Samsung R380 Freeform III Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview

The Samsung R380 Freeform III, released in July 2011, is a feature phone designed to cater to those who favored physical QWERTY keyboards for texting and a straightforward user experience. Although the device is now discontinued, it brought forward specific features that were appealing to users seeking an affordable yet reliable communication tool.

Design and Build

The Samsung R380 Freeform III measures 112 x 61 x 11 mm and weighs 92 grams, making it a lightweight and compact device. Its design focuses on practical utility rather than modern aesthetics, featuring a traditional candy bar form factor with a full QWERTY keyboard. The mini-SIM slot indicates its compatibility with the prevalent SIM technology at the time. The phone was made available in black, adding a classic touch to its design.

Display

The device sports a 2.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels, providing 256K colors. While the screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 25.1%, the display offered clarity sufficient for text-based communication and basic navigation purposes. Its modest size was compensated by the ease of typing on a full keyboard.

Performance and Software

Being a feature phone, the Samsung R380 Freeform III did not boast high-end specifications. It offered 100MB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a microSDHC card. The phone included essential functionalities such as a phonebook with 1000 entries complete with photocall, and the ability to store call records.

The device ran on a proprietary feature phone operating system, supporting basic operations such as SMS, MMS, and Email. Java applications were not supported, which reflects the device's focus on being a communication-oriented phone rather than a smartphone with extensive app support.

Camera

The Samsung R380 Freeform III was equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera, capable of capturing basic photos and videos. This specification was typical for feature phones at the time, offering users the ability to capture quick snapshots rather than high-quality images.

Network and Connectivity

This phone functioned on CDMA technology, supporting 2G bands (CDMA 800 / 1900). It did not feature GPRS or EDGE support for internet connectivity. Furthermore, its connectivity options included Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, microUSB 2.0 port, and GPS with A-GPS support and MetroNavigator GPS functionality. Despite lacking WLAN and radio capabilities, these features were sufficient for the target audience of the phone.

Battery Life and Power

The device packed a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, providing up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. This battery capacity was quite standard for feature phones of this era, ensuring that the phone could last through a day or more of moderate use without needing to be recharged frequently.

Audio and Multimedia

The Samsung R380 Freeform III included both a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it convenient for users to listen to audio through speakers or personal headphones. However, with limited internal storage and the absence of Java support, the multimedia capabilities were quite basic, largely supporting primary audio playback and possibly some simple games.

Price and Market Positioning

Priced at approximately 80 EUR at the time of its release, the Samsung R380 Freeform III was positioned as an affordable phone aimed at users who preferred physical keyboards and prioritized texting and calling. Its pricing and feature set catered to an entry-level market looking for reliable communication devices without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Conclusion

The Samsung R380 Freeform III played a modest yet significant role in the mobile phone market of its time, offering essential communication features coupled with the reliability Samsung is known for. While it might not hold up technologically against today's smartphones, it serves as a reminder of the days when phones were primarily about staying connected through calls and texts. Its physical keyboard and straightforward design provided a niche appeal for those who preferred simplicity over the multifaceted nature of contemporary devices.