Samba Elite Unveiling Specs Price & Performance

Overview of BLU Samba Elite

The BLU Samba Elite is a feature phone that was released in the third quarter of 2011. This device was introduced as a practical and affordable mobile phone option. Although its production has been discontinued, it is still worthwhile to delve into its specifications and features to understand why it might have been a favorable choice during its time.

Design and Build

The BLU Samba Elite comes with a compact and lightweight design, measuring 102 x 56 x 13.5 mm and weighing just 69 grams. It features a QWERTY keyboard, making it ideal for users who prefer physical keys for typing. Its body design and size make it easy to carry and handle, suitable for those looking for a straightforward and functional device.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT display, providing a resolution of 160 x 128 pixels. Although not designed for high-definition content consumption, the display serves basic needs such as messaging and browsing through simple applications. The color depth of 256K ensures that basic graphics and icons are displayed with reasonable clarity.

Performance and Storage

Under the hood, the BLU Samba Elite is crafted with hardware that supports its feature phone status. It includes a 256MB ROM for storage and 64MB RAM, which provides enough space and speed for basic functionalities. While this specification might seem minimal today, it was sufficient for primary tasks during the period of its release. The phone also supports microSDHC cards for additional storage, allowing users to expand memory as needed.

Camera Capabilities

The device hosts a 2MP main camera capable of capturing simple images and videos. While it may not compete with the high-resolution cameras in modern smartphones, it offers fundamental photographic functionalities for users seeking basic photography in a mobile device.

Connectivity Features

The BLU Samba Elite provides basic connectivity options. It supports GSM technology and operates on 2G bands, including GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. For short-range wireless connections, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP is available. However, it lacks WLAN capabilities. The device also includes an FM radio and a miniUSB port for data transfer and charging.

Entertainment and Applications

Despite its status as a feature phone, it supports several entertainment options. Users can download Java games, and the phone has an FM radio for listening to broadcasts. Messaging features include SMS and MMS capabilities, ensuring users can stay connected through text communication.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a removable Li-Ion 750mAh battery, providing up to 140 hours of stand-by time and 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This battery life supports the phone's intended use as a practical communication tool, ensuring users can rely on it throughout a day of regular usage without frequent recharges.

Additional Features

The BLU Samba Elite was available in several vibrant colors: Black, Silver, Grey, Pink, Blue, and Violet, appealing to a broad range of user preferences. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a design choice, and the phone focuses more on functionality and simplicity rather than multimedia consumption.

Market Position and Conclusion

Costing approximately 50 EUR at the time of release, the BLU Samba Elite was positioned as an affordable mobile solution for users seeking basic calling and texting capabilities. Its release during a time when smartphones were becoming increasingly popular points to its target market—consumers who desired access to essential communication features at a lower price point.

In summary, the BLU Samba Elite represents a moment in mobile phone history where feature phones were still relevant and necessary for a specific market segment. While it may not stand up to today's smartphone capabilities, it encapsulates simplicity and practicality—core values that continue to appeal to certain users worldwide.