Samsung U700 - Unlocked GSM Phone

Wholesale Samsung U700 - Unlocked GSM Phone

In mobile phones, dual-band and tri-band refer to functionality that allows a cell phone to support either two or three frequency bands out of the four major GSM (TDMA) bands - 850/900/1800/1900 MHz.

Please do check with your local service provider on the frequency for your country.

If it's any indication, Samsung's Ultra Edition line is one of its most popular series of mobile phones. From the super-slim design of the Ultra Edition 8.4 which snagged an Editors' Choice to one of the earlier HSDPA-enabled Ultra Edition 13.8, the Korean chaebol has constantly been trimming the form factor of its Ultra lineup.

One of its latest introductions, the Ultra Edition 12.1 (U700), manages to pack a wealth of features including 3G and HSDPA into a slider that measure only 12.1mm thick. We have a prototype unit with us right now to give you our hands-on impression.

Describing the U700 as 12.1mm thick actually does the phone a lot of injustice. The U700 not only looks, but also feels very thin. In fact, it resembles a candy-bar handset more than a slider. In the hands, this Samsung is a good combination of weight and size. The top shell slides up effortlessly when you give it a little nudge. What we like is the muted pitch it makes when the shell retracts back into position.

When idle, the U700 is virtually a glass mirror, similar to the LG Shine KU970. It's especially handy for users who want to do a quick check if there's any food stuck between the teeth after lunch, but we find the reflective screen slightly distracting when sunlight reflects on it.

Sliding up the top lid activates the 2.2-inch LCD as well as the touch-sensitive shortcut and Call/End keys. What's unique about the U700 is the four-way directional control which doubles as a rotary wheel. It works like the one on the iPod except that this one is mechanical. Although we can't feel one button from another on the numeric keypad, it's a non-issue since the keys are large and provide tactile feedback.

In terms of multimedia, the U700 comes with a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera at the back of the top lid and a front-facing shooter for 3G video calls. The handset doesn't support Wi-Fi, but it has both 3G and the faster HSDPA connectivity. There's also an external microSD card slot and a proprietary port for charging and headset.

According to Samsung, the Ultra Edition 12.1 is expected some time in July. We'll have a full review of the handset then.

Warranty period: Not available

* Shipping date is estimated only. Actual date may vary slightly. Freight cost estimation: