Samsung A400 Complete Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung A400

The Samsung A400 was a notable entry in the early 2000s feature phone market. Announced in the fourth quarter of 2001, it represented a modest yet essential piece of technology tailored for consumers who desired basic communication functionalities. Despite its discontinuation, the A400 holds a particular place in tech history as one of Samsung's early ventures into mobile handsets, providing basic functionality without the frills and complexities of modern smartphones.

Network Technology

The Samsung A400 operated on GSM technology, specifically designed for 2G networks. Supporting GSM 900/1800 bands, the device was catered primarily for European and Asian markets where these frequencies were commonly used. However, it did not include advanced data services like GPRS or EDGE, emphasizing its role in voice communication rather than data-centric applications.

Design and Build

With dimensions measuring 70 x 48 x 20 mm and weighing just 80 grams, the A400 was compact and ergonomically designed for easy handling and portability. It supported a Mini-SIM configuration and boasted a robust build quality typical of early mobile devices. The form factor represented the classic feature phone design prevalent at that time, with a numeric keypad and a small monochrome display.

Display Features

The Samsung A400 was equipped with a grayscale graphic display capable of four shades. Sporting a resolution of 128 x 96 pixels and supporting six lines of text, the display was functional for its time, suitable for reading SMS messages and viewing basic menu options. However, it was not designed for multimedia content which was not a priority in early 2000s mobile communication.

Memory and Contact Management

The device did not include an expandable memory card slot. However, it managed to provide essential storage for phonebook entries with a capacity of up to 100 contacts, divided into five distinct contact groups. Additionally, it stored call records featuring 10 dialed calls, 10 received calls, and 10 missed calls, ensuring users could manage their communication sources effectively within the given constraints.

Audio and Alerts

The A400 was designed without a loudspeaker or 3.5mm audio jack, which was typical for mobile devices during this period. Nevertheless, it featured a basic monophonic ringtone system and was equipped with a composer for users to create custom ringtones. Vibrational alerts were also supported, providing users with silent notification options.

Connectivity and Communication

Not intended for complex data connectivity, the Samsung A400 lacked features such as WLAN or Bluetooth. It did, however, include an infrared port, which at the time was a valuable tool for data exchange between devices. Unfortunately, there was no radio or USB connectivity available with this model.

Functional Features

Beyond basic calling and SMS, the A400 incorporated a few additional functionalities that enriched the user experience. It supported WAP 1.1 browsing, allowing very limited internet access for informational purposes. The phone came with pre-installed games, an alarm, and a clock, rounding off its utility features nicely. Yet, it did not support Java-based applications, emphasizing its status as a feature phone.

Battery and Power Management

Powered by a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 650mAh, the Samsung A400 provided a standby time of approximately 70 hours and a talk time of up to 2.5 hours. This battery performance was sufficient for regular use given the phone’s limited feature set, which consumed less power compared to modern smartphones.

Conclusion

The Samsung A400 epitomizes the early phase of mobile technology evolution, where devices were designed to facilitate basic communication and text-based information sharing. While its hardware and features may seem antiquated by today’s standards, the A400, with its uncomplicated form and function, served its target market effectively. It offered essential mobile telephony functions at a time when consumers were only beginning to explore the possibilities of mobile communication. Its legacy lies not in cutting-edge innovation but in representing a fundamental step in the mobile phone journey which has since become a cornerstone of modern connectivity.