Samsung SGH X497 (AT&T)

This was one of my first phones when I went to Cingular, and I must admit, I only wanted to get a simple phone, and this phone was actually better than I thought!

This is your most basic non-camera phone, but is still fully-featured. The outside screen is VERY large and easy to read, which is a must for me. The buttons are just the right size for me to push (And I dont have small hands lol).

The menus are easy to navigate, and there are still plenty of nice tools in the phone like games, calendar, alarm, calculator, etc, etc. And its got some nice ringtones :D

So overall, if your looking for a nice vibrant, simple, easy to use and read cell phone, this one is PERFECT!

Dependable, functional, and rugged call maker, the Samsung SGH-X497 focuses on what a mobile phone is supposed to do.

Here's the Scoop -

1. As a US oriented Tri-band model (850/1800/1900 MHz) it is ready for all of the Cingular/AT&T network in the US. is frequently a part of the Cingular/AT&T network. Euro-Asian triband handsets use the 900 MHz band rather than the 850 MHz band. It is easily unlocked for other GSM networks.

2. This is a loud phone. It is a little bit tinny. It is a clean, crisp sound without a lot of bottom end. If you can live with understanding your caller but not getting the full benefit of their mp3 ringing tone you'll be fine with this.

3. You'll be seeing full bars in places where other phones give you three or four. The bright tipped external antenna drags the signal kicking and screaming into your phone. This might explain why the sound quality, if not the tonal fidelity, is so good.

4. The external screen is duochrome. This low energy alternative to the 14 bit full color caller id (CLI) screen extends your battery life. It's a trade off. Do you need a full color screen to tell who is calling? If you do - move on to another phone like the Nokia 6102. If you can live with seeing the person's number on a high contrast large numbered screen then this one is for you.

5. No frills means no camera, no expandable memory, no Bluetooth, no MP3 player, no shiatsu massage every minute on longer calls. It also means it is allowed in work environments that prohibit cameras, does not use energy to power a Bluetooth radio, does not complicate the obvious.

6. The thrills are solid reception and clear transmission and receiving of voice calls. A capable browser using GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or GSM (Global System for Mobile) if GRPS is not available. The ability to text or receive picture messages and an on-board instant message interface that supports AIM, ICQ and Y!Messenger are on board as well.

7. Part of the reason this is a rugged phone is all the ports have integral covers. Less dirt, less moisture, less pocket fuzz get into this phone over time as a result. The wired handsfree headset plugs in near the hinge on the left side. The charger port is on the bottom and what appears to be an external antenna port is on the back.

8. The dualtone silver front is an attractive and forgiving surface. Fingerprints and most scratches are not glaring at you. The black CLI screen surround is recessed allowing it some protection.

So, what's the downside?

1- The back of the phone is also part of the battery. If you scuff the back and want to renew the appearance you have to buy a new battery. Not expensive here on eBay but a nuisance at best.

2- The flip hinges are not adjustable and not metal. They are part of the phone body and, therefore, plastic. They look pretty meaty, and I've not seen any of these with broken hinges that didn't look abused in other ways but I prefer the approach of the Motorola V635.

3- The external antenna, so useful in providing that great signal tends to get caught on things.

4- Chiclet keys on the keypad - you either love them or tolerate them. This is your main interface. The tactile feedback is excellent on this keypad so they are easy to tolerate.

The limited feature set allows this handset to do what it does really well which is to make and receive phone calls and to make and receive text messages. Afterall, isn't that why you have a mobile phone?