Price and specifications of Samsung D980 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Samsung D980 Overview

The Samsung D980, released in 2008, is a feature phone that distinguished itself primarily through its dual SIM capability, making it a convenient choice for users who needed to manage multiple phone numbers concurrently. Although the device's launch came during a time when smartphones like the iPhone had begun to dominate the market, the Samsung D980 catered to a niche audience that valued straightforward telecommunication needs without the frills of smartphone technology.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 97.5 x 55 x 16.3 mm and weighing 117 grams, the Samsung D980 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The phone features a TFT resistive touchscreen display measuring 2.6 inches with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The screen's 4:3 aspect ratio and approximately 154 ppi density provide a clear and adequately bright display for its time, supporting up to 256K colors.

The phone's design includes a dual SIM slot accommodating Mini-SIM cards. This was particularly advantageous for business professionals and travelers needing separate lines for work and personal use or managing local and international SIM cards.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung D980 operates on GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands for SIM 1, allowing for wide-ranging coverage. This device supports GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10, providing basic mobile internet connectivity suitable for tasks like browsing lightweight websites via its WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML (NetFront 3.4) browsers.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.0, providing A2DP support for wireless audio streaming. However, it lacks Wi-Fi capability, a common feature in smartphones that were gaining popularity at the time.

Camera Features

The Samsung D980 is equipped with a single 5 MP autofocus rear camera, which was quite decent for a feature phone during that era. It includes an LED flash for better low-light photography. The camera allows video recording at 320p@15fps, although it lacks advanced features seen in contemporary smartphone cameras.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage of 45MB could seem limiting, but it supports expandable storage through a dedicated microSD slot, providing users the flexibility to store more photos, music, and documents than initially permitted by the internal memory.

The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries with a photocall feature, and it retains a log of 30 received, dialed, and missed calls. This functionality supports efficient contact management crucial for busy users.

Battery Life and Performance

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, delivering up to 200 hours of standby time and around 3 hours of talk time—a specification reflecting the power consumption of a basic feature phone. Although not extraordinary, it provides sufficient energy for a day of basic usage without frequent recharging.

User Interface and Other Features

The Samsung D980 runs on a feature phone operating system, offering basic utilities—such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and email services—crucial for communication-centric users. Also incorporated are several games and support for Java MIDP 2.0 applications, broadening the scope of app usability.

Sound capabilities included a loudspeaker and a vibration alert option, though it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, pushing users towards Bluetooth solutions for private listening. Additional features include an FM radio, adding a touch of entertainment for the user on the go.

Market Positioning and Legacy

Priced at approximately 180 EUR at the time of release, the Samsung D980 was positioned in a mid-range market segment, accessible to consumers seeking functionality and dual SIM convenience over cutting-edge smartphone features.

While the Samsung D980 has been discontinued, its legacy persists due to its unique selling proposition of dual SIM capabilities, which established it as a reliable tool for professionals and frequent travelers during its time. This niche appeal, alongside other basic yet organized functionalities, carved a small but significant space for it in mobile telecommunications history.