Samsung Evergreen SGH-A667 (AT&T)
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: 4980502
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- An eco-friendly texting phone, the midrange Samsung Evergreen is comfortable and easy to use, although its mediocre call quality and plastic backing cheapen the feel.
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CNET editors' review
Samsung Evergreen SGH-A667 (AT&T) price range: $0.00 - $179.99
- Reviewed by: Jessica Dolcourt
- Edited by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 11/09/2010
- Released on: 11/07/2010
The good: The Samsung Evergreen has a responsive QWERTY keyboard and a unique convenience key for opening onscreen features.
The bad: Call quality could be improved.
The bottom line: An eco-friendly texting phone, the midrange Samsung Evergreen is comfortable and easy to use, although its mediocre call quality and plastic backing cheapen the feel.
Lest we believe Samsung forgot Mother Earth, here comes the Samsung Evergreen (SGH-A667), a very affordable AT&T messaging phone with a list of lower-impact eco-credentials. The hardware is built from 70 percent recycled post-consumer materials, and the packaging is made from 80 percent recycled post-consumer paper and is printed with soy ink (regular ink is petroleum-based). The user manual comes on a CD. These are similar to measures taken with Samsung's other environmentally conscious phones like the Reclaim, Restore, and the Blue Earth.
At only $29.99 with a two-year contract from AT&T, the 3G-capable Evergreen has enough interface perks and midrange features to make it a good-value messaging phone for heavy texters who can do without a touch screen. A responsive slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a roomy dialpad, and AT&T's extra services, like AT&T Music, make the Evergreen appealing to budget-conscious socialites and tree-huggers alike.
Design
You'd hardly call the Samsung Evergreen a small or stylish phone, and indeed, with rounded corners and a black plastic body, it resembles most other all-black Samsung messaging sliders of its type, with only a few colorful accents around the navigation toggle and on the keyboard--bright green, in this case--to give it some interest. That said, the Evergreen is inoffensive to the eye and its dimensions (4.56 inches tall, 2.2 inches wide, and 0.6 inch deep) make it pleasant in the hand. It wasn't more brickish than other QWERTY phones, and it ranks standard in weight, too, at 4.5 ounces.
The 2.4-inch QVGA display supports 320x240 pixels and 262,000 colors. This isn't a high-resolution display by mobile standards, but it is common for this type of phone, and it's bright and colorful. Navigation is straightforward and responsive with the four-directional toggle that sits below the screen; it has a central Select button. On both sides of the navigation array are gently concave buttons that host the two soft keys, a texting shortcut, and the combined Clear and Back button. The Talk and End buttons are slightly raised and also easy to press. We were pleased with the roomy dialpad and the corresponding large, onscreen numbers. Each wide, backlit dialpad key has an angled bottom edge, which makes it possible to dial by feel.
Although the Evergreen's spines have the usual attributes--a volume rocker, a Micro-USB charging port, a microSD card slot, and a camera shutter--there is one surprise. Sharing the camera shutter rocker is a convenience key that opens an onscreen ticker through which you can launch a variety of features like the texting or gaming module and the music player. Note that while there is a player on board, there's no dedicated headphone jack--you'll need to use the Micro-USB port instead. On the back is a 2-megapixel camera.
We've seen a lot of QWERTY keyboards, and the Evergreen's ranks fairly high. It manages to be spacious without being too wide, and the domed keys are nice and responsive to press. Samsung did well placing the tall soft keys on either end of the keyboard, making them easy to get at.
Features
The Samsung Evergreen has all your basic messaging features, plus a few more besides. The address book holds 2,000 entries, each with room for multiple phone numbers and e-mail addresses. There's also space for a caller group, note, customized message tone, photo ID, and one of 11 default ringtones.
Tools include a calendar, an alarm clock, an audio recorder, a calculator, a to-do list, a note pad, and a tip calculator. There's also a voice command app (powered by Nuance). For communications and connectivity, there's text and multimedia messaging; Bluetooth and GPS support; AT&T Social Net (powered by iSkoot), which pulls down RSS feeds; and Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace status updates. Various other AT&T-branded apps also make an appearance, like AT&T Navigator, AT&T Maps (powered by NavTeq and YellowPages.com), and AT&T Music for $4.99 per month (run by PacketVideo). In addition, there are third-party apps like Where and Yellow Pages Mobile.
If you activate it, the Evergreen supports AT&T's Video Share feature, which streams video live to another caller who also has the service enabled. For Internet, there's the highly stylized ATT.net browser. AT&T Locker is an online storage unit for your photos.
