Miles
26-04-2006, 06:31 AM
Samsung SGH-Z540V 3G 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/April2006/Z540Clam.gif
Best features
High quality finish
Light and small
Large QVGA interior display
Specification Details
Size 99x51x14.9mm
Weight 105g
Display Internal :Colour 262,144 colours / QVGA
Resolution Internal :240 x 320 pixels External : 128x128 pixels
Camera 1.3 Megapixel 1280x1024 and VGA Camera
Video recording / playback Yes/Yes
Audio playback MP3, ACC, ACC+, RA, WMA
Connectivity Bluetooth SyncML USB
Internal memory 140MB
Memory card slot No
Java Yes, Java MIDP 2.0
Games Yes Embedded JAVA games
Messaging SMS(with T9)/ MMS
Email client POP3 / SMTP / IMAP4
Ringtones 64 Polyphonic Ringtone
Internet browser WAP 2.0
Frequency Tri Band (900/1800/1900 MHz) + 3G
Talktime Up tp 2.5 hours
Standby Up to 200 hours
http://www.3g.co.uk//PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
Samsung's latest 3G handset - the SGH-Z540V - landed in the shops recently. Of course, it is alongside some fine 3G handsets like the BenQ-Siemens EF81 and the Motorola RAZR V3x. Does it stand up to be counted ? We try out the Vodaphone model on the catwalk.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/April2006/Z540Closed.gif
Blimey, the Z540V looks so much better in person than these Samsung photos portray it. Looking at these photos, I would immediately discount the handset as a damp squid out of its depth surrounded by sharks.
Don't despair, as my first impression of this handset is more than ok. Its elegant black design with a high quality textured surface means that it can easily hold its own in the style league.
The current trend in mobile phone design is moving towards "slim & wide" design. The "slim & wide" design concept offers better portability with its light weight and thinness, and enriches multimedia features in a mobile environment with larger screens. This statement typifies the Samsung Z540.
I like the way Samsung have impressed the url of their mobilephone site on the rear of the phone. A great memory jogger of where to find all the support for this model.
The Z540 is part of Samsung's new diverse and advanced 3G slim phone lineup. This clamshell is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera phone with flash, JAVA, polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Connectivity options include USB and Bluetooth. The SGH-Z540 adds support for the Real Audio format for music playback, integrating dual stereo speakers
The handset looks and feels like a lightweight which is backed up by the following data. Lightweights rule in this arena.
Handset Weight
Motorola RAZR V3x 125g
BenQ-Siemens EF81 110g
Samsung Z540 105g
In terms of size the Samsung Z540 is notably thinner than the Motorola RAZR V3x and the BenQ-Siemens EF81 - see below. Now that's a pleasant surprise. It's no wonder this phone is promoted by Samsung as "The Ultra Slim 3G Phone".
Handset Length Width Depth
Motorola RAZR V3x 99 53 19.6
BenQ-Siemens EF81 94 51 15.9
Samsung Z540 99 51 14.9
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/April2006/Z540Open.jpg
Open the handset and the crystal-clear image reproduction on the large QVGA interior display with 262,144 colours will impress.
The external display displays 65,536 colours. In addition, this ultra-convenient 1.07" external TFT LCD section display also gives immediate access to time, battery status, and other core information without lifting a finger.
Its camera must be classed as entry-level only and some people harsher than me could call it below par by today's standards. Just to confirm it has a 1.3-megapixel camera on-board with 4x digital zoom.
The Nokia N80 and others steam ahead in the megapixel race as shown below.
Handset Main camera
Nokia N80 3mp
Motorola RAZR V3x 2mp
BenQ-Siemens EF81 2mp
Samsung Z540 1.3mp
The Samsung Z540 may have 140MB on board memory compared to others with 64MB yet there is no memory card slot. Bit of a disappointment. A sacrifice to keep its waist down no doubt. More below.
Handset Memory Memory Card Slot Type
Motorola RAZR V3x 64 MB Yes TransFlash
BenQ-Siemens EF81 64MB Yes MicroSD, TransFlash
Samsung Z540 140MB No NA
Video streaming and video calling all performs reasonably well with expected results. The MP3 player integrated into the Samsung SGH-Z540 is compatible with all formats such as AAC/AAC+/RA and WMA. Accessing your entire playlist is no trouble with the MP3 hot keys on the outside of the phone. And to make sure the sound quality is up-to-par, the phone has first-class dual speakers.
The Samsung SGH-Z540 was found to be modernistic and exquisitely designed phone that will attract fashion-conscious consumers and working professionals who desire the many features of 3G. Note for the ladies - not available in pink sorry.
Pros
A lightweight and useful 3G conender. Looks the part.
Cons
No memory card means just 140MB internal memory to play with. Camera seems a tad low spec.
