Samsung i550 Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung i550 was introduced as a robust device with a classic candybar design. Measuring 115 x 53 x 13.8 mm and weighing just 109 grams, it was relatively compact and lightweight considering the standards of its time. The build quality was sturdy, offering a comfortable grip with its smooth curves and it was available in classic black and silver colors. The mini-SIM slot was standard, catering to the prevalent mobile network configurations of the era.

Display

The device featured a 2.6-inch TFT display, with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 154 ppi. While below today's standards, the screen was vibrant enough to handle everyday tasks with a display capable of presenting 256K colors. The screen-to-body ratio stood at about 34.3%, which was typical of phones in that era.

Performance

At its core, the Samsung i550 was powered by a TI OMAP 2430 chipset, featuring a 330 MHz ARM 1136 CPU and a PowerVR MBX GPU. While modest by today's benchmarks, it was competent for running the Symbian OS 9.2, Series 60 v3.1 UI, which was a popular choice for smartphones during that time. The phone had 150MB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSD slot.

Camera

Photography-wise, the Samsung i550 featured a 3.15 MP primary camera capable of autofocus and equipped with an LED flash. This was quite adequate for casual photography in adequate lighting. The device also supported video recording, serving as a handy feature for capturing memorable moments. For video calls, the phone contained a VGA front-facing camera, a common specification for its time.

Battery and Power Management

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, the Samsung i550 ensured a standby time of up to 360 hours and a talk time of up to 8 hours. These figures made it reliable enough for day-to-day activities without the constant need for charging, which was essential for users back then who were getting used to mobile devices as everyday companions.

Connectivity

The Samsung i550 was quite advanced in terms of connectivity options for its time. With support for GSM and HSPA networks, it facilitated 2G bands for GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, as well as 3G bands with HSDPA up to 2100. Internet speeds went up to 3.6 Mbps, which was decent for basic internet browsing, emailing, and messaging.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the phone included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio. The i550w variant additionally offered Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, providing internet connectivity via wireless routers. The inclusion of GPS equipped the device with navigation capabilities, a feature that was becoming increasingly valued by consumers at that time. The phone also came with an FM radio and USB 2.0 support, expanding its multimedia functionality.

Audio and Multimedia

Offering a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Samsung i550 catered to music enthusiasts by allowing conventional earphones connectivity. The audio system supported a variety of alert types such as vibration, downloadable polyphonic tones, and MP3 ringtones, suiting the diverse preferences of users. The loudspeaker was rated for clear and audible sounds, providing a decent audio experience.

The multimedia experience was bolstered by a dedicated music player and FM radio, ensuring entertainment on-the-go. Although the audio output was not groundbreaking, it delivered satisfactory sound quality for casual listeners.

Software and User Interface

Built on the Symbian OS 9.2 platform with a Series 60 v3.1 UI, the Samsung i550 delivered a user-friendly interface. Symbian OS, being one of the leading mobile operating systems of its time, was known for its simplicity and wide app availability. This OS allowed for multitasking, basic app functions, and also facilitated a robust WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for internet access.

Market Reception and Legacy

Announced in August 2007 and released in February 2008, the Samsung i550 saw a positive reception for its robust feature set and reliable performance. It was priced at about 130 EUR, making it competitive given its specifications. However, it was discontinued after having contributed to setting the stage for more sophisticated Samsung mobile innovations that followed.

Having set the framework for smartphones that blend usability and productivity, the Samsung i550 remains a device of historical relevance, showcasing the evolution of mobile technology and Samsung's commitment to innovation.