The Evergreen's 2-megapixel camera is a step up from many of its 1.3-megapixel cousins. Supported resolutions are 1,600x1,200; 1,280x960; 640x480; and 320x240. In addition to the aforementioned Video Share setting, the camera offers an optional night mode, three focus settings, five white balance settings, five color effects, and six shooting modes, including panorama and continuous. Additional settings control shutter sound.
The camcorder shoots at a 320x240 resolution, and has an option to limit message length for video messages--about 30 seconds long at a 176x144-pixel resolution. Otherwise, the camera and camcorder share all other settings. The Evergreen has 256MB of internal memory for storing your media. The microSD card slot accommodates cards up to 16GB.
As music players go, the Evergreen's is functional, with onscreen controls to pause, play, and skip. You can shuffle and repeat a song, and create playlists in advance or on the fly. The music player controls also extend to Bluetooth headsets, but remember again that there's no dedicated jack for wired headphones. There is a shortcut from the music module to AT&T's music store to purchase more songs.
There are six games onboard the Evergreen, a few of which are Brain Challenge 3, Pac-Man Champions, and Tetris. You can also purchase more from AT&T's online application storefront.
The Evergreen's Earth-friendly properties include energy-saving power settings that automatically adjust screen time-out and brightness. You'll also find a pedometer (a tool called Eco Walk), an eco calculator that calculates your driving efficiency, and appropriately themed wallpaper and ringtones.
Performance
We tested the quad-band Samsung Evergreen (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) in San Francisco using AT&T's network. Call quality was acceptable, but hardly stunning. We heard a pervasive digital buzzing on our end every time a caller spoke. We didn't notice any other distortion, breaks, or interruptions, though. On their end, callers said our voice clarity sounded flat and dull but also mentioned there was no problem with the overall conversation.
Speakerphone volume sounded nice and loud to our ears, but we noticed that same buzzy distortion. Our friends, by contrast, said we sounded quiet, and noted some digital distortion. They had a hard time hearing us and asked us to turn speakerphone off.
Samsung Evergreen call quality sample
Listen now:
AT&T's online services tend to load slowly, even over 3G. We often lost patience before things loaded or had to set down the phone to come back later. That's not uncommon with messaging phones, but it may make all but the most dedicated users think twice before exploring an app or service.
The Samsung Evergreen has a rated battery life of 5 hours, and a standby time of 10.4 days. According to our tests, it has a talk time of 5 hours and 7 minutes. FCC radiation tests measure a digital SAR of 0.41 watt per kilogram.
User reviews
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The perfect phone for what it does.
by AllTheOtherUsrNameswertkn on December 31, 2010
Pros: Simple and easy to use. Has an actual keypad on the front. Not a touch screen. Durable. Does what it was built for well. More environmentally friendly than other phones.
Cons: Could use more on screen aesthetic customization for fonts and backgrounds although you may be able to do that through a data package.
Summary: When I went looking for a phone, this was pretty much the exact phone I was looking for. My girlfriend has an LG Cosmos (Verizon) which I like a lot ...
Summary: When I went looking for a phone, this was pretty much the exact phone I was looking for. My girlfriend has an LG Cosmos (Verizon) which I like a lot but seeing as I'm on At&t I needed a sim card phone. My criterion were thus:
Not a touch screen b/c I am way to rough on my phones.
Not a smart phone: I use my cell for calling and basic messaging, period, and don't want to pay more
than 55 bucks a month for a plan. No data or super phone features needed which is more and
more elusive as every production line comes out.
An actual keypad for dialing b/c, call me traditional, but I use my phone as a phone and don't need
to do some convoluted menu surfing to find a keypad.
A slider phone with a querty keyboard. My previous phone was a Samsung A187 which I hated b/c its
numeric section was so small and the keys had no spaces in between them so I had to dial
w/my nails and was constantly hitting the wrong keys. After using the Cosmos I fell in love with
the slider keyboard; they are so much easier and faster to type on.
With all this in mind I started looking and the only At&t phone available that fit the bill was the Evergreen. I am an outdoorsman so the recycled motif was certainly a lovely bonus. At&t had hands down the cheapest price and I paid the $180 no commitment fee so I did not have to sign a contract or upgrade my plan as I do not use data and have the basic messaging package. When I got the phone I just charged it up, put in my sim card and was able to use it right away. When I logged into At&t I was forced to update the device but that was no problem.
After using the phone for a while now I can say that I really like it a lot. In comparing it to the Cosmos I have found that they both have good and lesser so qualities. I would be nice if you could customize the looks of the Evergreen more so; the Cosmos can definitely be made to look prettier, but that is really just nit picky silliness when what is really important is functionality. Also, since I don't have a data plan I am not sure that there is no way to download more themes and fonts so this may actually be a moot point. The menus are easier to navigate than the LG and the keyboard is for most intents and purposes the same, as is the front keypad; that is to say they are both great and really easy to use. Both the phones are about the same size which is substantial. Many people seem to like tiny phones but personally I really like something I can get a hold of. The Evergreen and Cosmos both are a good size; nice to hold but fits easily in your pocket. The screen on the Evergreen is larger than the Cosmos which is nice.
