Samsung SCH-A950 is a somewhat bulky flip phone at 4 ounces. But it is attractive, notwithstanding the tomato-red color. When flipped close, it shows a color screen which also works as a viewfinder for the camera. There is also a big jog-wheel under the screen with control buttons in a semi circle, and two beautifully shaped speakers on both the sides at the top. On the phone’s sides, there are volume control buttons, a camera button and a Trans-Flash memory card slot. As you flip it open, you see a bright, medium sized, 176 by 220 screen and below it, the keypad with close set buttons which include a dedicated button for speakerphone.

In connecting calls, Samsung SCH-A950 is as efficient as its competitor LG VX8100 though not really up to the reception standards of Motorola E815. The earpiece and speakerphone, particularly the latter, are loud and clear. However, the flagship feature of Samsung SCH-A950 is the Verizon’s V-Cast Music service. It allows you either to download music over the phone for $1.99 per song, or to sync it from a PC with Windows Media Player, by using an add on kit for $29.99. As the phone doesn’t support MP3 files, it uses the kit to convert the music to WMA format and then transfers it to the phone. The volume of the music played by the stereo speakers is quite high and you can listen to it either by itself or by using a headset. However, you can’t make your own music the ringtone of your phone, a typical move by Verizon.

Samsung SCH-A950 has a sturdy jog-dial navigator for Verizon’s V-Cast music service which supplies plenty of power for easy navigability. If you like to play Windows Media songs on your phone, LG VX8100 will be a close competitor to Samsung SCH-A950, while overall, Motorola E815 will still be a better Verizon model.

Like most other Verizon phones, A-950 also does not score well in Bluetooth compatibility. It does work with headsets, whether Logitech or Plantronics, but not with dial-up networking or for file transfer. One more downside you should be aware of is the problem of audio dropouts, although Verizon does send you a second one if that happens. However, if your phone drops out more audios than you can put up with, Verizon also allows you to exchange it within the first 15 days of use, no questions asked.

Samsung SCH-A950 has a 1.3 MP camera that gives very sharp photos, although the indoor shots may be a little dim while the outdoor ones slightly over exposed. The camcorder records videos as usual at 176 by 144 and 15 frames per second. You can save the photos and the videos on the Trans-Flash card from where it can easily be transferred to your PC.

If a V-Cast Music enabled phone is what you want, you would do well to compare A950 with LG VX 8100. The latter not only uses a more convenient mini-SD memory-card format but also has more widely spaced keys – a feature whose value you realize when you play games. Verizon also offers a unique modem plan for VX8100 under which you can use it to connect your PC or laptop with their high speed EVDO service. On the other hand, A950 has longer battery backup and a sharper camera.

So, if you would play many games on your phone or use it as a modem, VX8100 is better for you. However, if music and voice quality are your primary concerns, go ahead with your plans to buy Samsung SCH-A950.