Samsung A711 Comprehensive Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung A711 presents a classic and compact design reflective of the mid-2000s era, characterized by its sleek dimensions of 98.5 x 51.5 x 17.5 mm and a weight of just 93 grams. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry and handle. The phone was available in two striking colors: black and red, catering to different stylistic preferences. The A711 features a removable battery, giving users the flexibility to replace it rather than being constrained to an all-in-one unit.

Display

Equipped with a 2.3-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, the A711 offers a basic visual experience suitable for essential tasks. Although it may not compare to modern smartphone screens, its resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 174 ppi provide adequate clarity for viewing messages, images, and basic web content.

Camera

The Samsung A711 features a single 2 MP camera on the rear, a standard offering for its time, which supports basic photography needs. Users could also utilize the camera for video recording, albeit with limited resolution. Additionally, the phone includes a front video call camera, enabling users to participate in video calls, a novel feature during its release period.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the A711 comes with 48MB of storage, which might seem minimal by today’s standards but was sufficient for storing contact entries, messages, and a handful of multimedia files in its era. For users needing more space, the device supports microSD cards, allowing storage expansion. The phonebook can accommodate up to 1000 entries, and features like photocall ensure that user photos can be associated with contacts.

Network and Connectivity

Designed to support GSM/HSPA technology, the A711 is compatible with a range of network bands, specifically GSM 900/1800/1900 and 3G HSDPA 850. While it offers relatively slow internet speeds by today's standards, it provides essential connectivity for communication using SMS, MMS, and emails. Although it lacks WLAN, GPS, and radio, it includes Bluetooth for short-range wireless communications and USB 1.1 support for basic data transfers.

Sound and Multimedia

The Samsung A711 is equipped with a loudspeaker and supports a variety of alert types, including vibration and downloadable ringtones in polyphonic and MP3 formats. However, the device does not feature a 3.5mm jack, which limits its compatibility with standard audio accessories. Gaming and video playback are supported within the constraints of the device’s hardware.

Battery Life

The A711 houses a removable battery, an attribute that provides a convenient option for power management, especially useful when traveling without access to charging facilities. This approach allows users to carry spare batteries and swap them as needed, extending the device's usability throughout the day.

Additional Features

On the software side, the Samsung A711 supports basic functionality such as web browsing via WAP 2.0/xHTML, and HTML, providing users with essential online access. It also includes Java MIDP 2.0 support which enables the installation and use of basic Java-based applications, including games. With its WAP browser, users can access the internet, albeit with limitations based on the speed and screen size.

Conclusion

The Samsung A711, discontinued since its initial release in September 2007, remains a testament to the technological strides of its time. With its simplistic yet functional design, it served as a reliable communication tool for users worldwide. While it may not compete with modern smartphones, the A711 still holds a nostalgic place in the evolution of mobile technology, particularly valued for its straightforwardness, expandable storage, and removable battery. This makes it an intriguing relic from the past for technology enthusiasts and collectors alike.