Motorola A920 Review
Phone rating: 
Review: September 2004. Updated March 2009.
The Motorola A920 is a high-spec 3G smartphone with a Symbian operating
system, designed for demanding business and multimedia applications.
With a Symbian 7 operating system, the range of software available is
extensive. The phone will sync with Outlook and Lotus Notes, and can
be connected to a PC via a USB cable.
As a 3G phone, the A920 supports all of 3's video mobile services:
video calling, video messaging & downloading video clips. It supports
assisted GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) for enhanced location-based
services. It also benefits from high-speed data transfer whilst on the
3G network. The screen format supports widescreen video.
The integrated camera is rotating, so that you can use it for taking
pictures or for video-calling. The camera quality is excellent.
The TFT screen on the A920 is excellent. It has 65k colours, and is
large at 4cm x 6cm, with a high resolution of 208 x 320 pixels - the
same as the Sony Ericsson P900.
An interesting feature of the A920 is that it has a touch screen and
supports handwriting recognition - a feature that it shares with the
Sony Ericsson P900. The screen is used for most data input, either by
handwriting recognition or using the "virtual keyboard" on
screen with the help of a stylus. This system works well, and makes
text input and menu navigation simple and quick.
Messaging is well-supported, as you would expect, with SMS, EMS, MMS
and e-mail fully supported. The phonebook is large and can handle many
different fields, including email, fax, home, work and mobile numbers.
You can assign different ringtones to each contact if you like.
The phone supports multi-tasking, so you can make calls whilst using
other features of the phone.
The internal memory of the phone is only 8 Mbytes, so you'll need to
make use of the memory card. A 32 Mbyte card is supplied, and this is
expandable.
One thing to beware of is that this phone just eats batteries! If you're
using the phone heavily for video calling and other functions, you'll
only get 1 hour from it, and under normal circumstances you'll probably
need to recharge every day. That's simply inevitable with a 3G phone
and a screen this big. The phone does come with 2 chargers and 2 batteries
though. You'll also need to learn to live with the size and weight of
the beast - again this comes with the territory!
An obvious feature missing from the phone is support for Bluetooth™
wireless connectivity, but this is present in the Motorola
A925. By comparison with the Sony Ericsson P900, the Motorola A920
fairs reasonably well. It has nearly all the features of the P900 (except
Bluetooth & infrared), plus it has the added 3G functions. On the
downside it is much larger and heavier and has very poor battery life.
We have deducted two stars for these shortcomings.
The A920 is now obsolete, but for a modern touchscreen phone with Windows
Mobile, the HTC
Touch 3G is highly recommended. You can find the best HTC
Touch 3G deals from Dial-a-Phone.
Features of the Motorola A920 include:
- Wide screen display - TFT, 65k colours, 208 x 320 pixels
- Integrated VGA camera (640 x 480 resolution) & video camera
- Video calling
- Touch screen & handwriting recognition
- Media player: video, MP3 player
- Voice recorder
- Integrated stereo headset jack
- Integrated handsfree speaker
- MMS - video and photo messaging
- E-mail (POP3 support)
- Downloadable Java™ gamses & applications
- Downloadable Themes (Ringtones, Wallpaper & Screensavers)
- Multi-tasking – make calls while accessing other 3 services
- Assisted GPS for enhanced location based services
- Connectivity: USB
- PIM functionality (Calendar, Contacts and Address Book, Task List,
Notes, Date / Time with alarms)
- Memory: 8 Mbytes internal, plus 32 Mbyte SD card (expandable)
- WAP, GPRS
- Tri-band capability
- Size: 149 x 60 x 24 mm
- Weight: 212g
- Talktime: 95 minutes
- Video calling: 55 minutes
- Battery standby: up to 3 days
Motorola A920 User Reviews
Love your mobile? Hate it? Please share your experiences to help other
people choose the phone that's best for them. Please do not review this
phone if you have not used it. This is a review site, not a forum, so
please don't just ask questions. Please do not use swear words or offensive
language, and please, no advertising!
Average rating from 27 reviews: 
Reviewed by Aeroplanino from Indonesia on 21st
Oct 2008
My father bought this phone about 1 year ago from his friend.At the
first time,i was so impressed with the features that is written in its
review.But,actually when i tried to prove the feature,i was so dissapointed.Because
it's so complicated phone.. Besides that,it's so difficult for this
phone to install such an application.All application that i want to
install is never get success,because some reasons that is ununderstanable..
