Samsung R351 Freeform Complete Specs Pricing & Review

Overview of Samsung R351 Freeform

The Samsung R351 Freeform, announced and released in August 2009, is a feature phone that catered to a specific market segment looking for basic mobile functionality with a hint of smartphone capabilities. As a device launched in the era when smartphones were beginning to gain ground, the R351 Freeform managed to carve its niche with a focus on communication and media consumption.

Design and Build

The Samsung R351 Freeform features a compact design with dimensions of 112 x 61 x 13 mm and a weight of 103 grams. This lightweight nature makes it easily portable and convenient for daily use. The device is equipped with a QWERTY keyboard, a distinguishing feature at the time, which enhances text input efficiency and appeals to users who prioritize texting and emailing. However, it lacks a touchscreen function, which was becoming increasingly popular.

Display

The phone sports a 2.2-inch TFT display, supporting 256K colors, with a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels. While the display's screen-to-body ratio is approximately 22.3%, it was quite adequate for the content demands of its time. Its compact size and moderate pixel density of 128 ppi (pixels per inch) suggest that it was optimized for simple tasks like reading messages and viewing basic multimedia content.

Camera

The Samsung R351 Freeform is equipped with a single 1.3 MP rear camera that allows for basic photography and video recording capabilities. Although the camera does not have features like autofocus or flash, it serves its purpose for capturing spontaneous moments. There is no front-facing camera, which was a common omission in feature phones.

Performance and Memory

While specific details about the processor and RAM are scarce, the device runs on a feature phone OS which efficiently manages tasks without demanding high processing power. It offers 55MB of internal storage and supports a microSD card for expandable storage, allowing users to store more contacts, messages, and media files. The phonebook can accommodate up to 1000 entries, which was quite generous for its class.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung R351 Freeform supports CDMA and CDMA2000 networks, offering 2G connectivity on CDMA 800/1900 and 3G on CDMA2000 1x with a data speed of up to 384 kbps. While lacking modern connectivity features like Wi-Fi, it compensates with Bluetooth 2.0 and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and peripherals connection. The inclusion of GPS and A-GPS ensures that the device can support basic navigational functions, which was an asset at the time.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the Samsung R351 Freeform offers a reasonable standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours. This performance ensures that the device can be relied upon for extended periods without frequent recharging, which aligns with the expectations from a device in its category.

Messaging and Applications

Optimized for communication, the R351 supports SMS, MMS, and email, making it versatile for all messaging needs. It also runs WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, enabling basic internet browsing, and supports various Java applications (MIDP 2.0). This gives users access to essential applications, such as games, without overwhelming the device’s hardware capabilities.

Audio and Multimedia

The device features a built-in loudspeaker but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on Bluetooth for private audio. The multimedia offerings are basic, focusing on media playback rather than sophisticated audio management or dedicated multimedia experiences.

Market and Price

Available in black and red color options, the Samsung R351 Freeform was priced at approximately 110 EUR at launch, making it an affordable option for users seeking practical functionality without the high cost associated with smartphones. Its competitive pricing and basic feature set made it appealing for budget-conscious consumers and those transitioning from older mobile technologies.

Conclusion

The Samsung R351 Freeform represents a transitional period in mobile technology, bridging the gap between traditional feature phones and emerging smartphones. With its QWERTY keyboard, basic media capabilities, and efficient connectivity options, it met the needs of users prioritizing communication and text-based interactions. While it lacks the advanced features of later smartphones, its design and functionality were well-suited for its time, providing a reliable and straightforward mobile experience.