- Weight: 1 pounds
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Here's Sanyo's answer to the RAZR revolution, the SCP-6600 "Katana," a phone that meets or beats many of the RAZR's specifications -- all at a lower price. This phone packs Bluetooth, a gorgeous QVGA color screen, a speakerphone, and a VGA camera. And of course, it's very thin and chic.
Design
The Katana's handsome, slim clamshell form factor slides easily into a pocket or purse. Inside the flip you'll find a massive 240 x 320, 65,000-color display. There's also a supplementary, 96 x 64 color display that displays call information, battery life, time of day, signal strength and more. The phone's VGA camera unit is housed above this display. Meanwhile, most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button above the handset's dial pad. A 2.5 mm headset jack is also provided, as is a USB data port.
Calling Features
The Katana's internal phone book can hold up to 500 contacts, and the phone's picture ID system allows you to assign pictures and ringtones to your most common callers. The phone ships with many polyphonic ringtones, but for those times when you want to be discreet, there's a vibrating alert. A built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear, and advanced voice activated dialing makes calling friends, family, and associates easy. Simply say the name or number of the person you want to call and the number is dialed automatically without using the keypad.
A unique call screening function lets you listen to voicemails while the caller is leaving them, allowing you to answer the call if you desire. The Katana's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911 (where available). Perhaps most importantly for users in rural areas, the Katana is a tri-mode phone, meaning it can operate on Sprint's digital PCS network, as well as analog networks that serve many outlying areas. And lastly, because the Katana is Bluetooth enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total handsfree operation.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools
With support for sending and receiving text and picture messages the Katana has you covered in the messaging department. With Sprint PCS Picture Mail, you can take a picture anytime and send it to family and friends instantly while on the Sprint PCS Network. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. You can also use an optional USB cable to provide wireless Internet and email access to your PC.
The phone also supports PCS Vision email and instant messaging capabilities. Sprint PCS Vision transforms the wireless experience from something that's simply functional into something visual, entertaining and highly personalized. MSN Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, and AOL Instant Messenger are all supported by Sprint's PCS Vision service. PCS Vision mobile Web services let you check out sports scores, get your seven-day forecast, check your flight status, and stay up to date with the latest news. You'll also experience full-color graphic versions of popular Web sites.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the Katana including a calendar, a calculator, and an alarm clock. A voice recorder lets you record up to 72 seconds of voice memos for later retrieval.
Imaging and Entertainment
As mentioned, the Katana features a built-in VGA still camera with brightness and white balance control, as well as a self-timer. The phone lets you choose from a variety of pre-set images to customize your display and make it unique to you. With PCS Vision's wireless download service, you can reflect your interests with thousands of pictures of your favorite TV characters, sports teams, celebrities, urban artwork, and more. You can also download games like Tetris and Pac-Man for hours of fun.
Vital Statistics
The Sanyo SCP-6600 Katana weighs 3.4 ounces and measures 3.88 x 2.02 x .6 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of digital talk time. It runs on the AMPS 850/CDMA 850/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
Product Description
Inspired by the legendary sword used by Japan's feudal knights, the Samurai, the SANYO Katana™ offers a stunning, ultra-sleek design that evokes the same passion for craftsmanship and artistry imbued in generations of Japanese master sword smiths.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
72 of 73 people found the following review helpful
I bought this phone to replace my 2 1/2-year old Samsung Vi660. I've been a big fan of the Samsung line, and thought about buying their comparable version to the Katana (the A900) but the reviews of the Katana's superior battery life won me over. I am not much for the fancy features of cell phones - I just wanted a slimmer phone that had a lower radiation emissions level than the Vi660, a built-in speakerphone, and bluetooth connectivity. After using the phone for a few weeks, here are my impressions so far:
The good:
* Excellent sound quality (in each direction) and none of that "echo" effect I used to get with the Samsung
* Long battery life with many powersaving features
* Beautiful screen, and with web access, is capable of diplaying Google satellite/map info that is just as clear as it is on a PC
* Menu design is very functional, with Favorites and Contacts being directly accessable through the touch of a button
* The "Favorites" button brings up a customizable list of 12 shortcuts, which can be either web addresses or any tool/function/menu item within the phone's own menus (it's like having a programmed navigation button with 12 different options)
* This phone emits the least radiation of any phone in the Sanyo line, and is in the bottom half of the list when compared to other manufacturers (the top being the highest emitters).
