Samsung C160 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Samsung C160

The Samsung C160 is a feature phone that was announced in February 2007 and has since been discontinued. It was part of Samsung’s entry-level range, designed to meet basic mobile communication needs without the bells and whistles of smartphones. Even though it might seem quite primitive by today's standards, the Samsung C160 served as a practical option for users seeking affordability and simplicity.

Design and Build

The Samsung C160 boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable. It measures 106.5 x 43.5 x 15.4 mm and weighs just 70 grams, which is quite convenient for carrying in a pocket or small bag. The phone sports an Imperial Black color, providing a classic and understated appearance. The device is equipped with a mini-SIM slot, suitable for standard SIM cards of the time.

Display

The device features a 1.5-inch CSTN display capable of showing 65K colors, which was fairly standard for feature phones at the time. The screen has a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1:1 and a pixel density of approximately 121 ppi. While small, the display is adequate for basic navigation and reading simpler text messages.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung C160 operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands at 900 and 1800 MHz. For data connectivity, it utilizes GPRS Class 10 but does not support EDGE technology, limiting its internet browsing capabilities. The device lacks modern connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, meaning it is designed purely for voice calls and basic messaging.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage capacity of the Samsung C160 is 600 KB, which serves to store contacts and messages rather than multimedia. It can save up to 500 phonebook entries and keep records of up to 30 dialed, received, and missed calls. The phone does not support memory card slots, limiting expansion for additional storage or applications.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Samsung C160 is its battery life. The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. This provides up to 180 hours of standby time and around two and a half hours of talk time, which is decent given its feature set and usage expectations. Users appreciated the long battery life, a typical trait of basic phones.

Audio and Sound

The phone includes a loudspeaker option and supports polyphonic (16-tone) ringtones. Alert types also include vibration. However, the C160 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting the external audio options. It uses built-in FM radio, with no support for modern audio streaming services.

Communication and Messaging

The Samsung C160 supports basic messaging functions including SMS, EMS, and MMS, allowing users to send text and picture messages. The phone’s simple interface makes it easy to use these communication methods without needing to navigate through complicated menus.

Web and Applications

The phone includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet access, though limited by its data connectivity capabilities. The phone does not support Java applications, meaning there is no option for customizing the device with additional software or downloading games, as it also lacks built-in gaming options.

Market Position and Pricing

At launch, the Samsung C160 was priced at approximately 40 EUR, reflecting its position in the market as a budget-friendly phone. This pricing made it accessible to a wide audience, particularly those who were new to mobile phones or required a secondary device for straightforward communication.

Discontinuation and Legacy

While the Samsung C160 is now discontinued, it remains a notable example of early mobile technology, bridging the gap between rudimentary mobile phones and more advanced feature phones. Its simplicity and reliability left a mark, especially among users preferring devices with essential functions focused on communication.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung C160 is a testament to the era of feature phones that emphasized simplicity and utility. Despite its basic features, it performed its intended functions effectively, providing communication solutions for users at an economical price. Although it lacks the sophistication of modern devices, its contribution to mobile communication during its time remains valued by those who used it.