Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940 Full Specs Pricing & Review

Overview of Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940

The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940 is a versatile smartphone that was launched in August 2012. Despite being discontinued, its specifications and features provide ample insights into the technology of its era. The device operated on CDMA and LTE networks, offering a glimpse into the transitional phase from traditional networks to more advanced 4G technologies.

Network Technology

Equipped with CDMA/EVDO/LTE technology, the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940 supported both 2G and 3G bands, specifically CDMA technologies: 800, 1700, 1900 for 2G and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for 3G. For 4G LTE, it included bands 2 and 4, providing users with faster data speeds, enhancing browsing experiences for users who relied heavily on mobile data.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released both in August 2012, the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940 had a relatively short market lifespan. The device has since been discontinued, making it a collector's item or a choice for those interested in experiencing older smartphone technology.

Design and Build

The device's dimensions are 130 x 68 x 11.7 mm, and it weighs 142 grams, offering a comfortable hold and operation with one hand. Its design incorporated a Mini-SIM slot, a standard at the time, which now seems outdated compared to current SIM card technologies.

Display Features

The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940 boasts a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. The resolution is 480 x 800 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 217 ppi. Despite not being as crisp as modern displays, it provided vibrant colors and was considered advanced technology during its release era.

Platform and Performance

Running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), it utilized the Exynos 3210 chipset with a 1.0 GHz CPU. At that time, Android Gingerbread offered a relatively smooth user interface, though it lacks support for a large number of modern apps due to outdated compatibility. Additionally, specifics about RAM are not outlined here, indicating it might be minimal compared to contemporary standards.

Memory and Storage

This device featured 1.4GB of internal storage, which is surprisingly low from today's perspective but could be expanded via a microSDHC card. Interestingly, a 16 GB microSDHC card came included, highlighting the necessity for expansion due to the limited internal storage.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera on this device is an 8 MP autofocus shooter coupled with an LED flash, capable of recording 720p video. The presence of a 1.3 MP front camera was significant at the time for basic video calling and selfies, though it pales compared to modern front cameras that emphasize high resolution and additional features.

Audio and Connectivity

Including both a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, this device catered to traditional audio accessories. It supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, and microUSB 2.0 connectivity. Positioning capabilities include GPS and A-GPS, essential for navigation apps despite the absence of a dedicated radio feature.

Sensors and Additional Features

This phone was equipped with essential sensors of the time: accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass, all contributing to functionality that was crucial in providing user experience enhancements in certain applications.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1600 mAh battery, the device offered a stand-by time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. These figures illustrate typical performances for the time, where battery life was a major consideration due to less efficient energy usage in earlier smartphone designs.

Miscellaneous and Price

The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940 was available in black, with SAR values recorded at 0.72 W/kg for the head and 0.45 W/kg for the body, meeting safety regulations. Its price was approximately 100 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range device in the market of its time.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G R940 serves as a reminder of the rapid evolution in mobile phone technology. While its specifications are modest by today's standards, it provided robust functionality and connectivity options for users back in 2012. Its features highlight the technological shifts towards better displays, faster networks, and more efficient processors that began a decade ago and continue to advance in today's smartphones.