Samsung S5500 Eco Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices and Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung S5500 Eco

The Samsung S5500 Eco is a classic feature phone that was announced in December 2009 and released in 2010. Although it has been discontinued, the device remains a hallmark of simplicity and efficient design, catering to users who prefer basic phone functionalities without the complexities of a smartphone.

Network Capabilities

The Samsung S5500 Eco supports GSM and HSPA technology. It operates on 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 2100), providing reliable network connectivity. The phone offers data transfer speeds of up to HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps, sufficient for basic browsing and communication needs.

Launch Details

First announced in December 2009, the S5500 Eco was officially released in 2010. Despite its discontinuation, it garnered attention for its eco-friendly design and functionality during its time on the market.

Body and Design

With dimensions of 94.8 x 46 x 14.8 mm and a weight of 95 grams, the Samsung S5500 Eco is compact and lightweight. It fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to carry around. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card, consistent with the standards of feature phones from that era.

Display Quality

The device features a 2.2-inch TFT display with 256K colors. Its resolution is 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 ratio, translating to a pixel density of approximately 182 ppi. Though modest by modern standards, this display suffices for users looking to accomplish basic tasks like texting and navigation.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung S5500 Eco offers 15MB of internal storage. It comes with a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the storage capacity for additional photos, music, or java-based applications. The phonebook can accommodate up to 1000 entries, complete with photocall features, while call records hold up to 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls.

Camera Specifications

This device has a single 3.2 MP main camera, which is capable of capturing basic photos and videos at 176x144 resolution at 15fps. There is also a front-facing camera for taking selfies, although its capabilities are quite basic and are intended for simple use.

Audio Features

The Samsung S5500 Eco includes a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and listening to music. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a common feature in phones during its release period, necessitating the use of compatible Bluetooth audio devices for a private listening experience.

Communications and Connectivity

Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, making it possible to connect wireless headphones and other compatible devices. The phone does not support WLAN or GPS, emphasizing its feature phone status. Users can enjoy stereo FM radio with RDS and connect to a computer via USB 2.0 for data transfer and charging.

Additional Features

Among the list of features, the device supports SMS, MMS, and email messaging. It comes with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser (Openwave 6.2.3), allowing for limited internet access. Users can enjoy built-in games and even download additional ones thanks to its support for Java MIDP 2.0.

Battery Performance

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 960 mAh battery. It delivers a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. While these metrics are modest, they align well with the device's overall functionality as a basic phone.

Miscellaneous Information

Available in blue and black, the device offers an appealing color choice for users looking for a simple and straightforward mobile device. Its SAR value for the EU market is 0.75 W/kg (head), which falls within safe exposure limits. When launched, the phone was priced at approximately 150 EUR, catering to users looking for affordability without sacrificing essential functions.