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Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto review

4.6/10 AVG.
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Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto
Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto
...


4.6/10
Informr score
The Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto currently has an Informr score of 4.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 31 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Helio Mysto is the CDMA version of the Samsung U600, but with many improvements.

The popularity and intrigue surrounding Helio phones rests in the rich bundle of onboard applications, including robust IM and email features found on all their latest models, and the Mysto is no exception. In fact, the shorter feature list would be the one listing what the Mysto cannot do!

Helio could make a phone shaped like a spatula and it would have terrific features and awesome icons.

The Mysto is an attractive, super-slim slider, complimented by a beautiful 2.2 inch screen boasting excellent resolution and a variety of customizable settings. It comes with GPS and makes great use of it with numerous free, clever applications, including “Tellme”, a GPS search with voice recognition, and “WHERE”, an application which allows you to assign a value to a widget, such as “cheapest gas station”, “local pub finder”. The Mysto also includes the innovative feature “Idle Search”, which allows you to search directly from the main screen, simply by typing in a search term. Default search results come from Yahoo, Yelp, Amazon and Wikipedia.

The external keys are electrostatic; they vibrate when touched.

Keep in mind that Helio designs phones for young people, and I think they do it better than anyone else. All the features relate to personalization, communication and interaction. Like their other phones, the Mysto can do things you didn’t even know you wanted to do! The Mysto is a hip smartphone, but a smartphone for young folks who want a pocket-rocket of technology; it’s not for someone looking for a smartphone with business applications.

The Mysto includes a 2MP camera, down from the 3.2MP employed by the Samsung U600. It comes pre-loaded with photo software to modify the pictures in any number of fun ways.

The Mysto also includes full HTML, making surfing the web a blast. You can zoom in on an area easily and even copy pictures and videos found on the internet and use them as static or fluid wallpapers!

Deciding on the Mysto is clearly a form factor issue. If the crazy popular dual-slider Helio Ocean is too thick or bulky for you, the Mysto would be a wonderful alternative. Keep in mind, however, that in achieving the slim form factor, the keypad is flat, much like the Motorola Razr, and clearly different from the sure-fire knobby, rubber buttons found on the Ocean.

The Helio Mysto definitely continues the Helio mystique!


Custom
Operating system
Operating system
Custom
Unknown
Processor
Processor
Unknown
2.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.2"
2+ MP
Camera
Camera
2+ MP
880 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


MobileBurn
MobileBurn

The Helio Mysto is certainly an attractive handset, and the multimedia features are incredibly tempting. However, I found the user interface to be a bit difficult, specifically the inconsistent touch-sensitive keys and slider behavior. The battery life is satisfactory, but there's nothing that reall...

- Ricky Cadden, MobileBurn


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto user manual here.


Samsung backs up the SPH-A523 Mysto with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your SPH-A523 Mysto 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
2.2"

The Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto's screen size is 2.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
Unknown

There is a processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
2+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 2+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
106 MB

Internal memory is 106 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 4 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
880mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 880 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 8.5 days standby time.

SPH-A523 Mysto Specs

Overview
Release Date January 16, 2008
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Custom Smartphones

Processor
Internal Storage 106 MB
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.39 W/kg
Body: 0.79 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. 0
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 Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi No
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 4 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Brightness control, Multi-shot, Self-timer, White balance
Video Recording Formats
H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
QVGA (320 x 240 pixels), 14 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 2.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 880 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 8.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Slider
Colors Sapphire blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.5 x 5.0 x 1.3 cm (4.1 x 2 x 0.5 in)
Weight 95 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 2.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Standard / 12-key Numeric
Navigation Type D-pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, MSN, Yahoo
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: T9
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Contact List Capacity: 1000
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: No
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, AAC, WMA
Video Playback Formats: H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: -
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Helio Mysto
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto Reviews
Where to buy Samsung SPH-A523 Mysto
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