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Samsung A637 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2008, October
Camera
1.3MP
Battery
800mAh
Screen
1.9"
Storage
50MB , microSDHC slot
Operating System
Feature phone

Overview

The Samsung A637 is a feature phone that was announced in October 2008 and has been discontinued since. It served as a basic mobile communication device, suited for users looking for simple telephony features rather than advanced smartphone functionalities. With a design focused on usability and essential communication needs, the Samsung A637 occupies a niche market for users interested in reliable, straightforward technology.

Design and Build

The Samsung A637 comes with a compact and lightweight body, measuring 86 x 43 x 20 mm and weighing just 92 grams. The device sports a classic candy bar design with a physical keypad, which was a common feature among phones of that era. The phone supports a Mini-SIM card and is available in a classic white color. Despite its simplicity, the physical build quality is robust, ensuring durability under typical usage conditions.

Display

The phone features a 1.9-inch TFT display that supports up to 256K colors. The screen resolution stands at 144 x 176 pixels, translating to roughly 120 pixels per inch density. Though modest by modern standards, the display is functional enough for navigating menus, sending messages, and making calls. Given its intended purpose as a feature phone, the screen performs adequately within its capabilities.

Camera

The Samsung A637 is equipped with a single rear camera rated at 1.3 megapixels. While it doesn't compare to contemporary smartphone cameras, it provides basic photo and video capture capabilities, sufficient for occasional photography needs. It’s worth noting that the phone does not include a front-facing selfie camera, a reflection of its focus on essential tasks rather than multimedia prowess.

Network and Connectivity

The device operates on both GSM and UMTS networks, supporting 2G and 3G bands for broader connectivity options. It includes support for GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and UMTS 850 / 1900 bands, offering decent coverage for users in compatible areas. The maximum data speed achievable on this phone is 384 kbps, adequate for basic browsing and email functionalities.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung A637 offers a limited storage capacity of 50MB, tailored for storing contacts, messages, and minimal additional data. However, it comes with a dedicated microSDHC card slot for expanded storage, enabling users to store more media and applications as required. The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries and supports photocall features, while call records can retain the last 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Audio and Media

In terms of audio output, the device lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, which may limit options for private listening. Nevertheless, it supports Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, allowing compatible wireless headphones and speakers to be used. The absence of FM radio and in-built media features further highlights the device’s primary function as a communication tool rather than a multimedia hub.

Battery Life

The Samsung A637 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. It yields up to 350 hours of standby time and offers up to 4 hours of talk time. This battery life is fairly standard for feature phones and should suffice for daily communication needs without requiring frequent recharging.

Additional Features

Although lacking many advanced smartphone attributes, the Samsung A637 does offer features like SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messaging capabilities. It also includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for simple internet tasks. Java MIDP 2.0 support allows for the installation of basic Java-based applications and games, enhancing the device’s functionality somewhat for users seeking more than just basic phone operations.

Conclusion

The Samsung A637 stands as a testament to the era of transition in mobile technology, bridging basic feature phones and emerging smartphones. It fulfilled the core communication requirements of its time and catered to users seeking simplicity, durability, and practicality in their mobile devices. Despite being discontinued, it represents an important phase in mobile communications history. For professionals, collectors, or anyone nostalgic about classic mobile phones, the A637 exemplifies many of the key traits that defined mobile technology in the late 2000s.

Key Features of Samsung A637

  • Supports GSM and UMTS networks, ensuring broader compatibility.
  • Compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 86 x 43 x 20 mm and a weight of 92 g.
  • 1.9-inch TFT display with 256K colors for a vibrant visual experience.
  • Expandable memory via microSDHC card slot, supporting more storage.
  • 1.3 MP main camera with video recording capability.
  • Offers Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless connectivity.
  • Includes various messaging options: SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email.
  • Java support, enabling access to additional downloadable content.
  • Reasonable battery life with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery providing up to 350 hours of standby and up to 4 hours of talk time.

Disadvantages of Samsung A637

  • Outdated Network Technology: Supports only GSM/UMTS with no 4G or 5G capability.
  • Low Screen Resolution: The display resolution is only 144 x 176 pixels with a 120 ppi density, which is quite low.
  • Small Display: Screen size is only 1.9 inches, which might not be suitable for media consumption.
  • Limited Internal Storage: Offers only 50MB of internal memory, which may require frequent use of a microSDHC card.
  • Inadequate Camera: Main camera is 1.3 MP without advanced features; no selfie camera available.
  • No Loudspeaker or 3.5mm Audio Jack: Limited sound options without external accessories.
  • Lack of Modern Communication Features: No WLAN, no positioning, or radio capabilities.
  • Proprietary USB Connection: Does not support standard USB connections, requiring specific cables.
  • Basic Battery Capacity: Comes with an 800 mAh battery, providing limited usage time.
  • Discontinued Model: This model has been discontinued, impacting availability and support.
Network
Technology GSM / UMTS
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands UMTS 850 / 1900
Speed Yes, 384 kbps
Launch
Announced 2008, October
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 86 x 43 x 20 mm (3.39 x 1.69 x 0.79 in)
Weight 92 g (3.25 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT, 256K colors
Size 1.9 inches, 11.4 cm2 (~30.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 144 x 176 pixels (~120 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Phonebook 1000 entries, Photocall
Call records 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls
Internal 50MB
Main Camera
Single 1.3 MP
Video Yes
Selfie camera
Sound
Loudspeaker No
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN No
Bluetooth 2.0, A2DP
Positioning No
Radio No
USB Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Games Yes + Downloadable
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 350 h
Talk time Up to 4 h
Misc
Colors White
SAR 1.28 W/kg (head)     0.60 W/kg (body)
Price About 80 EUR

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