Samsung ATIV S Neo Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Samsung ATIV S Neo

The Samsung ATIV S Neo is a smartphone that was officially announced in June 2013 and released in August of the same year. Although it has since been discontinued, the device marked a significant point in Samsung's foray into the world of Windows Phone operating systems. It boasts a range of features designed for those who appreciated Microsoft's approach to mobile technology during that era. This article provides an in-depth look at the ATIV S Neo's specifications, features, and overall performance.

Design and Build

The ATIV S Neo displays a practical design with a 135.4 x 69.1 x 9.1 mm profile, fitting comfortably in the hand with a weight of 144 grams. Its svelte 9.1 mm thickness offered a compact yet sturdy feel for users. The device was available in a classic gray color, providing a professional aesthetic that appealed to business users and mobile enthusiasts alike. Featuring a standard SIM slot, the phone supported a wide array of network technologies.

Display Features

The smartphone is equipped with a 4.77-inch TFT display, providing a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 308 ppi, it delivered crisp visuals at a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen-to-body ratio stood at around 67%, which ensured a good amount of screen space for a device of its time, making it suitable for viewing multimedia content and executing everyday tasks seamlessly.

Performance and Hardware

Underpinning the operation of the ATIV S Neo was the Dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait processor, which worked efficiently alongside 1GB of RAM. While these might seem modest by today's standards, during its release, they provided a capable and smooth performance for most applications on the Microsoft Windows Phone 8 OS. Users benefited from 16GB of internal storage, which was expandable via the dedicated microSDXC slot, giving them flexibility for additional storage needs.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the ATIV S Neo included an 8 MP autofocus main camera. It came with features such as LED flash and HDR capabilities, allowing users to capture decent photos in various lighting conditions. Video recording was also supported. For selfies and video calls, the phone was equipped with a 1.2 MP front camera. Although basic, the camera system was aligned with typical offerings for mid-range devices at that time.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, which was quite standard for smartphones during its release. It offered a standby time of up to 330 hours on 3G networks and a talk time of up to 15 hours, also on 3G. For music lovers, the device could deliver up to 70 hours of playtime. The removable nature of the battery gave users the convenience of replacing it if needed, enhancing the device's longevity.

Connectivity Options

Samsung ensured that the ATIV S Neo was equipped with a versatile range of connectivity options. It supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth, NFC, and microUSB 2.0 connectivity, making it practical for both personal and business uses. The inclusion of GPS allowed for reliable positioning and navigation. It is important to note that while NFC was a standout feature at the time, the device did not support FM radio.

Network and Communication

This smartphone was compatible with a wide span of networks, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE – the latter available through the 4G band 25. It supported high-speed data transfers, with speeds up to EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, alongside HSPA and LTE capabilities which ensured consistent connectivity across regions and networks. This wide compatibility made the device versatile and attractive for global use.

Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the ATIV S Neo contained an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which were integral for utilities like screen orientation and saving power during calls. Although the software ecosystem for Windows Phone was not as expansive as its competitors, it nevertheless offered unique features that made the platform attractive for certain types of users, like seamless integration with Microsoft services.

Conclusion

Despite being discontinued, the Samsung ATIV S Neo remains an interesting piece of technology history, reflecting Samsung's efforts to diversify its portfolio beyond Android devices. Its design, coupled with the Windows Phone OS, served a niche but dedicated market segment. With decent specifications for its time, including a reliable camera, robust connectivity options, and expandable storage, it provided ample functionality that catered to both everyday users and professionals.