Samsung M130 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview

The Samsung M130, launched in June 2008, is a classic feature phone that was designed to cater to basic mobile communication needs. Although it is now discontinued, it provided users a simple and easy-to-use interface with fundamental functionality. As technology enthusiasts look back, the Samsung M130 represents an era of mobile phones that emphasized simplicity and robustness rather than advanced features and capabilities.

Design and Build

The Samsung M130 sports a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and easy to handle. The phone's dimensions are 103.5 x 45 x 15 mm, and it weighs only 69.2 grams, ensuring it fits comfortably in the palm or pocket. Its body is designed to withstand minor drops and bumps, a necessity in an age where mobile phones needed to endure the rigors of daily use without a protective case.

Display

Equipped with a 1.52-inch CSTN display, the Samsung M130 offers modest visual clarity. The screen can display up to 65K colors, which was typical for devices from its period. Although the 128 x 128 pixel resolution with a 1:1 ratio might seem inadequate by today's standards, it was sufficient for the basic operations and simple games available on the device. The screen-to-body ratio is about 16%, emphasizing functionality over visual expansiveness.

Performance and Storage

The M130 features basic storage capabilities with 2MB of internal memory. While this may seem minuscule for modern applications, it was practical for storing essential contacts and text messages. The phonebook could accommodate up to 500 entries, and the call log could record 30 dialed, received, and missed calls. It's important to note that this device does not support expandable storage, which aligns with the usage expectations of its time.

Camera

In an age where camera phones were becoming popular, the Samsung M130 offered a simple VGA camera with 0.3MP resolution. This single rear camera could capture basic photos, although it lacked video recording capabilities. For many users, this feature was a mere novelty rather than a critical component of the phone's functionality.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung M130 operates on GSM technology and supports various 2G bands including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. It features GPRS and EDGE class 10, providing very basic data connectivity suitable for simple browsing and messaging. In terms of connectivity, the phone reliably supports SMS messaging through its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser but lacks modern features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Battery Life

One highlight of feature phones like the M130 is their battery longevity. The device comes with a removable battery, enabling users to swap batteries if needed. This feature ensured extended phone life and usability, especially for those away from chargers for extended periods. However, specific details about battery capacity were typically not a focus in feature phones.

Usability Features

The M130 includes basic sound capabilities with a built-in loudspeaker. The device supports vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones but notably lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that was growing in popularity at the time for personal audio use. In terms of user interaction, the phone supports SnowBallFight as its primary game, providing simple entertainment with its limited resources.

User Interface and Experience

Featuring a straightforward user interface, the Samsung M130 was designed with ease of use in mind. The classic keypad layout offered tactile feedback for dialing and texting, which was a key mode of communication. The device's limited features allowed users to focus on basic interactions without the complexities introduced by smartphones.

Market Reception

Upon release, the Samsung M130 was targeted at users looking for an affordable and reliable communication device. It served as a practical choice for people who wanted to maintain effective communication without the distractions of modern smartphones. It was also a popular choice for individuals who required a secondary phone for emergencies or travel.

Conclusion

The Samsung M130 captures a significant moment in mobile phone evolution—an era where phones were primarily communication tools rather than multifaceted digital devices. While its features and specs are considered outdated today, the M130 stands as a testament to a time when functionality and durability were paramount. As a discontinued device, it is remembered fondly by those who experienced its simplicity firsthand, reminding us of the rapid advancements in mobile technology over the past decade.