Price and specifications of Samsung S3550 Shark 3 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The Samsung S3550 Shark 3 features a compact and sleek design that resonates with its time of release in 2010. With dimensions of 95.8 x 45.8 x 14.4 mm and weighing just 79 grams, it is designed to be lightweight and easily portable. The device accommodates a Mini-SIM and is available in a variety of colors such as Black, White, and Pink, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Display

The phone sports a 2.0-inch TFT display that supports 256K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 ratio, the display offers approximately 200 pixels per inch density. Although not high-definition by today's standards, during its time, it provided a vibrant and colorful interface for basic phone tasks.

Camera

Samsung S3550 Shark 3 is equipped with a 2 MP single rear camera. While it doesn’t compete with today’s smartphone cameras, this allows users to capture basic images and videos, a common feature for phones released in that era. It does not feature a front-facing camera, as selfies were not a prominent trend at the time.

Connectivity and Network

The device operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900). It features GPRS Class 12 and EDGE Class 12 for internet connectivity, which were standard for mobile web browsing during the phone's release. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support allows for wireless communication with other devices, while its Micro USB 2.0 port facilitates wired connections.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the device comes with 44MB storage, but offers a dedicated microSDHC card slot for memory expansion. Users can store more contacts with a phonebook capacity of 1000 entries, and its call log memory can remember up to 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Sound and Entertainment

The phone includes a loudspeaker for audio output but lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which limits the use of traditional headphones. It supports stereo FM radio with RDS and features Java-based downloadable games for entertainment.

Battery Life

The Samsung S3550 features a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery which offers a standby time of up to 440 hours and a talk time of up to 9 hours and 50 minutes. The battery life was considered adequate for basic usage including calls and messaging.

User Interface and Platform

Running on a feature phone OS, the Samsung S3550 Shark 3 provides basic functionalities such as SMS, MMS, Email, and IM. Its browser supports WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML for browsing, although only basic internet tasks can be performed due to hardware limitations.

Additional Features

Despite being a feature phone, the Samsung S3550 includes some modern features such as downloadable games, and Java MIDP 2.0 support, allowing users to enjoy a variety of applications and media. However, advanced smartphone-like apps are not supported.

Pricing and Availability

Upon its initial release, the Samsung S3550 was priced at around 80 EUR. However, given its discontinuation, it is now mostly found as a second-hand device or through vintage electronics retailers.

Conclusion

The Samsung S3550 Shark 3 is a reflection of a transitional period in mobile phone history, where feature phones began incorporating more multimedia functionalities while maintaining simplicity and affordability. Its compact design, basic camera, and multimedia capabilities offer a glimpse into the era before the full-fledged smartphone revolution. While not suitable for today’s high-demand applications, it remains a charming piece of technology for enthusiasts and collectors.