Samsung A717 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Samsung A717

The Samsung A717 was introduced as a sleek and compact feature phone in 2007, capturing the essence of early mobile technology during its era. Despite being discontinued, its simplistic design and utility have been appreciated by many. In this article, we will cover various aspects of the phone including its design, technical specifications, user interface, and overall performance.

Design

The Samsung A717 featured a clamshell design, popular among mobile phones in the mid-2000s. Its dimensions are 104 x 54 x 12.7 mm, making it compact and easy to carry. Weighing just 93 grams, it offered a lightweight experience for the user. With the black color variant available, the phone had a classic and professional appeal.

Display

Equipped with a TFT display capable of showing 256,000 colors, the screen resolution stands at 240 x 320 pixels, in a 4:3 aspect ratio. While not extremely advanced by modern standards, the display was adequate for the primary functions of the phone, providing clarity for text and basic images.

Camera

The Samsung A717 included a single 2 MP rear camera with auto-focus capabilities. Although minimalistic, it provided satisfactory image quality for casual photography during the time it was released. Video recording was also possible, albeit at a basic level given the technological limits of that era.

Connectivity

This phone supported GSM and HSPA technologies, covering bands GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 850/1900. It enabled users to stay connected with a connection speed of HSPA 1.8 Mbps, which was particularly useful for basic internet browsing and email services.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the Samsung A717 was 26 MB, which could be expanded using a dedicated microSD slot. While this may seem minuscule by current standards, the phone's primary goal was functionality over media storage. Additionally, the phonebook supported up to 1000 entries with photocall capabilities, and it could record 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls.

Battery Life

Powered by a 1000 mAh removable Li-Ion battery, the phone could stand by for up to 250 hours and offered a talk time of up to 4 hours. Such performance was typical for feature phones of that time, allowing several days of moderate use without the need for a recharge.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung A717 operated on a proprietary feature phone OS, characterized by its straightforward and intuitive menu system. It supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email messaging services. For internet access, a basic WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML (NetFront 3.3) browser was available. It also included Java support (MIDP 2.0) for running simple applications and games.

Audio and Multimedia

The device was equipped with vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, although it lacked a loudspeaker and 3.5mm jack, limiting its audio connectivity. Music and multimedia experiences were therefore relatively basic.

Connectivity and Features

For wireless connectivity, the phone supported Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for transferring data to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, the lack of WLAN and positioning features like GPS and radio were significant limitations. USB 2.0 support provided a means to connect to computers and other devices for data exchange and charging.

Pricing and Market Position

At its launch, the Samsung A717 was priced at approximately 80 EUR. Aimed at users who required a reliable communication device, it was positioned in the market as an affordable, entry-level phone that delivered on essentials without additional frills.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Samsung A717 encapsulated the core functionality that defined the feature phone era. Its simple design, basic computing power, and essential multimedia features made it a viable choice for many users during its time. While the phone is now considered obsolete, its contribution to mobile phone development during the late 2000s is undeniable, serving as a stepping stone to the more advanced smartphones we use today.