Samsung P960 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung P960

The Samsung P960 mobile phone, introduced in February 2008 and released in the same year, represents an intriguing combination of technology and user-friendly features typical of Samsung's innovative approach during that era. Officially discontinued, the P960 attempted to address the needs of users looking for a functional mobile communication device, with the added value of multimedia and connectivity options housed in a portable format.

Network Capabilities

The Samsung P960 was designed to provide robust network capabilities. It supported GSM technology with bands GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, catering to a significant portion of global mobile users during its operational period. Additionally, it supported 3G networks with HSDPA 2100, which ensured faster data speeds up to 3.6 Mbps – a noteworthy feature for users who required reliable internet connectivity at the time. This made the P960 particularly suitable for regions with established 3G networks, offering an impressive capacity for browsing, streaming, and downloads via its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser.

Design and Build

The Samsung P960 features a sleek and compact design measuring 102 x 53 x 16.7 mm, which emphasizes portability and ease of use, particularly appealing for users who valued a device that could comfortably fit in their hand or pocket. While specific details like the weight aren't specified, its mini-SIM design and compact build suggest that it was lightweight, making it an ideal choice for users seeking convenience and simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

Display Characteristics

The mobile phone is equipped with a 2.6 inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors. Despite its relatively small size by modern standards, the screen’s resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio delivered a decent viewing experience for the era. The display’s pixel density of approximately 154 ppi, although not extraordinary, was acceptable for displaying images and interface elements clearly, sustaining practical use for calls, messaging, and basic multimedia functions.

Camera

Among the key highlights of the Samsung P960 is its 3.15 MP main camera complete with an LED flash, allowing users to capture photographs in various lighting conditions. Video recording was also supported, albeit likely limited in terms of resolution and frame rate by modern standards. The device also includes a CIF videocall camera for selfie captures and videocalls—a feature that positioned Samsung P960 as an early proponent of front-facing cameras.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung P960 offers 90MB of storage, with the inclusion of a dedicated microSD slot for memory expansion. This provision for additional storage addressed the needs of users who wished to store more images, music, or applications beyond the internal capacity. It also featured an organized phonebook and call records functionality, capable of storing 30 dialed, received, and missed calls respectively.

Sound and Audio Features

For audio, the Samsung P960 opted to enhance user experience through downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, although it lacked a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, which limited audio options mostly to headphone and external speaker users. Nevertheless, the inclusion of stereo FM radio with RDS added a layer of entertainment and connectivity.

Connectivity and Other Features

The connectivity suite on the Samsung P960, while basic by current standards, included Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless file transfers and USB 2.0 for wired connectivity. However, it lacked advanced features like Wi-Fi and GPS positioning, which were just beginning to emerge in smartphones. The P960 also supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling users to run Java-based applications, games, and other entertainment options.

Battery and Power Management

Powering the Samsung P960 is a removable Li-Ion 1200mAh battery. This capacity offered a reasonable balance between talk time and standby time, sufficient for day-to-day activities without frequent recharging. The removable battery feature accorded users the freedom to carry a spare battery, effectively extending usage time when needed.

Pricing and Market Position

At an estimated price of about 150 EUR during its release, the Samsung P960 provided a compelling package for its target demographic, offering features that met mid-range to budget consumer expectations. Its pricing was reflective of its build and feature set aimed at buyers looking for a functional, no-frills mobile experience.

Conclusion

The Samsung P960 stands as a representation of the transitional phase in mobile technology between traditional feature phones and the burgeoning smartphone era. It combined pragmatic design with sufficient functionality for its time, addressing basic communication, connectivity, and multimedia needs. Despite being discontinued, the Samsung P960 remains a noteworthy chapter in Samsung's mobile phone legacy, showcasing the evolution of mobile technology standards and user expectations in that era.