* Did you lose your Katana? Send it a specific text message and upon receiving it, the phone will lock itself up, erase its contents, and display a "lost phone" message on the outside screen with the sprint customer service phone number
* The center navigation button links directly to the "Missed Alerts" feature, which keeps a running list of missed voicemails and text messages
* Bluetooth functionality is wonderful. It is easy to make and receive calls from the bluetooth headset, and the sound quality is almost better than that from the in-phone microphone
* The phone has four different types of vibration patterns that you can assign to different types of calls/text messages, and an easily accessable "silence all" feature (no rings, no button beeps, etc) that is ideal for business meetings
* There is a feature on the Katana that allows you to screen calls as the callers are leaving a message
* Menus and Contact information are arranged for easy text-messaging access and message drafting
The bad:
* The VGA camera is not the greatest, and pictures are usually come out with a blueish or orangish cast unless the color balance is adjusted manually beforehand (settings to do this are on the phone)
* Sound quality from the speakerphone is great but the microphone isn't sensitive enough, and my callers frequently complain that I sound too far away
* The only feature I sorely miss from the Samsung phones is their far-superior voice dialing capability, which is second-to-none. The Katana relies on user-recorded tags for its voice recognition capabilities, whereas the Samsung phones just recognized my voice without any prior setup. That functionality also let me dial any phone number by saying the digits; a feature lacking in the Katana. Voice recognition does work, however sometimes you must repeat the name a few times to get it to work. If good voice dialing capabilites are a dealbreaker for you, I'd stick with the Samsung line.
* the charging port on the Katana is on the side of the phone, covered by a rotating rubber insert that is a bit flimsy. This makes it awkward to talk on the phone while it is connected to a charger.
* The volume controls on the side of the phone are on the upper portion of the handset and they are *very* slim, making them a bit hard to use.
The Katana seems to be marketed towards a slightly less business-oriented demographic (it's available in cherry-blossom pink, that should be your first clue), and its features reflect this. This is more of a phone for the casual user who is interested in a stylish phone with good basic functionality, and doesn't need many of the fancier functions of its competitors.
6 MONTH UPDATE: Would I buy it all over again? Maybe, maybe not.
It's been almost 6 months since I bought my Katana, and I have to say, I'm on the fence about it. It isn't a bad phone, it gets STELLAR reception compared to the old Samsung, texting is a snap, and its got a great screen for web browsing. But I've given up a lot of great features on my old Samsung and I don't seem to have gained a whole lot of new ones. I don't ever use the speakerphone because everyone asks if I'm having problems with my connection. I am really missing the ability to digit dial by voice. Talking on the phone with the charger sticking out of the side (especially in the car) is pretty awkward, as is trying to connect the charger when you don't exactly have your hands free. Sprint gives you 2 weeks to make up your mind on the phone, I'd take a look at these issues during that time and try to decide how much of an issue these things really are.
The good:
* Excellent sound quality (in each direction) and none of that "echo" effect I used to get with the Samsung
* Long battery life with many powersaving features
* Beautiful screen, and with web access, is capable of diplaying Google satellite/map info that is just as clear as it is on a PC
* Menu design is very functional, with Favorites and Contacts being directly accessable through the touch of a button
* The "Favorites" button brings up a customizable list of 12 shortcuts, which can be either web addresses or any tool/function/menu item within the phone's own menus (it's like having a programmed navigation button with 12 different options)
* This phone emits the least radiation of any phone in the Sanyo line, and is in the bottom half of the list when compared to other manufacturers (the top being the highest emitters).
