Miles
26-10-2003, 09:30 AM
Motorola A920 Phone Review
Note : This review is written by an editorial member of 3G staff for the readers of www.3G.co.uk and for the members of the 3G Forum. A full list of 3G Phone Reviews by phone manufacturer and date order can be found here http://www.3g.co.uk/3GPhoneReviews.htm.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Jan2004/MotorolaA920.jpg
You are advised that this material is the copyright of Kevin Thomas 2003 on behalf of www.3G.co.uk/ and is my own personal view only.
1) Looks
The Motorola A920 3G Phone is a bit special. It borders on the side of being a large phone by today’s standards and also has an external antenna to add some extra to its size. The phone has a large viewable screen ( see features and spec below ) and of course uses a stylus pen as opposed to having a keypad. Just to repeat that – this baby does not have a keypad for all those who are not too familiar with this type of phone.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2003/MototorlaA920.jpg
Front looks - You will see that the A920 has a navigation button and six keys on the front. The rotating camera ( for both camera type pictures and video conferencing ) is located on the top of the phone. The lens on this model, unlike the NEC e616, has perfectly adequate camera lens protection.
Back and side looks – here you will find the connector for GPS and a loudspeaker for hands free and general voice comms. On right is IrDA opening however Moto did not make this functional. On left is the button for use when hands free is required. Hands free is a neat little add on which works well.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
2) Features and Specification
PDA-style handset with large touch screen and stylus
It combines powerful technologies that benefit you in every way – AGPS for location services, 2-way video calls, video streaming, multimedia and email messaging, and browsing the Internet. From fast-paced business trips around the globe to relaxing at home with your favourite MP3 songs or video clips.
Dimensions - 148.5 x 60 x 24.3 mm
Volume - 175cc
Weight - 212g -
This is the weight of the phone (with battery) and is measured in grams (g). Weight measurements can vary within models dependant upon battery type.
Battery - Talk Time - up to 95 min
The total time a battery can power a phone for mobile calls. As the phone drains the battery during a call, the talk time left in the battery is diminished until the phone is turned off or the battery recharged. The longer the talk time the less frequently you will need to recharge.
Standby Time - Up to 70 hours
The time a battery can power a phone in the standby mode, switched on and ready to make or receive a call, without being used for an actual call. The longer a phone is in standby mode, the less standby time remains in the battery.
2 Way Video Call
With an integrated digital camera and high speed data transmission, you can enjoy the next best thing to being there.
Location Based Services
Combined with services from the network service provider, Motorola’s integrated AGPS technology enables you to find your way around in virtually anyway in the world.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
Send and receive pictures, sounds and animations with your messages. MMS is as easy to use as sending a standard text message, but now you can really bring your messages to life.
SMS
The short message service (SMS) enables you to send and receive text messages using your Motorola mobile phone or personal communicator. Depending on your network service provider and your plan, you can send messages to other mobile phones or to PCs, domestically or internationally. The cost is usually a low, flat rate or even free, depending on your contract.
POP3 E-mail
The POP3 e-mail function allows you to use your phone to access e-mail. (The e-mail is retrieved from a server over the air).
Downloadable Ring Tones
Phone software supports digital downloads of ringtones to personalise your phone.
Display Type
TFT touch screen with 208 x 320 pixels and 65,000 colours The A920’s screen is touch sensitive and features 65k TFT colour. Resolution is 320 x 208 pixels. It is bright, and performs well even in bright sunlight in my opinion. Despite the fact that it is 65k, colours seem a little faded. It is capable of showing more than 20 lines of text. One of the best screens I’ve seen so far.
MP3 Player
MP3 Player and polyphonic ringer tones add a powerful audible experience. Richer musical tones will resonate from your phone each time it rings.
Polyphonic Ringtones
Polyphonic ringer tones add a powerful audible experience for alerts and ringer tones. Richer musical tones will resonate from your phone each time it rings.
Integrated Stereo Headset Jack
Integrated Stereo Headset Jack and Integrated Speaker Phone provide an enhanced audio experience.
Integrated Speaker Phone
Integrated Stereo Headset Jack and Integrated Speaker Phone provide an enhanced audio experience.
PIM functionality
PIM (Personal Information Management) functionality enables you to manage your life easier. Examples are Calendar, Contacts and Address Book, Task List, Notes, Date / Time with alarms.
USB Connection Port
USB (universal serial bus) is a fast (1Mbps) path for data transfer between the phone and an external device, such as a pc.
