Motorola A920
Review
Phone
rating: 
The
Motorola A920 is a high-spec 3G smartphone with a Symbian operating
system, designed for demanding business and multimedia applications.
With a Symbian 7 operating system, the range
of software available is extensive. The phone will sync with Outlook
and Lotus Notes, and can be connected to a PC via a USB cable.
As
a 3G phone, the A920 supports all of 3's video mobile services:
video calling, video messaging & downloading video clips. It supports
assisted GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) for enhanced location-based
services. It also benefits from high-speed data transfer whilst
on the 3G network. The screen format supports widescreen video.
The
integrated camera is rotating, so that you can use it for taking
pictures or for video-calling. The camera quality is excellent.
The
TFT screen on the A920 is excellent. It has 65k colours, and is
large at 4cm x 6cm, with a high resolution of 208 x 320 pixels -
the same as the Sony Ericsson P900.
An
interesting feature of the A920 is that it has a touch screen and
supports handwriting recognition - a feature that it shares with
the Sony Ericsson P900. The screen is used for most data input,
either by handwriting recognition or using the "virtual keyboard"
on screen with the help of a stylus. This system works well, and
makes text input and menu navigation simple and quick.
Messaging
is well-supported, as you would expect, with SMS, EMS, MMS and e-mail
fully supported. The phonebook is large and can handle many different
fields, including email, fax, home, work and mobile numbers. You
can assign different ringtones to each contact if you like.
The
phone supports multi-tasking, so you can make calls whilst using
other features of the phone.
The
internal memory of the phone is only 8 Mbytes, so you'll need to
make use of the memory card. A 32 Mbyte card is supplied, and this
is expandable.
One
thing to beware of is that this phone just eats batteries! If you're
using the phone heavily for video calling and other functions, you'll
only get 1 hour from it, and under normal circumstances you'll probably
need to recharge every day. That's simply inevitable with a 3G phone
and a screen this big. The phone does come with 2 chargers and 2
batteries though. You'll also need to learn to live with the size
and weight of the beast - again this comes with the territory!
An
obvious feature missing from the phone is support for Bluetooth™
wireless connectivity, but this is present in the Motorola
A925. By comparison with the Sony Ericsson P900, the Motorola
A920 fairs reasonably well. It has nearly all the features of the
P900 (except Bluetooth & infrared), plus it has the added 3G
functions. On the downside it is much larger and heavier and has
very poor battery life. We have deducted two stars for these shortcomings.
Features
of the Motorola A920 include:
- Wide screen display - TFT, 65k colours, 208
x 320 pixels
- Integrated VGA camera (640 x 480 resolution)
& video camera
- Video calling
- Touch screen & handwriting recognition
- Media player: video, MP3 player
- Voice recorder
- Integrated stereo headset jack
- Integrated handsfree speaker
- MMS - video and photo messaging
- E-mail (POP3 support)
- Downloadable Java™ gamses & applications
- Downloadable Themes (Ringtones, Wallpaper &
Screensavers)
- Multi-tasking – make calls while accessing other
3 services
- Assisted GPS for enhanced location based services
- Connectivity: USB
- PIM functionality (Calendar, Contacts and Address
Book, Task List, Notes, Date / Time with alarms)
- Memory: 8 Mbytes internal, plus 32 Mbyte SD
card (expandable)
- WAP, GPRS
- Tri-band capability
- Size: 149 x 60 x 24 mm
- Weight: 212g
- Talktime: 95 minutes
- Video calling: 55 minutes
- Battery standby: up to 3 days
Motorola A920
Consumer Reviews
Love
your mobile? Hate it? Please share your experiences to help other
people choose the phone that's best for them. Please do not review
this phone if you have not used it. This is a review site, not a
forum, so please don't just ask questions. Please do not use swear
words or offensive language, and please, no advertising!
Average
rating from 27 reviews: 
Reviewed by Aeroplanino from Indonesia
on 21st Oct 2008
My father bought this phone about 1 year ago from his friend.At
the first time,i was so impressed with the features that is written
in its review.But,actually when i tried to prove the feature,i was
so dissapointed.Because it's so complicated phone.. Besides that,it's
so difficult for this phone to install such an application.All application
that i want to install is never get success,because some reasons
that is ununderstanable.. And now,the battery is the biggest problem
in this phone..Because all the battery that is given by this phone
is getting so weak..Can you imagine,the battery getting empty in
an hour,even if you are charge the battery before?? And when i try
to buy another battery,i can't find it anywhere.. Now what should
i do.. I don't care about bluetooth,etc.. The thing for me is how
to install such an application,and also how to find batteries.Coz
my batteries is die.. If there is someone who know to solve these
problems,.I am verry thankfull..
