Samsung Dart T499 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unleashed

Introduction to Samsung Dart T499

The Samsung Dart T499, released in June 2011, was a budget-friendly smartphone catered to users seeking essential smartphone capabilities without the premium price tag. Despite being discontinued, this device represents an important era in Samsung's smartphone development, offering features that were competitive at the time of its release.

Design and Build

The Samsung Dart T499 measures 104 x 61 x 13 mm and weighs approximately 108 grams, providing a compact and lightweight design that was easy to handle. The phone’s exterior was designed for durability and practicality, featuring a standard Mini-SIM slot. Its build quality, typical of early 2010s smartphones, combined utility with accessibility, affording users a straightforward mobile experience.

Display

Equipped with a 3.14-inch TFT display, the Samsung Dart T499 offered a modest screen size with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, delivering a pixel density of approximately 127 ppi. This screen, while not suited for high-res media consumption, was adequate for basic tasks such as browsing, texting, and running lightweight applications.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Dart T499 was powered by a 600 MHz processor, running Android 2.2 Froyo. This setup provided adequate performance for users focusing on essential smartphone functions. Multi-tasking or gaming was limited by the device’s processing capabilities, but the software was efficient enough to handle day-to-day tasks without significant issues.

Camera

The phone was equipped with a single 3.2 MP main camera. Although lacking advanced features, it was capable of capturing basic photos and recording video at 320p resolution at 15 frames per second. The absence of a front-facing camera meant that video calls and selfies were not possible, which was a tradeoff for keeping the phone affordable.

Memory and Storage

Simplifying its storage options, the Dart T499 included a microSDHC card slot, allowing for expandable storage and coming pre-packaged with a 2 GB memory card. While internal memory specifications are unspecified, the emphasis on expandable storage allowed users flexibility depending on their storage needs.

Battery Life

The Dart contained a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, which provided up to 288 hours of stand-by time and approximately 4 hours of talk time. Although these specs may seem minimal by today's standards, they were adequate for maintaining daily activity without frequent recharges when the phone was first introduced.

Connectivity Features

The Samsung Dart T499 was equipped with various connectivity options including HSPA 7.2 Mbps for mobile data, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n capabilities with hotspot functionality for wireless internet. In terms of local sharing and communication, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support and support for USB microUSB 2.0 connections were available. The device also included GPS and A-GPS capabilities along with stereo FM radio and RDS for additional media consumption.

Sensors and Additional Features

To support its operational capabilities, the Dart included essential sensors like the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These hardware features allowed for improved user interface interaction and app functionality, providing a surprisingly versatile array of tools for an entry-level device.

Conclusion

The Samsung Dart T499 stands as an emblematic representation of its time, serving those who prioritized a basic yet effective mobile phone experience. Its combination of features represented an affordability-conscious design that nonetheless included core smartphone functionality. Those reflecting on Dart's launch or studying the evolution of smartphones can appreciate its contribution to mobile technology's accessibility across diverse consumer demographics.