Samsung E1252 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung E1252 was launched in October 2010, embodying a straightforward and compact design trend prevalent in feature phones of that era. With dimensions of 112.7 x 46.7 x 13.9 mm and a lightweight profile weighing just 76.7 grams, it was tailored for users who prioritized portability and ease of handling. Its dual SIM capability using Mini-SIM cards, albeit no longer in service, underlined its utility for users requiring two lines in a single handset, often appealing to business professionals or frequent travelers at that time.

Display

The device featured a 2.0-inch TFT display with 256K colors, a modest size offering a focused experience on basic phone functionalities such as calls and messages. The screen's resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, resulting in approximately 102 ppi in pixel density, was typical for feature phones, balancing battery efficiency with adequate display quality for menus and simple graphics.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the Samsung E1252 stood out for its impressive battery longevity. On standby, the phone could last up to 625 hours, and it supported talk time of up to 11 hours, a useful feature when mobile charging options were limited. The focus on battery life made it an attractive choice for users in regions with inconsistent access to electricity or for those who were intensely mobile during the day.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM 900/1800 bands, limiting its reach to 2G networks. At the time of its release, 2G was the standard in many regions, providing satisfactory coverage for voice calls and text messages. The absence of GPRS and EDGE meant that mobile internet was not a function of this phone, emphasizing its primary design for communication through calls and SMS only.

Storage and Memory

Internally, the phone had a simple storage architecture designed to support basic functions. With no card slot available for memory expansion, the phone relied on its inbuilt memory to manage its operations and store essential data. The phonebook could store up to 1000 entries, inclusive of photocall feature, and it kept a record of 20 dialed, received, and missed calls. This level of storage was sufficient for the typical user profile targeted by Samsung for this device.

Multimedia and Features

The E1252 came equipped with a stereo FM radio, a valued feature for music and news enthusiasts who preferred over-the-air broadcasts. Notably absent were WLAN, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity options, narrowing its feature set to the essentials. The phone included basic games, a common feature to offer some form of entertainment in between tasks or during idle moments.

Sound

Audio capabilities of the Samsung E1252 included a loudspeaker, but it did not offer a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, constricting headphone usage options. Users relied on the speaker for hands-free calls and media playback, a typical solution for entry-level feature phones of its time.

Operating System and Performance

Being a feature phone, the Samsung E1252 operated on a basic proprietary OS which was intuitive yet very limited in functionality and app availability compared to more advanced systems like Android or iOS. It catered primarily to users focused on straightforward communications rather than multimedia or complex smartphone apps.

Pricing and Market Position

On release, the phone was priced at approximately 30 EUR, making it exceptionally affordable. This budget-friendly price tag positioned it well for markets prioritizing cost-efficiency over technological advancements. As a discontinued model, its appeal remains historical, serving as a reference for feature phone evolution.

Conclusion

The Samsung E1252 encapsulates a certain era of mobile device history, focusing on simplicity and functionality. While vastly overshadowed by the technological leaps seen in the smartphone revolution, its design and functionality continue to be examples of efficient, purpose-driven engineering aimed at global communication.