Verdict
Light, small and distintive 3G handset which will appeal to a broad spectrum of shoppers
3G Total Score 88%
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/April2006/Z540Clam.gif
Best features
High quality finish
Light and small
Large QVGA interior display
Specification Details
Size 99x51x14.9mm
Weight 105g
Display Internal :Colour 262,144 colours / QVGA
Resolution Internal :240 x 320 pixels External : 128x128 pixels
Camera 1.3 Megapixel 1280x1024 and VGA Camera
Video recording / playback Yes/Yes
Audio playback MP3, ACC, ACC+, RA, WMA
Connectivity Bluetooth SyncML USB
Internal memory 140MB
Memory card slot No
Java Yes, Java MIDP 2.0
Games Yes Embedded JAVA games
Messaging SMS(with T9)/ MMS
Email client POP3 / SMTP / IMAP4
Ringtones 64 Polyphonic Ringtone
Internet browser WAP 2.0
Frequency Tri Band (900/1800/1900 MHz) + 3G
Talktime Up tp 2.5 hours
Standby Up to 200 hours
http://www.3g.co.uk//PR/Dec2005/BuyBlack.gif (http://shop.3g.co.uk/)
Samsung's latest 3G handset - the SGH-Z540V - landed in the shops recently. Of course, it is alongside some fine 3G handsets like the BenQ-Siemens EF81 and the Motorola RAZR V3x. Does it stand up to be counted ? We try out the Vodaphone model on the catwalk.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/April2006/Z540Closed.gif
Blimey, the Z540V looks so much better in person than these Samsung photos portray it. Looking at these photos, I would immediately discount the handset as a damp squid out of its depth surrounded by sharks.
Don't despair, as my first impression of this handset is more than ok. Its elegant black design with a high quality textured surface means that it can easily hold its own in the style league.
The current trend in mobile phone design is moving towards "slim & wide" design. The "slim & wide" design concept offers better portability with its light weight and thinness, and enriches multimedia features in a mobile environment with larger screens. This statement typifies the Samsung Z540.
I like the way Samsung have impressed the url of their mobilephone site on the rear of the phone. A great memory jogger of where to find all the support for this model.
The Z540 is part of Samsung's new diverse and advanced 3G slim phone lineup. This clamshell is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera phone with flash, JAVA, polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Connectivity options include USB and Bluetooth. The SGH-Z540 adds support for the Real Audio format for music playback, integrating dual stereo speakers
The handset looks and feels like a lightweight which is backed up by the following data. Lightweights rule in this arena.
Handset Weight
Motorola RAZR V3x 125g
BenQ-Siemens EF81 110g
Samsung Z540 105g
In terms of size the Samsung Z540 is notably thinner than the Motorola RAZR V3x and the BenQ-Siemens EF81 - see below. Now that's a pleasant surprise. It's no wonder this phone is promoted by Samsung as "The Ultra Slim 3G Phone".
Handset Length Width Depth
Motorola RAZR V3x 99 53 19.6
BenQ-Siemens EF81 94 51 15.9
Samsung Z540 99 51 14.9
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/April2006/Z540Open.jpg
Open the handset and the crystal-clear image reproduction on the large QVGA interior display with 262,144 colours will impress.
The external display displays 65,536 colours. In addition, this ultra-convenient 1.07" external TFT LCD section display also gives immediate access to time, battery status, and other core information without lifting a finger.
Its camera must be classed as entry-level only and some people harsher than me could call it below par by today's standards. Just to confirm it has a 1.3-megapixel camera on-board with 4x digital zoom.
The Nokia N80 and others steam ahead in the megapixel race as shown below.
Handset Main camera
Nokia N80 3mp
Motorola RAZR V3x 2mp
BenQ-Siemens EF81 2mp
Samsung Z540 1.3mp
The Samsung Z540 may have 140MB on board memory compared to others with 64MB yet there is no memory card slot. Bit of a disappointment. A sacrifice to keep its waist down no doubt. More below.
Handset Memory Memory Card Slot Type
Motorola RAZR V3x 64 MB Yes TransFlash
BenQ-Siemens EF81 64MB Yes MicroSD, TransFlash
Samsung Z540 140MB No NA
Video streaming and video calling all performs reasonably well with expected results. The MP3 player integrated into the Samsung SGH-Z540 is compatible with all formats such as AAC/AAC+/RA and WMA. Accessing your entire playlist is no trouble with the MP3 hot keys on the outside of the phone. And to make sure the sound quality is up-to-par, the phone has first-class dual speakers.
The Samsung SGH-Z540 was found to be modernistic and exquisitely designed phone that will attract fashion-conscious consumers and working professionals who desire the many features of 3G. Note for the ladies - not available in pink sorry.
Pros
A lightweight and useful 3G conender. Looks the part.
Cons
No memory card means just 140MB internal memory to play with. Camera seems a tad low spec.
Verdict
Light, small and distintive 3G handset which will appeal to a broad spectrum of shoppers
3G Total Score 88%
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.