Samsung i8510 INNOV8 Comprehensive Review of Features Specs Pros & Cons

Overview of the Samsung i8510 INNOV8

The Samsung i8510 INNOV8, announced in 2008, marked a significant advancement in mobile phone technology with its impressive features and specifications. Designed as a smartphone, it combined multimedia capabilities with robust communication features, making it a notable contender in the mid to late 2000s mobile market.

Design and Build

The Samsung i8510 INNOV8 sports a sleek and compact design, measuring 106.5 x 53.9 x 17.2 mm and weighing in at 136 grams. This design allowed for easy portability and comfort during usage. The device was equipped with a Mini-SIM card slot and was available in a classic black color, appealing to users who preferred a sophisticated look and feel.

Display

Equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT display capable of rendering 16 million colors, the INNOV8 provided an average visual experience for its time. The display resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, with a density of ~143 pixels per inch, allowed users to navigate and explore the phone's features with relative ease, despite the screen's modest size by today's standards.

Platform and Processor

The smartphone operated on Symbian OS 9.3, under the Series 60 release 3.2 platform. While Symbian was falling out of favor when compared to emerging operating systems like Android and iOS, it was still a popular choice for many devices during this period. Powered by a 330 MHz ARM 11 processor, the INNOV8 handled everyday tasks efficiently, although it lagged behind the multi-core processors present in later smartphone models.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Samsung i8510 INNOV8 was its 8 MP main camera, complete with autofocus and LED flash. This camera setup was remarkable for its time, providing users with the capability to capture quality images and video at 480p@30fps or slower motion at 320p@120fps. The device also included a secondary camera designed primarily for video calls, a feature that aligned with the growing trend of digital communication.

Memory and Storage

With options of 8GB or 16GB internal storage, and expandable memory via a dedicated microSDHC slot, the Samsung i8510 INNOV8 was equipped to handle a decent amount of data, applications, and media, considering the era of release. The 128MB of RAM provided adequate support for running the Symbian OS and loaded applications.

Battery and Power Management

The INNOV8 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery, which afforded a standby time of up to 310 hours on 2G networks and 330 hours on 3G networks. Talk time was substantial for the period, reaching up to 8 hours and 30 minutes on 2G networks and 2 hours and 30 minutes on 3G networks. This battery life made it a reliable choice for users who needed a phone that could manage heavy use throughout the day.

Connectivity and Network

Supporting GSM and HSPA network technologies, the INNOV8 ensured versatile connectivity options. It operated on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100), allowing robust international and local connectivity. With HSPA speeds up to 7.2 Mbps, the device facilitated efficient data transfer for its users.

Additional Features and Functions

The Samsung i8510 INNOV8 was equipped with a range of additional features that enhanced user experience. It included connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with DLNA, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, and stereo FM radio with RDS. The presence of stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack catered to sound enthusiasts, and the phone supported a variety of alert types, including vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones.

Media and Browser Capabilities

Incorporating a range of multimedia tools, the INNOV8 allowed users to enjoy video and music files on the go. Its browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, catering to basic web browsing needs. While not as fast or feature-rich as modern smartphones, it provided acceptable efficiency for the requirements of that time.

Market Performance and Legacy

Although it has been discontinued, the Samsung i8510 INNOV8 remains a noteworthy entry in the history of smartphones. Priced initially at around 200 EUR, its combination of multimedia features, camera quality, and robust battery life set a standard that inspired later developments in smartphone designs. Despite technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences towards newer devices, the INNOV8 showcases Samsung's forward-thinking approach to mobile phone design during that era.

Conclusion

The Samsung i8510 INNOV8 embodied a significant technological leap at its time of release. While current standards have surpassed its capabilities, it provided a strong foundation for the evolution of smartphones that followed. Its enduring impact on mobile technology is a testament to the innovation and consumer awareness that drove its development.