Price and specifications of Samsung B6520 Omnia PRO 5 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung B6520 Omnia PRO 5

The Samsung B6520 Omnia PRO 5 was released in October 2010 and quickly gained popularity due to its blend of features suitable for both professional and personal use. Although now discontinued, this smartphone offered a range of functionalities characteristic of the time, running on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard Operating System.

Design and Build

The device exudes a professional look with its QWERTY physical keyboard which made typing convenient and efficient. Measuring 116.5 x 61.8 x 11.5 mm and weighing just 111 grams, the B6520 is compact and lightweight, fitting comfortably in hand. It uses a Mini-SIM, a standard during its release period. The display is a 2.4-inch TFT screen with 65K colors, offering a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio, providing clear visibility for emails and messaging.

Performance

The Omnia PRO 5 runs on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard OS, which was one of the leading platforms in 2010. Its performance is suitable for basic tasks such as browsing, messaging, and media playback. The internal memory stands at 220MB, but it supports microSDHC cards for expanding storage, allowing users to save more multimedia files and applications.

Camera and Multimedia

The phone features a 2 MP main camera capable of capturing decent images, particularly in well-lit environments. It also supports video recording at 320p@15fps. Although the photographic capabilities were modest by today’s standards, they were adequate for casual photography during its time.

With a built-in stereo FM radio and a 3.5mm headphone jack, users can enjoy a variety of music and audio experiences. The loudspeaker quality is adequate for standard media playback.

Connectivity

The B6520 offers comprehensive connectivity options, consistent with smartphones released during its era. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and a GPS, A-GPS for navigation. Users could connect through GSM and HSPA technology, with 2G and 3G bands catering to a wide range of cellular network compatibilities. The microUSB 2.0 port enables charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

This device is powered by a removable 1500 mAh Li-Ion battery, a common specification for the time. Its battery life can last up to 600 hours on standby for 2G and 440 hours for 3G networks. Talk time extends to 8 hours on 2G and approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes on 3G, providing ample usability throughout the day for moderate use cases.

User Interface and Usability

The user interface of the Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard OS offers a respectable user experience with features like customizable home screens, smooth navigation, and support for Adobe Flash Lite, which was relevant then for viewing multimedia content. While not as robust or fluid as modern operating systems, it catered well to professionals who valued organization and productivity tools.

Market Positioning and Price

Priced around 170 EUR upon release, the Samsung B6520 Omnia PRO 5 targeted consumers seeking a blend of classic phone functionalities with a tailored professional experience. Its mix of a physical keyboard, efficient connectivity options, and productivity-focused OS made it an appealing choice for business users.

Conclusion

The Samsung B6520 Omnia PRO 5 serves as a nostalgic example of the transitional period in mobile phone technology, where devices began incorporating advanced features while maintaining some traditional design elements. While it has been discontinued, its legacy persists in the way it catered to the needs of business professionals looking for efficiency and connectivity on the go.