially the 120c. I should mention why I need tri-mode. I need it because Verizon's extended coverage area (Alltel's network) is not completely digital. I don't get a digital signal in Michigan until I'm 10-20 miles north of the state line along I-94.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by seamusfurr - 8/12/04 12:41 PM In reply to: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973I bought mine a month ago (upgraded from my awful Motorola), and I love it. It's small, light, comfy in the hand. Reception is excellent, and it is indeed tri-mode. I can't understand why anyone who travels more than a few blocks per day would want a digital-only, but it's getting harder to get phones than use analog when needed. I haven't downloaded any games, but if you're looking for an excellent *telephone*, I don't think you can do better than this Samsung model.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by dave1973 - 8/12/04 6:19 PM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by seamusfurrA Verizon Wireless representative at a mall kiosk mentioned to me that most of their customers have had good luck with it. It lacks the external display, but I'll live with it for Verizon Wireless and you to say that it's a good phone. If this phone weren't available, I probably would have gone with Audiovox CDM8900 just for tri-mode. Reviews for that phone were poor mainly on the camera itself, which wouldn't have mattered. My upgrade date is 08/31, so I hope I'll get the phone for free since it's be available for under $100 with subscription, and not really interested in the rebate. The money I have saved up now will go toward accessories. I'm also changing my plan to the 400 anytime minutes, just to get the unlimited IN-Networking (I still like to refer to it as Mobile-to-Mobile). My current plan is 300 anytime minutes and 3000 night and weekend minutes for $35. As I meet more people with Verizon Wireless, I'll need mobile-to-mobile, as I still call it.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by btcrooks - 8/13/04 3:43 AM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973Please let us know how it works out for you if you get it. I am also interested in this phone.
Its too bad they don't have a tri-mode phone with all the bells and whistles, but I'd rather be able to make a call than take a picture.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by dmary - 8/13/04 10:24 AM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by btcrooksDo not buy this phone. It has a terrible battery life. I switched to Verizon from T-Mobile just a month ago and regret it. I bought 2 of these phones and they both die within 35-40 hours, talk time or not. One of them has a terrible static/crackling sound that won't go away. Verizon keeps telling me that I have to go to their stores for a new phone but when I went to two different stores they both told me they can't help me.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 and battery life.
by minok - 11/11/04 5:17 PM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dmaryOne thing I would caution on, for interpereting peoples experiences, is to consider that everyones performanc varies with the same phone. The basic functionality of the phone (ease of use, features, volume, ringers) are constant, but the reception and battery life depend on YOU the user. If you live in an area where there is very good digital verizon coverage, the battery life will be very long and the phone will not be hot. If you are using the phone where coverage is spotty or not so good, the the battery gets used up much more quickly and the phone runs warmer. The reason is the phone must contact the cell towers via the radio signals it transmits. If the signal is week or the towers hard to contact, the phone boosts the power to its signal. This means more power consumption, which is less battery life and more heat produced. If you leave the phone ON on the belt, then it is always communicating with the towers to stay on the network - and as you drive or wander around, the phones output power may go up and down as it keeps on the network - thus less battery life.
Mary, it may well be your reception where you are that causes the phone to run out of juice. A different provider would have a different array of cell towers that may improve signal reception, but I suspect that a different make/model phone from the same provider still means low battery life for you.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by hh - 8/19/04 9:36 AM In reply to: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973I had the same dilemna and 3 days ago I got the Samsung a-650. The coice was between that and LG vx3200. I am not sure yet if I like it, am trying it for 15 days and might change. It feels cheap (plastic) but good reception and ease of use is what matters to me. I heard Audiovox ones are garbage but cannot confirm it. If you want me to give you another update in a week, please say so. I also have the LG VX 4400B which is discontinued, my daughter loves it. I wish they had more choices in tri-mode phones but you know the drill! They want everyone to switch to all digital service, even though they don't have good all digital coverage yet. I think it will be another 2-4 years before we get good digital coverage in all places, I hope!