The A920’s screen is touch sensitive and features 65k TFT colour. Resolution is 320 x 208 pixels. A good bright screen with excellent results.
3) Screen/ Functionality
The screen has three areas :
- the desktop
- two control type sub screens
The top sub screen is called the “quick-launch screen” and shows menu icons. The taskbar is located towards the bottom of the screen and displays basic functions like the time, volume etc. In addition, it highlights key functions like network status ( 3G/ GPRS/ GSM ) as it’s a Tri-band phone, battery status.
To navigate via the screens you use the stylus and tap menu item on the display. If you lose the stylus don’t despair you can also use the key navigation system.
The Motorola A920's 65,000+ colour screen - which can also hold up to 20 lines of text - will show video content, such as Barclaycard Premiership goals and the latest film clips, with an impressive clarity and resolution. The handset was jointly developed by 3 and Motorola, exclusively for the 3 video mobile network.
Although the product is packed full of the latest technology, it is very simple to use. The touch screen uses a stylus pen and handwriting recognition technology. The menu system is navigated via icons on the touch screen, as well as dedicated 'hot buttons' for the most popular applications such as, 'home' and '3 services '. When browsing, the 'forward' and 'back' options operate just like on a PC.
The Motorola A920 runs on the latest version of the open operating system, Symbian OS v7.0 and incorporates their latest pen-based user interface. Applications can be downloaded, such as games based on Java and C++., from 3. This will allow consumers to update their handsets regularly with new applications and content.
The A920 can also double up as a separate, hand-held gaming console. Flip the phone on its side and use the console-style game controls, including a four-way keypad to play Java-based games.
An expansion memory card is also available for up to 256 extra Mb of space for multimedia files. The phone also offers more basic mobile phone functionality such as text and picture messaging.
On-Board Camera
- VGA camera
- Photos saved as Jpegs
- Compression setting option
- Photos filed on 8MB memory or via external memory card for viewing
- Picture quality is extremely good
On-Board Video
- records up to 60 seconds of video / audio
- Videos stored via internal memory or via memory card as MP4 movies.
- video player for playing MPEG-4s, iworks well and supports full screen viewing via tilted option
Keyboard Ease
The keyboard is accessed via an icon towards the bottom of main screen. Once you tap it with the stylus you can start your typing. However, with this type of phone you should seriously consider using the handwriting recognition facility. I mean after all this phone was designed for it.
You write as you normally would in two areas of the screen. Then what you write appears on the screen a short time after. Not bad. I guess this is a personal; choice as to what method you use.
Games and All That Jazz
The A920 has an MP3 player on-board for playing music to the loudspeaker or to the supplied stereo headphones. Sound quality is good. With the MP3 you can do all the normal stuff like make playlists etc.
The A920 supports Java but 3 has locked the damn thing so you cant download games.
Connectivity
No Bluetooth or IrDa available on this baby. When outside 3G network area it will hook up to GPRS.
Good news you can connect it to your PC via the USB cable and has a cute sync cradle to accomplish this. Watch out the cradle has a flashing blue light !
Battery
The cradle is also used for battery charging and yes battery supply is not grat and you are best to have one charger at home and one in work for total piece of mind. Particulary showing off all those battery guzzling videos.
4) Kevin Thomas’ Overall View of the Moto A920
This baby is cute and I must admit to being impressed. You can usually judge how good a phone is by what people you show the phone say.
People I showed this phone to said :
Big phone, big screen, nice pictures and great video conferencing.
A phone which dares to go where other phones do not.
After all you have got a : 3G mobile phone, GPRS phone, video and still camera, a PDA, an MP3 player and a gaming capability have been combined into one product. What else would you want ! I know headlights for nightime haha.
On the negative side is the whole navigation and menu access / handwriting recognition thing, which will need some practising. Master that and your flying.
Battery is only good for less than a day. Maybe quite a bit less with all the video larking about.. But what the hell this is a 3G phone and everything else above. I discount below average battery life as a minor inconvenience.
This a big cutie wrapped up in 3G armour !
5) More Hot News On Moto A920
3G Motorola A920 Competition
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2003/3Comp.jpg
3G Motorola A920 Opera
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2003/Opera.jpg
MOTO A920 REVIEW BY KEVIN THOMAS
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
This review covers the above mobile phone only and does not address the performance of any 3G Network. The score is based on a 3G mobile phone checklist.
Copyright : You are advised that this material is the copyright of www.3G.co.uk and is our own personal view only. (C) All rights reserved 2005. Whist every care has been taken in the preparation of this review, the author nor 3G.co.uk cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of the information it contains, or consequence arising from it.