And now,the battery is the biggest problem in this phone..Because all
the battery that is given by this phone is getting so weak..Can you
imagine,the battery getting empty in an hour,even if you are charge
the battery before?? And when i try to buy another battery,i can't find
it anywhere.. Now what should i do.. I don't care about bluetooth,etc..
The thing for me is how to install such an application,and also how
to find batteries.Coz my batteries is die.. If there is someone who
know to solve these problems,.I am verry thankfull..
Rating: 
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Reviewed by vipul sood from india on 22nd Jan
2008
i am using this phone from past 4years and without basic connectivities
i.e. bluetooth, infrared it is somewhere lying down.. its batteries
are really a task if u are travelling somewhere.. itz size and weight
is bit heavy than other handsets.. according to me this handset motorola
A920 is just a show off business..
Rating:
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Reviewed by peterpops@msn.com from england on
12th Dec 2007
Re cut off on charging. Bought correct charger 5.2V same problem. By
mistake plugged in charger for motorola C975 which is 4.4V and I can
talk for hours. Not sure if it charges properly cos it dont last long
when it off. Hope sum elp. I keep getting No coverage and the ringtone
advert, which of course works, but that is 3 or me not using it propper,
not the phone. I would say everbody who has these phones now are hand
me downs, because If you could afford it new, yoou have certainly got
a better one by now.
Rating:
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Reviewed by maxwell raila from Kenya on 28th Nov
2007
the phone is a nice one though, the problem is with the batery as mentioned
ealier and with the missing both bluetooth and the infrared, though
one can always use the memory cardwhere by He must have a memery card
reader to acesss the card in the computer where He can get the data
kept in the card. Besides, i have a problem, my phone is locked accidentaly
and i do not knw the pass word to this phone. motorola A920, how can
you assist me coz at the momment am only alowed to recive call and not
calling back. thanks and do reply yours Sincerely Raila
Rating: 
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Reviewed by Eddy Muleme from Uganda on 15th Jun
2007
Well, it caught my eyes at first sight from a friend. I bought it from
him only to go down at night that very day. It has nice applications
but I really need to try it again.
Rating:
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Reviewed by fakhar from pakistan on 7th Feb 2007
brillant hand set
Rating: 
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Reviewed by nAVNIT pATEL from uk on 9th Jan 2007
I fail to understand why when I put my phone on the charge I can not
recive any phone calls or I can dial any calls. Does any one face the
same problem if not can you advise how I can overcome this problem
Rating:
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Reviewed by Can from Denmark on 10th Aug 2006
In the beginning it was awesome. It had GPS, a 166mhz arm processor,
a big nice screen and many other features. But just after 5-6 months
the battery was just dying and I had to recharge it everyday. I also
saw all the problems the UIQ had, I could not install anything because
of the stupid 3 lock, no bluetooth in this case too. It was just a mess
so I'm thinking of a A1000 or a M600 Sonyericsson. If I buy the 1000
I really don't hope to see same problems.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Shanrose from Spain on 9th Jun 2006
My friend gifted me A920, i like it very much for using in my business,
appointments, reminders, etc etc. But my major need is to use GPS navigation.
I tried to find this but could not find from anywhere. If some one can
help me in this regard, i will be thankful to him. taurus_89@hotmail.com
Rating:
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Reviewed by ashwini from india on 4th Apr 2006
I was gifted this phone by a friend, and yes it performed well the first
one year, now the screen calibiration is out and no way am i able to
reach that menu to get it working right. The service centres in India
and not equiped with the software and spares, so no way can i use it
any more. Although i have no problem in using the big phone on daily
basis. If you can assist please let me know on speedzmail@gmail.com
Rating:
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Reviewed by GHOSTDOG from ENGLAND on 12th Nov
2005
GREAT PHONE I HAVE HAD MINE FOR 3 MONTHS NOW AND I HAVE HAD NONE OF
THESE PROBLEMS THAT PEOPLE KEEP GOING ON ABOUT. OK THE PHONE IS BIG
AND HEAVY BUT THE SOFTWARE IT HAS ON IT IS BRILLIANT AND NOW I HAVE
HAD THE SOFTWARE UPGRADED I HAVE BLUETOOTH AND INFARED. THIS PHONE IS
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO NEED TO RUN A TIGHT SHIP IF YOU WANT A PHONE TO SHOW
OF TO YOUR MATES DONT BUY THIS BUT IF YOU WANT A PHONE THAT DOES EVERYTHING
THEN THE MOTOROL A920 IS THE PHONE TO HAVE
Rating:
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Reviewed by joe from china on 14th Sep 2005
so bad phone, I bought it only 3 month, it can not search the GSM station,
I bring it to MOTOROLA service center, they refuse to repair it. do
not try to buy it.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by THOMAS OPPONG KYEREMEH from Ghana on
17th Aug 2005
As a guy who always goes in for better and quality things, i replaced
my phone with A920 and i have to say i was very very impressed. and
to my suprise, within two months i recieved this massage on my phone
(all program closed, reason code3) then it will tell you to continue,
if you enter continue you only see motorola on the screen. All effort
to repair it has been failed, it has now become white-ellephant. I will
not advice anyone to buy such phone
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Bo Pedersen from Denmark on 13th Aug
2005
What a phone.Love it. It has everything i need.
