Samsung S5560 Marvel Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung S5560 Marvel

The Samsung S5560 Marvel, announced in October 2009 and released in November of the same year, is a feature phone that is now discontinued. Despite not being a smartphone, it offered a range of specifications that made it a notable device during its time. With its moderate pricing and appealing features, it catered to a segment of users seeking functionality without the complexities of early smartphones.

Design and Build

The Samsung S5560 Marvel boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 106 x 53.5 x 11.9 mm, making it compact and comfortable to hold. Weighing at just 96 grams, it is lightweight, enhancing its portability. The phone supports a Mini-SIM and is presented in the classic black color, with an Anelka edition variant available. With a well-balanced design, it reflects a blend of simplicity and sophistication.

Display Characteristics

The device comes equipped with a 3.0-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, offering 256K colors. While the screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 45.2%, it delivers a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels with a density of about 155 ppi. Although the resistive technology requires more pressure than capacitive screens, it was common among phones of that era and provided satisfactory performance for basic tasks.

Camera Features

One of the key attractions of the Samsung S5560 Marvel is its 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. It supports video recording, although without advanced features. The absence of a selfie camera is notable, aligning with the norms of feature phones at that time. Despite this, the rear camera delivered reasonable photo quality for documenting everyday moments.

Audio and Connectivity

For audio output, the phone includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, offering standard sound quality. Connectivity options feature Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. The device also includes a stereo FM radio with RDS, providing entertainment and news on the go.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, detailed specifications about the processor and RAM are not provided, as is typical for feature phones. However, it supports essential operations expected from such devices. The internal memory is limited to 78MB but can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. The battery is a removable Li-Ion 960 mAh type, and despite its modest capacity, it offers up to 620 hours of standby time and up to 9 hours and 30 minutes of talk time, providing reliable usage throughout the day.

Network and Connectivity Technology

The Samsung S5560 Marvel operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands of GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. With class 10 GPRS and EDGE, it facilitated basic internet browsing and data consumption, although at speeds that are now considered very basic. Despite lacking fast data connectivity, it adequately supported the applications and services available at the time.

Software and User Experience

The phone runs on a feature phone operating system, designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. It supports SMS, MMS, and email for messaging needs, and comes equipped with a WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browser for internet access. The presence of Java MIDP 2.0 allowed users to run Java-based applications and games, providing additional versatility. An accelerometer sensor added further interaction capabilities.

Market Position and Pricing

Priced at about 120 EUR during its release, the Samsung S5560 Marvel positioned itself as an affordable option for users who needed a reliable and functional mobile device. It appealed particularly to those who desired a touch screen experience without the complexity and cost of smartphones available at the time.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung S5560 Marvel stands as a testament to the transitional phase between basic mobile phones and smartphones. It delivered a combination of essential features, including a competent camera, expandable storage, and basic internet connectivity, all wrapped in a stylish design. Despite being discontinued, it represents an era where feature phones provided a vital bridge for users stepping into the world of mobile connectivity.