Samsung M930 Transform Ultra Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview and Launch

The Samsung M930 Transform Ultra was announced in September 2011 and released in October 2011. Although it has since been discontinued, this Android smartphone was part of Samsung's efforts to cater to mid-range smartphone users who desired both functionality and affordability. This device introduced a number of appealing features during its time and was marketed as a smartphone that provided both touchscreen interface and a physical QWERTY keyboard.

Body and Design

With dimensions of 116 x 61 x 14 mm and weighing 139 g, the Samsung M930 Transform Ultra was designed for those who preferred a solid and compact design. The device featured a physical QWERTY keyboard, making it an excellent choice for users who were keen on tactile feedback for typing long messages or emails. The design was both ergonomic and user-friendly, with the black color providing a sleek and professional look. The phone utilized a Mini-SIM card, aligning with smartphone standards at the time.

Display

The Samsung Transform Ultra sported a 3.5-inch TFT display capable of displaying 256K colors. The screen resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio provided a pixel density of approximately 165 ppi. While not the most advanced screen of its time, it was sufficient for casual browsing, texting, and basic application usage. The display was adequate for users who did not prioritize media consumption.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Samsung Transform Ultra was powered by the Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 chipset and a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU. This configuration was complemented by the Adreno 205 GPU, allowing for moderate graphic performance. The device ran on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which offered a smooth user experience with decent app compatibility at the time. Despite the limited 128MB RAM, the phone managed basic multitasking without significant issues.

Storage Options

The device came with an internal storage capacity of 952MB which could be considered minimal by today’s standards. However, the presence of a dedicated microSDHC slot, and the inclusion of a 2GB microSD card, provided users with the option to expand storage, accommodating more apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera was a single 3.15 MP shooter accompanied by an LED flash, capable of capturing 480p video. While the camera may not stand up to today’s standards, it was sufficient for capturing basic images and video clips. Additionally, the device included a front-facing camera for selfies, which was a valuable feature for video calls.

Battery Life

The Samsung Transform Ultra was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. This capacity provided up to 7 hours of talk time, which was satisfactory for most users at the time. The removable battery design allowed users to carry spares for extended periods of use without access to a charger.

Connectivity and Networking

Connectivity options for the Samsung Transform Ultra were robust for its time, featuring Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, and hotspot functionality. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP was available for wireless peripherals, while GPS and A-GPS supported navigation. Although it lacked a radio, it did support microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. Network-wise, it relied on CDMA/EVDO technology with CDMA2000 1xEV-DO support, enabling data speeds up to 3.1 Mbps.

Additional Features

The device included sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, aiding in the overall functionality and user experience of the phone. Audio capabilities included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a variety of audio peripherals.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the Samsung M930 Transform Ultra was priced at around 100 EUR, positioning it as an affordable mid-range option. This price point, combined with its features, made it an attractive choice for users seeking value for their investment without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The Samsung M930 Transform Ultra stands as a testament to the early 2010s era of smartphones, blending both physical and software features that were appreciated by a wide user base. While its specifications may appear dated today, at the time of its release, it offered a balanced approach to performance, design, and affordability. As part of Samsung's range of Android devices, it played a crucial role in familiarizing users with the Android ecosystem, laying groundwork for future technological advances in mobile computing.