Rating:
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Reviewed by ellie from england on 10th Jul 2005
this phone is mingin! i cant beleieve anyone woul want to buy it, or
have it as their phone! i have a samsung D500, and its in a league of
its own! DONT buy this phone! it will brake and course you nothing but
trouble!
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Susie from USA on 30th May 2005
I just recently replaced my Nokia 6620 with the A920 and I have to say
I'm impressed. I think the people that don't like this phone are the
same people who don't know how to use all the amazing features it offers.
My A920 is unlocked and I use it with both T-Mobile USA & Cingular.
Reception is excellent and I've never dropped a call. The screen is
amazing, big and colorful, and makes watching video a pleasure! MP3's
play loud & clear. The handwriting recognition makes texting and using
the calendar a breeze! My phone's software has been upgraded & bluetooth
and infrared are a snap. And the rotating camera lens is fabulous! If
the phone is a little big... so what? I carry it in my purse anyway,
and it feels nice and sturdy. The only thing disappointing is the battery
life but I keep a couple of extras on hand... and all the other features
make up for it. I'd recommend this phone to anyone looking to upgrade
and who knows how to make the most out of it!
Rating:
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Reviewed by GRAHAM from ENGLAND on 12th Apr 2005
I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS PHONE AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE THE BEST
PHONE I HAVE EVER HAD.SURE IT'S BIG WEIGHTY,BUT IT'S BASICLY A MINI
PC.IF YOU WANT A FASHION PHONE BUY ONE! IF YOU WANT A PHONE WITH EVERYTHING
BUT THE KITCHEN SINK,THIS IS THE PHONE FOR YOU.THE ONE THING THAT LETS
THE PHONE DOWN IS THE BATTERY LIFE,IT IS POOR.I LIVE IN THE SOUTH AND
THE THREE COVERAGE IS EXCELLENT.THE CAMERA IS OF GOOD QUALITY AND THE
SCREEN IS BRILLIANT,I HAVE HAD THE PHONE UPGRADED TO THE 925 SOFTWARE
SO I NOW HAVE BLUETOOTH AND IR. ALL IN ALL I LOVE THIS PHONE AND WOULD
RECOMEND TO PEOPLE !!!!!!!
Rating:
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Reviewed by hardeep ghumman from canada on 25th
Mar 2005
this phone is the worst phone i've ever used, whats the point of so
many features if you cannot use it because the battery sucks big time,
i bought it when i went to England and that was my worst decision on
mobile phonen i ever made.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Wajid Furqan from UK on 24th Mar 2005
I truely love my handset but sometime I hate it most. The handset is
really amazing but there are some very serious drawbacks like large
size, heavy weight, and very short battery life. Overall its really
one of the best but the problem is with the compatability of softwares
and its poor desktop suite software....its not even close to Nokia PC
Suite or might be I am not aware. The handset itself got excellent software
and the most special feature is its touch screen which makes it easy
to use...It would be amazing handset with good battery life, light weight
and good software to use the handset with PC.
Rating:
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Reviewed by frank zah from england on 24th Jan
2005
this is one of the worst phone ive had the onlygood thing the WIRELESS
bluetooth which always fails
Rating:
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Reviewed by Jim May from UK on 7th Dec 2004
This is a very versatile portable multi-media device, which also lets
you phone people. Highlights for me were the large colour screen (I
have a photo of my daughter as the wallpaper) and the mp3 player. I
upgraded the SD card to 64 meg from PC World and was able to store a
lot of video, pictures and music. The best for me was being able to
use real music for the ring tone. Ultimately though, as a phone it is
pretty cumbersome and not the sort of thing you can carry around in
your pocket. After almost a year with 3 I am now upgrading to the LG
U8120 as it appears to be a decent compromise between size (with a clamshell
design) and reasonable screen to do justice to the 3G services. I have
had no problems with 3 customer service, although when I called them
to switch on roaming I remember thinking what hard work it would be
if I ever had to report a problem. Don't be hard on the guys in India
though, they're just trying to earn a crust - take it out on Mr 3 in
London, that's where the buck stops.
