Design:
The Samsung SGH-a727 is an HSDPA version of the Samsung SGH-T519 Trace, itself a GSM phone on T-Mobile's (unfortunately) HSDPA-free network. Like the SGH-a717, which updates the SCH-m610 for HSDPA, the a727 comes clad in black, and measures less than a millimeter thicker than its counterpart. The phone wears matte-on-gloss black keys, a look the a717 gave up in favor of an etched metal pad. In our review of the Trace, we complained about the keypad's usability, but the pad on the a727 seems slightly more raised, and much more readable, than its fraternal twin. Otherwise, the phone remains similar to the Trace.
Features:
There isn't much new to say about the a727 because Samsung did not have a powered-up model to show us. Though turning the phone on would reveal the unannounced carrier, with HSDPA support, it isn't difficult to guess who'll be getting the a727. The Trace packed a great screen into a thin form, but took little advantage of the EDGE network, forsaking music downloads and other functions that require high-speed. Though no U.S. HSDPA carrier offers music downloads, we are curious if the phone updates more than the radio and paint job.
|
|
Archive