Sanyo Katana II Review

Performance:

The Katana-II utilizes Java for its applications and comes preloaded with five games (Midnight Pool, Ms Pac Man, Rollercoaster Rush, Tetris, and World Series Poker) as well as Instant Messaging services for AOL, Microsoft, and Yahoo. Applications startup within a few seconds and are quite stable, with additional programs being able to be downloaded directly from Sprint.

Reception and Sound Quality are the two main strong points of the Katana-II. When compared to the higher priced DLX, both Katana models haves excellent reception and maintain a strong signal even in fringe areas, where the Samsung UpStage could not.

The sound quality through the earpiece was clear and lacked any interference or static. Using the speakerphone also provided good quality, as long as the volume was not turned up to Level 8. In doing so, there would be some noticeable distortion in the rear speakers, which the DLX did not have. When paired with our Jabra v250 headset, we were able to achieve static-free calls up to 20 feet away. Ringtone quality was also good and can be played quite loud through the rear speaker.

Sanyo rates the included 820mAh battery to have 3.5Hr of continues talk time on a full charge (standby time is not provided). Our tests revealed 2.5Hr of Talk Time or 4 Days of Standby time. Because of the smaller battery and lower talk time, we would recommend charging the phone nightly, or purchasing the Extended Battery, which would provide for additional talk and standby time.


Conclusion:

The Katana-II is a modest upgrade from the original Katana model, with a change in styling being the main difference. Since this device’s primary function is as a cell phone, we are pleased that the reception and call quality was top-notch, with no audible static or interference. The phone is constructed well and should hold up to everyday use. The external display is smaller than we would have liked, but the quality of the internal display more than makes up for it. Overall, we are pleased with the Katana-II and feel that its current entry-level price is well worth it, but if you are interested in having more features, then you need to step-up to the DLX.