Rating:
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Reviewed by scott from scotland on 6th Nov 2004
Do not get this phone!! The screen is quality, but doesnt make up for
the size and weight of this phone. The battery is basically non-existant,
when it is fully charged, the only way it will make it through the day
without cutting out, is if you dont use it. You cannot download from
anything other than the stuff they let you. The ringtones are so low
in volume, you never know if your phone is ringing. Leave this phone
on the shelf, trust me form experience, you will be laughed at by anyone
who see's you using it. My contract is up next month....................
CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
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Reviewed by Jon P from UK on 27th Oct 2004
As an early adopter and techno geek I bought this sham of a handset
from it's joke of a network over a year ago. The contacts details do
not include fax details making it most difficult to use as a business
tool. Battery life, what battery life? Totally shocking. The network
is a joke. Customer service is no good unless you go in to a shop where
it is actually rather good. The screen is good but the content that
you can display and the games are all terrible. As a pda replacement
the form factor is ok. With PDA functionality it would have been excellent.
All together the phone and the a925 are both missed oportunities. Hang
on till the a1000 arrives. It looks like a phone that might be what
the a920/5 should have been.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Asther from Portugal on 18th Oct 2004
THE BEST MOBILE PHONE EVER MADE ON EARTH!! belive me, 4 band gsm, GPRS,
UMTS, CDMA2000... you name it!! got it all!!! AND THE PIECE OF RESISTENCE
GPS!!! it does have GPS!! I got it working!! and its better then a regular
GpS, because it can be programable!! and IT IS POSSIBLE TO INSTAL APLICATIONS!!!
the are information woh to do it in all web!!! just upgrade it to A925
and you will have blue tooth!!!! and it cames with 2 chargers, 2 batterys,
usb cable, cradle, 32Mb SD card ...."ou seja, vem com bueda merdazzzz"
Better than a p800 and equal to a p900 ... belive me!!!!
Rating:
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Reviewed by Ryan Henderson from UK on 16th Oct
2004
Has anyone ever experienced a problem with this phone "freezing" during
the boot up phase ? It happened to mine and it's still stuck like that
showing just the 3 logo,I can't get it to complete.When it was working
properly,it was brilliant.There is generous video recording time of
about 1 minute which is better than just 12 seconds on some handsets.I
would have awarded it 5 stars but for the freezing fault.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Alex Hazlett from Northern Ireland on
17th Aug 2004
I have just bought Motorola A920 Mobile Phone the phone speaks for itself
and all the features on the phone would take a long time to list it
has large screen which is very good for the size of the phone also 3
service is the best so far and believe me I have had a few networks
and 3 beats them all for their Top Ups.I have read some of the reviews
and I don't agree with some of the comments made about the A835 I also
am the proud owner of one and have no bother with phone which is in
use all the time as well as my A920 but the comments made are people
opinion and has to be respected. Certainly both Mobile Phones deserves
5 stars for the outstanding features on them,I do not like small mobile
phones at all that is my opinion and no one else.
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Reviewed by Warren Adam from UK on 18th Apr 2004
DO NOT TAKE ANY PHONE WITH 3 MOBILE.I have had my phone for 6 months
now and over all I was pleased with it and the service, until it went
wrong two weeks ago. Customer service is a joke in very bad taste. Like
most people on here have stated, the call center is in India and all
5 people I have spoken to do no not understand simple English (e.g "Scaffolding?
What is scaffolding", "Shattered what is shattered"?. E mails have not
been repilied to and even after paying the £40 for a new hand set I
have still not recieved it and NO ONE in customer service land can tell
me what is going on. I have now cancelled my direct debit and will wait
for them to phone me, (the last person in India said " We have you mobile
phone number we will call you back", HOW CAN YOU DO THAT WHEN THE PHONE
IS BROKEN, " Dont worry sir we will call you",:- must be magic!!!) When
will these big companies realise that call centres in India do not work
and will cost them business in the long run.I am now returning to Vodaphone.
Rating: Reply
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