Rating: 
Reviewed by vipul sood from india on
22nd Jan 2008
i am using this phone from past 4years and without basic connectivities
i.e. bluetooth, infrared it is somewhere lying down.. its batteries
are really a task if u are travelling somewhere.. itz size and weight
is bit heavy than other handsets.. according to me this handset
motorola A920 is just a show off business..
Rating:
Reviewed by peterpops@msn.com from england
on 12th Dec 2007
Re cut off on charging. Bought correct charger 5.2V same problem.
By mistake plugged in charger for motorola C975 which is 4.4V and
I can talk for hours. Not sure if it charges properly cos it dont
last long when it off. Hope sum elp. I keep getting No coverage
and the ringtone advert, which of course works, but that is 3 or
me not using it propper, not the phone. I would say everbody who
has these phones now are hand me downs, because If you could afford
it new, yoou have certainly got a better one by now.
Rating:
Reviewed by maxwell raila from Kenya
on 28th Nov 2007
the phone is a nice one though, the problem is with the batery as
mentioned ealier and with the missing both bluetooth and the infrared,
though one can always use the memory cardwhere by He must have a
memery card reader to acesss the card in the computer where He can
get the data kept in the card. Besides, i have a problem, my phone
is locked accidentaly and i do not knw the pass word to this phone.
motorola A920, how can you assist me coz at the momment am only
alowed to recive call and not calling back. thanks and do reply
yours Sincerely Raila
Rating: 
Reviewed by Eddy Muleme from Uganda
on 15th Jun 2007
Well, it caught my eyes at first sight from a friend. I bought it
from him only to go down at night that very day. It has nice applications
but I really need to try it again.
Rating:
Reviewed by fakhar from pakistan on
7th Feb 2007
brillant hand set
Rating: 
Reviewed by nAVNIT pATEL from uk on
9th Jan 2007
I fail to understand why when I put my phone on the charge I can
not recive any phone calls or I can dial any calls. Does any one
face the same problem if not can you advise how I can overcome this
problem
Rating:
Reviewed by Can from Denmark on
10th Aug 2006
In the beginning it was awesome. It had GPS, a 166mhz arm processor,
a big nice screen and many other features. But just after 5-6 months
the battery was just dying and I had to recharge it everyday. I
also saw all the problems the UIQ had, I could not install anything
because of the stupid 3 lock, no bluetooth in this case too. It
was just a mess so I'm thinking of a A1000 or a M600 Sonyericsson.
If I buy the 1000 I really don't hope to see same problems.
Rating:
Reviewed by Shanrose from Spain on
9th Jun 2006
My friend gifted me A920, i like it very much for using in my business,
appointments, reminders, etc etc. But my major need is to use GPS
navigation. I tried to find this but could not find from anywhere.
If some one can help me in this regard, i will be thankful to him.
taurus_89@hotmail.com
Rating:
Reviewed by ashwini from india on
4th Apr 2006
I was gifted this phone by a friend, and yes it performed well the
first one year, now the screen calibiration is out and no way am
i able to reach that menu to get it working right. The service centres
in India and not equiped with the software and spares, so no way
can i use it any more. Although i have no problem in using the big
phone on daily basis. If you can assist please let me know on speedzmail@gmail.com
Rating:
Reviewed by GHOSTDOG from ENGLAND on
12th Nov 2005
GREAT PHONE I HAVE HAD MINE FOR 3 MONTHS NOW AND I HAVE HAD NONE
OF THESE PROBLEMS THAT PEOPLE KEEP GOING ON ABOUT. OK THE PHONE
IS BIG AND HEAVY BUT THE SOFTWARE IT HAS ON IT IS BRILLIANT AND
NOW I HAVE HAD THE SOFTWARE UPGRADED I HAVE BLUETOOTH AND INFARED.
THIS PHONE IS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO NEED TO RUN A TIGHT SHIP IF YOU
WANT A PHONE TO SHOW OF TO YOUR MATES DONT BUY THIS BUT IF YOU WANT
A PHONE THAT DOES EVERYTHING THEN THE MOTOROL A920 IS THE PHONE
TO HAVE
Rating:
Reviewed by joe from china on
14th Sep 2005
so bad phone, I bought it only 3 month, it can not search the GSM
station, I bring it to MOTOROLA service center, they refuse to repair
it. do not try to buy it.
