Price and specifications of Samsung R900 Craft advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Samsung R900 Craft

The Samsung R900 Craft is a notable entry in the world of mobile phones, primarily known for its enhanced connectivity capabilities and its introduction during a time when feature phones were transitioning to more advanced functionalities. Released in September 2010, it brought several interesting features which catered to the transitioning mobile technology landscape. Though it’s now discontinued, it left a noteworthy imprint in the mobile phone market.

Network Technology and Connectivity

The Samsung R900 Craft was equipped with a robust suite of network technologies, including CDMA, EVDO, and LTE, supporting 2G, 3G, and 4G capabilities. In terms of specific bands, it supported CDMA 800/1900 for 2G, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for 3G, and 4G bands 2 and 4. The network speed reached EV-DO Rev.0, at 153.2 Kbps, allowing users relatively fast access to mobile internet, marking a significant tool for browsing and connectivity. This connectivity flexibility made it particularly appealing to users who wished to benefit from faster data services.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Samsung R900 Craft had dimensions of 114.3 x 55.9 x 11.9 mm, and a weight of 106g, making it reasonably compact and portable. It featured a QWERTY keyboard, which was a highly appreciated feature for individuals who often communicated via SMS or email. The phone used a Mini-SIM card, which was the standard for many phones during its time. The build was practical and functional, aimed at both professional use and casual navigation.

Display Specifications

The display was a significant aspect of the R900 Craft. It featured a 3.3-inch AMOLED screen, ensuring vibrant visuals with better contrast and color reproduction. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 283 ppi, the screen visuals were crisp for its category. The screen formed roughly 48.5% of the screen-to-body ratio, which was quite standard given its physical QWERTY layout. This AMOLED display was perhaps one of its strongest aspects, making it stand out from lesser featured contemporaries.

Memory and Storage

When it comes to storage, the Samsung R900 Craft came equipped with an internal storage of 165MB. While this might seem minimal by modern standards, it was fairly accommodating at the time and supplemented by a microSDHC card slot, with a 2GB card included. The phonebook could hold up to 2000 entries and supported Photocall, which was quite advantageous for heavy networkers and individuals relying extensively on phonebook management. Call record features were also present, adding to its user-friendly design.

Camera Features

The mobile device sported a main camera with a 3.15 MP sensor, featuring autofocus and dual LED flash for better low-light photography. Video recording was also supported, although secondary camera features were absent, which was common for feature phones at the time. The camera capabilities were adequate for the basic photo and video needs, capturing decent quality images for everyday documentation.

Sound and Audio Features

On the audio front, the Samsung R900 Craft had a loudspeaker allowing for hands-free communication, although it did not have a 3.5mm jack. This might have been a limitation for some users who preferred using wired earphones. Nevertheless, the provision of Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP supported wireless audio, catering to emerging preferences in wireless technology.

Communication and Navigation Features

For wireless communications, the phone was equipped with Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and A-GPS featuring MetroNavigator for navigation. This combination of communication options made it versatile in managing personal and professional connectivity. The inclusion of GPS was particularly noteworthy, offering basic navigation services.

Software, Messaging, and Additional Features

As a feature phone, the Samsung R900 Craft provided a range of messaging options including SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. The web browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, allowing standard browsing activities for the user. However, the phone did not support Java applications, narrowing some interactive elements available to users.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, offering a standby time of up to 200 hours and talk time up to 6 hours. These battery specifications were considerable for a device of its caliber, providing enough power for typical daily use before needing a recharge.

Miscellaneous Details

Available in black, the Samsung R900 Craft had a SAR value of 1.06 W/kg for the head and 0.90 W/kg for the body, adhering to safety protocols for mobile radiation emission at that time. It was priced at approximately 100 EUR upon release, placing it within an affordable range for many consumers seeking robust features without compromising on cost.

Conclusion

The Samsung R900 Craft offered a blend of connectivity, practicality, and usability that appealed to users transitioning from traditional to more advanced mobile technologies. While it had certain limitations, its features like the AMOLED display, robust network technologies, and navigational capabilities made it a noteworthy choice in its time. Despite being discontinued, the Craft remains a testament to Samsung’s venture into diversifying mobile functionalities during the early 2010s.