Samsung M920 Transform Full Specs Price Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung M920 Transform boasts a robust design, with dimensions measuring 117 x 61 x 15 mm and a weight of 152 grams. It provides a compact yet sturdy feel in hand. The exterior is primarily black, giving it a sleek and professional look. A significant design feature of this device is the QWERTY keyboard, which slides out from beneath the screen. This physical keyboard is a boon for users who favor tactile feedback while typing, making it especially useful for those who frequently send emails or messages.

Display

The Samsung M920 sports a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. This resolution offers a pixel density of approximately 165 ppi, which, while modest by today’s standards, was adequate for its time. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability against scratches and minor impacts. The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 51.1%, which is typical for devices with a physical keyboard.

Camera

The device is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera featuring an LED flash, which was considered reasonable for casual photography at the time. Although it may not compete with modern smartphones in terms of quality, it provides sufficient functionality for capturing quick memories and moments. The front VGA camera supports basic video calls, meeting the essential needs of users who utilize the device for communication rather than high-end photography.

Performance and Software

Powered by an 800MHz Samsung S3C6410 CPU and paired with 256MB RAM, the Samsung M920 Transform was designed to handle basic smartphone tasks. The internal storage is 512MB, but can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, catering to users who require more space for apps and media. The device originally launched with Android 2.1 (Eclair) and is upgradable to Android 2.2 (Froyo), which offers a slight performance improvement and additional features such as the option to use the device as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Networking and Connectivity

The M920 supports CDMA/EVDO technology, providing 2G bands on CDMA 800/1900 and 3G bands on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, with a maximum speed of EV-DO Rev.A at 3.1 Mbps. For local connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. It lacks FM radio, a feature some users might miss for on-the-go entertainment.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. It offers up to 350 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. This battery performance ensures that users can go through their day without frequent charging, which is a critical factor for those who rely on mobile connectivity and communication throughout the day.

Additional Features

The Samsung M920 Transform includes several sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor, allowing for functionalities such as auto-rotation and power-saving features during calls. The HTML browser provides a basic internet experience, catering to users who occasionally browse the web. GPS and A-GPS capabilities are present for location services, essential for navigation and geographic-based apps.

Pricing and Availability

Initially released in October 2010, the Samsung M920 Transform was priced around 120 EUR, making it an affordable option for those looking for a smartphone with a physical keyboard and basic smart capabilities. However, as with most technology of that era, it has since been discontinued, but still might appeal to tech collectors or those seeking a secondary device with distinct features.

Conclusion

The Samsung M920 Transform offers a blend of essential smartphone features with the added benefit of a physical keyboard, making it a practical choice for users requiring physical typing efficiency. While it may not stand the test of time in terms of high-end specs or modern design, it certainly holds its ground in delivering foundational mobile technology to users who prioritize practicality and reliability.