Samsung Armani Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung Armani

The Samsung Armani, also known as the Samsung SGH-P520, represents a unique collaboration between Samsung Electronics and the luxury fashion brand Giorgio Armani. Introduced in 2007, this mobile device stood out in the market primarily due to its exclusive design, which appealed to fashion-conscious consumers looking for a stylish alternative to the conventional mobile phones of that era. The Samsung Armani was not just an aesthetic marvel but also packed a decent set of features for its time, embedding fashion with functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Armani's most striking feature was its luxurious and tactile design. With dimensions of 87.5 x 54.5 x 10.5 mm and a weight of around 85 grams, it was sleek and compact, fitting easily into a pocket or handbag. The device sported a TFT resistive touchscreen with 256K colors, which was quite advanced for its time, especially in a world that was just beginning to explore touchscreen technology. The black finish added to its elegance, making it a perfect accessory for any Giorgio Armani enthusiast.

Display Features

The Samsung Armani featured a 2.6-inch display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, offering a reasonable pixel density of around 154 ppi. Although these specs might sound modest by today’s standards, the display delivered vibrant colors and was sufficient for viewing photos and browsing through menus. The touchscreen interface, a standout feature at the time, allowed users to interact with the device using simple taps and gestures.

Performance and Hardware

As a feature phone, the Samsung Armani did not rely on smartphones' complex operating systems or processors. It came equipped with 60MB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a dedicated microSD slot, thereby enhancing its storage capabilities for music and photos. The phonebook could store up to 1000 entries, acknowledging the needs of users with a vast network of contacts. The device also recorded call logs, keeping track of 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Armani was equipped with a single 3.15 MP main camera capable of shooting CIF quality videos. While it lacked the advanced camera features seen in modern smartphones, it offered a sufficient resolution for capturing memorable moments and was an attractive feature for a phone primarily focused on design over functionality.

Audio and Connectivity

In terms of audio, the Samsung Armani provided polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, though it did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a downside for those who preferred using wired headphones. However, the device did support Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, allowing users to connect wireless audio accessories for a better audio experience.

Network and Communication

The Samsung Armani operated on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands – GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, making it suitable for use in various global regions. It supported GPRS Class 10 and EDGE, allowing for basic mobile internet browsing, email, and MMS capabilities. Messaging was facilitated through standard SMS and MMS functionalities, alongside email support, though the browsing experience was limited to the WAP 2.0/xHTML browser.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 880 mAh battery, providing up to 220 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. While these figures may seem modest, they were more than adequate for a feature phone, ensuring all-day constant use without frequent recharging.

Additional Features

The Samsung Armani included various additional features such as downloadable games, Java MIDP 2.0 support, and basic sensors that were standard for phones of that era. However, it lacked modern smartphone capabilities such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and a radio, maintaining its status as a design-centric device rather than a feature-rich smartphone.

Conclusion

The Samsung Armani remains a memorable artifact from an era when mobile devices were as much about style as they were about connectivity. It combined the luxury and elegance of Giorgio Armani's fashion with Samsung's technological prowess, making it a desirable piece for collectors and enthusiasts of tech-fashion collaborations. Despite its limited functionality by today's smartphone standards, the Samsung Armani reflected an era where design innovation was a key differentiator in the mobile phone market.