Samsung E630 Comprehensive Review Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung E630

The Samsung E630 is a feature phone that was announced in the fourth quarter of 2004 and has since been discontinued. Known for its compact and lightweight design, the E630 was a popular choice for users who preferred simplicity over the complexity of smartphones. This device came equipped with basic functionality and a clean, modest design that catered to the needs of the everyday user.

Design and Build

The Samsung E630 features dimensions of 85 x 43 x 22 mm and weighs only 79 grams, making it both compact and portable. Its lightweight frame and mini-SIM slot contribute to the device's ease of use and mobility. The E630's body is primarily designed with a practical approach to fit comfortably in the hand or pocket, appealing to users who appreciate straightforward functionality without excess bulk.

Display Features

This device is equipped with a TFT display supporting 65K colors, which provides a basic yet efficient user interface. The screen measures 1.7 inches, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, offering decent clarity for viewing messages and essential alerts. Although the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 24.9%, this was suitable for its time, providing enough space to navigate the phone’s functions comfortably.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung E630 hosts a single main VGA camera with LED flash support. While it lacks the high resolution and advanced features found in modern smartphones, the camera is capable of capturing simple images, suitable for users who may only need basic photography capabilities. The absence of a front-facing camera is indicative of the era's technology emphasis on communication over multimedia capabilities.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, the E630 can last up to 250 hours on standby and offers a talk time of up to 4 hours. This longevity in battery life suits the phone's target demographic of users seeking reliability in communication without the constant need for recharging. The removable nature of the battery also allows for easy replacements, extending the device’s operational life.

Network Technology

The Samsung E630 supports GSM technology, operating on 2G bands of GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900. It includes GPRS Class 10 for basic mobile data connection capabilities but lacks EDGE for higher speed data transmission. At the time, this level of networking was sufficient for sending and receiving simple text messages and performing light web browsing via the WAP 2.0 browser.

Storage and Memory

With a phonebook capacity allowing up to 1000 contacts, each capable of storing up to 10 fields with photo call support, the E630 was well-suited for maintaining extensive contact lists. However, the device does not support external memory card slots, which limits its storage and restricts how much additional data the phone can store beyond its default capabilities.

Connectivity Options

The E630 is equipped with limited connectivity options, emphasizing its role as a basic communication device. It does not support modern connectivity options like Bluetooth, WLAN, or GPS. However, it includes an infrared port, allowing short-range data transfers between compatible devices, a common feature in phones of its era.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of multimedia, Samsung E630 supports vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, catering to personalized user preferences. However, it does not include a speaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might limit its utility as an audio device. The phone does support simple games like BubbleSmile and SnowBall, with the option to download additional ones, enhancing its entertainment capabilities within its limitations.

Messaging Features

The phone supports SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging formats, enabling users to send simple text messages as well as multimedia content such as images and sounds. While it does not provide email support or advanced messaging features found in later mobile devices, its capabilities met the basic communication needs of users at the time of its release.

Additional Features

Additional features of the Samsung E630 include WAP 2.0/xHTML browser support for lightweight internet browsing and Java MIDP 1.0 support, which allows for limited application installations and usage. The lack of sensors and positioning features further emphasizes the device's focus on basic utility and reliability, rather than cutting-edge technology.

Market Position and Pricing

At launch, the Samsung E630 was priced at approximately 80 EUR, which positioned it as an affordable choice for users seeking a basic mobile phone without the complexities or costs associated with smartphones. Its availability in classic black, combined with its straightforward functionality, made it a popular device among a consumer base interested in practicality and simplicity.

Conclusion

The Samsung E630 serves as a reminder of the era when mobile phones were primarily tools for communication. Despite its lack of advanced features, its reliable battery, compact design, and ease of use ensured its success in its market segment. As mobile technology has progressed, the E630 represents a snapshot of the transitional phase from traditional cellphones to the multifunctional smartphones we know today.