Samsung L170 InDepth Review Features and Pricing

Introduction to Samsung L170

The Samsung L170, launched in early 2008, represents a unique category of mobile devices from its era. Although considered a feature phone by today's standards, it held an array of impressive specifications for its time, offering users a taste of technological advancement wrapped in an elegant design. This article explores the key features and specifications of the Samsung L170, providing insights into its performance, design, and overall capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung L170 was built with GSM and UMTS technology, ensuring versatile network compatibility. It supported 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (UMTS 2100), delivering excellent connectivity options for users, particularly those seeking higher speed data transfers enabled by 384 kbps speeds. Despite lacking Wi-Fi, the inclusion of Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and USB 2.0 provided alternative means for connecting and sharing data with other devices.

Launch and Availability

The Samsung L170 was announced in January 2008 and subsequently released in March of the same year. Despite its discontinuation, its impact remains evident as an exemplar of Samsung's mid-2000s mobile innovation wave. Initially priced around €80, the device offered affordable access to mobile technology with noteworthy features for its time.

Design and Build

Encapsulated in a metallic silver frame, the L170 boasted a sleek and lightweight design, weighing merely 86 grams. Its dimensions (102.3 x 45.8 x 10.7 mm) provided a compact form factor, fitting comfortably in the palm or pocket. The device utilized a Mini-SIM card, maintaining the standard of the era. Its minimalist design was further accentuated by the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it distinguishable from many contemporaries.

Display Characteristics

The Samsung L170 featured a 1.6-inch TFT display, capable of showing 256K colors, which was a significant feature for feature phones during that time. The screen resolution stood at 176 x 220 pixels, offering a satisfactory display density of roughly 176 pixels per inch. While the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 17.2%, the display served its purpose for straightforward interface navigation under various lighting conditions.

Memory and Storage

One of the standout features of the L170 was its memory capabilities. The device came with a built-in phonebook capable of storing up to 1,000 entries with photocall functionality. Additionally, users could keep a comprehensive record of call logs, including 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls. Internally, the device housed 21MB of storage, with the option to expand via a dedicated microSD card slot, a significant boon for storing multimedia files.

Camera and Photography

The Samsung L170 was equipped with a 2 MP main camera with autofocus, allowing users to capture moments with moderate clarity for the time. It supported basic video capabilities, catering to users' needs for video recording. While it did not offer advanced photography features, the presence of a VGA front-facing camera provided an avenue for video calls, a noteworthy feature for communicating more personally in a largely pre-smartphone era.

Audio and Sound

The device was built to support various audio functionalities, including a loudspeaker and the option to download polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Despite the absence of a 3.5mm jack, users enjoyed listening to music via the stereo FM radio, complete with RDS, adding a multimedia layer to the user's everyday experiences.

Software and Features

Being a feature phone, the Samsung L170 operated on a more limited operating system compared to modern smartphones. It supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messaging, showcasing its versatility in communication options. The browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), and RSS feeds, enabling basic web browsing activities. The device also supported J2ME applications (MIDP 2.0), allowing users to download and install games and other applications, enhancing the feature set of this seemingly simple phone.

Battery Life

The L170 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 880 mAh battery, which provided a reasonable lifespan for day-to-day activities. On standby, the battery life extended up to 250 hours, while talk time reached up to 5 hours, meeting basic user demands without frequent recharges, beneficial for those with moderate phone usage patterns.

Miscellaneous Features

Aside from its primary functionalities, the Samsung L170 also featured miscellaneous options such as standard mobile alarms, calendars, calculators, and other utilities that were essential for personal organization. Its design and features offered a holistic approach to mobile technology, targeting users who required basic multimedia capabilities paired with reliable communication features.

Conclusion

The Samsung L170 serves as a fascinating artifact in the evolution of mobile telephony. While modest by today’s standards, it exemplified the trends and expectations of its time, providing ample features in a sleek, user-friendly design. Though it has since been overshadowed by the advent of smartphones, the L170 remains a testament to Samsung's commitment to delivering diverse and innovative products across its device portfolio during the mid-2000s.