Samsung M260 Factor Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung M260 Factor

The Samsung M260 Factor is a classic example of feature phones that were prevalent in the early 2010s. Announced and released in March 2011, this device represents the era when phones were primarily used for communication, with limited smart functionalities. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the M260 Factor remains a nostalgic piece of technology for many.

Design and Build

The Samsung M260 Factor features a compact and sturdy design. Its dimensions are 97 x 48 x 18 mm, and it weighs approximately 91 g. This lightweight build makes it convenient to carry, appealing to users who prefer a simple and portable device. The phone is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, and its body design prioritizes ruggedness and durability over sleekness, characteristic of phones from that period.

Display Characteristics

The device boasts a 2.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of around 102 ppi. While these specifications may seem modest by today's standards, the display served its purpose effectively for basic tasks such as calling and texting, with its color output being limited to 256K colors.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Samsung M260 Factor houses a 128MB RAM and 256MB ROM. Although it lacks an external card slot for expandable storage, the internal resources were sufficient for running simple applications and storing basic media. The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, which offers a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes. This battery life was quite adequate for users at the time, ensuring that the device could last a full day of typical use without requiring frequent recharging.

Camera Functionality

The M260 Factor includes a VGA main camera capable of taking basic photos and videos. With a 0.3 MP sensor, the camera functionality was basic and primarily for occasional snapshots rather than serious photography. The absence of a front-facing camera reflected the fact that selfies and video calls were not the focus during the era this phone was released.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung M260 Factor supports CDMA technology with 2G bands of CDMA 800/1900 frequencies. It does not offer GPRS or EDGE capabilities, emphasizing its primary role as a communication tool. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, enabling basic wireless data transmission and hands-free use. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, it lacks advanced connectivity features such as WLAN, GPS, and radio functions.

User Interface and Operating System

This device operates as a feature phone, with a user interface designed for simplicity and ease of use. It was geared towards users who primarily needed a reliable phone for calling, texting, and a few additional functions provided by basic apps. Its interface includes support for SMS, MMS, Email, and IM messaging, along with a WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser for accessing online content. Game enthusiasts could enjoy pre-installed games, as the phone did not support Java-based applications.

Sound and Multimedia

The Samsung M260 Factor is equipped with a loudspeaker but does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, necessitating the use of Bluetooth for audio peripherals. Its multimedia capabilities were limited, a reflection of the period's focus on core communication and basic media playback rather than high-fidelity audio or video consumption.

Conclusion

The Samsung M260 Factor is a quintessential feature phone that reflects the early 2010s' emphasis on durability, simplicity, and basic connectivity. While its capabilities appear limited in the current era of smartphones, it was an apt solution for users prioritizing voice communication and text messaging. Its straightforwardness, coupled with decent battery life, made it a dependable choice for many during its time.