Rating:
Reviewed by THOMAS OPPONG KYEREMEH from
Ghana on 17th Aug 2005
As a guy who always goes in for better and quality things, i replaced
my phone with A920 and i have to say i was very very impressed.
and to my suprise, within two months i recieved this massage on
my phone (all program closed, reason code3) then it will tell you
to continue, if you enter continue you only see motorola on the
screen. All effort to repair it has been failed, it has now become
white-ellephant. I will not advice anyone to buy such phone
Rating:
Reviewed by Bo Pedersen from Denmark
on 13th Aug 2005
What a phone.Love it. It has everything i need.
Rating:
Reviewed by ellie from england on
10th Jul 2005
this phone is mingin! i cant beleieve anyone woul want to buy it,
or have it as their phone! i have a samsung D500, and its in a league
of its own! DONT buy this phone! it will brake and course you nothing
but trouble!
Rating:
Reviewed by Susie from USA on
30th May 2005
I just recently replaced my Nokia 6620 with the A920 and I have
to say I'm impressed. I think the people that don't like this phone
are the same people who don't know how to use all the amazing features
it offers. My A920 is unlocked and I use it with both T-Mobile USA
& Cingular. Reception is excellent and I've never dropped a call.
The screen is amazing, big and colorful, and makes watching video
a pleasure! MP3's play loud & clear. The handwriting recognition
makes texting and using the calendar a breeze! My phone's software
has been upgraded & bluetooth and infrared are a snap. And the rotating
camera lens is fabulous! If the phone is a little big... so what?
I carry it in my purse anyway, and it feels nice and sturdy. The
only thing disappointing is the battery life but I keep a couple
of extras on hand... and all the other features make up for it.
I'd recommend this phone to anyone looking to upgrade and who knows
how to make the most out of it!
Rating:
Reviewed by GRAHAM from ENGLAND on
12th Apr 2005
I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS PHONE AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE THE
BEST PHONE I HAVE EVER HAD.SURE IT'S BIG WEIGHTY,BUT IT'S BASICLY
A MINI PC.IF YOU WANT A FASHION PHONE BUY ONE! IF YOU WANT A PHONE
WITH EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK,THIS IS THE PHONE FOR YOU.THE
ONE THING THAT LETS THE PHONE DOWN IS THE BATTERY LIFE,IT IS POOR.I
LIVE IN THE SOUTH AND THE THREE COVERAGE IS EXCELLENT.THE CAMERA
IS OF GOOD QUALITY AND THE SCREEN IS BRILLIANT,I HAVE HAD THE PHONE
UPGRADED TO THE 925 SOFTWARE SO I NOW HAVE BLUETOOTH AND IR. ALL
IN ALL I LOVE THIS PHONE AND WOULD RECOMEND TO PEOPLE !!!!!!!
Rating:
Reviewed by hardeep ghumman from canada
on 25th Mar 2005
this phone is the worst phone i've ever used, whats the point of
so many features if you cannot use it because the battery sucks
big time, i bought it when i went to England and that was my worst
decision on mobile phonen i ever made.
Rating:
Reviewed by Wajid Furqan from UK on
24th Mar 2005
I truely love my handset but sometime I hate it most. The handset
is really amazing but there are some very serious drawbacks like
large size, heavy weight, and very short battery life. Overall its
really one of the best but the problem is with the compatability
of softwares and its poor desktop suite software....its not even
close to Nokia PC Suite or might be I am not aware. The handset
itself got excellent software and the most special feature is its
touch screen which makes it easy to use...It would be amazing handset
with good battery life, light weight and good software to use the
handset with PC.
Rating:
Reviewed by frank zah from england on
24th Jan 2005
this is one of the worst phone ive had the onlygood thing the WIRELESS
bluetooth which always fails
Rating:
Reviewed by Jim May from UK on
7th Dec 2004
This is a very versatile portable multi-media device, which also
lets you phone people. Highlights for me were the large colour screen
(I have a photo of my daughter as the wallpaper) and the mp3 player.
