Price and specifications of Samsung E360 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Samsung E360

The Samsung E360 was one of the notable feature phones launched in the mid-2000s. Although the market was starting to see the emergence of more advanced smartphones during this time, the E360 appealed to those who preferred simplicity while still having some multimedia features. Released in the fourth quarter of 2005, this device showcased Samsung's dedication to providing a reliable and user-friendly mobile experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung E360 exhibits a compact and elegant design with dimensions measuring 87 x 45.5 x 22.5 mm and a weight of just 79 grams. This made the phone particularly convenient to carry around, fitting comfortably in any pocket or handbag. The device was equipped with a mini-SIM slot and was available in the classic silver color that added to its professional appearance.

Display Characteristics

Sporting a TFT display with 65,000 colors, the E360's screen offered resolutions of 128 x 160 pixels. Although this may seem modest by today’s standards, it was reasonably adequate for displaying texts, basic images, and navigating through menus during the era it was released. The lack of a larger screen did not hinder the phone’s ability to provide a satisfactory user experience, especially considering its primary functions were centered around communication rather than multimedia consumption.

Camera and Multimedia

The main camera on the Samsung E360 was a VGA lens, allowing users to capture basic photos and record videos. Given the technology available at the time, the provision of a camera was a significant feature. Despite its limited capabilities with a 0.3MP resolution, it provided a way for users to visually document moments, albeit in basic quality. Although a front-facing camera was absent, the rear camera was sufficient for occasional snapshots.

Connectivity and Network

The Samsung E360 was equipped to operate on the GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands, making it versatile enough for use in multiple regions around the globe. It supported GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10 for data transfer, which was typical for phones at the time. Although it lacked WLAN capabilities, Bluetooth 1.2 was present, enabling users to transfer files wirelessly with nearby devices. Furthermore, an FM radio feature provided entertainment and news updates without the need for an internet connection.

Storage and Memory

The internal memory of the Samsung E360 offered a 44MB storage space. While modest, it was sufficient for storing contacts, text messages, and a limited number of multimedia files. The phonebook capacity was notably large, allowing up to 1000 entries, which was a boon for users who needed extensive contact databases. However, the lack of a memory card slot limited expansion, requiring users to manage their existing storage space efficiently.

Battery Life

Powering the E360 was a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. While the battery's capacity may seem low compared to contemporary devices, it provided a reasonable standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours and 30 minutes, thanks to the phone's efficient power management and lower consumption of energy due to its basic feature set.

Operating System and User Interface

The Samsung E360 was a feature phone, engineered with a proprietary user interface which was intuitive and easy to navigate. The operating system allowed for essential messaging features such as SMS, MMS, and Email, along with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing. The Java MIDP 2.0 support extended its capability to run basic applications and games, enhancing user engagement.

Entertainment and Extras

To cater to entertainment needs, the E360 came with a set of preloaded games such as "Forgotten Warrior", "Freekick", and "Arch Angel", with the possibility of downloading additional Java-based games. Ringtones could be customized with polyphonic and MP3 sounds, a feature that was highly appreciated by users wanting to personalize their phones.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung E360 carved a niche for itself during an exciting period of mobile phone innovation by providing a balance of simplicity and functionality. Its design, essential features, and adequate multimedia capabilities represented what many users desired in a mobile device at the time. Even as it was eventually discontinued, the E360 remains a testament to Samsung's legacy in delivering dependable and accessible mobile technology.