'I just called to say...I love you..I just called...'' Wondering if this is another review posted in the wrong category?? Well No, that’s just what my phone sings when it rings!! :- ) Though not the words, just the tune…reminding me of the lovely song. Unfortunately, not everybody calls up to say..I love you..;-)
I always refrained from using a mobile phone considering the ill-effects which were publicised those days regarding the harmful rays etc. Later, it became a 'compulsion' when I started working. You see, I am 'Daddy's girl' ….and he wanted me to have a mobile phone so that he could contact me whenever he wanted. (esp. since my job demanded night shifts). I am quite choosy about things, always wanting the very best; and once I have something...it lasts for years on end. My younger brother accompanied me to the cell-phones shop and patiently waited till I tested every phone I could see. When it comes to mobile phones 'looks' do matter to me! So, the heavy or bulky phones were already out of my choice circle. The features came next..and finally, the price. Here is why I chose to have Samsung SGH-R220...
~Looks~
The Samsung SGH-R220 is an attractive piece with a trendy look. The silver keys on blue cover look add to its style. You may choose to have a different cover, but I would recommend blue because of the beautiful blue screen (128 X 64 pixels) and blue backlight. The match is just perfect! The screen light is really bright. I have used it as a torch in the dark :- ) This may give you an idea of how intense the light is. You have the option to adjust the same. The screensavers make it look even better.
The phone weighs 99 grams with a dimension of 110 X 46 X 23.5 and a small antenna. You will also see a small indicator (service) light above the screen. The light can be set to blue, orange, green, red or violet blinking colours or turned off. The phone is powered with a rechargeable Li-ion standard battery.
~Features~
# Phonebook: option is present on the display screen for direct access to your list of numbers. You may save the number on the 'card' or on the 'phone'. The phone has the capacity to store 100 numbers. The phonebook also allows you to set an Alert ring from a calls from specific numbers and indicate the same with a set service colour.
# Call Records: This option stores the last 10 Missed call, Received calls and Dialed calls. You will also see the Total and Last Call time and Call cost.
# Messages: Besides the regular SMS options, the phone also has Preset Message List Voice mail, Pictures messages and Broadcast options.
# Tones: The phone has 20 built-in ring tones and 3 empty places to download your own ring tones and 2 for Melody composer. The Ring Volume can be scaled on a 1 to 5 level. The Alert tone is set under this option i.e. Light only, Melody, Vibration and Melody + Vibration. Keybad tone can be set to tone or beep. There are 12 SMS tones to choose from.
# Settings: Under Phone settings you can edit the Greeting message, Language, Backlight length, Any-key answer (On/Off), Service light, Auto Redial, Auto Answer, Caller ID and Key Lock.
The Network settings include Call Diverting, Call Barring, Call Waiting, Network selection, Line identification and Closed User group. The Security settings have PIN check, Change PIN, Phone Lock (enabled/disabled), SIM lock and Change PIN2. Please do not tamper with the Security settings unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing.
The LCD settings are my favourites…Under Screen mode you can select Image of Clock display. You have 5 screensaver images to choose from. My personal favourite is the cute panda. The LCD contrast can also be adjusted.
The Browser Settings consist of Current and Proxy settings. The phone has Internet access with WAP 1.1 version. My service provider does not have the Internet activated, so I haven't used this option as yet.
# Organiser: Scheduler sets reminders on the dates you select. The Alarm can be daily, weekly or one-time and you can select any of the 5 available alarm ones. A simple Calculator and World- time display adds to the Organiser option. Under this option you can edit the Clock option- set time, change date format display etc.
# Games: Three enjoyable games- Mole, Hexa and Casino. This option has been my Best friend while travelling. I never get tired of Hexa !
# WWW Service: Consists of Home, Go To and Bookmark sites. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't used this option.
~Pack and Price~
Unpacking and installing the SIM card and battery is child's play and the owner's manual makes it even more easier.
The package contains : Phone, Battery, Travel adapter, Hand string and Owner's manual….priced at Rs.7, 400/- and less in the grey-market.
In addition, you can obtain a Cigarette lighter adapter, Hands-free car kit, Data kit and Ear-microphone from the dealer.
The Final Word...
I've been using Samsung SGH-R220 for over 8 months now and never had any complaints so far. The network reception is very good. It worked even in my airconditioned 'close packed' office in one of the tower buildings. I never needed to take the phone in distant or isolated places (areas), so I wouldn't like to commit on that. To an extent, that would also depend on your service provider.
The quality of sound while you talk is neat and smooth. The battery is standard i.e. lasts for 4 hours of talk time and over 100 hours of stand-by. However, I noticed that, if the phone is left in the screen-saver mode, it takes up the stand-by time. I charge the phone on every 2nd or 3rd day depending on the use.
Samsung R220 is no less than any of the Nokia or Panasonic phones. Infact, in comparison to Nokia, Samsung is cheaper. With the features I listed above, you won't find any important one missing in Samsung. The other phones in the series i.e R-200 and R-210 are also similar to R-220. The R-200 has a flap other the number key-pad. And R-210 has a green color for the key-pad light (mis)matched with a blue screen. I would certainly recommend R-220 for those who are not comfortable with the flap (like me!).
The start-up theme and music of the phone grabs everybody's attention. While switching off, the a sweet 'bye..bye' message appears on the display screen. Besides, the phone adds to your personality ;-)
What more could you ask for in a Cell phone?? No doubt, it is a little expensive; but Samsung R220 does not compromise on Quality. I can vouch for this phone! I love it!
P.S: Incase you need details on any particular feature mentioned above, you may M2M or Add your question in the Comments section.
@@ DO NOT USE A HAND-HELD PHONE WHILE DRIVING @@
