Samsung F490 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build of Samsung F490

The Samsung F490, released in March 2008, was a feature phone that clearly embodied the design philosophy of its time. With dimensions of 115 x 53.5 x 11.8 mm and a weight of 102 g, the device was both compact and lightweight, fitting comfortably in the user's hand. Its body was crafted to allow ease of use for a broad range of consumers, feature a sleek, polished black finish, appealing to those who appreciated a minimalist aesthetic. Despite its small screen-to-body ratio of approximately 48.5%, the 3.3-inch TFT resistive touchscreen provided a sufficiently engaging interface for a device of its class and period.

Display Features

The Samsung F490's display was notable for its TFT resistive touchscreen, which supported 256K colors. This allowed for the easy differentiation of icons and the general interface, even if it was not the most vibrant display available at the time. With a resolution of 240 x 432 pixels and a pixel density of around 150 ppi, the display offered decent clarity for viewing images and navigating menus. The touchscreen functionality, although basic by today’s standards, provided an interactive experience that was still burgeoning in mobile technology at that time.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 5 MP autofocus camera, the F490 stood as a formidable option in the realm of basic mobile photography. The inclusion of an LED flash was a significant enhancement, allowing users to take photos in varying lighting conditions. While video capabilities were limited to 320p at 15 frames per second, the device served its purpose for quick video captures and casual photography. The addition of a videocall camera (although lacking detailed specifications) represented an early nod towards the video communication features that would become more prevalent in later years.

Performance and Battery Life

While specific details about the F490’s processor and RAM are not explicitly documented, its performance was typical of feature phones at the time. It was designed to handle essential functions such as messaging, calling, and basic multimedia tasks efficiently. The removable Li-Ion 880 mAh battery supported the phone through a standby time of up to 220 hours and up to 6 hours of talk time, which was adequate for everyday use. Users could easily replace the battery, thereby extending the phone's usability and lifespan.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung F490 supported GSM and HSPA technology, operating on 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900) and a 3G band (HSDPA 2100). Connectivity options were robust for the time, with Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless file transfers and a USB 2.0 port for wired connections. Although it lacked Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS functionality, the phone was suitable for basic data transfer needs. However, it should be noted that the absence of a built-in radio feature might have been seen as a drawback by some users during that period.

Audio and Multimedia

The Samsung F490 featured a loudspeaker, accompanied by downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Despite the advancements seen in later smartphones, these features ensured users could personalize alert tones to their liking. Including a 3.5mm audio jack allowed users to connect their headphones directly for private listening. Even though the audio quality was not groundbreaking, with recorded noise and crosstalk levels of -81.1dB and -81.7dB respectively, the phone provided a satisfactory audio experience for personal and entertainment purposes.

Storage and Expansion

Internally, the F490 housed 130MB of storage, which was ample for storing contacts, messages, and a moderate amount of multimedia content. The phone also supported external storage expansion through a microSD card slot, though specific capacity limits are not detailed. This feature permitted users to expand their storage capabilities, offering flexibility for those who required more space for their media files, such as photos and music. The phonebook's capacity to store 1000 entries, along with photo call functionality, added to the device's appeal for users who needed efficient contact management solutions.

Messaging and Applications

In terms of communication, Samsung F490 supported various messaging formats, including SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. This versatility was essential for maintaining connectivity across different platforms and communication preferences. The inclusion of Java MIDP 2.0 allowed the installation of additional applications and games, enhancing the device's functionality beyond its pre-installed software. This aspect of customizability made the F490 a practical and entertaining companion for everyday communication and leisure.

Legacy and Impact

Although the Samsung F490 is now discontinued, its impact on the mobile phone market during its time was substantial. It served as one of the company’s initial forays into touchscreen technology, paving the way for more advanced models in the smartphone era. Priced competitively at around 150 EUR, it was an attractive option for consumers seeking a balance between essential features and affordability. While it might not compete with contemporary smartphones in terms of specs and capabilities, the F490 stands as a reminder of the technological milestones achieved in the early mobile industry.