Samsung i350 Intrepid Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Samsung i350 Intrepid features a compact and practical design characteristic of its time. With dimensions of 124 x 62 x 13 mm and weighing only 91 grams, the device is portable and easy to handle. The QWERTY keyboard offers physical buttons which are supplemented by a resistive touchscreen, providing multiple avenues for input. Available in black, the design of this phone is understated yet functional, with a Mini-SIM slot that was standard during its release period.

Display

The display is a 2.55-inch TFT resistive touchscreen capable of showing 65,000 colors. With a screen resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and an aspect ratio of 4:3, it gives a pixel density of approximately 157 ppi. While not groundbreaking, it provided sufficient clarity for most applications of its era. The screen-to-body ratio is about 26.2%, which is typical for devices from its time.

Performance and Software

Powered by a 528 MHz processor, the Samsung i350 Intrepid delivers acceptable performance levels fitting for routine tasks such as calls, text messaging, and basic applications. It runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, an operating system that was prominent for offering productivity tools similar to the Windows desktop environment. This OS supported numerous applications offered by Windows Mobile, making it a capable device for business professionals at the time.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 256MB RAM and 512MB ROM, allowing for basic multitasking and storage of essential apps and media files. Expansion is possible through a dedicated microSDHC slot, permitting users to augment storage capacity as per their need, a practical feature allowing for flexibility with personal and professional data storage.

Camera Functionality

Equipped with a 3.15 MP main camera, the Samsung i350 Intrepid offers basic photographic capabilities. The camera allows for decent picture quality for its time, suitable for capturing quick snapshots. Video recording is possible, adding a level of multimedia capability, although it doesn’t support a selfie camera, indicating its focus on utility over social media functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

The i350 supports multiple bands including GSM, CDMA, UMTS, and EVDO. The incorporation of 3G technology, including UMTS 2100, allows moderate data speeds suitable for browsing and email. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for audio streaming, GPS with A-GPS for navigation, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

Fitted with a removable Li-Ion 1480 mAh battery, the Samsung i350 Intrepid provides a respectable battery life given its functionalities. It supports up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time, making it reliable for day-to-day use without constant recharging.

Audio and Multimedia

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, offering standard audio options for calls and media playback. While it lacks a radio feature, users can enjoy music and audio via stored files or streamed through Bluetooth-supported devices.

Additional Features

Other functionalities include basic sensors and support for WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browsers, allowing users to access simplified web services. Despite its limited features by today's standards, these options delivered a reasonable user experience in its operating period.

Market Position and Conclusion

Initially announced in March 2009 and released in October of the same year, the Samsung i350 Intrepid was discontinued shortly after. Priced around 40 EUR, it targeted cost-effective markets, appealing to consumers seeking a balance between essential smartphone capabilities and economic viability. While technologically surpassed today, it represented a significant step in Samsung's development of mobile devices, bridging the gap between simple phones and the enhanced functionality of modern smartphones.