Samsung Rugby Smart I847 Tough Specs and Honest Insights

Introduction

The Samsung Rugby Smart I847, released in March 2012, is a durable and robust smartphone that combines functionality with rugged features suitable for those who require a device capable of withstanding harsher conditions. Known for its strength and practicality, the Rugby Smart I847 is a suitable companion for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals working in challenging environments.

Design and Build

The design of the Samsung Rugby Smart I847 clearly showcases its purpose: durability. Measuring 122.4 x 65.9 x 12.2 mm and weighing just 119 grams, it strikes a balance between compactness and sturdy construction. The phone features IP67 certification, making it dust-tight and water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, which was an impressive feature at the time of its release. The use of Gorilla Glass adds an extra layer of toughness to the screen, ensuring resistance against scratches and minor impacts. This device is designed to be manhandled and endure the rigors of active lifestyles or rough work environments.

Display

The Rugby Smart I847 is equipped with a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED display, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Although this was not groundbreaking even at the time of its release, it provided vibrant colors and respectable clarity. The phone's screen-to-body ratio of approximately 48.3% means it prioritizes a sturdy frame over maximizing screen space, aligning with its focus on durability. The display is suitable for basic media consumption and general use, catering to users who prefer functionality over high-definition visuals.

Performance

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, the Samsung Rugby Smart I847 houses a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU and Adreno 205 GPU. Coupled with its 512MB RAM, the device is intended for basic smartphone tasks and not for intensive processing activities. At its core, it runs Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread, an operating system that was largely intuitive and served well for its time. While it can handle daily tasks such as calls, messaging, and light web browsing, it is not designed to support resource-heavy applications or multi-tasking at a high level. The phone's internal storage is 4GB which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users modest storage flexibility.

Camera

In the realm of photography, the Rugby Smart I847 comes with a single 5MP rear camera, equipped with autofocus and an LED flash. Capable of recording video at 720p resolution, it allows users to capture basic photos and videos in reasonable quality. While it does not compete with modern smartphone cameras, it serves well for capturing moments in settings where conditions are harsher and durability is valued over photographic finesse. The phone also includes a 1.3MP front-facing camera for minimalistic selfie needs.

Battery Life

The phone is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery, which provides a standby time of up to 384 hours and a talk time of up to 8 hours. Given its rugged nature and target user base, the battery life is suitable for a device expected to be used in environments where charging opportunities may be less frequent. Moreover, the removable battery offers an added advantage as users can carry a spare if extended usage is anticipated.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Samsung Rugby Smart I847 supports GSM / HSPA technology, ensuring it can connect to a reasonable number of global networks. It has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless connectivity and functions as a hotspot. Bluetooth capability enhances device pairing with other gadgets, while positioning services such as GPS and A-GPS are available for location-based applications. Notably, the device lacks a radio, which may somewhat limit its communication features but justifiably balances its rugged utility and overall function.

Conclusion

The Samsung Rugby Smart I847 presents itself as a reliable companion for individuals seeking durability and ruggedness over cutting-edge technology. It’s a device designed to survive the elements and handle basic smartphone functions with ease. Despite its limitations in processing power and advanced features, it performs adequately in its niche of build-quality-focused mobile devices. Users looking for a tough phone that prioritizes functionality and endurance in challenging conditions would have found the Rugby Smart I847 an appealing choice during its time.