The Bottom Line
If you are desperate about using CDMA at home and GSM when traveling, get the a790 now, it's good enough. But if other solutions work for you, don't go for the Samsung A790, there are definitely better balanced cell phones on the market.
Pros
- Nice design and good-enough keypad, even though original
- Good software and functionality
Cons
- Disappointing lack of features: no bluetooth, speakerphone
- A bit bulky at 3.40 x 2.00 x 1.00 inches and 4.2 ounces
Description
- Technology support: CDMA/GSM for worldwide roaming
- Original design with metal rectangular keys underneath each number
- Clamshell phone with a VGA camera
Guide Review - Samsung A790 Review
The Samsung A790 is the first CDMA phone to also include GSM capability so it can roam worldwide just like multi-band GSM phones. It is aimed at a business class that travels a lot overseas but still need the large coverage that a CDMA network like Verizon's can offer when they're home. My tests didn't involve traveling to Europe but users report that roaming happens flawlessly. But the A790 has some significant down sides. Being a business phone, I would have at least expected a speakerphone -- especially that the phone is big enough to include one. There is no Bluetooth either, which won't let you use a bluetooth headset like so many GSM phones do. When roaming in GSM, some features of the phone are not available.
On the nice side, I liked the keypad design with the thin metal keys that combine a great look with functionality, rare for fantasy keypads. The navigation button, with the Ok button inside, works great. Menus are well organized, numbered, and the software is simple. There is a VGA camera. However, I was never able to download a ringtone using Verizon's email gateway. The phone would time out each time and suggest to try again later. I've had reports of other users experiencing similar problems while others didn't, but I assume that an actual customer with the same problem could have that resolved by customer service or get a refund.