Samsung E1230 Complete Specs Pricing & Insights

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung E1230 features a classic candybar design, reminiscent of the mobile phones from the early 2000s. With dimensions of 110.6 x 45.4 x 13.9 mm and a weight of just 73 grams, this device is incredibly compact and easy to carry. The lightweight nature of the E1230 makes it convenient for long calls without feeling cumbersome. The phone is available in two simple colors: black and white, appealing to users who appreciate minimalistic designs. The body is constructed from durable plastic, ensuring that it can withstand daily wear and tear.

Display

The Samsung E1230 is equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT display, offering 65K colors for basic visual content. The screen's resolution is 128 x 160 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 114 ppi. While it won't compete with modern smartphones in terms of clarity and color production, it serves its purpose well for text messaging and basic navigation. The screen-to-body ratio is around 20.3%, which is typical for phones of this era. The display's small size also contributes to the phone's extended battery life.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung E1230 operates on GSM 900/1800 bands, making it suitable for basic communication needs. However, it does not support GPRS or EDGE, indicating its limitation to voice calls and SMS messaging without internet capabilities. The lack of Bluetooth, WLAN, and positioning capabilities emphasizes the E1230's role as a straightforward feature phone. It does, however, come with a stereo FM radio, which can provide entertainment on the go using a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening or the loudspeaker for sharing with others.

Memory and Storage

This device offers a simple memory configuration, able to store up to 1000 phonebook entries. However, it lacks any form of expandable storage, such as a microSD card slot, which means users are limited to the internal space for contacts and messages. Fortunately, it keeps a record of calls made, received, and missed, an essential feature for users who need to track their communication.

Sound and Multimedia

The Samsung E1230, despite its limited features, includes basic multimedia options. It has a 3.5mm audio jack along with an internal loudspeaker, allowing users to listen to music or radio without needing additional accessories. The stereo FM radio is a noteworthy addition for those who enjoy live radio broadcasts. Unfortunately, the absence of a camera limits the multimedia functionalities strictly to audio.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a strong suit for the Samsung E1230, thanks to its removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. The phone offers up to 660 hours of standby time and approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes of talk time. This extended battery life makes it an appealing choice for users who require reliability and downtime between charges. Its emphasis on call and texting functions without draining power-intensive apps and processes contributes significantly to its longevity.

Operating System and Performance

The E1230 runs on a basic feature phone operating system, focusing on essential functionalities without the complexities of modern smartphone OS. It does not support Java applications, which restricts the installation of additional applications. Despite this, it supports basic SMS messaging and simple games that come pre-installed, ensuring that it fulfills the communication and basic entertainment needs of its users. While the absence of a high-performance processor is evident, the phone executes its limited tasks smoothly, showcasing reliability in performing its designated functions.

Market Position and Pricing

Released in August 2011, the Samsung E1230 was targeted at users looking for a budget-friendly, no-frills mobile phone. Priced at approximately 20 EUR at launch, it was accessible to a wide range of consumers, particularly those requiring a secondary phone or those who prioritize call and text functionalities over smart features. Despite being discontinued, this model reflects Samsung's market strategy to cater to diverse consumer segments, offering affordable solutions while focusing on core communication.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung E1230 is a testament to simplicity and functionality, catering to a niche market that values these aspects over high-tech features. Its compact design, durable build, and long battery life make it an ideal choice for specific user profiles, including the elderly, young children, or individuals in need of a reliable backup device. Even though it lacks advanced technology, it competently fulfills its purpose as a foundational communication tool.