Samsung M850 Instinct HD Unveiling Features Prices & More

Overview of Samsung M850 Instinct HD

The Samsung M850 Instinct HD launched in September 2009 was an intriguing feature phone that sought to bridge the gap between basic mobile phones and the burgeoning smartphone market of the time. While now considered discontinued, at its release, it managed to capture the attention of users looking for features beyond those of standard phones.

Network Capabilities

The device operated on CDMA technology featuring both 2G and 3G bands. Specifically, it supported CDMA 800/1900 bands and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, which allowed for a speed of up to EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps. At the time, these capabilities were sufficient for users needing reliable data connectivity within CDMA-network regions.

Launch and Availability

Announced in March 2009 and officially released in September of the same year, the Samsung M850 Instinct HD was subsequently discontinued. However, during its time, it provided a competitive option in a market that was beginning to see rapid development in mobile technology.

Design and Build

The Instinct HD sported a very straightforward design with dimensions of 118 x 58 x 13 mm, making it compact and comfortable to hold. Weighing just 114 grams, it was lightweight compared to many of its contemporaries. The device accommodated a Mini-SIM and featured a black finish, lending a professional look to its appearance.

Display and Interface

The phone featured a 2.6-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, offering a 3:2 aspect ratio and ~222 ppi density. While this may seem modest by today’s standards, it provided clear visuals and was adequate for browsing and basic media consumption at the time.

Memory and Storage

Storage on the Instinct HD was expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot, which was a valuable feature for users wishing to store more media and data. The phone supported 1000 entries in its phonebook, complete with a photo call feature, and maintained a record of call logs, helping users manage their communications effectively.

Camera Features

The device was equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, supported by autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording 720p video. This was particularly notable as it allowed users a higher level of photography than typically expected from feature phones of its era.

Audio and Connectivity

Sound-wise, the Instinct HD confirmed the presence of a loudspeaker but did not include a 3.5mm audio jack, which may have been a disadvantage for some users. Connectivity was reinforced with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, GPS, and A-GPS services, also featuring microUSB 2.0 for data transfer.

Performance and Operating System

The Samsung M850 Instinct HD functioned on a feature phone OS, known for its simplicity and ease of use. Exact details about the processing unit and RAM are less documented, but the OS was designed for efficiency on relatively limited hardware, ensuring smooth performance for the intended applications.

Battery Life

Powering the Instinct HD was a removable Li-Ion 1440 mAh battery, which offered a standby time of up to 300 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours and 50 minutes. This was a decent battery life contribution catering well to daily usage without frequent recharges.

Additional Features

The device included basic sensors like the accelerometer for orientation-based apps, messaging capabilities including SMS, MMS, email, and IM, as well as WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browsers for internet access. It also supported Java MIDP 2.0 applications and featured games to keep users entertained during downtime.

Market and Pricing

On the market, the Samsung M850 Instinct HD was priced at approximately 140 EUR, making it an affordable option for its target audience looking for enhanced features without progressing to full smartphone ecosystems. Its SAR measurements were 1.15 W/kg for the head and 0.77 W/kg for the body, adhering to safety standards.

Conclusion

The Samsung M850 Instinct HD marks an evolutionary step in mobile device direction during its release, providing a precedent for future smart device functionalities. While basic by today’s benchmarks, it stood as a testament to progress in mobile technology during the formative years of the 21st century.