Price and specifications of Samsung B510 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung B510

The Samsung B510 was a feature phone launched in 2008, during a time when simple and efficient phones were still relevant and widespread. Designed with practicality in mind, the B510 catered to a specific segment of users who prioritized basic telephony functions over advanced smartphone capabilities. Despite its discontinuation, the Samsung B510 remains a noteworthy device in Samsung's rich history of telecommunications equipment.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung B510 was designed to be compact and user-friendly. With dimensions measuring at 95 x 46.5 x 18.4 mm and weighing just 93 grams, this device was incredibly portable and easy to handle. The phone supported a Mini-SIM card and was available in three different colors: White, Silver, and Purple. The choice of a CSTN display with 65K colors and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels accompanied a screen size of 1.77 inches, making it suitable for basic use without consuming too much battery life.

Display

The display, while modest by today's standards, was fitting for the phone’s functionalities. The CSTN screen offered clear visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, essential for providing users with an easy-to-read experience. Although it only occupied approximately 22.3% of the screen-to-body ratio, the display was adequate for calls, messaging, and simple applications.

Performance

At its core, the Samsung B510 functioned on a technology platform suitable for a feature phone. It operated on the GSM network technology with support for 2G bands GSM 900/1800/1900. Equipped to handle basic operations like SMS, MMS, and EMS messaging, the device was efficient in processing standard non-data-heavy tasks. The phone did not have a complex operating system, as is expected with feature phones, which contributed to its overall simplicity.

Storage and Memory

The Samsung B510 came with an internal storage capacity of 4MB, tailored to hold essential information like phonebook entries and call records. The absence of a card slot limited expandability; however, this was not uncommon for feature phones of the era. Users could store up to 500 phonebook entries with photocall capabilities along with records of the last 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Audio and Connectivity

For audio, the Samsung B510 featured a built-in loudspeaker that was effective for ringtones and call alerts. However, there was no 3.5mm headphone jack available, which limited personal audio streaming options. Connectivity, while limited, featured Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless file transfers and accessory connections, alongside USB 2.0 support for data transfer and charging. The phone also included an FM radio for listening to music and news on the go.

Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Samsung B510 was its impressive battery life, courtesy of the removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. This power unit allowed the phone to last up to 300 hours on standby and up to 3 hours of talk time, making it highly reliable for everyday use. The battery's removable nature allowed users to replace it easily, increasing the phone's longevity.

Additional Features

Despite being a basic phone, the Samsung B510 was equipped with several additional features that enhanced user experience. It included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser that, while limited compared to current standards, allowed for essential web browsing. The phone supported Java (MIDP 2.0), providing access to basic games and applications. Messaging capabilities were comprehensive for its time with SMS, EMS, and MMS support, ensuring users stayed connected.

Market Position and User Reception

Upon its release, the Samsung B510 was priced at approximately 80 EUR, targeting consumers seeking a budget-friendly, reliable phone for everyday use. Its design and performance were well-received by users who required a phone focused on fundamental communication rather than extensive multimedia and smart functionality. This positioning made it a popular choice among demographics preferring straightforward mobile solutions.

Conclusion

While smartphones have predominantly taken over the market, the Samsung B510 remains a testament to the evolutions in mobile technology. It served its purpose efficiently during its time, offering essential features, impressive battery life, and durability. As a discontinued model, it stands as a reminder of the era of feature phones where simplicity and reliability were paramount.