Built to military specifications to survive extreme shock, water and dust environments, the Samsung Convoy for Verizon Wireless is ideal for highly-mobile and active users who want access to Verizon’s always-on Push to Talk service. You’ll stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service, and be able to track employees and colleagues with the Verizon Wireless Field Force Manager service. And using the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO data network, you can download music via the V Cast Music with Rhapsody service and watch streaming video with the V CAST Video on Demand service. See more details on optional Verizon Wireless services below.

The Convoy’s high-quality stereo speaker, extended battery life and multiple messaging options make it the ideal device to stay connected in the toughest conditions.

The Convoy includes a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder with video capture capabilities, and you can send snapped images of job sites, shopping trips or nightlife excursions via mobile email or MMS messaging. It’s also compatible with text and popular instant messaging services. Other features include Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, memory expansion via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB), voice commands, speakerphone, high-quality stereo speaker, personal organizer tools, and up to 5 hours of talk time.The Verizon Wireless Push to Talk service leverages EV-DO Rev. A technology, which provides customers with fast two-way, walkie talkie-style communication with one person or a group of people. In addition to the simplicity of one number, national coast-to-coast coverage and no hidden charges or fees, this service also offers Presence Information, which shows you who is “on” and available to receive a Push to Talk call.

Key Features

• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
• Meets military specifications 810f standards for shock and dust resistance, vibration, salt fog, humidity, solar radiation, altitude and low and high temperature storage.
• Push to Talk capability enables you to quickly connect with one or multiple team members at the same time with just a push of a button. Connect on the Verizon Wireless nationwide broadband network, and get expanded coverage across the United States within the National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area.
  • Place group calls : Hold conversations with as many as 50 total participants.
  • Check team member status with Presence : See who is available for a Push to Talk call.
  • Manage contacts for the entire company online : Add, delete and assign contacts, create groups and more.
  • Use one number, one device : Make and receive voice calls without needing a second device or phone number.
• GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service
• Clamshell phone with internal 2.2-inch display (176 x 220 pixels, 262K color depth)
• External 1.3-inch color display displays current time, battery life, signal strength, and incoming calls. Also includes external music playback controls.
• 2-megapixel camera/camcorder (Learn more)
• Digital audio player for MP3, WMA, and unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats. Sync music from your PC to the phone and create and manage playlists right on the device.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile–enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock. And with dial-up networking capabilities, you can access the Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Connect service to use your phone as a modem. (Learn more)
• Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB.
• Full messaging capabilities including SMS, MMS, Mobile IM, and Mobile Email
• Voice Commands : Voice Dial, Digit Dial Readout, Menu Readout, TXT Message Readout
• Organizer tools including calendar, tip calculator, currency converter, notepad, alarm clock, world clock and stopwatch
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
• Phone book with up to 1000 entries with multiple contacts
• 2.5mm headset jack
• Bilingual Interface : English/Español
• TTY compatible
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T4

Vital Statistics
The Samsung Convoy weighs 3.88 ounces and measures 3.85 x 2 x 0.94 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 537 hours (22+ days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.What’s in the Box
Samsung Convoy handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, battery cover removal tool, quick start guide, user manual

Verizon Wireless Services

5 Responses to “Samsung Convoy U640 Phone (Verizon Wireless)”

1. J. Donaldson says:

   July 5, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I’ve had this Samsung Convoy U640 phone on Verizon for two weeks. I am pleased with it and would recommend it.

   This is a basic phone to be sure, exactly what I wanted. No extra cost data plan or text plan for us. In fact we had Verizon block all data so we wouldn’t incur any surprise charges due to accidentally selecting a menu option that uses small amounts of data. We just want a phones that will last and that work well. Having a camera was a bonus, in the past I’ve found a couple of good uses for quick shots (pictures of things in stores on which to do more research, car accident photos) so it is nice to have one handy all the time.

   Pros:

   - Solid feel, good construction and materials

   - Large backlit buttons

   - Plastic external display – I’ve broken glass displays in the past.

   - Large (for this type of phone) bright display on the inside – also plastic.

   - Camera button is inside – I’ve had phones with side mounted camera buttons that took pictures in my pocket!