* Did you lose your Katana? Send it a specific text message and upon receiving it, the phone will lock itself up, erase its contents, and display a "lost phone" message on the outside screen with the sprint customer service phone number
* The center navigation button links directly to the "Missed Alerts" feature, which keeps a running list of missed voicemails and text messages
* Bluetooth functionality is wonderful. It is easy to make and receive calls from the bluetooth headset, and the sound quality is almost better than that from the in-phone microphone
* The phone has four different types of vibration patterns that you can assign to different types of calls/text messages, and an easily accessable "silence all" feature (no rings, no button beeps, etc) that is ideal for business meetings
* There is a feature on the Katana that allows you to screen calls as the callers are leaving a message
* Menus and Contact information are arranged for easy text-messaging access and message drafting
The bad:
* The VGA camera is not the greatest, and pictures are usually come out with a blueish or orangish cast unless the color balance is adjusted manually beforehand (settings to do this are on the phone)
* Sound quality from the speakerphone is great but the microphone isn't sensitive enough, and my callers frequently complain that I sound too far away
* The only feature I sorely miss from the Samsung phones is their far-superior voice dialing capability, which is second-to-none. The Katana relies on user-recorded tags for its voice recognition capabilities, whereas the Samsung phones just recognized my voice without any prior setup. That functionality also let me dial any phone number by saying the digits; a feature lacking in the Katana. Voice recognition does work, however sometimes you must repeat the name a few times to get it to work. If good voice dialing capabilites are a dealbreaker for you, I'd stick with the Samsung line.
* the charging port on the Katana is on the side of the phone, covered by a rotating rubber insert that is a bit flimsy. This makes it awkward to talk on the phone while it is connected to a charger.
* The volume controls on the side of the phone are on the upper portion of the handset and they are *very* slim, making them a bit hard to use.
The Katana seems to be marketed towards a slightly less business-oriented demographic (it's available in cherry-blossom pink, that should be your first clue), and its features reflect this. This is more of a phone for the casual user who is interested in a stylish phone with good basic functionality, and doesn't need many of the fancier functions of its competitors.
6 MONTH UPDATE: Would I buy it all over again? Maybe, maybe not.
It's been almost 6 months since I bought my Katana, and I have to say, I'm on the fence about it. It isn't a bad phone, it gets STELLAR reception compared to the old Samsung, texting is a snap, and its got a great screen for web browsing. But I've given up a lot of great features on my old Samsung and I don't seem to have gained a whole lot of new ones. I don't ever use the speakerphone because everyone asks if I'm having problems with my connection. I am really missing the ability to digit dial by voice. Talking on the phone with the charger sticking out of the side (especially in the car) is pretty awkward, as is trying to connect the charger when you don't exactly have your hands free. Sprint gives you 2 weeks to make up your mind on the phone, I'd take a look at these issues during that time and try to decide how much of an issue these things really are.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
I had Cingular wireless for over a year and after problems with my family line I was forced to switch plans to Sprint. The Katana had a cool design and I wanted bluetooth, camera, and flip phone. I was told and researched that Katana was one of the best.
I love the new phone--I have yet to have ANY dropped calls, with Cingular I had dropped calls all the time (even though Cingular claims publically that they have the fewest dropped calls). The battery life on this phone is amazing. It lasts about 2 and half days with me texting regularly and receiving/making about 3-4 calls (10 minutes max apiece).
One bone I do have to pick is the fact that it only vibrate+rings at Volume 1 and Volume 8. On all my previous phones (Motorola and LG) I am use to having vibrate+ring on any volume. But at the same time, when uploading ringtones the quality isn't the greatest (only accepts QCP), so having the volume at 8 works as far as hearing the ringtone.
On Sprint network, the phone isn't unlocked for Bluetooth to upload ringtones, however, Bluetooth for the handsfree set is unlocked. I am one for ringtones, so I had to upload ringtones online to download them.
All in all I'm a happy customer of the Sprint Katana. I do not hav eany other Sprint phone to honestly compare it to though, so I can't tell you that it is the best on the Sprint network at this time. However, if you're looking for a neat design similar to the Razr without actually getting the Razr, the Katana seems to do a nice job.
I love the new phone--I have yet to have ANY dropped calls, with Cingular I had dropped calls all the time (even though Cingular claims publically that they have the fewest dropped calls). The battery life on this phone is amazing. It lasts about 2 and half days with me texting regularly and receiving/making about 3-4 calls (10 minutes max apiece).