Note : This review is written by an editorial member of 3G staff for the readers of www.3G.co.uk and for the members of the 3G Forum. A full list of 3G Phone Reviews by phone manufacturer and date order can be found here http://www.3g.co.uk/3GPhoneReviews.htm.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Jan2004/MotorolaA920.jpg
You are advised that this material is the copyright of Kevin Thomas 2003 on behalf of www.3G.co.uk/ and is my own personal view only.
1) Looks
The Motorola A920 3G Phone is a bit special. It borders on the side of being a large phone by today’s standards and also has an external antenna to add some extra to its size. The phone has a large viewable screen ( see features and spec below ) and of course uses a stylus pen as opposed to having a keypad. Just to repeat that – this baby does not have a keypad for all those who are not too familiar with this type of phone.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2003/MototorlaA920.jpg
Front looks - You will see that the A920 has a navigation button and six keys on the front. The rotating camera ( for both camera type pictures and video conferencing ) is located on the top of the phone. The lens on this model, unlike the NEC e616, has perfectly adequate camera lens protection.
Back and side looks – here you will find the connector for GPS and a loudspeaker for hands free and general voice comms. On right is IrDA opening however Moto did not make this functional. On left is the button for use when hands free is required. Hands free is a neat little add on which works well.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
2) Features and Specification
PDA-style handset with large touch screen and stylus
It combines powerful technologies that benefit you in every way – AGPS for location services, 2-way video calls, video streaming, multimedia and email messaging, and browsing the Internet. From fast-paced business trips around the globe to relaxing at home with your favourite MP3 songs or video clips.
Dimensions - 148.5 x 60 x 24.3 mm
Volume - 175cc
Weight - 212g -
This is the weight of the phone (with battery) and is measured in grams (g). Weight measurements can vary within models dependant upon battery type.
Battery - Talk Time - up to 95 min
The total time a battery can power a phone for mobile calls. As the phone drains the battery during a call, the talk time left in the battery is diminished until the phone is turned off or the battery recharged. The longer the talk time the less frequently you will need to recharge.
Standby Time - Up to 70 hours
The time a battery can power a phone in the standby mode, switched on and ready to make or receive a call, without being used for an actual call. The longer a phone is in standby mode, the less standby time remains in the battery.
2 Way Video Call
With an integrated digital camera and high speed data transmission, you can enjoy the next best thing to being there.
Location Based Services
Combined with services from the network service provider, Motorola’s integrated AGPS technology enables you to find your way around in virtually anyway in the world.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
Send and receive pictures, sounds and animations with your messages. MMS is as easy to use as sending a standard text message, but now you can really bring your messages to life.
SMS
The short message service (SMS) enables you to send and receive text messages using your Motorola mobile phone or personal communicator. Depending on your network service provider and your plan, you can send messages to other mobile phones or to PCs, domestically or internationally. The cost is usually a low, flat rate or even free, depending on your contract.
POP3 E-mail
The POP3 e-mail function allows you to use your phone to access e-mail. (The e-mail is retrieved from a server over the air).
Downloadable Ring Tones
Phone software supports digital downloads of ringtones to personalise your phone.
Display Type
TFT touch screen with 208 x 320 pixels and 65,000 colours The A920’s screen is touch sensitive and features 65k TFT colour. Resolution is 320 x 208 pixels. It is bright, and performs well even in bright sunlight in my opinion. Despite the fact that it is 65k, colours seem a little faded. It is capable of showing more than 20 lines of text. One of the best screens I’ve seen so far.
MP3 Player
MP3 Player and polyphonic ringer tones add a powerful audible experience. Richer musical tones will resonate from your phone each time it rings.
Polyphonic Ringtones
Polyphonic ringer tones add a powerful audible experience for alerts and ringer tones. Richer musical tones will resonate from your phone each time it rings.
Integrated Stereo Headset Jack
Integrated Stereo Headset Jack and Integrated Speaker Phone provide an enhanced audio experience.
Integrated Speaker Phone
Integrated Stereo Headset Jack and Integrated Speaker Phone provide an enhanced audio experience.
PIM functionality
PIM (Personal Information Management) functionality enables you to manage your life easier. Examples are Calendar, Contacts and Address Book, Task List, Notes, Date / Time with alarms.
USB Connection Port
USB (universal serial bus) is a fast (1Mbps) path for data transfer between the phone and an external device, such as a pc.
The A920’s screen is touch sensitive and features 65k TFT colour. Resolution is 320 x 208 pixels. A good bright screen with excellent results.
