Samsung Cht 527 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung Ch@t 527

The Samsung Ch@t 527 is a feature phone that was released in September 2011. It was designed to cater to those who wanted a simple yet efficient communication device with some internet capabilities. Although it came at a time when smartphones were starting to dominate the market, this device offered a nice balance for users who were not yet ready to make the transition to more complex smartphones, providing basic internet capabilities alongside traditional mobile phone functions.

Design and Build

The Samsung Ch@t 527 features a solid construction with dimensions of 103 x 55 x 12 mm, weighing just 96 grams. Its lightweight design made it a portable choice for users. The form factor was complemented by the inclusion of a physical QWERTY keyboard, which was a highlight for users who preferred tactile feedback when typing messages. The phone was available in a sleek black color, appealing to users looking for a non-flashy and professional-looking device.

Display

The device sports a 2.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. While the 65K color display wasn't as advanced as modern displays, it provided adequate clarity for its time. With a pixel density of approximately 167 ppi, it was suitable for reading text messages and browsing through menus but limited when it came to media consumption.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung Ch@t 527 supported GSM and HSPA technologies, making it a versatile device for both 2G and 3G networks. The phone operated on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 850/2100 bands, ensuring good network coverage. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless audio, a microUSB 2.0 port for wired connections, and a stereo FM radio with RDS for listening to radio broadcasts.

Camera

Equipped with a 2 MP rear camera, the Samsung Ch@t 527 allowed users to capture basic photos and videos. While the camera's capabilities were modest compared to smartphones with advanced camera systems, it served its purpose for taking quick snapshots.

Battery Life

The phone comes with a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, a feature becoming increasingly rare in more recent mobile phones. This provided users with the flexibility to replace the battery when needed. The device offered a stand-by time of up to 288 hours and a talk time of around 3 hours, making it reliable for daily use without frequent charging.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung Ch@t 527 came with 80MB of storage, which was relatively limited. However, it included a dedicated microSDHC slot, enabling users to expand storage to accommodate more apps, images, and files. The phonebook could store up to 1000 entries with a photocall feature, enhancing its utility for users who needed to maintain extensive contact lists.

Operating System and Features

The phone ran on a feature phone operating system, which provided basic applications and functions such as SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. It also supported Java (MIDP 2.1), allowing users to download and install Java-based applications and games. Additional features included a compass sensor and downloadable games, catering to users who looked for minor entertainment and utility features within their phone.

Sound and Multimedia

The Samsung Ch@t 527 was equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to listen to music or take calls using their preferred headphones or earphones. The inclusion of a stereo FM radio with RDS provided an additional multimedia option, giving users access to local radio stations.

Price and Market Position

Priced at approximately 90 EUR at launch, the Samsung Ch@t 527 positioned itself as an affordable, practical choice for users not ready to transition to smartphones. It offered essential connectivity and messaging features coupled with a reliable physical keyboard, appealing primarily to individuals who prioritized communication features over multimedia.

Conclusion

The Samsung Ch@t 527's appeal lies in its balance of traditional mobile phone functionality and some modern features, like internet connectivity and app support, at a time when smartphones were becoming the norm. While it does not offer many of the capabilities seen in smartphones today, it catered to a niche market seeking dependability, simple communication, and slight multimedia functionalities. Although it is now discontinued, the Samsung Ch@t 527 represents a specific period in mobile phone history focusing on straightforward communication.