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Samsung Transform Ultra review

7.3/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Transform Ultra
Samsung Transform Ultra
Samsung Transform Ultra
Samsung Transform Ultra
...


7.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Transform Ultra currently has an Informr score of 7.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 3 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

When it isn’t busy churning out models meant for either the high-end or the entry-level smartphone market, Samsung spends its time producing devices for the mid-range segment. Models just like the Samsung Transform Ultra. The successor to Samsung’s very own Transform, this phone improves on its predecessor in more ways than one. So how does this mid-range Android slider for Sprint perform?

The Ultra comes with support for CDMA networks and EV-DO Rev. A data, meaning it isn’t meant to be used by globe-trotters who aim to spend any amount of time overseas. However, at home where the Transform Ultra works, it works quite well. With a 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM, it offers plenty of power for something that’s designed for those on a budget. It also features a 3.5-inch HVGAtouchscreen display, 2GB of internal memory, 3-megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 1,500 mAh battery.

One of the most useful features is its slide-out QWERTY keyboard. No matter how great the virtual keyboards get, they will probably never be able to fully replace hardware keyboards with real, tactile alphanumeric buttons. The QWERTY keyboard is a boon for mobile messaging, for sure. So if you’re the kind of person who constantly types on your phone, you’ll be able to spend plenty of quality time with the Samsung Transform Ultra.

With all of that said, this smartphone does lack certain high-end features. But then again, it wouldn’t be a mid-range model if it didn’t. Samsung is well aware of the needs of users in the mid-range segment, and through this device, that’s exactly what it is willing to give.

Need To Know: Samsung Transform Ultra

1. Comes with a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard which makes it useful for messaging buffs. (The Good)

2. Offers plenty of bang for the buck. (The Good)

3. Very limited amount of internal memory at 2GB. (The Bad)

4. Default operating system, although still powerful, is an outdated version of the Android software. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
3.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.5"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Samsung has done a good filling the mid-range Android slot in Sprint’s lineup, and the Transform Ultra is a worthy successor to the Transform. It does not set out to make any radical changes, just offer better overall performance than its predecessor. With a faster processor, more memory and a bet...

- Brian K., PhoneArena
Cnet
Cnet

The Samsung Transform Ultra is a likeable QWERTY slider for Sprint. With Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a good keyboard, and a fair $80 price, the phone will satisfy those looking for a keyboarded midrange smartphone that also has a good in-hand feel.

- Jessica Dolcourt, Cnet
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

The Samsung Transform Ultra gives Boost Mobile users a powerful, keyboarded Android smartphone to take advantage of the carrier's inexpensive plan pricing.

- Alex Colon, PC Magazine


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Transform Ultra user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Transform Ultra with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Transform Ultra has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
3.5"

The Samsung Transform Ultra's screen size is 3.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 MSM8655 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera useful for video chat and self portraits.

Storage
952 MB

Internal memory is 952 MB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1500 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 14.5 days standby time.

Transform Ultra Specs

Overview
Release Date October 7, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 MSM8655 1 GHz
Internal Storage 952 MB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.62 W/kg
Body: 0.95 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. A
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, DivX
Video Recording Parameters
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
VGA
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Multi-touch
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 14.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Slider
Colors Aluminum Grey
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.6 x 6.1 x 1.4 cm (4.6 x 2.4 x 0.6 in)
Weight 139 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY, Touchscreen
Navigation Type D-pad, Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
ROM: 2GB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, MP4, AAC+, AAC
Video Playback Formats: H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, DivX
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Viewable document types: DOC, PPT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SPH-M930

2GB microSD card included
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Transform Ultra Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Transform Ultra
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