Samsung P220 Specs Pricing Features & Drawbacks Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung P220, released in May 2008, is a feature phone that epitomizes simplicity and durability. Its dimensions, measuring 106 x 43.9 x 15.9 mm, make it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket. Weighing just 78 grams, the P220 is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go usage without the bulkiness of modern smartphones. Despite its compact size, the phone sports a sturdy build, ensuring longevity and resistance to minor impacts.

Display

The handset comes with a 1.9-inch OLED display capable of showing 65K colors. Although the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 24.4%, the display is crisp enough at a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels (~108 ppi density) for basic phone operations and viewing photos. While today's standards would consider it small, back then, it provided vibrant colors sufficient for the tasks the phone was intended for.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a lone 1.3 MP camera, the Samsung P220 catered to basic photography needs. While not designed for high-end photography, this camera was capable of capturing essential moments. It also offered video recording capabilities, an added advantage for a feature phone of its time. Nevertheless, the absence of a selfie camera aligns with the phone's focus on essential functionalities over multimedia advancements.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung P220 operates on GSM networks supporting 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. This broad range of bands ensured sufficient network coverage in various regions. For data connectivity, it supports GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10. The phone includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless internet access – a notable feature considering its category. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support further enhances its connectivity options, allowing for wireless accessories and file transfers. While it lacks GPS and Radio capabilities, it does provide USB 2.0 connectivity for charging and data transfer.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with a modest internal memory of 12MB, which might seem negligible by modern standards but was typical for feature phones at that time. To accommodate more data, it includes a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage. The phonebook can store up to 1000 contacts, complete with photo call capabilities, providing a decent solution for managing contacts and call records.

Battery Life

The Samsung P220 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 960 mAh battery, which provides up to 450 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This ensures that the phone could last multiple days on a single charge with moderate usage, a crucial feature for users needing reliable communication tools without frequent charging.

Sound and Multimedia

This feature phone includes a loudspeaker and supports various alert types, including vibration, downloadable polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. However, it does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limits direct headphone connectivity, although Bluetooth options are available. The gaming options are basic, comprising 5 preloaded games with the ability to download more, offering light entertainment.

Messaging and Web Browsing

On the communication front, the P220 supports SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, making it suitable for a range of messaging needs. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, while basic, allows for some level of web browsing, a noteworthy feature for phones of its era.

Miscellaneous Features

The Samsung P220 runs a feature phone OS, focusing on essential functionalities and ease of use. It supports Java MIDP 2.0, allowing users to run basic applications and games written in Java. Available in classic black, the phone maintains a professional and timeless appearance.

Conclusion

The Samsung P220 represents an era when feature phones were primarily about providing dependable communication in a compact, efficient form. While lacking the advanced functionalities of modern smartphones, it excels in offering durability, essential connectivity, and prolonged battery life. It found its niche among users valuing simplicity over sophistication, serving as a reliable companion for day-to-day communication tasks.