Samsung A517 Uncovered Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview and Introduction

The Samsung A517 was a popular feature phone released in the year 2007. Known for its compact design and basic functionality, it served as a reliable communication device for users seeking simplicity without the complexities of modern smartphones. The device came with a set of fundamental features that were suitable for users during that time, providing essential communication capabilities and basic multimedia functionality.

Design and Build

The Samsung A517 featured a compact and lightweight design, measuring 95 x 48 x 16 mm and weighing only 82 grams. This made it highly portable and easy to carry around in pockets or small bags. Its exterior was minimalistic, with a black color finish that gave it a sleek and professional look. The device used a Mini-SIM card and had a simple yet functional design suited to its role as a feature phone.

Display

The A517 was equipped with a TFT display capable of showing up to 256K colors. The screen resolution of 176 x 220 pixels provided clarity sufficient for basic use cases such as viewing text messages and contact lists. Despite not having advanced display technologies like modern smartphones, it was adequate for the time when vibrant multimedia experiences were considered a luxury rather than a necessity.

Camera Capabilities

The phone featured a 1.3 MP main camera, which was standard for feature phones of its time. While not designed for high-resolution photography, it was capable of capturing basic images suitable for casual use. The camera could also record video in QCIF resolution, allowing for the creation of short video clips. There was no front-facing camera, as selfie culture had not yet become prevalent.

Battery Life

One of the strengths of the Samsung A517 was its battery life. The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, which offered a standby time of up to 250 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. This level of battery endurance was significant for feature phones, ensuring that users could go longer between charges—an essential feature for those who needed a reliable device for calls and messages throughout the day.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung A517 operated on GSM technology and supported 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900), making it compatible with networks across numerous regions. For data services, it supported GPRS and EDGE Class 10. However, the phone did not have WLAN capabilities or advanced network connectivity options like 3G or 4G, which were not widely available at the time it was launched.

Memory and Storage

The device featured a dedicated microSD card slot that allowed users to expand the phone's memory beyond its internal limitations. It could support phonebook storage of up to 1000 entries and maintained call records including 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls. Although the phone's internal resources were limited by today's standards, its expandable storage provided flexibility for users to store additional content.

Sound and Alerts

The Samsung A517 was equipped with a loudspeaker and supported a variety of alert types including vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, it did not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on Bluetooth or proprietary connections for audio accessories. The sound capabilities were tailored to the phone's primary purpose as a communication device.

Communication and Features

Beyond basic telephony, the A517 supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messaging, which were sufficient for standard communication needs. It included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic web access, though the browsing experience on a feature phone was limited. Pre-installed games and Java compatibility allowed users to engage in simple entertainment, fitting the device's aim to provide essential features without excess.

Conclusion

Released at a time when feature phones dominated the mobile landscape, the Samsung A517 exemplified the balance between functionality and simplicity. It served its audience with fundamental communication features, a reliable battery, and a practical design. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a notable example of mobile technology from this era, revered for its durability and ease of use for those who experienced it during its heyday.