Home > Reviews > Manufacturer > Sanyo Katana DLX Cell Phone Review

Sanyo Katana DLX Cell Phone Review - Tour & Design

Alfredo Padilla Published on August 06, 2007 Comment on this

Intro Making/Receiving Calls Software Other Features

Tour & Design Messaging Battery Life Value & Comparisons

Audio Quality Organizer Connectivity Conclusion

Imaging Multimedia Hardware Ratings & Specs

Front Closed
The front of the Katana DLX is dominated by reflective gold plastic. In the middle of the front is a small 1-inch display. Above and below the display are the Sprint and Sanyo logos, respectively. Above the Sprint logo is an LED indicator and the lens for the 1.3 megapixel camera.

Front Open
When the Katana DLX is opened the top of the phone is taken up by a 2-inch QVGA (240 x 320) display. Above the display is the Sanyo logo and above this is the speaker for the phone. Below the display is the Sprint logo. The lower part of the phone houses the control keys and keypad.

Left
The left side of the Katana DLX houses the volume rocker keys on the upper part of the flip and the data port on the lower part of the flip. The data port is protected by a rubber cover attached to the body of the phone. near the bottom of the left side is the lanyard loop.

Top
The top of the phone is devoid of any features except the hinge.

Bottom
There are no features on the bottom of the Katana DLX.

Right
The right side of the Katana DLX has a shortcut key for the camera on the upper part of the flip. On the lower part are two ports; the 2.5mm headset port and MicroSD slot. Both are protected with rubber covers attached to the body.

Back
The back of the phone houses a loudspeaker near the top and the plug for external antennas just below and to the right of it. The bottom half houses the battery, with a switch at the bottom to release it.

Battery Out
The Katana's 920 mAh battery comes out all in one piece, with no separate cover. When the battery is removed you see the FCC ID and other assorted bar codes. Because the Katana DLX is a CDMA phone there is no SIM card slot.

In the Box (2.0)
The Katana DLX doesn't ship with many accessories. In addition to the manuals there is a 128MB MicroSD card with adaptor and the charger. We have to say this doesn't seem very "deluxe" to us. We appreciate the memory card but wish headphones and a USB cable had been included as well.

Handling (5.0)
The Sanyo Katana DLX  fits comfortably into your hand when closed. The plastic is a little slick but there are enough protuberances and grippable items that you probably won't drop it. When you open the handset there is an uncomfortable "hump" at the hinge, somewhat similar to the Sanyo M1's hinge. The phone isn't too heavy at 3.5 ounces, so there are no worries about holding it up to your head for extended periods of time. Frankly, the Katana is just your run-of-the-mill flip phone in terms of handling.

Portability (7.5)
The Katana measures 3.7 x 1.9 x 0.6-inches when closed. It's a little smaller than the new LG Chocolate when closed, but also a little fatter. Still, it should fit comfortably into most pockets or bags, and its relatively light weight means you won't be weighed down.

Aesthetics (6.5)
Sanyo is definitely going for a "hot" look with the Katana's gold finish. Unfortunately, when you hold the phone in your hand the plastic construction becomes obvious. We hesitate to call it tacky (for that to happen Paris Hilton would have to carry it), but let's say it loses some of its luster. To be fair, the Katana DLX is definitely a nicer looking phone than the Sanyo M1, but falls short of the aesthetics of the Razr or Chocolate.

Durability (5.0)
As with any flip phone, we have concerns about the durability of the Katana DLX's hinge. We did not notice any major creaks, however, and it seems to be a well put together handset. We are concerned about the gold paint that covers the phone, as it seems like it may scratch off easily.

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