Price and specifications of Samsung E720 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung E720

The Samsung E720, launched in the first quarter of 2005, marked a significant milestone for Samsung in the evolving landscape of mobile devices. This device, despite its relatively modest specifications by today's standards, was a compelling choice during its time, offering a blend of functionality and style in a compact form factor.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 90 x 45 x 23.3 mm and a weight of just 80 grams, the Samsung E720 was designed to be easily portable. The phone is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot and crafted in a sleek design that fits comfortably in hand. Sporting a classic clamshell design, the E720 was available in a distinctive bronze color, appealing to users seeking both style and practicality.

Display

The Samsung E720 featured a TFT display capable of rendering 256K colors at a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, accommodating 9 lines of text. Although the lack of touchscreen capability is notable today, the vibrant display of the E720 was well-appreciated at the time, providing clear and bright visuals for its users.

Camera

Equipped with a single 1 MP rear camera accompanied by an LED flash, the Samsung E720 offered basic photography capabilities. It supported video recording, which was a valued feature for capturing moments on the go, albeit in modest quality compared to modern standards.

Memory and Storage

The device lacked a card slot, providing an internal storage capacity of 90MB. This space was often sufficient for storing contacts, a limited selection of images, and downloadable content such as ringtones and Java-based applications. The phonebook could store up to 1000 contacts, each with multiple fields, supporting photo call features.

Connectivity and Communications

In terms of network technology, the Samsung E720 was a GSM device supporting 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900). Data connectivity was possible through GPRS Class 10, though EDGE support was absent. The phone came with Bluetooth 1.1 but lacked more advanced connectivity options like WLAN or GPS. USB connectivity was available via a proprietary connector, consistent with industry standards of the time.

Battery Life

The Samsung E720 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, offering up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. An alternate model with an extended Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery was available, slightly enhancing standby and talk time, a consideration for more demanding users.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone platform, the Samsung E720 provided essential communication tools including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. Its browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML, suitable for basic internet browsing. The device featured a handful of preloaded games such as Bobby Carrot and Freekick, with the possibility of downloading additional Java-based games and applications, facilitated by Java MIDP 2.0 support.

Sound and Multimedia

The E720 included polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, enhancing personalization options for users. Despite the absence of a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, the phone supported downloadable ringtones and vibration alerts for notifications.

Final Thoughts

Though the Samsung E720 might seem limited by modern smartphone standards, it remains a representation of the mobile technology available in the mid-2000s. Its lightweight and robust design, coupled with practical features, provided a reliable mobile experience. The E720 was favored for its simplicity, user-friendly interface, and portability, highlighting Samsung's ability to cater to consumer needs in a rapidly evolving market. As technology continues to progress, devices like the E720 serve as reminders of the technological journey and the humble beginnings of mobile communication advancements.