Alactel Sparq II 875 3G Cell Phone w/ QWERTY Keyboard (T-Mobile) - Black

I am a firm believer that a cell phone need not cost a months pay so this $30 cell is just right for my wallet. I've had this cell for a month and use it everyday. The camera is very low res and so is the screen so the 3g is almost never used. This is a decent camera but it's small and relatively light weight.Pro's:Decent qwerty keyboardDecent speakers and microphoneMicroSD slotMP3 playback and FM radio work wellCon's:The camera and screen is very low resolution and the video mode is worthlessFiles containing photo's and video seem to self destruct or get lost.Browser so old you can't really go to any site so the 3g is uselessNo Solitare

I have XL-sized hands so I have always struggled with phone keypads and keyboards. I stopped using touchscreen phones because it was such a frustration to type on a virtual keyboard. For that reason, I've tried many phones with physical QWERTY keyboards over the years and the Sparq II is my second-favorite ever (my fave was a now-discontinued Nokia model, also for T-Mobile).The phone feels very solid - the slide mechanism does not wiggle and it seems to stay shut when I want it to with no problem. The numeric keypad is a bit cramped if you're used to a flip phone or a candybar phone with a smaller screen (and hence more room for the keypad) but even with my huge fingers I can work it well enough. The slide out QWERTY keyboard is very nice. It's sensitive enough that I don't feel as if I have to pound the keys but not as sensitive as a virtual keyboard - I seldom mistype letters as long as I hold the phone still and at a certain angle. I've had it three days and I've already gotten used to the keyboard.The interface is good. This is NOT a smartphone so don't expect the ability to add apps or hyper-customize the interface but the onboard functions are fine. The call quality and volume are very good, reception has been as good or better as other phones I've used in my same location, and the features and functions I've used (calls, texts, alarm, contacts) all work as they should. I haven't used the Web browser extensively but it seems fine for a non-smartphone. The screen has excellent resolution but it is small compared to a touchscreen-only phone (that doesn't matter to me).If you want a physical QWERTY keyboard and don't need to load your own apps, this phone is a great option. BE SURE TO READ THE SPECIFICATIONS - some might find it a bit heavy, although that doesn't bother me.

i bought this phone as a quick replacement for a phone that died. It's okay most of the time, the music player and radio work great, and i love the keyboard. The only problem is, it keeps rebooting itself in the middle of typing. It does not save the data, but requires you to start all over again. my little brother has the same phone, and he doesn't have a problem with it. This is not a phone for people who use their phones all the time, or tend to write long messages. It is better than the sparq 1 which i also owned, but i am beginning to miss the flip phone that i hated so much.

It's a stylish and reasonably-priced slider, but I'm having the same problem as I did with the original Sparq -- it shuts down and turns itself on again while I'm texting. I'm surprised T-Mobile hasn't worked out this bug yet. BREAKING NEWS DEC. 31, 2013: Now the phone has shut down completely and will not turn on again. T-Mobile must know that this phone has a monumental design flaw but has said nothing about it. It's too late for me to return this phone, so now I'm looking to switch to another service provider. In the meantime, I've changed my review from 3 stars to 1.

I just want a phone that texts and calls with a few other apps such as an alarm clock. This phone feels sold and sturdy, and works well for said applications. The keyboard works well and is easy to use. The auto spell is annoying, but it's easy to turn that off. It does not have a timer, which I would have liked, but since I have one on my Kindle Fire, I can live without it on this phone. I also use the music player occasionally as well as the FM radio. I find these useful as I often take public transportation.The only major down side--as others have mentioned--is that it will butt dial 911 when you have it in your pocket. Be careful. I usually carry it in my shirt or jacket pocket so it doesn't happen, but if you usually keep your phone in a tight pocket, you might want to look for something else.

The phone's sluggish operation, limited features, and below-average camera quality make it feel outdated in today's smartphone market. Additionally, the 3G connectivity may not meet the demands of modern internet usage. If you're seeking a basic, no-frills phone for texting and calling, it might suffice, but there are better options available for a similar price point.

Dont even waste your time buying the Sparq 1 I bought it and returned it ASAP and bought this one. Well worth it. So many more features, volume buttons, silence camera shutter, better camera and video quality, bigger screen, solid durable device (better compared to first Sparq) and a gripped back cover allowing the phone to rest on your lap or phone without a case, (Old Sparq is like holding a bar of irish spring soap) Wayy better, has the options to buy games too. Browsing is way faster too, slide out keyboard keys are plastic and not that rubbery crap! Although they are really sensitive compared to the old Sparq, nothing i cant get used to though. WORTH 20$ MORE THEN THE ORIGNAL SPARQ!!! Must have. :)

This phone is pretty good for the price if you need a phone for texting and calls. It has good sound qualities on calls, FM radio & mp3 player. Since the camera is only 2 mp, pictures are only OK but it has a zoom-in function.Since the screen is only 2.4 in. diameter, the phone is not too good for viewing internet/web pages. You can view video files like 3gp, 3gpp and MPEG-4 though not optimal since the screen is so small.I would recommend this phone if all you need is calling, texing, and radio/mp3. If you need a phone for internet surfing/video, choose a phone with a bigger screen