Samsung C120 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction

The Samsung C120 was a feature phone released in the fourth quarter of 2005. It was part of a generation of mobile phones that prioritized basic communication and durability over advanced functionalities. This article provides an in-depth look at the Samsung C120, examining its features, specifications, and the context of its release and usage.

Design and Build

The Samsung C120 was designed with simplicity and practicality in mind. The dimensions of 105 x 44 x 18 mm made it a compact device, easily fitting into the pocket. Weighing only 76 grams, the phone was lightweight, which added to its portability. Despite its size, it was robust, as phones of this era were expected to withstand the rigors of daily use without the need for protective cases.

The phone featured a minimalist design, with a black color that was common for mobile devices at the time, mainly to maintain a professional and unobtrusive look. The use of durable plastic materials provided a good balance between weight and sturdiness.

Display

The Samsung C120 came with a CSTN display capable of supporting 65K colors, which was modest but adequate for the period. The screen size was 1.6 inches, with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, providing a reasonable display for basic phone functions such as texting and viewing contacts. The pixel density of approximately 113 ppi was on par with other feature phones of the time, ensuring that text and simple graphics were legible.

Performance

Being a feature phone, the Samsung C120 was not designed for high computational tasks. It focused on core functionalities like calling and SMS messaging. The lack of support for GPRS or EDGE meant that the device did not cater to internet connectivity, which aligned with its position in the market aimed at users who needed a phone primarily for verbal communication.

The phone's performance strength lay in its reliability for basic actions, thanks to a specialized operating system designed for efficiency over features, which allowed stable and straightforward use.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung C120 supported GSM technology with 2G bands operating on GSM 900/1800, which were the standard frequencies in many regions at the time. This provided users with the ability to make calls and send SMS messages across a wide coverage area.

Lacking features like Bluetooth, WLAN, and USB connectivity, the device was focused strictly on its primary functions. This simplicity meant fewer interruptions and distractions, catering to a user base interested in straightforward communication tools.

Battery Life

The Samsung C120 featured a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, which was quite adequate for a device of its class. The phone boasted a stand-by time of up to 220 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours and 30 minutes. The energy efficiency of the device was largely due to the lack of power-consuming components like large screens or processing-heavy applications.

This battery life meant users could rely on the device throughout the day or even multiple days without needing a charge, a feature appreciated in scenarios where charging might not be readily available.

Storage and Memory

As with many feature phones, the Samsung C120 came with limited storage capacity. It had no card slot for expandable memory. The phonebook could store up to 500 entries, which was quite generous for its time, and it logged call records for the last 20 dialed, received, and missed calls. This limitation encouraged users to maintain minimal records and rely primarily on the device's primary functions.

Sound and Alerts

The phone did not include a loudspeaker, and all audio alerts were delivered via monophonic ringtones. Although it did not support MP3 or other advanced audio formats, the Samsung C120 was equipped with vibration alerts to ensure users were notified of calls and messages even in noisy environments.

The absence of a 3.5mm jack highlights the primary communication focus of the device, as multimedia consumption was not among its intended uses.

Messaging and Applications

The Samsung C120 supported SMS and EMS messaging, which were standard for text communication at the time. Without MMS or internet-based messaging capabilities, the phone catered to basic texting needs. Additional applications or games were not part of the standard package, and there was no support for Java-based applications.

Conclusion

The Samsung C120, with its straightforward design and practical specifications, provided a reliable communication tool in a period when mobile phone technology was focused on providing users with durable and efficient options for voice and text communication. Although it lacked many features that would become standard in the following years, such as advanced connectivity and multimedia capabilities, it served its purpose for those seeking an uncomplicated mobile experience. Its ease of use, combined with satisfactory battery life, made it particularly attractive for users in need of an auxiliary phone or one that could withstand heavy use without frequent maintenance.