   - Large numbers displayed front and inside for my old eyes

   - Functional, if a little picky, voice controlled menus and calls. This was a bonus because I didn’t have to program anything. Every contact in my list is a potential voice call.

   - SD Micro memory card slot for extra photo, video, or mp3 files. I can pop it out of the camera and into my computer for file transfers. This is simple and quick rather than using a manufacturers USB cable and special software.

   - MP3 player

   - Bluetooth, seems to pair well and stay connected.

   - Speakerphone, loud and clear.

   - Camera with still or video capability – quality seems okay for a phone. If I want real quality photos I’ll bring my camera.

   - Very good battery life that has improved as the battery has matured over these two weeks.

   - Speaker phone works quite well and is activated by a side button that has to be depressed for a couple of seconds. I find this much better than a menu option and soft key.

   - The durable aspects of the phone were a big attraction to me. I use it on the boat with less concern for having wet hands when handling it.

   Cons:

   - Verizon menu system. I wanted a Samsung Convoy, not a Verizon Convoy. Verizon’s menu system isn’t too bad but there are customizations that are not allowed or provided. For example I wanted to replace the main screen “Message” soft button with “Recent” (calls) but that was not an option.

   - 2.5mm earphone jack. Since I never use a wired headset (that’s what Bluetooth is for) I’d like to listen to music with my standard 3.5mm earphones but can’t without an adapter. When are phone manufacturers going to get this right?

   - Voice call system can be annoying. If it doesn’t understand my command it starts to offer other choices (some quite dumb) and is too persistent. I wish it would simply give me another chance and not offer other names or options for me to say “yes” or “no” to. I understand one can do some voice training to improve it but I haven’t bothered as it works well for the few people I call often.

   - It is a little thick, especially considering it isn’t a fancy feature phone requiring a lot of electronics. However it isn’t as thick as I thought it was going to be and I don’t mind it in my pocket.

   On the general subject of Verizon: We just switched from 11 years of having AT&T wireless service to Verizon. On AT&T my wife complained of lack of coverage and dropped calls. My problem with AT&T was poor call quality, so bad I really didn’t want to use the phone. Over 11 years we had various phones and there are three of us on the plan but the call quality problems persisted. Now that we are on Verizon we are so pleased with the call quality; it feels like we have useful service for the first time. I just wish they would leave the manufacturers operating system and user interface alone.
2. D. Taylor says:

   June 22, 2010 at 12:00 am

   This is a great little phone if you only need to use it as such. No bells and whistles just a solidly built phone with exceptional battery life. Easy to use and carry around in your pocket.
3. David F. says:

   June 8, 2010 at 12:00 am

   As an HVAC contractor I am on the phone constantly (some times 60 to 70 calls received a day) and need a reliable and sturdy phone. I don’t need a camera or alarm clock or music player. The convoy seemed like a great phone at first and the battery and display seemed great but I quickly found the phone to be very poorly designed. The holster is very hard to use and the phone has fallen out a couple times a day with the slightest bump. Every other flip phone out there has a clock that can be seen at all times. Not this one, you must open the phone to turn on the display. There are three buttons on the front of this phone but you must first open the phone to activate and/or use the front screen and then there are only a few items you can access so the front screen is worthless. This is neither a user friendly or well designed phone and if I had not destroyed the package when I opened it I would return it immediately.
4. D. Starkey says:

   June 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

   If you are mostly interested in a rugged phone that has great sound quality,good reception and a super long lasting battery. this phone is the one. No, it doesn’t have all the bells that other phones do but this is the best phone I’ve ever owned. And I’ve owned the Droid Eris and two Blackberrys.
5. J. Morbidelli says:

   May 31, 2010 at 12:00 am

   This phone is perfect for the price. It has long battery life(2 Days). Good call quality and sound. It also works great as an MP3 player. It can play videos, but sometimes when I try to watch them it restarts the phone. It is a very tuff phone. I dropped it on gravel with it open and it didn’t even scratch the screen.

   To the person who said: Good phone, retarded software. I think it should be: Good phone, retarded user. This reviewer complains that you can’t listen to music on head phones. Thats weird, because I listen to music using headphone all the time. Also you can use Windows Media player for transferring music. Again, I think its Good phone, retarded User.

   Great Phone don’t hesitate to buy.