Samsung SGH-D900
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 13, 1969 in Suwon, South Korea |
| Products | Mobile phones, consumer electronics |
| Website | www |
The Samsung SGH-D900, also referred to as the Ultra Edition 12.9 or Black Carbon, is a slider-type mobile phone developed by Samsung Electronics. It was introduced in the third quarter of 2006 as part of the Samsung Ultra Edition series. Promoted as the slimmest slider phone globally, the model expanded its color options by adding a Wine Red variant late in 2006, followed by a chrome version in 2007. An enhanced iteration, the Samsung D900i, was later released featuring the capability to access computer documents remotely, an integrated FM radio, and construction from superior materials.
Following the D900, Samsung launched the Z720, also known as Ultra Edition 13.8, in August 2006. This successor offered improvements including a 3MP camera, QVGA display, an updated user interface, and faster HSDPA/3G support. It was available exclusively through Vodafone, Movistar (Spain only), and China Mobile (Z728 variant only). Vodafone also retailed limited McLaren Special Edition models alongside Sharp GX29 and 770SH devices.
Features
Key specifications of this handset include:
- Quad-band support enabling operation on all major worldwide GSM networks
- Integrated hands-free functionality
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Customizable animated wallpapers (availability varies by region)
- MicroSD card slot supporting expansion up to 2GB (with latest firmware)
- Internal storage capacity of 60 MB
- Support for MP3 ringtones
- Speakerphone capability
- Digital music player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+ formats
- A 3.15-megapixel digital camera featuring multiple shooting modes, autofocus, an LED flash for photo and video illumination, and basic image editing tools
- Video recording in MP4 format at CIF resolution (352x288), with playback support for QVGA (320x240), QCIF (176x144), and SQCIF (128x96)
- Java gaming support
- Alarm clock with three customizable alarms
- Calendar function
- Calculator tool
- FM radio available exclusively on the D900i model
The slider mechanism allows users to answer or end calls and lock or unlock the keypad. Options exist to maintain keypad accessibility even when the device is closed.
Despite its features, the SGH-D900 lacks some conventional physical accessories found on many phones. It does not come with a dedicated carrying case or belt clip, nor are there official belt clip accessories compatible with it; users must rely on generic holders matching the phone's dimensions for belt attachment. Additionally, there is no built-in loop or attachment point for wrist straps or decorative charms, limiting personalization options for users who prefer such accessories.
The device exhibits several software limitations as well. Its Java environment requires user permission each time an application attempts network access—there is no persistent "always allow" setting. Furthermore, it does not permit importing custom files for SMS notification sounds, restricting users to a predefined set of alerts. The camera operation has peculiarities such as a shutter sound that occurs approximately half a second before the actual photo is taken, which can result in blurred or misaligned images if the phone is moved prematurely. Holding down the camera button will not capture photos; instead, a quick press and release is necessary. Photos cannot be saved directly onto the memory card; transferring images may cause duplicate filenames. Zoom functionality is limited to images stored in the "My Photos" folder—imported pictures must be relocated there before zooming is possible.
In the SGH-D900i version, Samsung replaced the Picsel Document Viewer with an FM radio feature.
Performance
Before the arrival of the SGH-U600 in 2007, the SGH-D900 held the distinction of being the slimmest slider phone available. The U600 measures just 1.09 cm (0.43 in) in thickness, while both the D900 and D900i models are slightly thicker at 12.9mm. Subsequently, the release of the E840 further reduced this measurement to 1.06 cm (0.42 in). Equipped with a 3.15 megapixel camera capturing images at 2048x1536 pixels, the D900 offers enhanced video recording capabilities compared to typical devices of its time, supporting CIF resolution (352x288 pixels). Its combination of built-in memory and an optional MicroSD card slot makes it well-suited for portable music playback. Additionally, a powerful speakerphone paired with voice clarity enhancement technology ensures reliable performance in noisy environments. Despite its compact form factor, the battery delivers respectable endurance, providing several days on standby or roughly 5 to 6 hours of talk time. The slider mechanism is designed for ease of use, featuring a thumb rest that facilitates smooth extension and retraction. However, unlike some competitors that allow firmware upgrades via USB, this model’s internal interface restricts users from altering phone profiles or installing additional applications.
Gallery of Photos
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Samsung SGH-D900
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Samsung SGH-D900
References