Samsung E251 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Samsung E251 Overview

The Samsung E251 is a classic mobile phone that was announced in February 2008 and released in September of the same year. Characterized by its simple and practical design, the E251 stands as a representation of the transitional phase in mobile phone technology—bridging the gap between basic cell phones and the more advanced smartphones we know today. Let's delve deeper into the specifics of this once-popular device and explore its various features and capabilities.

Design and Build

The Samsung E251 features a sleek candy bar design with dimensions of 99.5 x 49.5 x 14.1 mm, making it compact and easy to carry. Its lightweight build is complemented by a classic black finish, fostering an aura of understated elegance. The E251 employs a Mini-SIM slot, a standard during its time, ensuring easy connectivity.

Display

Equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT screen, the Samsung E251 offers users a display resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. The screen provides 65K colors, making the visuals vivid enough for basic multimedia use. Although modest by today's standards, the display was quite standard for feature phones of its era.

Camera

The Samsung E251 includes a VGA main camera capable of capturing photographs and recording QCIF quality video. While its 0.3 MP resolution doesn't match modern standards, it enabled users at the time to snap photos on-the-go and enjoy basic video recording—a boon for everyday documentation.

Network Capabilities

Supporting GSM technology, the Samsung E251 operates on 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900). The device offers GPRS Class 10 connectivity and includes EDGE functionality, allowing basic internet browsing through its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. Despite limited online capabilities compared to modern devices, these features sufficed for accessing essential internet services.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung E251 provides a microSD slot for additional storage, allowing users to expand memory as needed. It supports a phonebook that can store up to 1000 entries along with photocall capability, helping users manage their contacts efficiently. Call records can log up to 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls, reflecting its capacity for maintaining communication logs.

Audio and Sound

A focus on personalized audio experience is evident in the Samsung E251's features. Users can enjoy polyphonic and MP3 ringtones in addition to its loudspeaker functionality. However, it doesn’t include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a common omission in some devices during that period.

Connectivity and Communication

While the Samsung E251 lacks WLAN capabilities, it compensates with Bluetooth 2.0 featuring A2DP support, enabling wireless audio streaming—a cutting-edge offering at the time. The phone includes a stereo FM radio with RDS support, adding variety to the available entertainment options. It provides USB 2.0 connectivity for easy data transfer to personal computers.

Battery and Power Management

Packed with a removable battery, the Samsung E251 allows users to swap out exhausted batteries with charged ones conveniently. This feature, though largely absent in many modern smartphones, offers lasting usability and simpler power management for active users.

Software and Features

Running on a basic feature phone operating system, the Samsung E251 provides essential communication services, including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email functionalities. The device supports Java through MIDP 2.0, enabling additional application installations and gaming options. While not on par with the extensive app ecosystems of today's smartphones, these capabilities offered enhanced usability for users seeking entertainment and productivity on their mobile devices.

Price and Availability

At its launch, the Samsung E251 was priced around 90 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option for those seeking a reliable mobile phone without the complexities of then-emerging smartphones. Although discontinued now, it remains a fond memory for many users who cherished its simplicity and utility.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Samsung E251 stands as a testament to the evolution of mobile technology. While lacking the advanced features seen on modern smartphones, its robust design and feature set provided a solid foundation for everyday mobile communication and entertainment needs. For those interested in the history of mobile phones, the Samsung E251 serves as an intriguing example of mid-2000s mobile innovation.