Unveiling Samsung C140 Specs Prices & Pros and Cons

Introduction to Samsung C140

The Samsung C140 is a classic feature phone that was announced in January 2007. As a basic device, it caters to the needs of users who prioritize calls and messaging over modern smartphone functionalities. With its minimalist design and focus on essential features, the C140 represents the simplicity of mobile phones from its era.

Design and Body

The Samsung C140 features a sleek and compact design, with dimensions of 104.2 x 44.2 x 16.2 mm and a weight of 71 grams. This makes the device incredibly portable and easy to carry around. It has a sturdy plastic construction with a Mini-SIM card slot, ensuring its durability over time. The phone was available in colors like Misty Gray and Light Gray, offering a subtle, professional appearance.

Display

The C140 has a modest display that aligns with its functionality as a feature phone. It sports a 1.6-inch UFB screen with a 128 x 128 pixel resolution, providing decent clarity for viewing contacts and messages. The screen can display up to 65K colors, which was standard at the time. Its screen-to-body ratio is approximately 17.9%, highlighting the device’s focus on utility over multimedia experiences.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung C140 supports GSM technology, operating on 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies. For data services, it offers GPRS with Class 10 speeds, which is suitable for basic internet activities such as browsing via WAP 1.2.1. However, the phone lacks advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth, WLAN, and USB, emphasizing its primary role as a communication device.

Memory and Storage

As expected from a feature phone of its time, the Samsung C140 has limited memory. It includes 600 KB of internal storage, which does not support expansion due to the absence of a card slot. The phonebook can store up to 500 entries, and it logs 30 dialed, received, and missed calls each. This basic storage configuration reflects the needs of users who required a phone mainly for communication purposes.

Sound and Alerts

The Samsung C140 includes a loudspeaker for clear auditory notifications. It supports vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, providing decent options for personalization. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a common characteristic among feature phones from its time.

Battery Life

One of the notable features of the Samsung C140 is its robust battery life. It is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, which offers an impressive stand-by time of up to 490 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. The extended battery life ensures that users can rely on the device for prolonged periods without needing frequent recharges.

Messaging and Communication

Designed for straightforward communication, the Samsung C140 supports SMS and EMS messaging. The lack of advanced messaging options like MMS or email reflects its primary function as a basic communication tool. Its WAP 1.2.1 browser provides limited internet access, suitable for users who need to browse simple text-based websites.

Operating System and Performance

The Samsung C140 runs on a proprietary feature phone operating system, designed to manage basic tasks with efficiency. While it doesn’t support advanced applications or multitasking, it efficiently handles calls and messages, which are the core functions for users. The device lacks a Java capability, indicating that it is not designed for running third-party applications.

Price and Market Positioning

At its launch, the Samsung C140 was priced at about 70 EUR, making it an affordable option for users seeking a simple mobile device. Its cost-effective pricing combined with reliable performance made it attractive to budget-conscious consumers and those looking for an uncomplicated phone experience. The discontinuation of the C140 reflects its role as a device from a transitional era in mobile technology, serving as a bridge between the earliest mobile phones and the advent of smartphones.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung C140 stands as a testament to the simplicity and reliability that defined feature phones. Its compact design, robust battery life, and fundamental functionalities made it an appealing choice for users who valued communication over multimedia capabilities. While it may not compete with modern smartphones, the Samsung C140 remains a beloved piece of technology from an era where mobile phones began becoming accessible to a wider audience.