Samsung R640 Character Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung R640 Character

The Samsung R640 Character is a feature phone that was released in July 2011, and it brought an affordable yet functional option to those interested in basic telecommunication functions. Manufactured by Samsung, it catered to users who preferred a physical QWERTY keyboard for easier texting and basic online functions. Despite its discontinuation, it still holds interest for retro phone enthusiasts and those who appreciate its straightforward design.

Design and Build

The Samsung R640 Character presents a compact design with dimensions of 107 x 55 x 15 mm and a weight of 120 g, making it easy to carry and handle. It features a physical QWERTY keyboard which was ideally suited for users who frequently texted and emailed. Its robust build and electric blue color add a touch of style without compromising practicality.

Display

This device comes with a 2.8-inch TFT display, capable of showing 256K colors. Although it only covers approximately 41.3% of the screen-to-body ratio, the resolution of 240 x 320 pixels is adequate for displaying basic graphics and text. While it may not compare to the high-resolution displays found in modern smartphones, it was sufficient for the phone's intended use.

Camera

The phone is equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera. While it lacks the sophistication of modern smartphone cameras, it provides a simple way to capture moments with acceptable quality for the time. It does not support video recording, which underscores its focus on basic functionality rather than multimedia capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

Designed to function primarily as a communication device, the Samsung R640 supports CDMA and CDMA2000 technology. It operates on 2G and 3G networks, providing speeds of up to 384 kbps, enough for standard browsing and email services. Connectivity options are limited but include Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR support for wireless data transfer and headsets. It also features a microUSB 2.0 port for wired data transfer.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with a dedicated microSDHC slot that allows for expandable storage, helping to keep messages and media safely stored. The phone’s internal memory is suited for maintaining call records and contacts, with photocall functionality available in the phonebook.

Audio and Media

The Samsung R640 Character features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing for music playback and hands-free calls. It supports standard audio formats for music lovers who wish to use the device as a portable music player. However, its media capabilities are modest due to the lack of advanced features such as a radio or WLAN.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the phone supports up to 288 hours of standby time and around 5 hours of talk time. This battery life reflects a typical feature phone of its time, emphasizing essential usage rather than intense multimedia or extensive app sessions.

Additional Features

Some of the basic additional features include SMS and Email messaging, supporting simple communication needs. Although lacking advanced sensor technology, it does offer basic gaming to provide some entertainment options for users.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung R640 Character serves as a nostalgic reminder of the feature phones from the early 2010s. While it may not have the capabilities of modern smartphones, its focus on core functions and reliable communication appeal to those who prefer simplicity and straightforwardness in mobile devices. Despite being discontinued, it remains a small yet significant piece of mobile phone history.