Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT Specs Pricing & Review

Introduction to Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT

The Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT was a unique offering from Samsung, introduced in September 2009. Aimed primarily at young, tech-savvy consumers, the phone catered to a generation that appreciated the convenience of a QWERTY keyboard for messaging. Although now discontinued, the CorbyTXT was a notable mention in the feature phone segment, providing the essential functionalities of its time with a focus on communication.

Design and Build

The Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT was designed with a youthful aesthetic in mind. It sported dimensions of 112 x 59.6 x 12.9 mm, making it a compact and portable device. Weighing only 94 grams, it was lightweight enough for comfortable hand-held use. The device featured a QWERTY keyboard which facilitated ease in typing, especially for text messaging, emails, and instant messaging applications. The phone was built using durable plastic materials, ensuring a robust feel while the overall design was targeted towards a trend-conscious audience.

Display

The CorbyTXT had a 2.2-inch TFT display that could show up to 256,000 colors. With a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels, the screen provided decent clarity suitable for the basic functions associated with feature phones at the time. While it may not compare to modern smartphone displays in terms of size or resolution, it was sufficient for reading messages, viewing photos, and navigating the menu system.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP camera, the Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT allowed users to capture simple images and record videos. Although it doesn't match today's smartphone camera standards, back in 2009, having a 2 MP camera on a feature phone was satisfactory for capturing spontaneous moments and sharing them with friends or uploading to social media, particularly given the modest hardware.

Performance

As a feature phone, the CorbyTXT wasn't expected to handle resource-intensive applications. It was built for efficiency and simplicity, focusing on communication rather than multimedia or gaming capabilities. The phone's internal storage capacity was 40MB, but it provided a microSDHC card slot, enabling users to expand the storage to accommodate more music, images, or other data. It efficiently managed essential tasks such as messaging, calls, and basic web browsing with its WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browser.

Battery Life

The CorbyTXT was powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, which offered substantial battery life by the standards of feature phones. Users could expect up to 390 hours of standby time or up to 7.5 hours of talk time. Such battery performance made the phone reliable for daily use without the frequent need for recharging, aligning with the requirement for a device primarily used for communication.

Connectivity

Focusing on connectivity, the CorbyTXT supported GSM technology across 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900). It featured GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10 for data connectivity. Although it did not include WLAN or GPS, it was equipped with Bluetooth 2.1 for wireless connections to other devices, including headphones and computers. Additionally, it had a USB 2.0 port for wired data transfers, predominantly used for file transfers and charging.

Additional Features

The CorbyTXT incorporated some entertaining and practical elements, such as a stereo FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities. Users could enjoy music on the go using the 3.5mm headphone jack. While apps were not a significant component, the phone did support basic games and Java MIDP 2.0 applications, expanding its utility. Messaging options included SMS, MMS, Email, and IM, ensuring users could stay connected through various channels.

Operating System

Being a feature phone, the Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT operated on a proprietary OS. This operating system was uncomplicated and user-friendly, focusing on seamless connectivity and communication. It lacked the complexity and app ecosystem of modern smartphone operating systems but provided all necessary functionalities in a straightforward manner.

Market and Legacy

Priced at approximately 80 EUR, the Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT was an affordable choice for those seeking a phone primarily for communication. It embodied a transitional phase in mobile technology, bridging the gap between basic phones and the smartphones that would dominate the market in the following years. Though discontinued, the CorbyTXT remains a fond memory for many who valued tactile keyboards and straightforward functionality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung B3210 CorbyTXT holds a specific niche in the history of mobile devices. Its emphasis on messaging and communication, combined with its youthful design, made it stand out in the feature phone market of its time. While modern smartphones have overshadowed it with advanced features and expansive capabilities, the CorbyTXT served its purpose well in its era, providing a simple yet effective tool for staying connected.