Samsung C130 A Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung C130

The Samsung C130 mobile phone, released in May 2006, is a device that embodies simplicity and functionality. As a feature phone, it was designed to provide essential telecommunication functions without the overwhelming plethora of features seen in modern smartphones. It was particularly popular among users looking for a straightforward mobile experience that focused on call and text functionalities.

Design and Build

The design of Samsung C130 is minimalistic, featuring dimensions of 102.4 x 45.4 x 14.8 mm and a lightweight build at just 75 grams. Its compact size made it highly portable and easy to handle, fitting snugly in the palm of a hand or a pocket. The phone utilizes a CSTN screen with a size of 1.6 inches, offering a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, which was standard for phones of its class at the time.

The device's outer casing was available in a range of colors, including Orange, Pink, Silver, and Blue, allowing users to choose according to their stylistic preferences. Despite being a low-cost device, the build feels durable and reliable, with robust materials used in its construction.

Display

The display technology used in Samsung C130 is CSTN, which supports 65K colors. While this may seem limited by today's standards, it provides a clear and functional interface for everyday use. The display size of 1.6 inches with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 17.8% was enough to view messages and navigate the device's simple menu structure. The pixel density of ~113 PPI ensured that text and icons were legible, though not particularly sharp or vivid.

Network and Connectivity

Samsung C130 operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands of GSM 900 / 1800. While it lacks support for 3G or 4G networks, it offers reliable connectivity for voice calls and text messaging. The device includes GPRS Class 8 for basic data services but does not support EDGE, limiting its internet capabilities.

Regarding other forms of connectivity, the Samsung C130 is quite limited. It does not feature modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth, WLAN, or USB, and there is no 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output. The absence of these features underscores its design focus as a primarily communication-centric device.

Camera

The Samsung C130 does not come with a camera, which was not unusual for feature phones at that time. This omission aligns with the phone’s focus on basic functionalities, leaving out multimedia features that were not deemed essential to its core phone functionalities.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with 1.8MB of internal storage, the phone is capable of storing essential information such as contact entries and text messages. The phonebook has the capacity to store 500 entries, while call records can log 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls. There is no card slot for expanding memory, reflecting the intended usage of the phone for non-intensive tasks.

Sound and Alerts

The Samsung C130 features a loudspeaker for calls and alert sounds. Users can choose from polyphonic ringtones, with up to 16 chord tones available. Though there is no 3.5mm jack or advanced sound technologies, the phone fulfills basic audio needs satisfactorily, including call alerts and notification tones.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Samsung C130 is its impressive battery life. The device houses a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, offering up to 445 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. The long battery longevity is a result of its low-power hardware and focus on basic functionalities, making it a reliable companion for those who prioritize battery efficiency in a mobile device.

Additional Features

For entertainment, the Samsung C130 includes a variety of pre-installed games. The phone also supports Java, specifically MIDP 2.0, allowing the user to run more Java-based applications and games. Messaging capabilities cater to SMS, EMS, and MMS, augmenting its functionalities for staying connected through text-based communication.

The phone also includes a WAP 1.2.1 browser, which, despite its very limited browsing capabilities compared to modern standards, was adequate for basic mobile internet usage at the time of its release.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung C130 remains a representative device of its era, combining basic functionality with a user-friendly design. Its fundamental feature set and design made it most appealing to those who desired a simple, no-frills mobile phone experience primarily focused on communication tasks. Its durability, battery life, and pragmatic feature set make it a model worth remembering, especially during a time when mobile phone design was steadily evolving from basic functionality toward the multimedia-centric smartphones we have today.