Samsung SGH-P400

Click for images of the Samsung SGH-P400.

Clamshells are a common sight these days, so Samsung upped the ante by introducing a model with a 180-degree swivel screen, the SGH-P400, announced last year. However, this mobile wasn't granted a timely release and Korean rival LG has beaten Samsung at its own game with the popular LG G7100 and the recent G7120.

Design
The triband P400 would have been a novelty if it had arrived last year when it was still a fresh concept. The practicality of a swivel screen is questionable, especially when the in-built camera rotates 180 degrees for self-portraits. Still, it serves as a great display for showing off the wallpaper and checking out the caller as this Samsung lacks an external screen. The 65k TFD LCD display with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels is bright and vivid, a norm for Samsung phones in recent years. Its keypad lights up in blue when pressed and is well-spaced and comfortable for messaging.

As is expected of Samsung, this mobile's 40-chord polyphony is loud enough for busy streets and comes preloaded with a host of classical tunes. Additional media can be downloaded via the included EasyGPRS software or from Samsung Fun Club. The Yamaha chipset used in the phone churns out tunes in both MMF and MIDI formats competently. The lively vibration alert adequately notifies you of incoming calls.

An infrared port is provided so you don't have to lug along the supplied data cable for use with a laptop. However, it's not put to good use as you can't beam files to other mobiles or computers directly. Hopefully, Samsung will improve on its infrared capability to work like those found on Sony Ericsson mobiles. Together with the EasyGPRS program, the phone can function as a modem.

Features
Most mobile manufacturers use CMOS sensors for their in-built cameras but Samsung has chosen the CCD type that promises better quality. The images captured are of 352 x 288 pixels and average 10kb for each file. While it's good enough for MMS, it's another story when viewed on the computer. The paltry 1.2MB phone memory, however, stores up to 100 photos. Digital zoom and brightness controls give you options to tweak your photos before you snap.

MMS is relatively easy to use as pictures, sound, voice recordings and text can be inserted and sent to multiple recipients at one go. 700kb of memory is provided for MMS storage. T9 predictive text input is supported and words can be added to the dictionary. Chinese texters will be disappointed as Chinese input isn't supported. The saving grace is that you still can read and forward Chinese messages. This handset stores up to 200 messages, a plus for heavy SMS users.

Four Java games are preloaded to kill boredom, with more downloadable from Samsung Fun Club. WAP browsing is courtesy of a version 1.2.1 browser that works over Class 10 GPRS or a 9.6kbps CSD connection.

Samsung has thoughtfully packed in PIM features like alarm clock, calendar, memo, calculator, to-do list, voice memo and currency converter to help in your daily work. Don't expect much from the calendar function as it's not on par with those found on smart phones or handhelds.

The generous accessories provided in this package include an additional extended battery, desktop charger, serial data cable, handsfree earpiece and hand strap.

Battery Life And Reception
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) imposes a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit of below 2.0W/kg. The highest SAR value for this model when tested for compliance against the standard was 1.18W/kg.

No issues were encountered with reception during the two weeks of testing. Samsung quoted a standby time of up to four days and a talktime of 5 hours with the included extended battery. In reality, the battery life is good for two to three days of moderate usage.

Conclusion
This SGH-P400 retails for S$738 for a two-year plan and S$938 without line. With LG offering a similarly featured G7120 with a better camera at a lower price, we find it hard to justify paying a premium for this Samsung. At this price, the P400 offers too little, too late.