REVIEW: Samsung D880, the dual-SIM wonder

Samsung has become the first major international phone manufacturer to introduce a dual-SIM handset in the Philippine market. Two new companies have earlier introduced their own dual-SIM phones but they have yet to catch the attention of brand-conscious Filipinos.

The D880 is comparable with the classic D900 in terms of size and built. It is slightly bigger and thicker than most phones nowadays but that is a small price to pay for having a dual-SIM phone.

Its back portion is covered with a synthetic leather material which makes it resistant to scratches and accidental slips. The screen cover appears to be made of glass. The keypads are tactile, easy to use and of the right size.

It is a triple-band handset to cover roaming needs. Connectivity options include GPRS and EDGE for faster than dial-up internet connection speeds, Bluetooth and via the data cable. Why Samsung omitted 3G and HSDPA connectivity from this handset is everyone’s guess.

It also has a three-megapixel camera with autofocus for taking occassional snapshots while on the go. The camera also works as a videocam that will records in MPEG4 format. It also has an FM radio, an MP3 player and voice recorder.

Just in case the 47MB memory is too small for the user, a micro-SD card may be inserted in the expansion slot located at the back of the battery slot.

It is a solid, stable and easy-to-use phone — but does it perform splendidly in its main selling point? Definitely, yes.

Here is a photo of the D880’s two SIM card slots:

The D880 immediately recognized the Globe and Sun Cellular SIM cards that were inserted to the phone. One was dubbed the “primary” or “default” line. Unless directed through a press on the dual-SIM button on the left side of the screen, the D880 will use the primary line.

Both lines were active all the time, with two separate signal indicators and operator logos displayed on the high-definition screen. User will receive all calls and text messages sent to either lines with no tweaking involved, so much unlike the dual-SIM gadgets we have gotten used to in the past.

Placing a calling to either line is easy. After dialling a number or retrieving a contact from the phonebook, there are indicators at the button of the screen that tells the user that he/she has a choice of which specific line to use for the call. Switching between the two lines is as easy as pressing the dual-SIM button located at the left side of the phone.

Ditto for sending text messages. After typing the message and inputting the number, the final window gives the same choices. If user wishes to use the other SIM to send the particular message, just press the dual-SIM button.

Except for the location of the dual-SIM button which is somewhat misplaced for the purpose and the lack of 3G/HSDPA, everything is just about right, even nearly perfect. Perhaps the successor to the D880 will sport the dual-SIMA button on the upper portion of the keypad just below the screen and not at left or right side of the phone.

The verdict:
For those who have long waited for a major phone maker to produce a dual-SIM phone, their wait is over. They should get the D880 and be freed from the hassle of carrying two phones. The suggested retail price is P16,500 but I am sure street prices will be a bit lower, making it a wise choice for a new phone this year for on-the-go professionals.

PHOTOS BY MARK B. BAUL.

Next reviews:
Samsung G800
Samsung P520 Armani Phone