Samsung C3510 Genoa Comprehensive Review & Pricing Insights

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung C3510 Genoa was released in early 2010, marking a period when feature phones still held significant market share. This device, known for its practicality and simplicity, has a compact design measuring 103.9 x 55.4 x 12.9 mm and weighing just 92.2 grams. This lightweight construction makes it easy to carry around without feeling cumbersome. The device is equipped with a plastic body, available in classic black and pink, catering to different style preferences.

Display

The C3510 Genoa features a 2.8-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Though the screen size might seem small by today's standards, it was quite standard at the time of its release. The display offers adequate color reproduction with 256K colors, making it functional for basic tasks like browsing pictures and navigating the phone’s interface. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 42.2% conveys a device designed more for utility than for entertainment or high-definition media consumption.

Camera Capabilities

The phone is equipped with a single rear camera of 1.3 MP. While this is modest, the camera serves the purpose of capturing quick snapshots and recording videos at QCIF resolution with 15fps. Unlike modern smartphones, the C3510 does not feature a front camera, as selfies were not widely popular at that time. The absence of advanced camera features might be limiting for some, but for its time, it fulfilled the basic photographic needs of users.

Performance and Storage

As a feature phone, the Samsung C3510 Genoa doesn’t boast a high-performance chipset in the way smartphones do. Still, it is effective in executing the basic functions such as calling, texting, and running simple applications without much lag. The internal storage of 30MB is limited, but the device offers a microSDHC card slot for memory expansion, supporting more data storage including photos, music, and additional applications. This card slot feature extends the device’s usability somewhat in terms of storage.

Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Samsung C3510 Genoa is its battery life. It comes with a removable Li-Ion 960 mAh battery which can last up to 720 hours on standby and allow up to 10 hours of talk time. Such battery longevity is significantly beneficial for users needing extended usage between charges. Additionally, the device can play music for up to 25 hours, making it a handy companion for music lovers out and about without immediate access to charging facilities.

Network and Connectivity

The C3510 Genoa operates on GSM networks and supports standard 2G connectivity across multiple bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900). While lacking 3G or advanced connectivity options, the phone can transmit data using GPRS and EDGE technologies. For short-distance wireless communication, the device is equipped with Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support, useful for connecting to a variety of Bluetooth-enabled accessories.

Multimedia and Entertainment

Despite being a feature phone, the C3510 does provide some multimedia capabilities. It includes a stereo FM radio with RDS and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for a versatile audio experience. This enables users to enjoy radio broadcasts and connect their preferred headphones with ease. The phone supports Java (MIDP 2.0), which means users can download and install basic games and apps providing a moderate range of entertainment options.

Messaging and Browser

In terms of messaging, the Samsung C3510 allows users to send and receive SMS and MMS, as well as email, making it practical for personal and basic professional communication. The device browser, WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, provides browsing capability albeit limited by modern standards. As the internet landscape has evolved significantly since the phone’s release, the browsing experience is basic and suited to simpler, less data-intensive webpages.

Additional Features

The Samsung C3510 Genoa comes with a variety of other features aimed at enhancing user experience. Its phonebook can accommodate up to 1000 contacts and supports photocall functionality. It also offers call logs for tracking calling activities. Unfortunately, it lacks advanced sensors or positioning technologies like GPS, which underscores its status as a feature phone focused on basic functionality.

Conclusion

The Samsung C3510 Genoa is a quintessential feature phone from the early 2010s that catered to users seeking straightforward communication tools without the complexities of a smartphone. Its emphasis on basics such as calling, messaging, and music playback reflects the priorities of its time. While it may not compete with contemporary smartphones, it remains a charming reminder of a transitional phase in mobile technology. Priced at around 80 EUR at release, it was a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable and simple mobile phone experience.