Unveiling Samsung ATIV SE Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung ATIV SE

The Samsung ATIV SE, released in April 2014, was a part of Samsung's effort to diversify its smartphone offerings by tapping into the Windows Phone market. This device combined Samsung's hardware expertise with Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system. Even though the device has been discontinued, it remains a reflection of the technological aspirations of its time, particularly for those who preferred the Windows platform.

Hardware Specifications

Design and Build

The Samsung ATIV SE features a sleek design with dimensions of 137.7 x 69.9 x 8.4 mm and a weight of 135.8 grams. Its slim profile and lightweight structure made it very ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The body, constructed with high-quality materials, had a professional appeal, further complemented by a micro-SIM slot.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0 inch AMOLED display, the ATIV SE boasts a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, ensuring vivid colors and sharp visuals on its screen. The screen-to-body ratio stands at an impressive 71.6%, offering great usability without excess bulk. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the display is resilient to scratches and minor impacts, providing durability for everyday use.

Camera

The device features a 13 MP main camera with autofocus and LED flash to capture clear, detailed images in various lighting conditions. It supports video recording capabilities that meet the needs of casual videographers. The 2 MP front selfie camera offers decent quality for video calls and selfies, supporting 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Performance

Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 chipset with a quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 processor, the ATIV SE delivers reliable and smooth performance suitable for multitasking and running demanding applications. The Adreno 330 GPU supports graphics-intensive tasks and games, albeit within the constraints of the time of its release.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 16GB of internal storage and 2GB RAM, catering well to the needs of typical smartphone users of its era. For those requiring more space, it provided a microSDXC card slot for expandable storage, accommodating additional data and apps effortlessly.

Battery Life

The Samsung ATIV SE is powered by a 2600 mAh removable Li-Ion battery. It offers up to 480 hours of standby time, 20 hours of talk time, and up to 83 hours of music play, making it a dependable companion for daily use without frequent charging.

Software Features

Operating System

The Samsung ATIV SE runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to Windows Phone 8.1. This operating system offers a fluid user experience, characterized by its intuitive tile interface. The OS was designed to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft's suite of services, such as Outlook and OneDrive, providing an enticing ecosystem for those invested in Microsoft products.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the device supports multiple technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring broad compatibility with various network standards. It offers Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS positioning, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer. However, it lacks NFC and radio support.

Unique Selling Points

Samsung ATIV SE was notable for being one of the few Samsung devices to run the Windows Phone OS, combining Samsung's robust hardware design with Microsoft's unique operating system. It provides a distinct option for consumers seeking alternatives to the pervasive Android and iOS platforms of the time.

Final Thoughts

Though the Samsung ATIV SE is discontinued, its contribution to the diversity of smartphone ecosystems remains significant. It was a blend of solid engineering and software innovation, capturing the interests of a niche market. Despite its limitations, such as lack of modern connectivity features like NFC, it served its purpose well during its prime years and remains a celebrated option among Windows Phone enthusiasts.