Unveiling the Samsung Exhibit II 4G T679 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Samsung Exhibit II 4G T679

The Samsung Exhibit II 4G T679 was a mid-range smartphone released in October 2011. With its affordable pricing and decent specifications for its time, it was targeted toward cost-conscious consumers who still desired the experience of a capable smartphone. Despite being discontinued, its legacy as a predecessor to more advanced Android devices remains noteworthy. This article explores the detailed specifications and features that define the Exhibit II 4G.

Network Capabilities

At the heart of the Exhibit II 4G's connectivity is its support for both GSM and HSPA technologies. The device operates on a variety of 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 2100 / 1900), making it versatile for different network environments. This versatility in network support allowed users to enjoy HSPA speeds up to 14.4/5.76 Mbps, catering to the needs for faster internet browsing and more reliable connectivity during its era.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in October 2011, the Samsung Exhibit II 4G quickly caught attention as a sturdy yet budget-friendly option in the smartphone market. Unfortunately, as technology rapidly evolved, the device was eventually discontinued, marking the end of its production and availability. Nevertheless, its presence during its active years illustrates a period of transition where smartphone accessibility began broadening due to more affordable devices.

Design and Build

The device's physical dimensions are 115 x 60 x 11 mm, and it weighs 116 grams, representing a compact form factor that ensured it comfortably fit in users' hands and pockets. The Exhibit II 4G was designed to utilize a Mini-SIM, standard at the time. Despite being primarily made of plastic, the phone's build was considered durable and practical, appealing to a broad spectrum of users.

Display Features

The Exhibit II 4G sports a 3.7-inch TFT display. Despite having a modest size by today's standards, it offered a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, translating to a pixel density of around 252 ppi. This provided sharpness and clarity acceptable for everyday tasks, such as browsing the internet, checking emails, and enjoying multimedia content at the time.

Performance and Platform

The device runs on Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread), which was a popular operating system choice back in 2011. Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset featuring a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This combination enabled satisfactory performance for basic smartphone operations, though intensive gaming or heavy multitasking would stretch its capabilities.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung Exhibit II 4G comes with 512MB of RAM and 1GB of internal storage. For users needing more space, especially for apps, music, and multimedia files, the device includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, which allowed for memory expansion. This expandable storage option underscored the device's design to be adaptable to varying user needs.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 3.15 MP main camera capable of autofocus, the Samsung Exhibit II 4G wasn't marketed as a camera phone but provided adequate photo quality for casual snapshots. It also includes an LED flash to assist in low-light conditions. Video recording is possible at 480p resolution. For selfies and video calls, a VGA front camera is present, though it delivers basic picture quality by modern standards.

Sound and Audio

The Exhibit II 4G includes a loudspeaker for audio playback and comes with a 3.5mm jack, maintaining compatibility with a wide array of audio peripherals. Such features were essential for users who enjoyed media consumption on their devices or required hands-free connectivity for calls and music.

Communication Features

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, enabling dual-band connectivity and serving as a hotspot. Additionally, it features Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP for wireless data transfer and device connections. Its positioning capabilities include GPS and A-GPS, which help in navigation and location-based services. For data syncing and charging, a microUSB 2.0 port is available.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Samsung Exhibit II 4G is equipped with essential sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors facilitate more interactive user experiences by enabling screen auto-rotation, call handling by proximity sensing, and orientation-based applications, among other uses.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. While its capacity might seem modest compared to modern smartphones, it offered satisfactory performance with up to 360 hours on standby and approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes of talk time, reflecting a balance for the hardware and features available.

Miscellaneous Aspects

Available in black color, the Exhibit II 4G was aesthetically pleasing, catering to the tastes of typical users. With a SAR value of 0.74 W/kg (head) and 0.76 W/kg (body), the phone adhered to safety standards, ensuring user health is not compromised. Priced at about 100 EUR at launch, it was a viable option for those seeking functionality without high expenditure.

Conclusion

The Samsung Exhibit II 4G T679 serves as an illustrative example of early 4G smartphones at the entry-level range. While its specifications may not match modern expectations, it built a foundation for the evolution of mobile technology. It delivered a compelling combination of affordability, basic smartphone capabilities, and connectivity options that enabled more people to experience smartphones. Even after its discontinuation, the legacy of the Exhibit II 4G as a forerunner in making smart mobile devices accessible and affordable still resonates.