I think the point about the plastic back making the phone seem cheap is kind of silly and honestly I don't really understand it. Weight-wise it is not like Samsung is going to slap on a thick metal back and the way it pops on there is no way it will rocket off if you drop it like other phones I have owned. Regardless, I bought a cheap plastic snap on case off of Ebay to protect the phone anyway and in doing this you cover the back and sides and can customize the black phone (only option) to many available case colors.
As for call quality I have not had any noticeable problems. I call people, we talk and everything works as it should. Maybe the other reviewer had a faulty phone? I have noticed that the Samsung phones don't get as good of reception as other brands I have used which is unfortunate, but the reception for the Evergreen is good enough.
The camera is ok, good enough for a phone (after all, its a phone not a camera) and I was excited to learn that it is also shoots video which the Cosmos does not.
I can't speak for the data stuff because I do not have a data plan, although it does have a lot of features for those will use it for that.
Overall I am really happy with the Evergreen. It is not the most sophisticated phone but it is a very good choice for us who do not want or need a smart-phone. If you talk, text, don't need or want a touchscreen, and (according to the cnet review) do some mid-range data stuff than the Evergreen is a great choice for you. Also, at the time of this review, if you have 20 dollars worth of messaging, data or both and you don't mind signing a contract you can pick it up for 30 bucks which is a great price for this great phone.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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it was cool until it reset and had other problems
by vanisher1985 on February 22, 2012
Pros: cool phone had good keyboard great pics lots of cool features. I didn't have the internet plan so i couldn't tell you how cool it was
Cons: it would reset at random times while im texting, making a call during a call or on its own. when i would hang up the phone it would take me to some AT&T thing, and sometimes wouldn't let me access my memory card
Summary: i thought the phone was good but it kept messing up and the AT&T workers wouldn't believe me they said it was a really good phone and ...
Summary: i thought the phone was good but it kept messing up and the AT&T workers wouldn't believe me they said it was a really good phone and they never had a problem before. B.S don't feel bad because your not alone
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Usually Samsungs are great phones. Evergreen is not!
by Razorback23 on July 30, 2011
Pros: It's made of recycled material.
Cons: Powers down numerous times a day, either won't send texts or let me make out going calls, won't receive calls, bad reception, short battery life.
Summary: I have gone to the warranty store where they gave me a new phone and battery and within a few hours of leaving the phone was already doing the same ...
Summary: I have gone to the warranty store where they gave me a new phone and battery and within a few hours of leaving the phone was already doing the same thing!!! I would not recommend this to anyone, and I've always found Samsung to be very reliable.
RECALL THIS PHONE!
Updated on Jul 30, 20112 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I don't use the online on the phone
by kkrrly on June 17, 2011
Pros: Love the QWERTY Keyboard
Cons: WORST PHONE I EVER OWN..
I'LL HAVE IT SITTING ON THE TABLE, TEXTING AND IT WILL RESTART OR TURN OFF BY ITSELF..
I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO AT&T DEVICE CENTER, ALL THEY DID WAS GIVE ME A NEW EVERGREEN, NEW BATTERY, NEW CHARGER AND IT STILL RESTARTS & TSummary: DON'T EVER EVER GET THIS PHONE.
Summary: DON'T EVER EVER GET THIS PHONE.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A complete and utter failure.
by obviouslynotduckwithnukes on March 1, 2012
Pros: Well, if you smash it with a hammer, it makes a nice sound.
Cons: Crappy build quality, bad operating system, bloatware, locks up, reboots randomly, and dials 911 for no reason.
Summary: See the cons.
It's dialed 911 10+ times when it was in my backpack because of the emergency SOS button.
The operating system is badly designed and is filled ...Summary: See the cons.
It's dialed 911 10+ times when it was in my backpack because of the emergency SOS button.
The operating system is badly designed and is filled with trial software that cannot be removed.
Sync capabilities with computers are virtually nonexistent.
Randomly decides that there's no SIM card and refuses to turn on or off--it stays in this 'limbo' state where it's searching for the SIM card, which can drain a fully charged battery overnight.
Sometimes stops halfway when turning on and randomly reboots.
No easy way to stop it from using AT&T's address book by default (always tries that first).
Drops calls, even in 5-bar areas. About 60% of calls work; the rest fail.
You can choose between having the screen lock after about 3 seconds or not at all.
