Unveiling Samsung DoubleTime I857 Specs Features Price & More

Introduction to Samsung DoubleTime I857

The Samsung DoubleTime I857 is a distinctive smartphone that gained recognition due to its unique design and practical usability features. Announced in October 2011 and released in November of the same year, this device was marketed as an entry-level smartphone targeting users who required essential smartphone functionalities coupled with the convenience of a physical QWERTY keyboard. Although its production has been discontinued, the DoubleTime remains a fascinating example of early smartphone innovation.

Design and Build

The Samsung DoubleTime I857 presents an unusual clamshell design, distinguishing it from the typical slate smartphones of its era. It features dual touch screens and a full-sized QWERTY keyboard, appealing to those who find comfort in tactile typing rather than on-screen keyboards. With a dimension of 113 x 62 x 15 mm and a weight of 148 g, it is notably compact and conveniently portable. Despite its thickness, the combination of two displays and a keyboard provides a balance between a feature phone and a smartphone.

Display

The DoubleTime boasts two 3.2-inch TFT screens with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. While not leading-edge by today's standards, its display was adequate for the time, allowing users to navigate Android apps with ease. The secondary screen was a particular highlight of its design, providing significant user convenience. The 256K color support offered vibrant visuals that, when combined with the Android 2.2 Froyo interface, delivered a satisfactory user experience.

Software and Performance

Operating on Android 2.2 Froyo, the Samsung DoubleTime I857 provided users with access to a wide range of applications through the Android Market. The MSM7230 chipset, powered by an 800 MHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU, facilitated moderate performance suitable for everyday tasks such as calling, texting, browsing, and using social media applications. However, the limitations in processing power meant that resource-intensive applications were not its strong suit.

Memory and Storage

The device came with 260MB of internal storage and 256MB of RAM, which was relatively restricted even in its day. Fortunately, it included a microSDHC slot, supporting expandable storage, allowing users to bypass storage constraints by adding an external memory card. This capability enabled users to store more apps, photos, and music, providing flexibility in managing their digital content.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung DoubleTime I857 is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera capable of capturing images with autofocus. It also supported video recording at 320p. While the camera quality is basic and lacks the advanced features seen in modern smartphones, it served its purpose for capturing day-to-day moments and sharing them on social platforms. Notably, the absence of a front-facing camera highlights its primary focus on practical usage over multimedia excellence.

Connectivity and Network

Network support for GSM and HSPA ensured that the device was compatible with a range of communication bands. The inclusion of Bluetooth 3.0 allowed for wireless connectivity with other compatible devices. GPS and A-GPS capabilities supported navigational functions, providing additional utility. While it lacked Wi-Fi and radio functionality, its basic internet browsing capabilities sufficed for users at the time.

Battery Life and Power Management

The removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery offered the Samsung DoubleTime I857 a reasonable lifespan with up to 6 hours of talk time and up to 250 hours on standby. Although not exceptional, the battery performance was adequate for users who primarily used the device for communication and intermittent internet use. The ability to replace the battery was a practical feature, providing users the option to carry spares for extended usage.

Additional Features

Sensors such as the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass were included, enhancing the user experience with automatic screen rotation and gesture-based control for certain applications. The provision of a 3.5mm audio jack meant users could easily connect headphones for a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, the microUSB 2.0 port facilitated convenient data transfer and charging.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the Samsung DoubleTime I857 was priced at around 70 EUR, positioning it as an affordable entry-level smartphone. This competitive pricing made it accessible to a wider audience, including first-time smartphone users and those looking for a secondary device.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung DoubleTime I857 was a smartphone that stood out during its time for its dual-screen clamshell design and physical keyboard. While its hardware and software capabilities were modest, it provided a satisfactory user experience for its target market. As a discontinued model, the DoubleTime serves as a reflection of the smartphone industry's evolution, particularly in blending traditional mobile phone features with emerging smartphone technology.