Samsung i617 BlackJack II Ultimate Guide with Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung i617 BlackJack II showcases a design that was considered sleek and professional during its time of release. With dimensions of 114 x 61 x 13 mm, it fits comfortably in one hand, making it convenient for both typing and navigation. Weighing only 116 g, it is lightweight, allowing users to carry it without effort for extended periods.

The BlackJack II features a QWERTY keyboard which was an asset for business professionals and avid texters alike. The tactile response of the keys facilitates speedy typing, a feature that was quite admired by its users. Constructed primarily out of durable plastic, the phone offers a sturdy feel, and its black color gives it a classic, timeless appearance.

Display

Equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display, the BlackJack II offers a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Though modest by modern standards, this was sufficient for the text-based applications, emails, and basic internet browsing that characterized usage during its time. Supporting 65K colors, the display provides clear and satisfactory visuals for productivity applications but is less ideal for media consumption.

Performance and Software

The Samsung i617 is powered by a 260 MHz Dual ARM 9 processor, complemented by 128 MB of RAM. These specifications, while minimal by today’s measures, were fairly standard for smartphones during the late 2000s. Running on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0, the BlackJack II supports a suite of productivity applications like Microsoft Office, essential for professionals needing to work on the move.

The interface is straightforward, leveraging Windows Mobile’s approach to menus and navigation. Although not as intuitive as modern systems, users accustomed to early operating systems would find it sufficiently navigable. Multitasking is limited due to hardware constraints, but the device handles essential applications competently.

Camera

The 2 MP rear camera on the BlackJack II captures basic photographs and supports video recording. While the camera lacks features such as autofocus or flash, the images produced are respectable for quick snapshots and essential documentation. The absence of a front-facing camera reflects the era’s minimal demand for video communication and self-portraits.

Storage

The device comes with 256 MB of ROM and 128 MB of RAM available for users, expandable via a microSDHC slot. While the built-in storage might seem exceedingly limited today, the option to expand storage allows users to allocate space for more applications and files as needed.

Connectivity Options

The BlackJack II was designed with connectivity in mind. It supports GSM and HSPA network technology, allowing for reasonable data speeds for web browsing and email accessed through the WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser. While lacking Wi-Fi, it includes Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, facilitating wireless communication with a variety of accessories. The addition of GPS makes the device useful for navigation purposes, especially for business travelers.

Battery Life

This model is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, offering ample power for daily tasks. It provides a standby time of up to 330 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, making it suitable for users who are often away from power outlets. The removable nature of the battery also allows users to swap in a spare if needed.

Additional Features

The BlackJack II includes several features aimed at the professional user base it targets. It supports various alert types like vibration and downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and WAV ringtones. While it lacks a 3.5 mm headphone jack, audio can be managed through Bluetooth-compatible audio devices. The absence of a built-in radio can be managed through online streaming, to some extent, supported by network services.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the device was priced at around 100 EUR, positioning it as a competitively priced option for business professionals. While discontinued now, it serves as a noteworthy representation of smartphone technology during its era, offering essential features and connectivity at an appealing price point.

Conclusion

The Samsung i617 BlackJack II stands as a testament to the evolution of smartphone technology. Its design, features, and performance reflect the priorities and limitations of its time. While it might seem limited today, the BlackJack II was an essential tool for many professionals and consumers, providing reliable communication and productivity functions in a compact and efficient package.