Samsung i740 Comprehensive Review Specs and Pricing

Design and Build

The Samsung i740 was announced in July 2008 and later released in October of the same year. The device was characterized by its robust yet sleek appearance with dimensions of 107 x 59 x 13.9 mm and weighing in at a manageable 100 grams. Although lightweight, it held a sturdy build, comfortably fitting in the hands of everyday users. Its design was marked by rounded edges and a simple aesthetic that was common in the mobile devices of its time. The device utilized a mini-SIM card, and it was available in a classic gray color.

Display

The Samsung i740 featured a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. Although the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 38.5%, the screen provided vibrant colors with its 256K color palette. However, the display's pixel density of about 143 ppi was modest by contemporary standards, which slightly impacted the sharpness and clarity, but it was adequate for basic media and navigation tasks of the typical consumer during that time.

Platform and Performance

The heart of the Samsung i740 was its 624 MHz processor, running on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. It was a capable device during its peak, providing sufficient power for the applications and multitasking demands of the era. The operating system offered a range of functionalities typical for business-oriented smartphones, including support for Microsoft Office Mobile, enabling users to work on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents while on the move.

Memory and Storage

The i740 was equipped with 64MB of RAM, ensuring that low-demand applications operated smoothly. Its internal storage was 256MB, but users had the option to expand their storage through a dedicated microSD card slot, accommodating more data and enabling additional functionality through downloadable applications and media files.

Camera

For photography, the Samsung i740 was equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera complete with autofocus and an LED flash to facilitate better picture-taking in low-light conditions. This camera was capable of recording video, though it did not include a front-facing camera for selfies, which was not common during its time.

Sound and Audio

The device boasted a built-in loudspeaker and supported various alert types, including vibration, downloadable polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. However, it was important to note that there was no 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that would eventually become significant in later models of smartphones. Users relied on Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio connectivity.

Connectivity

The Samsung i740 was somewhat limited in wireless capabilities. It lacked Wi-Fi connectivity, a notable drawback for users who relied on wireless internet access. However, it supported Bluetooth 2.0 for data exchange and stereo FM radio with RDS for entertainment options. For navigation, the i740 included GPS support with A-GPS, ensuring that users could efficiently make use of location-based services.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, ensuring a decent battery life for normal everyday usage. The removability of the battery was a favorable feature as it provided the flexibility for users to replace the battery themselves should it fail or degrade, a characteristic less common in newer model smartphones.

Additional Features

In the realm of additional features, the Samsung i740 offered a smooth browsing experience supported by WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browsers. While the device did not support many modern sensors, it was enough to provide a satisfactory experience for users at the time.

Launch and Pricing

Originally priced at approximately 140 EUR, the Samsung i740 was positioned as a versatile device catering to users who required basic smartphone functionality without the additional frills synonymous with more advanced models. Its cost-effectiveness and feature set allowed it to carve its niche among users comfortable with Windows Mobile interfaces seeking value-oriented smartphones.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of network capability, the Samsung i740 was built to operate on GSM technology, with compatibility for GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 2G bands. This made it suitable for basic telephony and data services typical of the GSM network. Connections through GPRS class 10 and EDGE class 10 ensured that data services, although not high speed, remained steady and reliable for the extent they were used during its market availability.

Legacy and Conclusion

Throughout its market presence, the Samsung i740 served as a capable device meeting the essential needs of mobile communication with a few advancements and conveniences that were considered cutting-edge during its time. Though now discontinued, its value as a stepping stone in the evolution of smartphones lies in its contributions toward functionally bridging traditional mobile telephony and emerging smart technologies. Samsung i740 enthusiasts remember it as a device that epitomized functional simplicity and robustness amidst a rapidly advancing tech landscape.