Introduction to BLU Samba
The BLU Samba is a feature phone that was introduced to the market in June 2010. As part of the BLU lineup, it aimed to provide a basic yet functional mobile experience for users seeking an affordable device with essential features. This article explores the many aspects of BLU Samba, offering a detailed overview of its specifications and functionalities.
Design and Build
The BLU Samba comes with a compact design, measuring 111 x 56 x 14 mm, which made it easy to hold and carry. The device's weight is 96 grams, providing a lightweight experience ideal for users who do not prefer bulky phones. The phone features a QWERTY keyboard, making it convenient for users who frequently text. The availability of multiple color options, including Silver, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple, and Pink, also added a personalized touch for those interested in style and aesthetics.
Display
Equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT display, the BLU Samba can showcase 65K colors. While the display technology and size are modest by today's standards, they are suitable for the device's target market at the time of release. The screen size caters to basic phone functionalities, such as calling and texting, ensuring legibility in everyday use.
Camera
The device includes a single CIF camera with a resolution of 0.1MP. While it lacks advanced photography features such as video recording, the camera is sufficient for taking basic photos. The absence of a selfie camera aligns with the BLU Samba's objective to offer essential rather than high-tech features.
Network and Connectivity
The BLU Samba supports GSM technology, specifically in the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands. This wide-ranging compatibility ensures that the phone can connect to networks in various regions, making it versatile for global use. For connectivity, it offers Bluetooth version 1.2 for short-range wireless connections, and an FM radio feature is also included for those interested in listening to radio broadcasts. Connectivity options are basic, lacking advanced features like WLAN and GPS, appropriate for the era and market segment.
Memory and Storage
Internally, the BLU Samba is built with 16MB of storage and supports expansion via a dedicated microSD slot, allowing users to store additional contacts, messages, and multimedia. The phone includes a phonebook capable of storing 200 entries and retains call records, essential for basic mobile phone use.
Battery Life
The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery. The battery life features up to 450 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time, which was competitive during its time on the market. This extended battery life ensures users can go longer between charges, a crucial feature for those relying on their phones for communication throughout the day.
Software and Features
Operating on a simplified feature phone platform, the BLU Samba offers SMS and MMS messaging capabilities. It comes with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, with Opera Mini preinstalled for those desiring internet access. While it does not support Java applications, users can download games and enjoy basic entertainment. These elements represent the fundamental requirements of mobile users in the early 2010s.
User Experience and Price
Priced at approximately 30 EUR upon release, the BLU Samba was marketed as an affordable option in the mobile phone market. Its user experience is straightforward, catering to individuals who need a simple communication device. The extensive color range and keyboard accessibility offer additional appeal for those seeking a distinctive yet functional phone.
Conclusion
Overall, the BLU Samba was a device that aligned perfectly with the needs of its time, providing essential mobile features at an accessible price. Its combination of a QWERTY keyboard, reasonable storage capacity, and extended battery life made it a popular choice among users seeking basic functionality. Today, it stands as a testament to the evolution of mobile technology, highlighting the progression from basic feature phones to contemporary smartphones.
Key Features of BLU Samba
- GSM Technology for basic connectivity
- Discontinued model, originally launched in June 2010
- Compact and lightweight design
- QWERTY keyboard for easier typing
- Dual SIM capability (Mini-SIM)
- Expandable storage via microSD card slot
- Bluetooth support for wireless connectivity
- FM radio for entertainment
- Removable 750 mAh battery
- Available in multiple vibrant colors
- Affordable price point (Approximately 30 EUR)
Disadvantages of BLU Samba
- Lack of 3G/4G connectivity, limited to 2G GSM network.
- No EDGE support, limiting internet speed.
- Discontinued model, hard to find in the market.
- Low-resolution display (1.8 inches), not suitable for high-quality media viewing.
- Minimal internal storage (16MB), not sufficient for storing media or apps.
- Main camera supports only CIF resolution, with no video recording capability.
- No front-facing camera for selfies or video calls.
- Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting audio accessory compatibility.
- No WLAN (Wi-Fi) support for wireless internet access.
- Older Bluetooth version (1.2) can cause compatibility issues with newer devices.
- Lack of positioning technology like GPS.
- Uses a proprietary USB connection, not compatible with standard USB cables.
- No built-in sensors that are commonly found in modern smartphones.
- No Java support for running Java-based applications.
View Also
More Phones
All Rights Reserved +13571 Phones © Mobilawy 2025