Samsung Propel Pro Specs Pricing Features & Flaws Uncovered

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Propel Pro has a distinctive design that stands out due to its sliding form factor combined with a full QWERTY keyboard. It is compact with dimensions of 99 x 60 x 15 mm and weighs approximately 137 grams. Despite its relatively small size, the device feels sturdy in hand, thanks to its solid build quality. This mobile was designed with practicality in mind; the slide-out full QWERTY keyboard facilitates efficient typing, making it a perfect companion for users who are keen on texting, emailing, or social media engagement.

Display

The phone features a 2.55-inch TFT display capable of showing 65K colors. With a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels, the screen provides a pixel density of approximately 177 ppi. While these specifications seem modest by today's standards, they were quite functional at the time of release. The display's square shape was unique for a device in its category, enhancing the ease of reading texts and checking emails.

Software and Performance

Operating on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard, the Samsung Propel Pro offers a wide range of productivity features for mobile professionals. Powered by a 528 MHz processor, multitasking on the device was feasible, albeit with some limitations due to the device's RAM and ROM specifications, which are 128MB and 256MB respectively. The Windows platform allowed for a comprehensive suite of business applications, which was well-regarded at the time for its efficiency in handling productivity tasks.

Camera and Multimedia

On the multimedia front, the Samsung Propel Pro includes a single 3 MP camera with autofocus functionality. While it might not excel in low-light conditions, it was decent for capturing quick snapshots in well-lit environments. It also supports video recording, which, although basic, provided added functionality for users who wished to capture moments on the go. When it comes to sound, the phone includes a loudspeaker; however, it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, opting instead for proprietary audio connectivity—a common trend during that period.

Connectivity and Communication

The Propel Pro was designed with connectivity in mind. It supported technologies like GSM and HSPA, catering to both 2G and 3G bands. Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11 b/g) permitted users to access wireless networks, complementing its comprehensive communication suite which included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming and proprietary USB support for data transfer. GPS and A-GPS functionalities were also included, providing basic navigation capabilities.

Battery Life

Powering the Samsung Propel Pro is a removable 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery, which was standard for devices in its era. The battery provided a standby time of up to 288 hours and a talk time of up to 6.5 hours, which was satisfactory for daily usage, given the device's specifications and components. The ease of battery replacement was a notable feature, allowing users to swap out batteries with ease.

Market Context and Evaluation

Released in April 2009, the Samsung Propel Pro entered a competitive market populated by many devices clamoring for business users' attention. Despite being discontinued, it remains a noteworthy example of Samsung's foray into combining a sliding QWERTY form factor with a smartphone OS. Priced at approximately 80 EUR at the time of its availability, it offered a viable option for users seeking a device focused on email and productivity without the costs associated with high-end smartphones of the time. With its robust build, practical design, and strong connectivity features, the Propel Pro served as a reliable device for business users, though its multimedia features and limited app ecosystem left something to be desired as smartphone standards evolved.