Samsung M310 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung M310

The Samsung M310 was announced in May 2008 and became available to the market in October of the same year. Despite being a basic feature phone, it was an integral part of Samsung's mobile lineup catering to users seeking affordability and essential functions. Over the years, the M310 has been discontinued, yet it evokes nostalgia for those who valued simplicity in mobile communication.

Network Capabilities

The Samsung M310 supported GSM network technology across multiple bands: GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. This quad-band capability made it relatively versatile and allowed users to operate the phone in different regions. Although it was capable of connecting to GPRS networks with a Class 10 connection, the lack of EDGE support highlighted its limitations in mobile internet connectivity.

Physical Build and Design

With dimensions of 87 x 45 x 20 mm and a weight of 87 grams, the Samsung M310 was compact and lightweight, fitting easily in the palm or pocket. It featured a classic candy bar design with a Mini-SIM slot. The overall build was simple, reflecting the design trends of feature phones during that era.

Display Characteristics

The 1.7-inch CSTN display of the M310 supported 65,000 colors with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 121 ppi. This display was sufficient for basic tasks such as viewing text messages and contacts, though the limitations in color depth and resolution reflected its positioning as a low-end device.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung M310 was equipped with a built-in phonebook that could store up to 500 contacts with photocall functionality. It provided call record logs for the last 30 dialed, received, and missed calls. Notably, the device lacked expandable storage capacity as it featured no card slot, limiting its use for data storage beyond essential needs.

Camera Features

On the photographic front, the M310 was equipped with a VGA camera. Although it did not support video recording, the camera served basic point-and-shoot purposes for taking simple photos, which was typical for feature phones of its time. A selfie camera was absent, emphasizing its focus on fundamental communication features.

Sound and Connectivity

The phone lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which would have restricted personal audio listening directly with a wired headset. Nevertheless, it included a loudspeaker and supported vibration alerts, downloadable polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. Bluetooth connectivity allowed limited data sharing between compatible devices, while the presence of a stereo FM radio with RDS feature offered entertainment options for users.

Communication Functions

Feature-wise, the M310 supported SMS messaging and offered a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, limiting web interactions primarily to simple browsing tasks. A selection of games provided a touch of entertainment, while Java MIDP 2.0 compatibility allowed running basic Java applications.

Battery Life and Management

The Samsung M310 housed a removable Li-Ion battery, assuring ease in replacement if needed. Standby time extended up to 300 hours, with a talk time of up to 3 hours, ensuring moderate usage without frequent recharging. This battery life was standard for feature phones, focusing on longevity over resource-intensive tasks.

Miscellaneous Elements

Available in black, the M310 had a SAR value of 0.65 W/kg for the head and 0.36 W/kg for the body, with a SAR EU value of 0.38 W/kg for the head, indicating compliance with safety regulations for radiation exposure. Priced at approximately 80 EUR during its release, it served as an economical choice for many users.

Historical and Market Impact

The Samsung M310, while considered basic by today's standards, provided essential communication functions that were valued during the late 2000s. It was part of a wave of straightforward devices that prioritized battery life and ease of use, targeting consumers who required a reliable mobile phone without the complications of burgeoning smartphone technology.