Unveiling Samsung M3310L Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Samsung M3310L

The Samsung M3310L, released in November 2009, was part of Samsung's feature phone lineup. Despite the advent of smartphones during this period, the M3310L managed to capture attention through its practicality and compact design, making it a popular choice among users seeking basic phone functionality with a few added features.

Design and Build

The Samsung M3310L was designed to be compact and lightweight, weighing approximately 95.7 grams with dimensions of 101.8 x 47.8 x 15.9 mm. This made it highly portable and easy to carry. The phone featured a traditional candy bar design, common among feature phones of its era, with a mini-SIM slot and stereo speakers enhancing the audio experience. Available in black and red, it offered users some choice in terms of aesthetics.

Display Features

Equipped with a 2.1-inch TFT display supporting 256K colors, the Samsung M3310L's screen had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, resulting in a density of approximately 190 ppi. Although small by today’s standards, the screen was sufficient for basic applications like texting and viewing images, befitting the phone's target market of users requiring straightforward utility over advanced multimedia capabilities.

Camera Performance

The phone came with a single 3.15 MP rear camera capable of capturing images and recording video at 320p resolution at 15 frames per second. Considering the era and the phone type, this camera capability was modest, enabling users to capture essential moments without expecting high-resolution photography or videography.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio features included a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo loudspeakers. The inclusion of an FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities added value for users who enjoyed listening to music or news on the go without relying on an internet connection. Connectivity-wise, the Samsung M3310L supported Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, which allowed users to connect wireless headsets and transfer files between compatible devices. It also featured a microUSB 2.0 port, although it lacked modern connectivity options like WLAN or positioning technology.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the device offered 40MB of storage, which although minimal, could be expanded using a microSDHC card thanks to its dedicated slot. The phone's phonebook could store up to 1000 entries, featuring a photocall option. This was quite functional for users who needed to manage a significant number of contacts.

Network and Connectivity

The M3310L was a GSM phone, supporting bands GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. It could handle GPRS and EDGE data connections, making it viable for basic browsing and texting, even though it didn’t support 3G or newer technologies.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 960 mAh battery, the Samsung M3310L offered a standby time of up to 330 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours and 48 minutes. This longevity made it suitable for users who needed a reliable communication device without frequent charging interruptions.

Software and Features

Running on a conventional feature phone OS, the Samsung M3310L supported SMS, MMS, and Email for communication purposes. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser provided basic internet browsing capabilities within the constraints of 2G connectivity. Additionally, the phone offered Java support (MIDP 2.0) for downloadable games, catering to users seeking casual gaming experiences.

Market Positioning and Pricing

At about 230 EUR upon release, the Samsung M3310L targeted a market segment that desired a balance between cost, functionality, and durability. Its simple yet effective feature set suited it for users not yet ready to transition to smart devices, especially in regions where mobile networks remained largely 2G-centric.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung M3310L was a practical device for its time. By focusing on essential mobile functionalities while incorporating reliable build quality and adequate multimedia features, it addressed the needs of a consumer base that prioritized telephony over internet connectivity. Although discontinued, the Samsung M3310L remains a testament to the era of feature phones and their role in mobile communication evolution.