Unlocking Samsung A687 Strive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung A687 Strive

The Samsung A687 Strive is a mobile phone model released by Samsung in March 2010. As a member of the feature phone category, it was designed to offer essential mobile features with a touch of convenience for messaging and fundamental internet usage. The device came into the market with distinct features and specifications targeted at the mid-range segment, catering to consumers looking for a cost-effective and reliable mobile device. Although it has been discontinued, the Samsung A687 Strive remains notable for its contributions to mobile phone design and functionality during its time.

Network Capabilities

The Samsung A687 Strive was equipped to support GSM and HSPA network technologies, ensuring users could access voice and basic data services over a wide coverage area. The phone supported 2G GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) bands, as well as 3G HSDPA (850 / 1900) bands. This allowed for improved call quality and moderately fast data speeds up to 384 kbps, making it suitable for standard browsing and email use when 3G services were available.

Design and Build

Featuring a compact and practical design, the Samsung A687 Strive measured 105.9 x 58.9 x 14.6 mm and weighed 113.1 g. The device was particularly notable for its QWERTY keyboard, which was a major advantage for users who prioritized messaging. This physical keyboard enhanced typing accuracy and speed compared to typical numerical keypads. The phone's build was robust, fitting comfortably in hand with its Mini-SIM support and classic features that included a resistive touchscreen for basic navigation.

Display

The phone came with a 2.6-inch TFT resistive touchscreen that displayed 256K colors with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This offered users a decent visual interface for navigating menus and viewing content. The screen had a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 33.6% and a pixel density of around 154 ppi, which was standard for phones in this category at the time.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung A687 Strive offered internal storage of 80MB, which could be expanded using a dedicated microSDHC slot. This was useful for storing contacts, messages, and media files, coupled with a phonebook capacity accommodating up to 1000 entries with photocall capabilities. Users could keep track of communication through detailed call records logging 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP main camera, the Samsung A687 Strive allowed users to capture photos and videos, although at a basic quality level typical of feature phones. While it could not compete with the burgeoning smartphone cameras of the time, it was sufficient for capturing spontaneous moments and sharing low-resolution images.

Sound and Audio

The phone supported a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback but lacked a 3.5mm audio jack. This meant that users needed to use Bluetooth or compatible USB devices for private listening experiences.

Connectivity Options

The Samsung A687 Strive provided several connectivity options, albeit limited compared to modern standards. It lacked Wi-Fi capability but supported Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless file transfers and audio streaming. For location services, the phone featured A-GPS with AT&T Navigator support for basic navigation needs. A microUSB 2.0 port was available for charging and data transfer, reflecting typical connectivity standards of its time.

Additional Features

The device included various features like SMS, MMS, and Email messaging capabilities. Its browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML for fundamental internet browsing. The phone supported Java MIDP 2.0, allowing users to play built-in games and download additional ones to enhance entertainment options. Despite its limited sensor capabilities, the phone managed to fulfill basic communication and entertainment needs efficiently.

Battery Life

The Samsung A687 Strive was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery. It offered a maximum stand-by time of up to 250 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. While modest by today's standards, the battery life was sufficient for day-long usage, focusing on communication tasks and light internet usage.

Miscellaneous Aspects

Available in classic black, the Samsung A687 Strive adhered to a sleek and professional aesthetic. Its Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.71 W/kg (head) ensured it met safety standards for mobile devices. The phone was priced at approximately 100 EUR at launch, offering an affordable option for users seeking reliable mobile communication solutions without the complexities and costs of contemporary smartphones.

Conclusion

The Samsung A687 Strive is a classic example of a feature phone that balanced functionality with affordability. While lacking the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, it delivered reliable performance for communication, essential web access, and personal organization. Its user-friendly design, physical keyboard, and practical set of features made it an appealing option for users in 2010 and a nostalgic model worth remembering in today's smartphone era.