Samsung E480 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung E480

The Samsung E480 is a feature phone that was announced in November 2006 and has since been discontinued. This device represents a period in mobile technology where feature phones were prevalent, before the widespread adoption of smartphones. The E480 combines basic functionality with a compact design, offering essential features such as calling, messaging, a camera for photos and videos, and storage expandability.

Design and Build

The Samsung E480 weighs a mere 85 grams, making it exceptionally lightweight and easy to carry. It features dimensions of 94 x 48 x 16 mm, which contribute to its compact form factor. Its design allows for a comfortable grip and enhanced portability. The phone uses a Mini-SIM, which was the standard at the time. Available in colors like Silver and Black, the E480 maintained a stylish appearance without compromising on durability.

Display

The device is equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT display, supporting 65K colors. While the screen size and resolution of 128 x 160 pixels (~102 ppi density) may seem modest by today’s standards, it was quite adequate at the time for basic applications, including messaging and menu navigation. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 27.9%, which is typical for devices of that era, focused more on functionality rather than large displays.

Camera

One of the unique selling points of the Samsung E480 was its inclusion of a 1.3 MP main camera. Although this resolution is minimal by modern standards, it allowed users to capture still images and videos at 320p. It was a feature that targeted users who desired basic photography capabilities without the bells and whistles of high-end cameras. There is no selfie camera on this device, which was common for phones released during this time.

Memory and Storage

The E480 includes 10MB of internal storage, which enabled users to store contacts, text messages, and a limited number of multimedia files. For those who required additional storage, the microSD slot provided a solution, supporting expandable memory, allowing users to keep more photos, music, and content. The phonebook capacity can hold up to 1000 entries, a generous amount for its time, featuring photocall capabilities.

Battery Life

The device functions with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. This battery life was sufficient to support the basic operations of feature phones, ensuring the Samsung E480 could last a reasonable amount of time between charges. Although specific talk time and standby figures are not readily available, feature phones of this capacity could typically last several days on a single charge under regular usage.

Connectivity and Communication

In terms of network capabilities, the Samsung E480 operates on GSM technology with support for GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands, making it usable in a variety of global locations where these bands are supported. It includes GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10 for data connectivity, focusing on basic web connectivity and data transfer speeds of the time.

Notably, the device features Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio and connectivity to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, it lacks WLAN and positioning technologies such as GPS. FM Radio was included for entertainment, and USB connection was provided via a proprietary port.

Sound and Media

The Samsung E480 offers a basic multimedia experience. It lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, meaning audio output is primarily through downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones combined with vibration alerts. This limitation was not uncommon in feature phones of that period, which focused more on primary communication functions than media richness.

Software and User Interface

The device operates on a feature phone platform, with no advanced operating system like iOS or Android. Messaging capabilities include SMS, MMS, and Email support, catering to users who prioritize communication. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allows basic web browsing, mainly for lightweight pages. Java support via MIDP 2.0 enables limited application and game compatibility, enriching the user experience with downloadable games.

Conclusion

Although the Samsung E480 might seem simplistic by today's smartphone standards, it was a capable device for its time, serving the basic needs of users who required communication and minimal web interaction. Its features were tailored towards providing essential functions such as photography, communication, and limited media consumption in a compact, user-friendly design.