I upgraded the SD card to 64 meg from PC World and was able to store
a lot of video, pictures and music. The best for me was being able
to use real music for the ring tone. Ultimately though, as a phone
it is pretty cumbersome and not the sort of thing you can carry
around in your pocket. After almost a year with 3 I am now upgrading
to the LG U8120 as it appears to be a decent compromise between
size (with a clamshell design) and reasonable screen to do justice
to the 3G services. I have had no problems with 3 customer service,
although when I called them to switch on roaming I remember thinking
what hard work it would be if I ever had to report a problem. Don't
be hard on the guys in India though, they're just trying to earn
a crust - take it out on Mr 3 in London, that's where the buck stops.
Rating:
Reviewed by scott from scotland on
6th Nov 2004
Do not get this phone!! The screen is quality, but doesnt make up
for the size and weight of this phone. The battery is basically
non-existant, when it is fully charged, the only way it will make
it through the day without cutting out, is if you dont use it. You
cannot download from anything other than the stuff they let you.
The ringtones are so low in volume, you never know if your phone
is ringing. Leave this phone on the shelf, trust me form experience,
you will be laughed at by anyone who see's you using it. My contract
is up next month.................... CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Reviewed by Jon P from UK on
27th Oct 2004
As an early adopter and techno geek I bought this sham of a handset
from it's joke of a network over a year ago. The contacts details
do not include fax details making it most difficult to use as a
business tool. Battery life, what battery life? Totally shocking.
The network is a joke. Customer service is no good unless you go
in to a shop where it is actually rather good. The screen is good
but the content that you can display and the games are all terrible.
As a pda replacement the form factor is ok. With PDA functionality
it would have been excellent. All together the phone and the a925
are both missed oportunities. Hang on till the a1000 arrives. It
looks like a phone that might be what the a920/5 should have been.
Rating:
Reviewed by Asther from Portugal on
18th Oct 2004
THE BEST MOBILE PHONE EVER MADE ON EARTH!! belive me, 4 band gsm,
GPRS, UMTS, CDMA2000... you name it!! got it all!!! AND THE PIECE
OF RESISTENCE GPS!!! it does have GPS!! I got it working!! and its
better then a regular GpS, because it can be programable!! and IT
IS POSSIBLE TO INSTAL APLICATIONS!!! the are information woh to
do it in all web!!! just upgrade it to A925 and you will have blue
tooth!!!! and it cames with 2 chargers, 2 batterys, usb cable, cradle,
32Mb SD card ...."ou seja, vem com bueda merdazzzz" Better than
a p800 and equal to a p900 ... belive me!!!!
Rating:
Reviewed by Ryan Henderson from UK on
16th Oct 2004
Has anyone ever experienced a problem with this phone "freezing"
during the boot up phase ? It happened to mine and it's still stuck
like that showing just the 3 logo,I can't get it to complete.When
it was working properly,it was brilliant.There is generous video
recording time of about 1 minute which is better than just 12 seconds
on some handsets.I would have awarded it 5 stars but for the freezing
fault.
Rating:
Reviewed by Alex Hazlett from Northern
Ireland on 17th Aug 2004
I have just bought Motorola A920 Mobile Phone the phone speaks for
itself and all the features on the phone would take a long time
to list it has large screen which is very good for the size of the
phone also 3 service is the best so far and believe me I have had
a few networks and 3 beats them all for their Top Ups.I have read
some of the reviews and I don't agree with some of the comments
made about the A835 I also am the proud owner of one and have no
bother with phone which is in use all the time as well as my A920
but the comments made are people opinion and has to be respected.
Certainly both Mobile Phones deserves 5 stars for the outstanding
features on them,I do not like small mobile phones at all that is
my opinion and no one else.
Rating:
Reviewed by Warren Adam from UK on
18th Apr 2004
DO NOT TAKE ANY PHONE WITH 3 MOBILE.I have had my phone for 6 months
now and over all I was pleased with it and the service, until it
went wrong two weeks ago. Customer service is a joke in very bad
taste. Like most people on here have stated, the call center is
in India and all 5 people I have spoken to do no not understand
simple English (e.g "Scaffolding? What is scaffolding", "Shattered
what is shattered"?. E mails have not been repilied to and even
after paying the £40 for a new hand set I have still not recieved
it and NO ONE in customer service land can tell me what is going
on. I have now cancelled my direct debit and will wait for them
to phone me, (the last person in India said " We have you mobile
phone number we will call you back", HOW CAN YOU DO THAT WHEN THE
PHONE IS BROKEN, " Dont worry sir we will call you",:- must be magic!!!)
When will these big companies realise that call centres in India
do not work and will cost them business in the long run.I am now
returning to Vodaphone.
Rating:
|
