Unveiling the Samsung A697 Sunburst Specs Prices & More

Overview

The Samsung A697 Sunburst is a vintage smartphone introduced in March 2010. Known for its pocket-friendly design and basic functionalities, the device was targeted at users who needed a simple yet effective feature phone. The phone's design and features were in line with the expectations of mobile devices at the time, bridging the gap between basic phones and the burgeoning smartphone market.

Design & Build

With dimensions of 101 x 52.8 x 13 mm and a weight of 87.3 grams, the Samsung A697 Sunburst has a compact and lightweight structure. This makes it convenient to use single-handedly and easy to carry around. The phone flaunts a sleek design with a black finish that was quite trendy during its release.

Display

The device is fitted with a 3.0-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, offering a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels. The display, although not the sharpest with approximately 155 ppi pixel density, was sufficient for basic tasks. Its screen-to-body ratio of 48% provided a reasonable viewing area for a feature phone of its era.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP rear camera, the Samsung A697 Sunburst is not meant for high-end photography. However, its camera suffices for basic photo-taking needs. The phone also supports video recording, adding a layer of utility for capturing simple moments. The absence of a selfie camera was expected as the focus was more on core functionalities than on multimedia capabilities.

Performance & Hardware

Although specific details about the processor and RAM are not well-documented, it's clear that the device was built to handle fundamental mobile tasks like calling, texting, and basic web browsing. Its feature phone operating system is streamlined for efficiency rather than resource-intensive applications.

Memory & Storage

The phone comes with 190 MB of internal storage, adequate for storing contacts, messages, and some downloaded content. It supports microSDHC cards, allowing users to expand storage for additional media files and applications, enhancing its capabilities as a feature phone.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, which offers up to 250 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. This was relatively standard for devices of its class, offering sufficient power to last through daily use on a single charge. The removable nature of the battery also allows users to carry a spare, handy for extensive travel without charging options.

Connectivity & Network

The Samsung A697 supports GSM technology with 2G bands covering GSM 850/900/1800/1900. Network connectivity includes GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10, ensuring basic internet connectivity for web browsing and emailing. The phone also supports Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, allowing for wireless connectivity with other devices. However, the absence of WLAN and FM radio underscores its position as a feature phone.

Software & Features

The phone runs on a feature phone OS, designed for efficiency and ease of use. It includes basic applications and supports Java MIDP 2.0, allowing the download and installation of additional lightweight applications and games. The phone supports SMS, MMS, and Email messaging formats, catering to basic communication needs. The presence of an accelerometer highlights minor but notable innovations for navigation and gaming purposes.

Miscellaneous Features

Additional features of the Samsung A697 Sunburst include microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. The phone does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, a decision that was becoming increasingly common in phones starting to move towards wireless solutions. With a single loudspeaker available, audio output quality is basic yet reliable for personal use.

Price & Availability

At launch, the Samsung A697 Sunburst was priced at approximately 120 EUR. By today's standards, the phone is considered discontinued and falls within the collectible category for enthusiasts of vintage mobile technology.

Conclusion

The Samsung A697 Sunburst represents an era when mobile devices were transitioning from being simple communication tools to becoming smart personal assistants. While it lacks the sophisticated features and processing power of modern smartphones, it served its purpose well as an entry-level device for users seeking reliable communication and basic multimedia functionalities. As a feature phone, its success lies in its simplicity, form factor, and battery life, resonating with users looking for minimalistic and straightforward mobile experience.