Samsung Conquer 4G Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Samsung Conquer 4G

The Samsung Conquer 4G, announced in June 2011 and released in August 2011, marked Samsung's entry into the affordable 4G smartphone market. Aimed at users seeking to leverage the emerging 4G networks without a hefty price tag, the Conquer 4G managed to balance essential smartphone features with budget-friendly specifications. With its respectable feature set for the time and support for CDMA/EVDO technology, it represented a step forward in making 4G technology more accessible.

Design and Build Quality

The Conquer 4G features dimensions of 116.1 x 60.5 x 11.7 mm and weighs 116 grams, making it compact and lightweight compared to many of its contemporaries. Designed with a minimalist approach, it sports a TFT display capable of showing 256K colors. The use of a Mini-SIM and the inclusion of a dedicated microSDHC slot underline its user-friendly design. The graphite color gives it a sleek appearance, albeit with a somewhat premium look despite its budget positioning.

Display Technology

The Samsung Conquer 4G comes with a 3.5-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio. While this was considered basic by 2011 standards, it was adequate for everyday usage such as browsing, texting, and light gaming. The display, covering about 51.9% of the phone’s front, is clear in its representation of text and images, albeit lacking the vibrancy seen in higher-end models.

Hardware and Performance

At the heart of the Conquer 4G is the Qualcomm MSM8665 chipset, powered by a 1.0 GHz CPU. These specifications provide the phone with moderate performance suitable for the operating tasks of its time. With 1GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM, users are provided with a basic foundation for mobile computing, though it's limited by contemporary standards. The phone’s microSDHC slot allows users to expand storage, ensuring sufficient space for media and applications.

Operating System and Software

The device runs on Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, an operating system that was popular during its release. Although it quickly became outpaced by newer Android versions, Gingerbread was known for its stability and efficiency. The UI is intuitive, with access to the Android Market (now Google Play), offering users a variety of apps to download. However, users were restricted by the limited hardware capabilities when trying more advanced applications or games.

Camera Features

The Samsung Conquer 4G includes a 3.15 MP main camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash, which is sufficient for basic photograph needs such as casual snapshots and video recording. While it doesn’t compete with higher-end devices, it offers decent image quality in well-lit conditions. The secondary camera is 1.3 MP, allowing for video calls, a notable feature at the time that catered to users interested in keeping up with evolving communication trends.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, the device offers a stand-by time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours. This was relatively competitive given its hardware and software demands, providing adequate battery life for an entry-level 4G phone. The removable nature of the battery allows users to swap it with a spare, extending usability in scenarios where charging options are limited.

Connectivity Options

The Conquer 4G is designed with a range of connectivity features including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and WiMAX, providing faster internet capabilities, which was a key selling point. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP ensures users can seamlessly connect to wireless devices like headphones and speakers. GPS with A-GPS support allowed for reliable navigation services. However, it lacks an FM radio, a feature found in some competing models.

Additional Features

The device is loaded with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, each enhancing its usability and integration with various applications. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack caters to music enthusiasts, providing compatibility with the majority of audio accessories.

Market Reception and Legacy

The Samsung Conquer 4G was received as a solid entry-level smartphone. It filled an important niche for users seeking 4G connectivity at a lower price point. Despite its discontinuation, the Conquer 4G represented the democratization of 4G technology in the smartphone realm, setting a path for future entry-level devices. While outdated by today's standards, it remains a reminder of the rapid evolution of mobile technology.