Samsung S5600 Preston All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction and Design

Samsung released the S5600, also known as the Samsung Preston, in 2009. At that time, the mobile industry was seeing rapid changes with feature phones paving the path to more advanced smartphones. The S5600 Preston was designed to fit comfortably within the palm of the hand, boasting a compact design with dimensions of 102.8 x 54.8 x 12.9 mm and a lightweight build of just 96 grams. This sleek design was a definitive selling point, appealing to users desiring portability without sacrificing style.

The phone was available in three colors: Absolute Black, Pearl White, and Lilac Violet, catering to different aesthetic preferences. The build featured a Mini-SIM format which was standard during that era.

Display

The Samsung S5600 Preston came equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT display, a considerable size for its category during the release time. Though the screen had a modest resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, equivalent to a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi, it provided sufficient clarity for daily operations and multimedia consumption considering the standards of its time.

Camera

A key highlight was its 3.15 MP main camera, which included an LED flash. This allowed users to capture basic photographs in a variety of lighting conditions. Though the camera's video capabilities were limited to 320p resolution at 15 frames per second, it served well for spontaneous shots and video recordings, a feature appreciated by many during the feature phone era.

Performance and Storage

Performance-wise, the phone was designed as a feature phone rather than a smartphone, lacking a sophisticated operating system. It relied on basic software functionalities typical of devices in this classification. It provided a mere 80 MB of internal storage, however, this could be expanded using a microSDHC card, a common practice at that time for users needing extra space for media and applications.

Connectivity and Network

Connectivity options on the Samsung S5600 included 2G and 3G network support. It supported GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 900/2100 bands, allowing users to stay connected across various networks. The device also featured Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for essential data transfer and stereo audio streaming, as well as a USB 2.0 port for charging and media transfer.

While it lacked Wi-Fi capabilities, a significant limitation compared to the upcoming smartphones of the period, it did offer an FM radio with RDS support, keeping users entertained on-the-go.

Battery Life

The phone's power was supported by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, providing up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. While considered basic by today’s standards, it was adequate for many users who used their phones primarily for calls and texts rather than continuous Internet browsing or app usage.

Additional Features

The Samsung S5600 Preston featured an accelerometer sensor, adding a touch of interactivity that was slowly becoming a norm in mobile devices. Its messaging capabilities included SMS, MMS, and email functions, offering users various ways to communicate. The built-in browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML formats, enabling basic web browsing.

Despite its simplicity, the device supported Java MIDP 2.1, allowing users to download and play additional games and applications. This, combined with downloadable games, provided entertainment options for users wanting more than the standard features pre-installed.

Conclusion

The Samsung S5600 Preston represented a balance between style and functionality in the late 2000s feature phone market. While today's technology may overshadow it due to the advent of smartphones, it stood out during its period as a reliable communication device with essential multimedia capabilities. At a price of about 90 EUR, it offered good value for users seeking a stylish, yet functional mobile phone.