Hands-on with the Samsung SGH-a657

Outside the Nextel's lineup, it's quie uncommon to see a rugged phone available. But AT&T has a special make that has passed MIL-SPEC certification that proves it can work in adverse conditions such as rain, dust, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and radiation. The Samsung SGH-a657 might not win the hearts of fashion enthusiasts, but it is tailor made to meet the extreme demands of people who put a lot of stress on their phone survival.


It is a candy bar covered with rubbery texture that makes for a good grip. Even the dialing pad sports the same material that gives a uniform feel in the hand. Not surprisingly, the a657 does not have a camera, since it would've only hindered the toughness of the phone. The model is a quad-band GSM/EDGE, dual-bans 850/1900 HSDPA and supports microSD cards up to 8GB.


You can activate the flashlight by pressing the dedicated button on its right side in case of a powercuts and blackouts. Push-to-talk service can't be passed up on with a device like this, so you are able to keep in constant contact with others. There is just one imporant thing when it comes to deviced like this - the ability to withstand extreme conditions and still remain functional afterwards.

Expect our review soon!

Samsung SGH-a657 Specifications