In short, if you took an original iPhone and smashed it with a sledgehammer, I'd choose it over this phone. I'm returning it to AT&T even though I got it before last summer because of these defects... going to get a free replacement, since this is a DEFECTIVE phone even when it's working how it's supposed to (which is not at all).1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This phone stinks like roadkill in the sun!
by PebblesKim on October 7, 2011
Pros: Full keyboard, nice for texting, camera for fun.
Cons: Shuts off while you are trying to make a call or on line or texting or anytime you really need to use it. When you call someone, they keep going "Hello, hello, hello" because they can't hear you!
Summary: If I had information about this phone when I bought it, I would have taken any phone available instead of this one. When I took it to the phone company ...
Summary: If I had information about this phone when I bought it, I would have taken any phone available instead of this one. When I took it to the phone company I got it from, they sent me one just like it and I mean JUST like it. It also shuts off the same way. Called the warrenty people and was told no one else is haveing problems. Haa, my mother got the same phone , the same day and she too is going through the same problems as I am! Summary: Don't waste your time with this phone!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good paper weight
by muddu_k on October 5, 2011
Pros: Heavy,works as good paper weight
Cons: Shutdowns frequently. Sometime it say emergency call only. Heavy
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not worth the price, and it was free
by cyonboy on September 4, 2011
Pros: Well... It has a keyboard and all the buttons work. It usually sends text messages.
Cons: It shuts off automatically for no apparent reason, has terrible reception, and it doesn't even ring when I'm receiving a call. It also likes to turn itself on silent, or when i put it on silent on purpose it decides to ring at full volume. Today it had a
Summary: Unless you want a phone that will screen all of your calls for you, do not get this phone. I have a friend with the exact same phone and he ...
Summary: Unless you want a phone that will screen all of your calls for you, do not get this phone. I have a friend with the exact same phone and he has had all of the same problems. I had this phone for 3 months originally and thought the problem might be in the phone itself. I took it back and exchanged it for a new one (of the same model) and experienced the exact same problems the very first day i got it. Heed my warning! Stay clear of the Evergreen!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I hate this phone and would not recommend this phone!!!
by kentaylor18 on August 4, 2011
Pros: the lighting is good and the lock feature was also ok.
Cons: Shuts off and alot of dropped calls.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Overall a good phone, but poor call quality
by mikedrees34 on May 2, 2012
Pros: Good keyboard for texting
Long battery life
Cool design
Not very expensiveCons: Poor call quality
Randomly turns offSummary: I believe the AT&T Samsung Evergreen is a quality phone because of its useful keyboard for texting, long battery life, low price, and decent appearance; however, the phone ...
Summary: I believe the AT&T Samsung Evergreen is a quality phone because of its useful keyboard for texting, long battery life, low price, and decent appearance; however, the phone has poor calling quality and randomly turns off. As a person who texts a lot but is not in need of new and flashy technology, I find this phone to be great. The Evergreen's keyboard is excellent; the keys smoothly slide out and have a perfect size for texting. Furthermore, the phone has a long battery life, so I do not need to inconveniently charge my phone every day. I average about two minutes of calling and 50 texts per day; yet, I only need to charge the phone about twice a week. Also, I was impressed with the price of this phone. I bought the Evergreen for about $50, and a quality smart phone would have cost me around $200. Last, I am aware that owning an Evergreen is just not as cool as owning an iPhone, but the Evergreen still has a pretty sleek appearance.
Unfortunately, the phone has a few drawbacks. First, the call quality is horrendous. The scratchy speakers make it difficult for me to hear another person even when they are in a quiet, local place. Also, many of my friends say that they have trouble hearing me when I call them from my Evergreen. On the other hand, I cannot stand it when the phone RANDOMLY TURNS OFF! It does this probably twice a week, and it always seems to turn off when I am in the middle of a call or text message. I am aware that this is just a minor setback, but waiting 2 minutes for the phone to turn back on can be very irritating.
So, I would not suggest the Evergreen to anyone who wants to have the latest technology on their phone because it does not offer great internet service or cool apps. However, I would certainly suggest the phone to someone who mainly uses their cell phone to text, because the Emerald has a very efficient keyboard. Overall, I am pretty happy with my Samsung Evergreen because of its efficient texting, long battery life, low cost, and decent looks.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: 4980502
- Bottom Line: An eco-friendly texting phone, the midrange Samsung Evergreen is comfortable and easy to use, although its mediocre call quality and plastic backing cheapen the feel.
General
- Product Type Cellular phone
- Width 2.2 in
- Depth 0.59 in
- Height 4.56 in
- Weight 4.5 oz
Cellular
- Service Provider AT&T
Display
- Diagonal Size 2.4 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Samsung
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
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