Samsung D780 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung D780 is a feature phone that embodies the classic mobile design of the late 2000s, aimed at delivering functionality and simplicity. Its dimensions are 115 x 49.6 x 15.7 mm and it weighs 108.5 grams, making it relatively lightweight and easy to carry. The phone features a sleek, straightforward design with a durable construction. It was launched in three colors: Dark Silver, Mirror Silver, and Gold, offering a bit of flair to otherwise understated aesthetics. The use of a Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) setup was one of its standout features, catering to users who needed two separate lines within one device.

Display

Equipped with a 2.1-inch TFT display, the Samsung D780 provides 256K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, the screen offers a 4:3 ratio and a pixel density of approximately 190 ppi. The screen is satisfactory for basic phone functions like messaging and calls, and while it's not designed for media consumption, it serves its purpose well for a feature phone of its time.

Camera

The Samsung D780 houses a single 2 MP main camera, providing users the capability to capture images. While it cannot compete with the high-resolution cameras of smartphones today, back in the day, it was adequate for simple photography needs. It also supports basic video recording, allowing users to capture short clips. There's no front-facing camera, which is typical for phones from this era.

Performance and Software

Being a feature phone, the Samsung D780 operates on a basic proprietary system that supports essential functions such as SMS, MMS, and Email. The device includes Java support (MIDP 2.0), which allows for some level of gaming and application use. However, the device lacks the advanced processing power and RAM found in modern smartphones.

Memory and Storage

The D780 is equipped with 32MB of internal storage, a small amount by today's standards but standard for feature phones at the time. It supports a dedicated microSD slot, which is an advantage for users who need additional storage for music, pictures, and other media. The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries with a photocall feature, and it logs up to 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Connectivity

The Samsung D780 includes basic connectivity options. It operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) across both SIM slots. The device includes Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless connectivity to other mobile devices and accessories. It also features a USB 2.0 port for data transfer. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities. An FM radio provides entertainment, although there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, which requires users to rely on Bluetooth for audio needs.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, providing a standby time of up to 250 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. While the battery life might seem minimal by today's standards, it was comparable to other feature phones from that period. Moreover, the ability to remove and replace the battery gave users flexibility in extending their device's usage time by carrying spare batteries.

Miscellaneous Features

The Samsung D780 comes with a number of extra features that enhance its basic functionality. For messaging, it supports SMS, EMS, MMS, and email, making it suitable for basic communication. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser provides basic internet browsing capabilities. It also includes a variety of downloadable ringtones and games, providing some level of customization and entertainment.

Market Position and Price

Released in April 2008 and discontinued not long after, the Samsung D780 was positioned as an affordable dual-SIM phone, accessible around 110 EUR. This positioned it well among budget consumers and those needing dual SIM functionality, which was still a relatively new feature at the time.

Legacy and Conclusion

The Samsung D780 represents a significant piece of mobile technology history. As a dual-SIM feature phone, it catered to a niche but essential market, serving buyers who needed dual SIM functionality without the smartphone price. Today, it stands as a testament to the evolution of mobile devices over the decades, highlighting how the needs and technological capabilities of mobile phones have expanded and evolved.