One bone I do have to pick is the fact that it only vibrate+rings at Volume 1 and Volume 8. On all my previous phones (Motorola and LG) I am use to having vibrate+ring on any volume. But at the same time, when uploading ringtones the quality isn't the greatest (only accepts QCP), so having the volume at 8 works as far as hearing the ringtone.
On Sprint network, the phone isn't unlocked for Bluetooth to upload ringtones, however, Bluetooth for the handsfree set is unlocked. I am one for ringtones, so I had to upload ringtones online to download them.
All in all I'm a happy customer of the Sprint Katana. I do not hav eany other Sprint phone to honestly compare it to though, so I can't tell you that it is the best on the Sprint network at this time. However, if you're looking for a neat design similar to the Razr without actually getting the Razr, the Katana seems to do a nice job.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Purchased the phone wanting a thin flip. The 2 positives of the phone from my use is its screen quality/clarity and the hinge sturdiness. I find the earpiece is lacking. I have trouble hearing unless the phone is positioned perfectly on my ear. Also, the volume control doesn't seem to work too well. If I cannot hear a caller clearly, I up the volume one increment, and now the person on the other end sounds like they are screaming into my ear. The camera is not the best. May take a couple of tries to get the picture presentable. Blurry/red pictures is my main problem. The volume button is not in the best place in my opinion. It is placed on the upper flip. Its placement and size sometimes makes it difficult to accurately change the volume. The internal antenna works pretty well. I have not dropped any calls or had any connectivity issues due to the antenna placement. But it is humerous to see the antenna signal strength fluctuate if I place my hand around the bottom portion of the phone.
Overall, the phone is good quality, basically what I would expect from a Sanyo. Being a Sprint customer for 8 years, I usually look to Sanyo for a phone.
Overall, the phone is good quality, basically what I would expect from a Sanyo. Being a Sprint customer for 8 years, I usually look to Sanyo for a phone.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Katana - Slim, but Cheap
I bought the Katana because I wanted a slim phone that slid into my uniform pocket easily, it accomplished this. Read more
Published on December 15, 2007 by R. Birn
Bad battery
My biggest complaint with this phone is the battery. We have owned two of these phones for about 8 months and neither phone can hold it's charge for even 48 hours... Read more
Published on August 16, 2007 by Spotty John
This phone is Invinsible!!!!!
I lost this phone in a snowbank. 5 months later, when the snow melts, someone finds it. It fires right up.
I don't know how much I like this phone.... Read more
I don't know how much I like this phone.... Read more
Published on April 16, 2007 by Michael Schaw
inadequate for basic use AND bells & whistles
Oh, it's cool blue and all, and it has a nice display inside. But I found it could not keep a steady signal, and I live in LA where we have more cell towers than BMWs. Read more
Published on March 15, 2007 by WTL
Despite some flaws, I'm still satisified
I read the reviews online before I purchased this phone and now that I own it, I do agree with the other reviewers about some of the phones "issues". Read more
Published on March 6, 2007 by M. Kinney
bad battery
Just wanted to enter this quick review incase it will help anyone else with the same problem. About 3 months after purchase the unit wouldn't power up unless I popped the battery... Read more
Published on March 5, 2007 by Daniel J. Forster
great device
This is a very good phone, not only is it loud, but it has dropped many times and nothing is wrong with it!!
Published on January 11, 2007 by Maria A. Robles
Loud earpiece but great phone
The only gripe I have with this phone is that even when the earpiece volume is adjusted down all the way it is still loud in the ear. Great phone otherwise. Read more
Published on January 7, 2007 by B. Pettepiece
FInally a decent Sprint phone
In my opinion, Sprint has not been keeping up with the trends in cell phone popularity. I think every single sprint phone is a "flip" phone. Read more
Published on December 31, 2006 by bcauseisaidso
Sprint Katana
The sprint katana is a great phone, my only complaint is that the phone has a horrible selection of preset ringers, games, screen savers, and ringtones. Read more
Published on December 29, 2006 by Hawkeye Pierce
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