Samsung D428 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction

The Samsung D428 is a classic mobile phone that was announced in the fourth quarter of 2004. Though it has since been discontinued, it remains a device of interest for tech enthusiasts and collectors of vintage mobile technology. This article delves into the specifications, features, and history of the Samsung D428, providing an in-depth look at a device that represents an era of mobile technology preceding the smartphone revolution.

Design and Build

The Samsung D428 sports a classic clamshell design, which was popular during its time. It measures 99 x 50 x 24 mm, making it compact enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand or pocket. Weighing 127 g, the phone maintains a substantial feel, indicating a sturdy build quality. With a silver-colored body, the design exudes a certain elegance and simplicity characteristic of early 2000s mobile phones.

Display

The device comes with a 2.2-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of displaying 256K colors. This was relatively advanced for the time, offering a vibrant screen experience compared to monochrome displays that still existed in some models during that period. The screen resolution stands at 176 x 220 pixels, equating to a density of approximately 128 pixels per inch, providing a decent display quality for viewing texts and basic graphics.

Camera Capabilities

A notable feature of the Samsung D428 is its VGA camera equipped with a 180-degree rotating lens. This feature was innovative for its time, allowing users flexibility in capturing images. The presence of an LED flash meant that users could take pictures in low-light conditions, although the quality was limited by the 0.3 MP lens. Video recording capabilities were absent, a common limitation among feature phones of that era.

Network and Connectivity

The phone operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. Data connectivity via GPRS is supported, classified as Class 8, allowing for basic internet browsing using the WAP 1.2 browser included on the device. It's noteworthy that high-speed data services such as EDGE were not supported, and neither were WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity options. Infrared was available, providing an option for data transfer between compatible devices.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung D428 does not support expandable memory via card slots, a restriction that users had to keep in mind when saving contacts or messages. The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 entries, a respectable capacity at the time. Call records maintain logs of the last 20 dialed, received, and missed calls, offering a comprehensive call history view.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 820 mAh battery. While this may seem modest by today's standards, it provided adequate power for the features and specifications of the phone during its heyday. The battery offers up to 140 hours of standby time and approximately 3 hours of talk time, making daily recharging necessary but not overly cumbersome.

Sound and Multimedia

Users could personalize their device with downloadable polyphonic ringtones, a standard feature of feature phones. Although there is no loudspeaker, nor a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones, audio features were limited. The device supports basic messaging formats including SMS, EMS, and MMS, along with Java support via MIDP 1.0, allowing users to download basic games and applications suited to the hardware capabilities.

Features and User Experience

The Samsung D428 comes with a set of essential features that were in line with technology standards of the early 2000s. While it lacks more modern conveniences like positioning (GPS), WLAN, or high-speed video recording, it provides a user-friendly interface and basic utilities that cater to users seeking a simple communication device. The silver color added a touch of style to its exterior, distinguishing it from other models.

Market Impact and Legacy

As a device launched slightly before the wave of smartphones began to dominate, the Samsung D428 holds historical significance as part of the transitional phase in mobile technology. Its simple yet functional design and feature set served the needs of its time, catering to users who preferred straightforward devices over complex smartphone functionalities. Though it may seem obsolete today, it reminds us of a period where mobile phones were primarily communication tools, and innovation was focused on physical design improvements and basic multimedia capabilities.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Samsung D428 is a fascinating piece of mobile history. It captures the essence of an era where cell phones were evolving, albeit slowly, towards becoming multipurpose devices. Understanding its specifications and features allows us to appreciate the technological advancements that have since taken place. The Samsung D428 was never intended to rival the capabilities of modern-day smartphones, but it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and design philosophy of its time.