Samsung C110 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung C110

The Samsung C110 was a feature phone released in the first quarter of 2004 by Samsung. As a part of Samsung's early 2000s lineup, the C110 showcases the technological characteristics and design ethos of mobile phones during this era, focusing on simplicity, durability, and essential communication features. Let's delve into the key aspects of this device, encompassing its design, features, performance, and market impact.

Design and Build

The Samsung C110's design reflects the quintessential aesthetic of early 2000s feature phones, focusing on practicality and comfort. With dimensions of 111 x 45 x 17 mm and a weight of just 76 grams, the handset was designed to be compact and portable. It fit easily into pockets and was comfortable to hold during calls. The device's plastic body came in three color options: Metallic Blue, Milky Silver, and Olive Green, allowing for some degree of personalized style in an era dominated by more conservative design choices.

Display Characteristics

The C110 featured a 1.5-inch UFB display capable of rendering 65,000 colors, a notable feature for devices of its time. Despite its modest screen size and a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, the color display enhanced user experience by allowing clearer visuals compared to monochromatic alternatives from the previous years. This screen could display up to 5 lines of text, which was sufficient for reading messages and navigating through menus.

Performance and Hardware

The Samsung C110 was equipped with basic hardware optimized for essential tasks such as calling and texting. Without a camera, users relied on the device primarily for voice communication and SMS messaging. It operated on GSM 900/1800 frequency bands, supported GPRS Class 8 for data transmission, and offered a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, a modest tool for browsing compared to modern standards.

Despite lacking advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth or WLAN, the phone was sturdy in its functionality. Its internal memory was limited to 1.5MB, with no expandable storage slot available. This capacity was sufficient for storing a reasonable number of contacts and a small selection of downloadable polyphonic ringtones, adding a personalized touch to the user experience.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 830 mAh battery, which was common among phones of that period. The battery could sustain up to 90 hours of standby time and offered up to 3 hours of talk time. This level of endurance catered to the lifestyle needs of users, allowing daily use without frequent recharging, which was particularly advantageous before the era of widespread power banks and frequent recharging habits.

User Interface and Features

The operating environment of the C110 was built to support basic applications and functions. Users could send and receive SMS and EMS messages, and enjoy a few preloaded games. With MIDP 1.0 support, the phone could run simple Java-based applications, adding a layer of functionality and entertainment.

The phonebook accommodated 500 entries, each with multiple fields, and call records maintained logs for 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each, thus offering adequate call management capabilities for the average user.

Lack of Advanced Multimedia and Connectivity Features

Indeed, the C110 lacked several features we take for granted today. There was no camera or multimedia capabilities to capture or send pictures, eliminating the possibility of MMS messaging. Additionally, it had no support for radio, MP3 playback, or video content, and there was no 3.5mm headphone jack. Communication was solely through voice calls, SMS, and simple internet browsing.

Connectivity wise, the phone lacked Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS functionalities, focusing entirely on GSM communication, which was sufficient for basic mobile usage of that era.

Market Position and Impact

The Samsung C110 was positioned in the market as an entry-level phone targeted at users seeking reliable voice communication and basic text messaging capabilities. Given its feature set, it was more affordable than the high-end smartphones of its time, making it accessible to a broader range of consumers, including those who didn't require advanced multimedia or connectivity features.

This device reflects the technological trends of the early 2000s when mobile phones began transitioning from being merely communication tools to more versatile devices. The C110 was emblematic of an era where the primary focus was on reliable communication and ergonomic design.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung C110 is a testament to the simplicity and reliability that characterized early feature phones. While it lacked the advanced features and connectivity options we expect today, it met the needs of its time effectively. The device served as an excellent entry-level choice for many users and contributed to the widespread accessibility of mobile phones globally. Though discontinued, it holds a place in the history of mobile technology as a representative of early 21st-century communication devices.