Comprehensive Review Samsung D300 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung D300, launched in February 2006, operates on GSM technology, supporting GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. Despite being a feature phone from the mid-2000s, it included GPRS Class 10 and EDGE capability, which allowed users to access mobile data networks with moderate speeds typical for that era. The advent of features such as these represented a step forward in connectivity options during a time when internet access on mobile phones was just starting to gain traction.

Design and Build

The phone features a compact and robust design with overall dimensions of 95 x 49 x 21 mm, making it a convenient option for users who preferred a device that fit easily into pockets or small bags. Weighing 122 grams, the Samsung D300 had a sturdy feel to it, and its QWERTY keyboard was a distinctive feature for efficient text input and email composition. The device supported Mini-SIM cards, which were standard during the phone's release period. The design catered to business professionals who needed functionality over form, yet managed a sleek and stylish silver exterior.

Display Characteristics

The Samsung D300 was equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors. With a screen resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, it delivered a decent pixel density of around 128 PPI. This was adequate for viewing simple graphics and handling basic applications, though limited by modern standards. The screen-to-body ratio of about 32.7% reflects the typical design approach of the time, focused on balancing display and keyboard space.

Memory and Storage

The device came with an internal memory capacity of 5MB, which wasn't expandable as the phone did not support external memory card slots. However, this was typical for feature phones at the time and sufficed for storing essential information like phonebook entries, supporting up to 1000 contacts. Call records were limited to the last 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls. The device's storage capacity reflected its role as a communication tool rather than a multimedia device.

Sound and Alerts

The Samsung D300 was equipped with a loudspeaker and supported various alert types, including vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm audio jack was a limitation for those wanting to use wired headphones, common in the era. Musical and ringtone enjoyment would rely heavily on the loudspeaker or wireless Bluetooth headphones.

Communications and Portability

The phone offered basic communication features, highlighting support for SMS, EMS, MMS, Email via BlackBerry Transport v2.0, and Instant Messaging. This provided a fairly robust platform for staying in touch with colleagues and friends. The device also had WAP 2.0/xHTML browsing capability—adequate for accessing mobile-optimized web pages. While WLAN and positioning technologies were absent, Bluetooth implemented provided a way to share files and connect with other devices. The miniUSB port functioned as a primary hub for charging and data transfer.

Performance and Battery

The device maintained performance consistent with feature phones of the period, focusing on communication tasks. The removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery provided stand-by times up to 200 hours and talk time up to 5 hours, which was typical of the phones produced during that time. The energy efficiency of the device was commendable given the limited capabilities and resource-draining functions it had to support.

Additional Features

The Samsung D300 came preloaded with basic games and offered support for Java MIDP 2.0, allowing for additional app downloads compatible with the standards of the time. However, functionality was limited compared to smartphones, reflecting the phone's primary purpose as a tool for communication rather than for entertainment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung D300 was a classic example of mid-2000s feature phones, bringing together necessary communication technologies in a compact and efficient design. The device managed to balance functionality and simple innovation with user demands at the time, highlighting the transition period just before smartphones dominated the market. While its capabilities are significantly limited by today's standards, it played an essential role in the evolution of mobile communication technology.