Samsung E850 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Samsung E850: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction to Samsung E850

The Samsung E850 was launched in the last quarter of 2004, during a time when mobile technology was transitioning from basic functionalities to more advanced features. Although now discontinued, the device holds a nostalgic value for many and serves as an interesting piece of tech history. Equipped with features that were considered innovative at the time, the Samsung E850 brought a blend of style, form, and functionality in a compact design.

Design and Build

One of the defining characteristics of the Samsung E850 is its compact form factor, with dimensions measuring 90 x 44 x 23 mm and weighing just 85 grams. This lightweight design made it convenient for users to carry the phone in their pockets without any hassle. The phone sported a distinctive dark blue color that added a touch of elegance to its appearance. The build quality of the Samsung E850 was solid, using durable materials to ensure longevity.

Display

The Samsung E850 featured a 1.7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. The screen was capable of displaying 65K colors, which was suitable for viewing images and navigating the phone’s interface. Although the screen size and resolution may seem outdated by today’s standards, it was adequate for the device's primary functions such as messaging and making calls.

Camera Functionality

The phone came equipped with a VGA camera featuring a unique pop-out rotating lens. This innovative design allowed users to capture images from different angles with ease. The camera, however, was limited to 0.3MP, which offered basic photo quality. Despite its limitations, the inclusion of a camera was a noteworthy feature for a phone from its era. The Samsung E850 also supported video capture, allowing users to record short clips.

Performance and Operating System

The Samsung E850 operated as a feature phone, equipped with the basic hardware needed to perform its functions effectively. The device's internal memory capacity was 9MB, and it did not support an external card slot for memory expansion. The phone's processor specifications are not well-documented, but the device was optimized to run necessary operations smoothly without a modern-day operating system.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, the Samsung E850 offered a reliable battery life for its users. The standby time was up to 220 hours, and talk time extended to 4 hours and 30 minutes. This was adequate for daily communications and occasional usage. The removable battery also allowed users to easily replace it if necessary, which was a common feature in phones of that era.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung E850 was designed to operate on GSM networks, supporting frequencies of 900 and 1800 MHz. The device incorporated GPRS class 8 for basic data connectivity, and while it lacked advanced connectivity options like 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi, it did include an infrared port for device-to-device data sharing — a popular feature at that time. Bluetooth connectivity was not available, and neither was radio functionality.

Sound and Alert Features

Sound quality in the Samsung E850 was satisfactory for its size, though it did not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users could choose from multiple downloadable polyphonic ringtones for alerts and calls. Vibration alerts were also available for silent notifications.

Messaging and Additional Features

Messaging capabilities in Samsung E850 included SMS and MMS support, allowing users to send text messages and multimedia content. The device featured a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing, though limited by the network capabilities of the time. Java MIDP 2.0 support allowed users to run various downloadable applications and games, adding a degree of personalization and entertainment. The phone came preloaded with four games but had the option to download more.

Conclusion

The Samsung E850 holds its place in technology history as a representative of the early 2000s mobile phones that provided both practical functionality and stylistic design. While it may not stand out in today’s smartphone standards, it serves as a testament to the evolution of mobile communication devices. For those interested in the history of mobile technology, the Samsung E850 is a fascinating piece reflecting the innovative spirit of its time.