Samsung R580 Profile Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of the Samsung R580 Profile

The Samsung R580 Profile is a discontinued feature phone that was launched in November 2010. Despite its modest specifications by today's standards, it offered a range of features that were appealing to a specific consumer base. With a classic QWERTY keyboard and a compact design, it catered well to users who value straightforward communication capabilities and basic multimedia functions.

Design and Build

The Samsung R580 Profile comes with a sleek and compact design, with dimensions of 117 x 54 x 15 mm and a weight of 108 grams. It's easy to hold and carry, making it a convenient option for users on the go. The phone features a mini-SIM slot, and its build includes a physical QWERTY keyboard which enhances the ease of text input for messaging and emails.

Display

This phone is equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display that supports 256K colors. While it might not match the vividness or resolution of modern smartphone screens, with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a ~167 ppi density, it was sufficient for basic operations and viewing tasks. Its screen-to-body ratio of ~28.2% reflects the design standard of its time, prioritizing practicality over expansive displays.

Performance and Storage

As a feature phone, the Samsung R580 Profile isn't designed for high-performance tasks. It offers 100MB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. This expansion is crucial as it allows users to store additional contacts, texts, and basic media files without hitting storage limits too quickly. The absence of specifications regarding RAM and processor speed indicates its focus on essential operations rather than advanced applications or multitasking abilities.

Camera Capabilities

The device includes a 2MP main camera capable of capturing basic photos, which was fairly standard for feature phones of that era. While the camera doesn't support high-resolution images or extensive editing features, it suffices for quick snapshots. The lack of a front-facing camera is consistent with its category, emphasizing functionality over multimedia capabilities.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Samsung R580 Profile is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1140 mAh battery, offering up to 288 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. This reliable battery life was a strong selling point, especially for users in areas with limited access to charging facilities. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS, and A-GPS capabilities. However, the phone lacks modern connectivity solutions such as Wi-Fi and radio, aligning with its core functionality as a simplified communication device.

Network and Communication

Designed to operate on CDMA and EVDO networks, the Samsung R580 Profile supports 2G and 3G bands including CDMA 800/1900 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. Its data speed caps at EV-DO Rev.0, 153.2 Kbps, sufficient for SMS, MMS, Email, and instant messaging—which are the primary modes of communication for this device. The phone also supports WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML for basic web browsing.

Additional Features

Additional features include the classic loudspeaker option for hands-free calls and a dedicated microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might limit audio accessory options, but Bluetooth connectivity offers an alternative for wireless audio devices.

Conclusion

The Samsung R580 Profile represents an era where feature phones were predominant, offering reliability and essential functionalities at an affordable price. While discontinued, its practicality in design, battery efficienc, and communication functions made it a sensible choice for users less concerned with advanced smartphone features or high-speed processing.