Samsung Cht 350 Complete Specs Pricing & Insights

Overview of Samsung Ch@t 350

The Samsung Ch@t 350, released in February 2011, was part of Samsung's effort to provide an affordable and feature-rich mobile phone experience to its users. This phone was designed to attract consumers who wanted an easy-to-use interface for messaging and basic multimedia functionalities without entering the smartphone territory. The Ch@t 350 had a solid build and a number of helpful features for its time.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 99.5 x 52 x 15.5 mm and weighing 99.8 grams, the Samsung Ch@t 350 offers a compact and lightweight design that is easy to carry. The use of a Mini-SIM slot reflects its time as this format was more prevalent back in 2011. The device comes with a physical QWERTY keyboard which was a signature feature in the Ch@t series, catering specifically to users who frequently engaged in text messaging and email communication.

Display Characteristics

The phone features a 2.4-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, providing a decent display quality for its size. Although the screen-to-body ratio is only 34.5%, the quick accessibility to the QWERTY keyboard compensated for the lesser screen area, appealing to users prioritizing functionality over screen space during that period.

Camera Specifications

Equipped with a single 2 MP rear camera, the Samsung Ch@t 350 is suitable for casual photography, though it doesn't support advanced photography techniques found in modern smartphones. It supports video recording at QCIF resolution at 15fps, reflecting the basic, entry-level camera technology of the time which was suitable for capturing moments but not intended for high-quality outputs.

Hardware and Performance

The Ch@t 350 features a very modest hardware setup with only 20MB of internal storage, but it offers expansion through a microSDHC card slot. This was quite beneficial, as it allows users to store more messages, pictures, and music files, albeit constrained by available tech and cost limitations at the time. Specific details on the RAM and processor are not widely documented, but the device operates as a feature phone, indicating hardware that's focused on reliability rather than power.

Network and Connectivity Options

Supporting GSM network technology with bands on 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and GPRS and EDGE classes for data, the Samsung Ch@t 350 provided sufficient network capabilities for its time, ensuring wide compatibility across different regions. In terms of connectivity, the device did not provide WLAN options but supported Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, a noteworthy feature for wireless audio streaming and device communication.

Battery Life and Performance

The device is powered by a removable 960 mAh Li-Ion battery, ensuring considerable battery life given the low power demands of the hardware. It supports up to 666 hours of standby time and up to 12 hours of talk time, a significant feature for users who needed reliability and longer durations between charges, especially useful in regions with limited electricity access or for users on the go.

Software Features

Preloaded software on the Samsung Ch@t 350 includes SMS with threaded view, MMS, Email, Push Email, and IM functionalities, catering to the communication needs of the era. WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browser support are included for basic web browsing capabilities. Java support, via MIDP 2.1, allows users to run compatible apps and games, enhancing the device's utility despite its feature phone classification.

Multimedia and Additional Features

The Samsung Ch@t 350 includes a stereo FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities, offering entertainment and information on the go. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect wired audio peripherals, delivering a user-friendly multimedia experience. Additionally, the loudspeaker feature ensures others can join in listening sessions without the need for extra equipment.

Market Availability and Conclusion

The Samsung Ch@t 350 was affordably priced at around 80 EUR at launch, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Available in colors such as Black, White, and Silver, it offered a simplistic yet functional design choice. However, it has since been discontinued, as technological trends have shifted towards smartphones with advanced operating systems and larger touchscreens.

In conclusion, the Samsung Ch@t 350 represents a slice of mobile history where utility and communication were prioritized over computing power and app capabilities. Its dedication to providing efficient messaging solutions and basic multimedia functions serves as a reminder of the rapidly evolving technology landscape and the diverse preferences of mobile users over the years.