Samsung E380 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Samsung E380 is a feature phone that was launched in July 2006, a period when mobile technology was steadily evolving. Despite being a feature phone, the E380 was equipped with several features that made it popular among users who required basic communication capabilities along with a few additional functionalities. Its compact size, light weight, and stylish design were key selling points, making it an attractive choice for many users at the time.

Design and Build

The Samsung E380 measures 93 x 46 x 16.8 mm and weighs only 77 grams, making it a lightweight and portable device. The device is built to accommodate a Mini-SIM, adhering to the standard format of the time. It was available in three color variants: Champagne Gold, Scarlet Red, and Ice Blue, providing users with some variety and personal preference in terms of aesthetics. The build quality is robust, typical of feature phones of that era, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use.

Display

The phone features a 1.9-inch TFT display capable of showcasing 65K colors, with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of approximately 148 ppi, which, while basic by today’s standards, was adequate for displaying text, simple graphics, and basic multimedia content in 2006. The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 26.6%, which is characteristic of feature phones with physical keypads.

Camera

Equipped with a 1.3 MP main camera, the Samsung E380 offers basic photography capabilities. While it cannot compete with modern smartphones, the camera was sufficient for capturing simple photos. It also supports video recording, allowing users to capture short clips. The absence of a front-facing camera highlights its focus on fundamental mobile communication rather than being a multimedia powerhouse.

Performance and Storage

The E380 comes with 40 MB of internal storage, which was typical for feature phones at the time. It allows for storing contacts, SMS, and a limited amount of additional data such as ringtones and basic games. The phone does not support expandable storage via a card slot, so users were limited to managing content within the available internal memory. The performance is optimized for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and using the WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for simple web activities.

Network and Connectivity

The device operates on GSM networks, supporting bands 900/1800/1900, which provided decent coverage for users in many regions globally. It supports GPRS and EDGE Class 10 for mobile data, which was typical for feature phones, allowing for basic internet connectivity. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP provides options for wireless audio streaming and connecting to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, although there is no support for Wi-Fi connectivity. The device includes a USB 1.1 port for connecting to computers for data transfer.

Battery Life

The Samsung E380 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, which offers standby time of up to 320 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours and 50 minutes. The efficient use of power resources ensures that the device can last for several days under typical usage conditions on a single charge, which was a significant advantage before the era of daily smartphone charging.

Additional Features

This feature phone includes a variety of functionalities to enhance user experience. Messaging options include SMS, EMS, MMS, and email, catering to various communication needs. Games and other applications can be supported through Java MIDP 2.0, offering some entertainment and utility beyond basic calling and texting. Ringtones can be customized with downloadable polyphonic and MP3 files, contributing to the phone's personalization aspects.

User Experience

The phone’s interface is intuitive for users familiar with earlier mobile phones, thanks to its straightforward menu system and responsive physical keypad. It is designed for efficiency in making calls, managing contacts, and sending texts. The absence of complex features allows the device to offer an uncomplicated interaction, which appeals to users prioritizing ease of use and reliability.

Conclusion

Although discontinued, the Samsung E380 stands as a representative example of mid-2000s feature phones. It offered essential functionalities combined with a compact and durable design. While it lacks the advanced features and connectivity options of modern smartphones, it remains an iconic device for those who value simplicity and practicality in mobile communication.