Samsung SGH-E770

By Reuben Lee and Antonio Tan, CNET Asia
Jun 27, 2006

When we first saw the SGH-E770, we were thinking, "oh no, not another Samsung clamshell". After all, like its flip-phone predecessors the E640, E730 and E760, the E770 sports a 1.3-megapixel camera, music and video playback, Bluetooth and 262K-color TFT display. But the E770 is not just another clamshell. Taking a closer look, you will find that in addition to the unique Vibetonz feature which vibrates the phone with the ringtone, the Samsung handset packs some nifty extras such as a microSD card slot, document viewer and supports output to external displays. The E770 is currently available for S$388 (US$259.65) with a two-year mobile contract.

Design
Measuring just 90 x 46 x 20mm and weighing a lightweight 85g, the SGH-E770 is a compact and handy phone that should go down well with most mobile users. Its exterior cover feels slightly plasticky, but the combination of a glossy silver casing and sturdy build quality gives the impression of a trusty handset more than capable of withstanding occasional knocks and drops.

As with most clamshells, the E770 comes with two displays: An external 262K-color OLED screen and an internal 262K-color TFT panel. We like that the external display can double as a viewfinder for the 1.3-megapixel camera, so you can take pictures without having to flip open the phone. We also noticed that the camera lens is slightly recessed to prevent scratches.

Typical of Samsung phones, images turn out vibrant and crisp on the 176 x 220-pixel internal display. The screen also provides a good horizontal viewing angle but its vertical viewing angle is somewhat narrower. The E770 comes with brightness settings that can be adjusted for optimal viewing in daylight conditions.

The E770's keypad is rather well-designed, offering good tactile feedback with buttons that are easy to press. The direction pad is responsive, too. Positioned as a music phone, the Samsung comes with three dedicated buttons below the external display for music playback controls.

One gripe with the E770 is the placement of the speakers. As the earpiece doubles as the speaker, the playback of music or ringtones sounds slightly muffled when the flip is closed. Still, the sound volume and quality from the speakers don't disappoint, offering reasonably loud audio playback.

Samsung uses a proprietary synchronization port for the E770. Its headset port, which also utilizes a proprietary port, means users cannot hook up their 3.5mm jack earphones to the phone. Included in the bundle are a stereo handsfree earpiece, travel charger and handstrap.

• Most Popular

• Upcoming

What's Hot