Unveiling Samsung Mpower TV S239 Features Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Mpower TV S239, launched in 2010, is a feature phone that boasts a classic bar design, characterized by its simplicity and durability. With dimensions measuring 118.5 x 50 x 12.5 mm, this device fits comfortably in the hand, offering ease of use for one-handed operations. The lightweight nature of the device, at just 87 grams, enhances its portability, making it an ideal choice for users who value practicality and convenience.

The body is crafted from robust materials that provide resilience against daily wear and tear, ensuring longevity. The device is available in a sleek black color, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. A key feature of this phone's design is its physical keyboard, which is a rarity in today’s smartphone-dominated market.

Display

Equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display, the Samsung Mpower TV S239 makes for an adequate viewing experience, sufficient for basic operations such as texting, calling, and navigating through the phone’s menu. The screen supports 256K colors, which, while not comparable to modern standards, provides vibrant enough colors for its time.

The resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, with a density of approximately 167 ppi, ensures that text and images are rendered clear enough for standard feature phone tasks. The 4:3 aspect ratio supports its utility function, focusing on practicality rather than immersive experiences.

Camera Functionality

On the rear, the Samsung Mpower TV S239 is equipped with a 1.3 MP camera, which serves basic photographic needs. Although modest by current standards, this camera was sufficient for capturing everyday moments back in 2010. The device also supports video recording, allowing for basic media capturing capabilities.

However, the lack of a selfie camera aligns with the phone's focus on functionality, rather than media-centric use. The absence of advanced camera features makes this phone particularly suitable for users who prioritize communication over multimedia functionalities.

Performance and Storage

Under the hood, the Samsung Mpower TV S239 operates as a feature phone, offering essential communication functions rather than smart capabilities. The phone’s internal memory stands at 85MB, which was quite limited even during its launch but suffices for storing essential contacts and messages. The inclusion of a dedicated microSDHC slot allows users to expand the storage capacity, crucial for those who wish to store more media and personal data.

The phone supports up to 2000 entries in the phonebook and tracks 200 received, dialed, and missed calls each, which is a notable feature for professional or business users who need to manage extensive contact lists efficiently.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung Mpower TV S239 operates on CDMA/EVDO networks, supporting 2G and 3G bands with CDMA 800 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, respectively. This ensures reliable connectivity for calls and basic data services, providing essential communication functionality.

The phone does not support Wi-Fi, but offers Bluetooth 2.0, enabling users to transfer files and connect with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Additionally, it supports FM radio with recording capabilities, broadening the device’s utility for entertainment alongside communication. The device is equipped with USB 2.0 support for connectivity with computers and other devices.

Battery Life and Management

Powering the Samsung Mpower TV S239 is a removable Li-Ion 960 mAh battery, providing adequate standby and talk time for feature phone purposes. Users can expect up to 420 hours in standby mode and approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time, making it feasible for users who need a reliable device throughout the day without frequent recharges.

The removable battery feature is particularly advantageous, allowing users to easily replace it if needed and thus extend the device’s lifespan beyond that of sealed-battery alternatives.

Additional Features

The Samsung Mpower TV S239 includes several added features to enhance user experience. It supports SMS, MMS, and Email for comprehensive messaging options. The presence of a basic web browser caters to simple internet needs, though limited compared to modern smartphones.

For entertainment, the phone supports games and Java applications, thanks to the MIDP 2.1 Java support. However, the absence of sensors and advanced positioning services means that location-based services are not part of this device’s offerings.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung Mpower TV S239 reiterates the importance of simplicity and functionality in mobile devices during its time. It may not boast the advanced features of modern smartphones, but it delivers reliable performance for users prioritizing basic communication capabilities, battery life, and physical durability. The phone's straightforward design and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for individuals looking for a no-frills device in a world dominated by complex, high-tech smartphones.