Overview of Samsung A117
The Samsung A117 is a feature phone that was launched in July 2007 and has now been discontinued. As a basic mobile phone, it was mainly aimed at users who needed essential calling and messaging functionalities without the added complexity of modern smartphones. The device is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle during its time. While it does not feature any advanced technology, it adequately fulfilled the needs of a specific segment of mobile phone users.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung A117 featured a simple yet robust design. With dimensions of 86 x 42.5 x 19.5 mm and a weight of just 81 grams, it was known for its portability and convenience. The device utilized a Mini-SIM card and came only in a black color variant. Although the phone sported a compact build, its design made it resilient to the daily rigors of use, which was a significant factor for budget phones of that era.
Display Characteristics
The display on the Samsung A117 was a CSTN type screen capable of showcasing 65,000 colors. While smaller and less vibrant compared to modern displays, it served its purpose for basic operations. The resolution stood at 128 x 160 pixels, which was sufficient for the simple icons and text that the device displayed. The screen size, although not specified, was adequately aligned with the compact dimensions of the phone.
Network and Connectivity
As a basic feature phone, the Samsung A117 supported GSM technology and operated on 2G bands such as GSM 850 and 1900. Connectivity options were minimal, with support for GPRS but no EDGE. The phone did not include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity, forgoing any advanced network options of the time. This simplified connectivity profile made it a practical choice for users in need of uncomplicated mobile services.
Memory and Storage
The phone did not offer a card slot for expandable storage, which was typical for basic models. Users were limited to storing 300 entries in the phonebook. Additionally, the call record capacities included storing up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each. Although minimal by today’s standards, these capacities were usually sufficient for the phone’s target demographic.
Sound and Alert Features
The Samsung A117 did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack. It supported vibrations and downloadable polyphonic ringtones as alert types, which was common in feature phones at the time. The absence of a comprehensive sound system underscored its focus on essential communication features rather than multimedia functionalities.
Battery Performance
The device housed a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, which delivered a standby time of up to 250 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours. Given its minimalistic functions, the battery life was adequate and reliable for a typical day’s use. Removable batteries were a standard feature at the time, allowing users to easily replace them if necessary.
Additional Features and User Experience
The Samsung A117 offered basic SMS messaging functionality as the primary form of communication outside of calling. Its preloaded games provided simple entertainment options. The phone did not support Java or internet browsing capabilities, reinforcing its role as a straightforward communication device. Despite its limited feature set, it was adequate for users who prioritized calls and text messaging over advanced smartphone functionalities.
Launch and Market Position
Announced in July 2007, the Samsung A117 was part of the company’s effort to cater to consumers seeking straightforward mobile solutions. Priced at approximately 40 euros, it was positioned as an affordable choice for budget-conscious buyers or as a backup phone. The model has been discontinued, but during its time, it served a significant niche in the mobile phone market.
Conclusion
The Samsung A117 stands as a testament to the era of straightforward mobile communications. Although lacking in features that modern smartphones possess, it fulfilled the essential needs of users during its time. Compact, reliable, and easy to use, it was appreciated for these virtues by its users. Although technology has since made such models obsolete, they remain an important milestone in the evolution of mobile devices.
Key Features of Samsung A117
- GSM Technology support
- Compact and lightweight design (81 g)
- CSTN display with 65K colors
- Phonebook capacity of 300 entries
- Removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery
- Stand-by time up to 250 hours
- Talk time up to 5 hours
- Available in Black color
- Vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones
- Support for basic SMS messaging
- Affordable pricing (around 40 EUR)
Samsung A117 Main Drawbacks
- Supports only GSM technology; no 3G or 4G network support.
- No EDGE connectivity; limited to GPRS for data.
- Discontinued model; not available for purchase.
- Display type CSTN with limited 65K colors and low resolution (128 x 160 pixels).
- No expandable memory card slot.
- Limited phonebook capacity with only 300 entries.
- No camera is present in this model.
- Lack of a loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack.
- No Bluetooth or WLAN connectivity options.
- No GPS or radio functionality available.
- No USB port for data transfer or charging.
- Lacks a browser and Java support for additional applications.
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