Samsung M580 Replenish Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung M580 Replenish

The Samsung M580 Replenish is a smartphone that hit the market in May 2011. This device, while discontinued now, was a pioneer in offering eco-friendly options in the mobile phone industry. It was part of a generation of smartphones that strived to balance between functionality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental consciousness.

Design and Build

The Samsung Replenish features a compact design with dimensions of 123 x 60 x 11 mm and a weight of 116 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The device sports a QWERTY keyboard, which was particularly appreciated by users who preferred physical keys for typing. This phone was available in three different colors: Black, Blue, and Raspberry Pink, appealing to a broad range of aesthetic preferences.

Display

The Replenish is equipped with a TFT display capable of showcasing 256K colors, with a size of 2.8 inches. Although the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 32.9%, and the pixel density is roughly 143 ppi, it was adequate for basic smartphone tasks at the time. The display resolution of 240 x 320 pixels enabled users to perform day-to-day operations effectively, albeit without the high-definition clarity seen in modern devices.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung M580 Replenish is powered by a 600 MHz processor, built on a Qualcomm MSM7627-2 chipset. While this specification might seem modest by today’s standards, it adequately supported the phone's software and multitasking capacity in the early 2010s. The device includes 256MB of RAM and 512MB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSDHC card. A 2 GB card comes included by default to provide additional storage for apps and data.

Operating System and Software

Originally, the Replenish ran on Android 2.2, also known as Froyo. However, it was upgradeable to Android 2.3 Gingerbread, providing users with improved functionalities and a more polished user interface. This version of Android facilitated access to thousands of apps via the Android Market, now known as the Google Play Store.

Camera

The photography capabilities of the Samsung Replenish are modest, featuring a single 2 MP rear camera. It allows users to capture basic photos and videos, although it lacks the advanced features seen in newer devices. Notably, there is no front-facing camera, which reflects the design priorities of the period when it was manufactured.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1160 mAh battery. Users could expect up to 217 hours of stand-by time and up to 5 hours and 40 minutes of talk time. The removable battery feature provided flexibility in extending the lifespan of the phone by replacing the battery when it lost efficiency over time.

Network and Connectivity

The Replenish supports CDMA and CDMA2000 1x network technologies, providing essential connectivity for users within compatible network regions. Data speed reaches up to 153.2 Kbps via EV-DO Rev.0. Despite lacking 4G or LTE support, its capabilities were adequate for light web browsing and accessing emails.

Additional Features

This smartphone includes various connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, allowing the device to function as a hotspot. Bluetooth 2.1 technology is present for wireless connectivity, assisting in data transfer and connecting with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Furthermore, GPS functionality supported by A-GPS was a handy feature for navigation apps.

Sustainability

As one of the early eco-friendly smartphones, the M580 Replenish emphasized the importance of sustainability. Its casing was made partially from recycled materials, setting a standard that other manufacturers soon followed. These environment-friendly efforts aligned with a growing consumer demand for more sustainable technology.

Pricing and Market Impact

The phone was launched at an accessible price point of approximately €80, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the Replenish represented a step forward in merging technology with eco-conscious values. While not a groundbreaking device in terms of technological advancements, it played a role in shaping consumer expectations of sustainability in tech products.

Final Thoughts

In retrospect, the Samsung M580 Replenish was a noteworthy attempt to combine functionality with sustainability at a time when such values were just gaining traction in consumer electronics. As we look to the increasingly tech-driven future, the principles behind devices like the Replenish indicate a path toward more responsible manufacturing practices. It remains a symbol of balancing technological development with ecological awareness.