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by dave1973 - 8/19/04 10:29 AM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by hhI can always use more reviews. As it stands, this will be the phone I'll buy. While I was still looking at phones, I never saw the LG VX4400B, but did see the VX4400, and reviews were mixed on this site, but 2 people I talked to, including my brother and a truck driveer picking up a shipment at work, both told me spotty reception and low audio (at the highest setting) were big problems on the 4400. I only wished Cnet would list this phone in the Verizon Wireless section of available phones.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by hh - 8/19/04 11:34 AM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973I think 4400B was the replacement of 4400 which had problems. 4400B has been replaced with 4500 (only digital) and it has been mixed reviews. The way I see it, these days because people are always replacing their phones, always trying to get the latest technology, the manufacturers are not paying as much attention to quality like the older phones. I personally want a phone to work well as a phone and don't care about the picture taking, etc.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by hh - 8/30/04 10:54 AM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973After 14 days with my new Samsung a-650 it seems like I will keep it. As a side, 3 days ago I got my wife to move to Verizon from AT&T and got her the Audiovox CDM 8900, we will try it for 15 days. Battery life seems decent, considering it has a camera and much more. I notice that the signal strenght indicator jumps from 4 bars to 1 bar, etc, while standing in one place. Sometimes even with no bars the phone seems to work, so maybe it is a false indicator.
hh
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by Urbanlion - 8/27/04 5:57 AM In reply to: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973I don't know if you are still debating on phones, though the fact that the a650 has been taken off the site may have affected your choice, but I was choosing between that phone and the LG VX3200, and after being a long-time Samsung fan, I actually went with the LG and I LOVE it. It's lighter, easier to use, the battery lasts longer, and, to my mind, is louder and easier to talk on. In other words, I'm even happier with it than I expected. I hope this is helpful - good luck to you.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by knvinvest - 8/29/04 9:29 PM In reply to: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973I've had this phone since Aug. 8 now. Love the phone. Only problem is it gets hot after 5 minutes of talk time. Had to return the phone to Verizon and get a new model and battery, thinking its a defect.
Same thing with the new phone. I think there's a problem with the circuits in the phone.
Other than that, the phone fits my needs perfectly. GREAT reception, volume level 5 works like a speakerphone!!
Great graphics and menu. I've always enjoyed SAMSUNG phones and this is no different.
I'm calling Samsung tech support tomorrow to see if they can troubleshoot the hot keypad issue.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by liz625 - 9/10/04 2:50 PM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by knvinvestDid you get your hot keypad issue resolved calling Samsung? I have this phone also and have the same problem. Whenever I talk for longer than a few minutes I have to use my head phone accessory. I'm new to cell phones so I just figured it was something they do. My daughter has an LG and she says hers does that too.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by dave1973 - 8/31/04 6:30 PM In reply to: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973Just letting everyone know that I purchased this phone. So far it's doing great reception wise. I'm now able to use this phone in spots that my old Motorola 120c wouldn't wouldn't work at all. I'm still trying to learn the features on the phone, but I like it. It does get warm, but mine doesn't get hot at all like some people mentioned with theirs. The volume is loud and can read the screen well. The only drawback is the ringer could be a little bit louder. Also I wish Samsung made this phone with an external screen, but at least the phone gives me the option to let the phone auto-answer incoming calls or answer them with the push of the send button. I've been curious about Audiovox CDM8900, but my mind kept telling me to buy this phone, and I believe my mind is right. I'll post some more in the next day or 2 to let you know how well it works. Once I know if it's a keeper, then it's saving for an extended battery and a desktop charger for charging the spare battery.
Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless
by K G - 9/3/04 6:40 PM In reply to: Re: Samsung SCH-a650 for Verizon Wireless by dave1973I just stumbled upon this discussion today and I also need to update my phone through Verizon. I also prefer tri-mode and would like to hear any feedback regarding the a650, any LGs or Motorola. I actually have the Motorola v60i and LOVE IT. It's taken quite a beating over the last two years and am actually considering switching to the V60s. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it has a speakerphone and the metal cover seems sturdier compared to the other phones. I'm hoping to upgrade in the next few days. Thanks in advance for your input.
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