Samsung i700 All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Overview of Samsung i700

The Samsung i700 was an innovative device at the time of its release, offering a combination of smartphone and PDA functionalities. Launched in March 2004, the Samsung i700 provided users with the ability to have a portable, multifunctional device that supported GSM network technology. Despite its discontinuation, the Samsung i700 remains an important part of smartphone history, showcasing how mobile technology has evolved over the years.

Design and Body

The Samsung i700 featured a classic design with dimensions measuring 132 x 70 x 16 mm and a weight of 180 grams. It was equipped with a Mini-SIM card slot, which was standard during that period. The silver color gave it a sleek and professional look, suitable for business and professional use. Though it was relatively bulky by today's standards, at the time, this form factor was considered portable and practical.

Display

The device had a TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 65K colors. The resolution offered was 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 ratio. This setup was sufficient for facilitating basic app usage, viewing simple graphical content, and navigating the phone's interface. Although not equipped with the high pixel density displays common today, the Samsung i700's screen was competitive for its time.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Microsoft Windows PocketPC 2003 Phone edition, the Samsung i700 was powered by an Intel PXA250 processor clocking at 400 MHz. It provided an early glimpse into how handheld devices could integrate a functional operating system with telecommunication capabilities. The device came with 32MB of RAM and 32MB of ROM, with storage expandability through an MMC slot, which allowed users to store more data and applications.

Camera

The Samsung i700 featured a VGA camera with 0.3MP, a typical specification for that time. While it might not match today's smartphone camera standards, the inclusion of a camera was a significant selling point. It allowed users to capture basic photos and videos, an exciting feature at the time.

Battery Life

The phone was housed with a removable Li-Ion battery of 1100 mAh capacity. Under optimal conditions, the standby time was up to 100 hours, and talk time could last up to 3 hours and 20 minutes. A standard battery was also available, with a capacity of 2000 mAh, offering extended usage for power users. Although battery technology has dramatically improved since then, for its time, these specifications provided a reliable and sufficient power supply for daily tasks.

Communication and Connectivity

The Samsung i700 supported GSM networks and GPRS Class 10 for data connectivity, although technologies like EDGE, WLAN, and Bluetooth were not included. Instead, it featured an infrared port for wireless data transfer, a common method of the day, offering proprietary USB connectivity for physical connections. It lacked the more advanced connectivity options available in modern devices, but it nevertheless facilitated essential communication needs.

Sound and Alerts

The device provided vibration alerts and supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, although it did not come with a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack. This limited the audio output options, focusing instead on personal listening via proprietary connectivity methods. During its time, custom ringtones were immensely popular and added a layer of personalization to the device.

Miscellaneous Features

With an inbuilt WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML (PocketIE) browser, the Samsung i700 offered limited internet browsing capabilities that were revolutionary for early mobile devices. It included basic tools such as a clock and alarm function, essential components to make the device practical for everyday use. The SAR value was rated at 0.93 W/kg (head), indicating safety compliance typical of mobile phones.

Historical Significance

The Samsung i700 represents a pivotal moment in mobile phone development, bridging the gap between simple mobile phones and multifunctional smartphones. Though it seems rudimentary compared to today's technology, its contributions to shaping consumer expectations and market directions can't be understated. Devices like the Samsung i700 paved the way for future innovations in mobile communication and personal digital assistance.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung i700 was a device ahead of its time, offering features that were innovative for the early 2000s. By integrating aspects of communication, organization, and multimedia, it marked a significant step towards the versatile smartphones we rely on today. While technology has progressed, the essence of the innovation seen in the Samsung i700 continues to influence the designs and functionalities of modern smartphones.