Price and specifications of Samsung i400 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Samsung i400

Released in 2008, the Samsung i400 was a unique addition to the mobile phone market. It combined a set of intriguing features with a robust design that appealed to a specific segment of tech enthusiasts who valued versatility over sheer power. Even with its discontinuation, the device remains a noteworthy example of early smartphone innovation.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung i400 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 101 x 50 x 15.8 mm and a weight of only 92 grams, making it both portable and easy to handle. Its sleek form factor and availability in classic black and vibrant red colors helped it stand out in a market filled with bulkier devices.

A Mini-SIM card slot and a removable battery highlighted its design flexibility, offering users the convenience of replacing their battery and switching their SIM cards with ease, a feature slowly diminishing in modern phone designs.

Display

The phone features a 2.3-inch TFT display capable of showcasing 256K colors, providing a satisfactory visual experience for its time. With a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels (~174 ppi density), the display delivered adequate clarity for navigating menus and basic media consumption.

Although the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 32.4%, making for a less immersive viewing experience by today’s standards, it was quite acceptable given the technological constraints of the era.

Performance

At the heart of the Samsung i400 lies a 330 MHz ARM 1136 processor complemented by a TI OMAP 2430 chipset. This combination enabled the device to effectively manage various tasks such as managing contacts and simple applications, although it struggled under heavy multitasking, which was typical of phones from that period.

Running on Symbian OS 9.2 with Series 60 v3.1 UI, the operating system offered a user-friendly interface and access to a variety of apps, supported by a PowerVR MBX GPU for basic graphics processing needs.

Memory and Storage

The device included 40MB of internal memory, which fell short of the storage needs for many users. However, it offered a dedicated microSD slot for expanded storage, catering to those who required more space for files and applications.

Camera

The Samsung i400 included a 2MP main camera capable of basic photography tasks. While it did not have an advanced camera system, it was sufficient for capturing snapshots and video recording in decent lighting conditions.

The device did not feature a front-facing camera, which limited its utility for selfies and video calls, reflecting the trends and consumer expectations of its release period.

Audio and Connectivity

Equipped with stereo speakers, the Samsung i400 provided reasonable audio quality for media playback. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limited headphone choices, though Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP did offer an alternative for wireless audio transmission.

In terms of connectivity, the phone supported GSM technology with GPRS and EDGE for mobile data. It did not offer Wi-Fi or positioning services, such as GPS, which are common in contemporary devices.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable battery, a feature appreciated by users who prioritized long-term battery health and convenience. Although specific battery capacity details are sparse, the phone reasonably supported typical daily activities without requiring frequent charging.

Software and User Interface

Running on Symbian OS, the Samsung i400's interface was intuitive and simple to navigate, catering well to users upgrading from feature phones to smartphone-like experiences. It supported basic applications and offered customizable options to enhance usability.

The phone's default browser, WAP 2.0 with HTML support, provided limited browsing capabilities, suited to simpler web pages rather than data-heavy sites.

Additional Features

While the Samsung i400 lacked advanced sensors like accelerometers or proximity sensors, it delivered standard features expected from phones of its class, including downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones.

Market Position and Pricing

Announced in April 2007 and released in 2008, the Samsung i400 was positioned in the mid-range market segment, appealing to users seeking a blend of functionality and slight innovation without a high price tag.

Initially priced around 290 EUR, the phone was affordable compared to many of its contemporaries, making it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers wanting a reliable device.

Conclusion

The Samsung i400, with its mix of practical features and compact design, epitomized a significant phase in the evolution of mobile phones. It reflected the technological limits and consumer expectations of its era, providing a stepping-stone toward the more advanced, feature-rich smartphones that followed.

Even though it is now discontinued, the Samsung i400 remains a fascinating piece of technology history, showcasing the balance between creativity and constraint faced by manufacturers during this period.