Samsung A886 Forever Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing & Performance

Introduction to Samsung A886 Forever

The Samsung A886 Forever was a feature phone introduced in December 2009. During its time, it was a representation of simplicity combined with essential communication capabilities. This device appealed to users who valued straightforward functionality over complex smartphone features.

Design and Build

The Samsung A886 Forever sported a compact design with dimensions measuring 109.2 x 52.3 x 12.6 mm, making it comfortably handy for users. Weighing in at only 94 grams, it was remarkably lightweight, allowing easy portability. The phone utilized a Mini-SIM and featured a traditional resistive touchscreen with a TFT display capable of showcasing 256K colors. The device came exclusively in a sleek black color.

Display Specifications

The handset featured a modest 3.0-inch screen with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels. This configuration provided a pixel density of approximately 155 ppi. While not comparable to the high-definition displays we're accustomed to today, back then, it catered well to basic multimedia and navigation needs.

Camera Features

Armed with a 2 MP camera with autofocus, the Samsung A886 Forever allowed users to capture pictures and videos. The lack of a front-facing or selfie camera indicates its focus on basic photography rather than engaging in video calls or selfies.

Audio and Sound

The device came with a built-in loudspeaker but lacked a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which was somewhat unconventional even for its time. This limitation might have made audio listening through third-party devices a bit challenging unless supported accessories were used.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity on the A886 Forever included Bluetooth version 2.1 with A2DP support, allowing wireless communication with other devices. Wired connections relied on a microUSB 2.0 port. Notably, the phone did not include WLAN support, GPS, or FM Radio, emphasizing its fundamental nature.

Network Capabilities

Samsung A886 Forever was equipped to handle both GSM and HSPA networks. The GSM band support (850/900/1800/1900) provided significant network accessibility, making it a reliable travel companion in areas with GSM coverage. Its ability to operate on 3G bands (HSDPA 850/1900) and data speed of up to 3.6 Mbps made it relatively efficient for its era.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, with stand-by time lasting up to 250 hours and talk time up to 3 hours. Although these figures may seem low by current standards, they were quite standard for feature phones of that period.

Storage and Memory

Internally, the A886 Forever came with 72MB of storage. However, users had the option to expand storage via a microSDHC card slot. The phonebook could store up to 2000 contacts, and it also logged call records for dialed, received, and missed calls, offering substantial storage for communication data.

Software and Usability

Operating on a feature phone platform, the A886 Forever was built for straightforward use. It offered basic messaging capabilities including SMS, MMS, and email. The WAP 2.0/xHTML, and HTML browser support allowed for limited internet browsing. Java support provided some level of application functionality, enabling users to download games and apps compatible with the MIDP 2.0 profile.

Additional Features

The inclusion of an accelerometer marked a step towards sensor-enabled operations, though usage in feature phones would have been quite basic. The lack of advanced features such as NFC, IR, or modern-day smartphone sensors defines its status as a simple communication device.

Price and Availability

The Samsung A886 Forever was priced at approximately 120 EUR upon release. As a discontinued model today, it may be considered more of a collector's item rather than a usable everyday phone in the current tech landscape.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung A886 Forever was emblematic of the transitional phase of mobile phones during the late 2000s—a period when feature phones began integrating more touchscreen capabilities while still holding on to the rudimentary aspects of mobile communication. Its design simplicity and essential functionalities served well for users at the time, although it would now seem incredibly basic compared to modern smartphones.