Samsung Cht 357 Specs Price Pros & Cons Explored

Overview of the Samsung Ch@t 357

The Samsung Ch@t 357, released in the third quarter of 2012, was a feature phone that targeted users who required essential phone functionalities coupled with a QWERTY keyboard for efficient texting and email purposes. Manufactured by Samsung, a leader in mobile technology, this device was tailored to cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers who needed connectivity options without the complexities of modern-day smartphones.

Design and Build

The Samsung Ch@t 357 was designed to provide a practical and user-friendly experience. With dimensions of 111.9 x 60.4 x 11.5 mm and weighing just 95.5 g, it was compact and lightweight, making it convenient to carry. The design included a QWERTY keyboard, which was a standout feature at the time for those who preferred physical keys over touchscreen inputs. The phone supported both single and dual SIM options, using Mini-SIM technology, which was a strategic feature for users in markets needing multiple network connections.

Display and Interface

Sporting a 2.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, the Samsung Ch@t 357 offered adequate screen real estate for basic applications and text reading. With a color support of 256K, the display was vibrant enough to cater to basic multimedia needs. The screen-to-body ratio stood at approximately 26.4%, indicating the larger role the keyboard and other controls played in the phone's interface design.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Ch@t 357 was powered by a basic 208 MHz CPU, which sufficed for the operations required of a feature phone. Its internal memory was limited to 34MB but was extendable via a dedicated microSDHC slot. This allowed users to store additional multimedia content and critical data. The phonebook could store up to 1000 entries, and features like call records were supported, which were essential for users heavily reliant on communication.

Camera Capabilities

For photography, the device had a 2 MP single rear camera capable of capturing images and recording videos at 320p@15fps. Although basic by today’s standards, this was sufficient for casual photography and capturing memorable moments in stills. However, it did not feature a selfie camera, which was common for feature phones during that period.

Connectivity and Communication

The Samsung Ch@t 357 offered various connectivity options. It included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless internet access, along with Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP for pairing with other devices. The phone supported GSM technology with EDGE and GPRS for mobile internet, although not broadband speeds. Users benefited from FM radio, microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for music playback.

Software and Features

Functioning on a typical feature phone operating system, the Ch@t 357 supported SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging, fulfilling the communication needs of many users. Despite limited app capabilities compared to smartphones, it included Java support for additional applications and games. While it lacked advanced sensors found in current devices, its offerings suited its intended purpose well during its time on the market.

Battery Life

Powering the Samsung Ch@t 357 was a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery. The battery life was noteworthy, offering up to 400 hours of standby time and approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes of talk time. This formidable battery life was a reflection of the minimal energy demands from its hardware and was a significant advantage for users needing reliable performance throughout the day.

Market Position and Legacy

With a launch price of around 70 EUR, the Samsung Ch@t 357 was an attractive option for individuals needing essential mobile functionalities without the price tag of high-end smartphones. It filled a niche for consumers who required durable communication tools, especially in regions where such technology was the primary means of staying connected. Its dual SIM support also contributed to its popularity in areas where managing multiple network providers was necessary.

Conclusion

The Samsung Ch@t 357 served as an important player within the feature phone segment, bridging the gap between basic mobile phones and the emerging smartphone market of its time. Its combination of a physical QWERTY keyboard, reasonable connectivity options, and straightforward design focused on delivering core communication functions made it a practical choice for many users. While it has since been discontinued, the Samsung Ch@t 357 remains a testament to Samsung's commitment to providing versatile mobile solutions for diverse consumer needs.