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Rugged push-to-talk flip phone
- Rugged, military-certified design
- Roomy keypad
- Vibrant interior display
- Lots of push-to-talk features
- Hefty size
- Inconveniently placed push-to-talk button
- Proprietary headset jack
- Hard-to-access memory card slot
- Spotty 3G network coverage
Although Kent German of CNET doesn't consider the durable Samsung Rugby (*Est. $30 with new contract, $80 with renewal) a match for the rubber-encased Motorola i365 (*est. $40), he nonetheless adds, "We're confident it could take a few blows." One AT&T user reports that his Rugby still works even after flying off the hood of his car at 40 miles per hour. The Rugby's sturdy construction, like many rival push-to-talk devices, meets military-certification standard 810F to endure dust, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures and solar radiation. It's also water resistant, but not completely waterproof like the Casio GzOne Boulder. The Rugby measures 3.95 inches by 2.05 inches by 0.9 inches and weighs 4.66 ounces, comparable to the clamshell Motorola i576 (free). The postage-stamp exterior display disappoints reviewers and users. Other design flaws also lead to frustration: The push-to-talk button is prone to unintended activation and can't be disabled; the microSD memory card slot lies buried beneath the battery; and the combination charger/headset jack has a proprietary configuration. Once open, the Rugby offers a large keypad with well-spaced buttons plus a vibrant 2-inch, 170-by-220-pixel internal display.
The Rugby is a quad-band phone, meaning it can operate most places in the world. It reportedly delivers clear call quality -- in between signal drops on AT&T's fast 3G network, which has limited availability and otherwise reverts to the slower EDGE network. Messaging and multimedia options abound, although often for an extra fee. The Rugby also supports text and multimedia messaging, as well as instant messaging and web-based email. Bluetooth and GPS with AT&T Navigator are also on board, along with a number of AT&T-branded multimedia applications. The Rugby comes equipped with what InfoSyncWorld.com's Philip Berne describes as a "surprisingly adequate" web browser, a music player that supports multiple formats, and a 1.3-megapixel camera with video capture that receives mixed reviews. Basic features include a thousand-entry phone book, calendar and call waiting supported by 128 MB of internal memory (expandable by up to 8 GB). And while the robust speakerphone garners accolades, reviewers and users lament the absence of voice dialing. All in all, German considers this a great feature set, but doesn't think the Rugby's performance hits "the highest marks." Berne wishes the device offered stronger corporate email and contact list support. Nonetheless, for most users, the Rugby is a game-winner.
In-depth reviews from CNET and InfoSyncWorld.com compare the Samsung Rugby's design to rival push-to-talk devices like the Motorola i365, Sanyo Pro 700 and Casio GzOne Boulder. They use hands-on testing to evaluate the Rugby's features and performance. Rounding out our sources are user reviews from CNET, PhoneScoop.com, Amazon.com and AT&T, which can help reveal potential problems arising over long-term use.
| Samsung Standard Battery for Samsung SGH-A837 Rugby, SPH-M320, SGH-T119, and SPH-M240 | |
(32 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
German gives this rugged push-to-talk device high grades for its military-certified design, excellent feature set, 3G support, GPS and well-designed keypad, to name a few. Even with these assets, German says that the Rugby's performance "doesn't hit the highest marks" because of its proprietary headset jack, lack of voice dialing, small push-to-talk button and inconveniently placed microSD memory card slot.
Review: Samsung Rugby SGH-A837 -- Black (AT&T), Kent German, Sept. 30, 2008
In testing, Berne says the Samsung Rugby was "obnoxiously abused" yet "held on like a champ." The phone's durability, GPS, good call quality and push-to-talk feature stand out, although Berne wishes the device offered more corporate email support, a synchronized contact list, a larger push-to-talk button and non-proprietary headset jack.
Review: Samsung Rugby Review (AT&T), Philip Berne, Oct. 30, 2008
3. CNET
Nearly 20 users share their experiences with the Samsung Rugby, praising the phone for its sturdy design, clear loudspeaker, easy-to-use keypad and good call quality. Complaints abound about signal drops on the 3G network, along with the short duration of the exterior display backlight and too easily activated push-to-talk button.
Review: Samsung Rugby SGH-A837 -- Black (AT&T), Contributors to CNET
"Feels solid and appears to take abuse," writes one owner of the durable Samsung Rugby, while another says its speaker is "worthy of being placed in a Nextel phone." The majority of users are smitten with the easy-to-use Rugby and its above-average performance, but they note problems with signal reception, dropped calls and too easily activated push-to-talk button.
Review: Samsung Rugby A837, Contributors to PhoneScoop.com
5. Amazon.com
The Samsung Rugby wins over owners at Amazon.com with its ruggedness and ability to withstand drops. The phone's roomy keypad buttons, robust speaker and good call quality receive high marks, although a number of users say the exterior display turns off too quickly and that the inconveniently placed push-to-talk button makes it vulnerable to unintended activation.
Review: Samsung Rugby A837 Phone, Black (AT&T), Contributors to Amazon.com
6. ATT.com
More than 40 Samsung Rugby owners say they would recommend this phone to a friend. The majority of users appreciate the Rugby's sturdy construction, with one reporting that it still worked even after falling off the hood of a car going 40 miles per hour. Ease of use, long battery life, a loud speakerphone and decent photo and video quality impress, whereas the poorly placed push-to-talk button and low volume levels are among the drawbacks.
Review: Samsung Rugby (a837), Contributors to ATT.com
