Price and specifications of Samsung i300x advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Samsung i300x

The Samsung i300x was a notable device when it hit the market, boasting unique features that made it stand out during its time. Released in the first quarter of 2006, it provided users with the experience of a smartphone integrated with an audio-centric design due to its advanced storage capabilities and support for music media files.

Design and Build

The Samsung i300x came with a distinctive form factor characterized by its dimensions of 113 x 48 x 20 mm, making it a compact and portable device. Weighing at 121 grams, it was comfortable to hold and offered durability. The device supported a Mini-SIM and was constructed with a typical candy bar design of that era, reflecting robust build quality. Its visual appeal was further accentuated by the TFT display offering 256K colors, although only 65K colors were effective, which provided vivid and colorful display visuals on its 2.0-inch screen.

Display

The device featured a 2.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, making use of an approximate 4:3 aspect ratio. The pixel density was around 200 ppi which was sufficient for clear and readable text and images, considering the era of the device. The screen-to-body ratio was roughly 22.8%, which was standard given the design constraints of early-2000s smartphones.

Performance and Software

Samsung i300x was powered by an Intel XScale processor clocked at 416 MHz, partnered with 64MB of RAM. While modest by today's standards, it was adequate for the device's software needs and provided a reasonably smooth experience for applications at the time. It ran on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 SE Smartphone Edition, delivering a user-friendly and customizable interface with access to essential productivity applications as well as multimedia capabilities.

Storage

One of the standout features of the Samsung i300x was its storage capacity. Equipped with a 4GB internal microdrive, it offered a significant amount of space for music and video files, a feature that targeted users who valued their mobile device as a primary music player. Furthermore, the presence of a dedicated microSD card slot allowed for additional storage expansion, ensuring users never ran out of space for media or apps.

Camera

The Samsung i300x sported a 1.3 MP rear camera. The camera was equipped with a LED flash, enabling users to capture images in low-light settings. It also supported video recording, adding to the multimedia functionality of the device. Although it lacked a front-facing camera, the primary camera was adequate for basic photography needs and casual snapshots.

Audio and Multimedia

With stereo speakers and the ability to play polyphonic, MP3, WMA, WAV, and AAC ringtones, the i300x was designed with music enthusiasts in mind. Despite the absence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack, it supported Bluetooth 1.2 with A2DP capabilities, ensuring wireless audio streaming was possible with compatible devices. The device was also equipped with a proprietary port for connectivity, typical of many devices from that era.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung i300x supported GSM technology with a range of 2G bands, including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. It offered GPRS Class 10 connectivity but lacked EDGE, WLAN, and built-in GPS features, which were not uncommon omissions for devices during that period. An infrared port was present to facilitate data transfer between compatible devices, providing an additional connectivity option.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing up to 130 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. Additionally, an extended 1700 mAh battery was available, increasing its standby time to 200 hours and talk time to 7 hours. The removable nature of the battery allowed users to replace or upgrade as needed, ensuring extended usability of the device without the need for frequent charging.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung i300x, with its advanced features for the time, particularly its generous internal storage and music capabilities, marked a significant step in the evolution of mobile devices. Although some features like connectivity and screen technology might seem outdated today, during its release, it offered a compelling option for users who wanted a blend of smartphone functionality and impressive media capabilities in a single compact device.