3) Screen/ Functionality
The screen has three areas :
- the desktop
- two control type sub screens
The top sub screen is called the “quick-launch screen” and shows menu icons. The taskbar is located towards the bottom of the screen and displays basic functions like the time, volume etc. In addition, it highlights key functions like network status ( 3G/ GPRS/ GSM ) as it’s a Tri-band phone, battery status.
To navigate via the screens you use the stylus and tap menu item on the display. If you lose the stylus don’t despair you can also use the key navigation system.
The Motorola A920's 65,000+ colour screen - which can also hold up to 20 lines of text - will show video content, such as Barclaycard Premiership goals and the latest film clips, with an impressive clarity and resolution. The handset was jointly developed by 3 and Motorola, exclusively for the 3 video mobile network.
Although the product is packed full of the latest technology, it is very simple to use. The touch screen uses a stylus pen and handwriting recognition technology. The menu system is navigated via icons on the touch screen, as well as dedicated 'hot buttons' for the most popular applications such as, 'home' and '3 services '. When browsing, the 'forward' and 'back' options operate just like on a PC.
The Motorola A920 runs on the latest version of the open operating system, Symbian OS v7.0 and incorporates their latest pen-based user interface. Applications can be downloaded, such as games based on Java and C++., from 3. This will allow consumers to update their handsets regularly with new applications and content.
The A920 can also double up as a separate, hand-held gaming console. Flip the phone on its side and use the console-style game controls, including a four-way keypad to play Java-based games.
An expansion memory card is also available for up to 256 extra Mb of space for multimedia files. The phone also offers more basic mobile phone functionality such as text and picture messaging.
On-Board Camera
- VGA camera
- Photos saved as Jpegs
- Compression setting option
- Photos filed on 8MB memory or via external memory card for viewing
- Picture quality is extremely good
On-Board Video
- records up to 60 seconds of video / audio
- Videos stored via internal memory or via memory card as MP4 movies.
- video player for playing MPEG-4s, iworks well and supports full screen viewing via tilted option
Keyboard Ease
The keyboard is accessed via an icon towards the bottom of main screen. Once you tap it with the stylus you can start your typing. However, with this type of phone you should seriously consider using the handwriting recognition facility. I mean after all this phone was designed for it.
You write as you normally would in two areas of the screen. Then what you write appears on the screen a short time after. Not bad. I guess this is a personal; choice as to what method you use.
Games and All That Jazz
The A920 has an MP3 player on-board for playing music to the loudspeaker or to the supplied stereo headphones. Sound quality is good. With the MP3 you can do all the normal stuff like make playlists etc.
The A920 supports Java but 3 has locked the damn thing so you cant download games.
Connectivity
No Bluetooth or IrDa available on this baby. When outside 3G network area it will hook up to GPRS.
Good news you can connect it to your PC via the USB cable and has a cute sync cradle to accomplish this. Watch out the cradle has a flashing blue light !
Battery
The cradle is also used for battery charging and yes battery supply is not grat and you are best to have one charger at home and one in work for total piece of mind. Particulary showing off all those battery guzzling videos.
4) Kevin Thomas’ Overall View of the Moto A920
This baby is cute and I must admit to being impressed. You can usually judge how good a phone is by what people you show the phone say.
People I showed this phone to said :
Big phone, big screen, nice pictures and great video conferencing.
A phone which dares to go where other phones do not.
After all you have got a : 3G mobile phone, GPRS phone, video and still camera, a PDA, an MP3 player and a gaming capability have been combined into one product. What else would you want ! I know headlights for nightime haha.
On the negative side is the whole navigation and menu access / handwriting recognition thing, which will need some practising. Master that and your flying.
Battery is only good for less than a day. Maybe quite a bit less with all the video larking about.. But what the hell this is a 3G phone and everything else above. I discount below average battery life as a minor inconvenience.
This a big cutie wrapped up in 3G armour !
5) More Hot News On Moto A920
3G Motorola A920 Competition
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2003/3Comp.jpg
3G Motorola A920 Opera
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2003/Opera.jpg
MOTO A920 REVIEW BY KEVIN THOMAS
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
This review covers the above mobile phone only and does not address the performance of any 3G Network. The score is based on a 3G mobile phone checklist.
Copyright : You are advised that this material is the copyright of www.3G.co.uk and is our own personal view only. (C) All rights reserved 2005. Whist every care has been taken in the preparation of this review, the author nor 3G.co.uk cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of the information it contains, or consequence arising from it.