Price and specifications of Samsung S5610 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung S5610

The Samsung S5610 is a feature phone released in August 2011 that was geared towards users seeking a device with essential communication functions combined with a few added extras typical of smartphones of the time. Despite being discontinued, its affordability and straightforward functionality make it an intriguing subject for discussion.

Design and Build

The Samsung S5610 features a classic candy bar design with dimensions of 118.9 x 49.7 x 12.9 mm and weighs only 91 grams, ensuring portability and ease of use. The build quality is robust, with a metallic finish available in Gray and Metallic Gold colors, providing a touch of elegance. It uses the Mini-SIM format, typical of its time, and sports a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Display

Equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT screen that displays 256K colors, the Samsung S5610 offers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 167 ppi, the clarity and detail were adequate for everyday tasks, such as reading messages or viewing photos, though it lacked the vividness and sharpness found in modern smartphones.

Camera

The standout feature of the Samsung S5610 is its 5-megapixel main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, a rare offering in feature phones. This setup allows users to capture photos with reasonably good quality in favorable lighting conditions. Video recording is available at 320p resolution at 30fps, which was sufficient for basic video clips at the time.

Network and Connectivity

This device supports both 2G and 3G networks with HSDPA technology, allowing internet speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 3.0 for wireless audio and data transfer, a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data synchronization, and a stereo FM radio with RDS and recording capabilities. It lacks WiFi and GPS, reflecting its status as a feature phone.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung S5610 comes with 108MB of storage, which could fill up quickly if used to store multimedia content. Fortunately, it includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, enabling the user to expand storage capacity further, which was a significant advantage over many competitors at a similar price point. The phonebook and call record functions also provide ample space for contacts and history.

Battery

The device uses a removable Li-Ion 1000mAh battery. This power source provides up to 960 hours of standby time on a 2G connection and up to 680 hours on 3G, with talk time of up to 15 hours and 16 minutes on 2G, and over 5 hours on 3G. These specifications highlight the phone's capability to sustain operation over extended periods without frequent recharging.

Operating System and Performance

Running on a feature phone platform, the Samsung S5610 employs proprietary software designed for efficiency and ease of use. While it lacks the advanced applications and functionalities of a smartphone, it supports basic tasks such as SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, and IM, in addition to Java applications, offering moderate versatility for a feature phone.

Additional Features

Apart from its core functionalities, the Samsung S5610 includes a few noteworthy features, like support for Java (MIDP 2.0) games and applications, allowing users to enjoy light gaming experiences. Its ability to store and playback recorded radio programs adds to its multi-use capabilities.

Market Position and Price

Introduced at a price of approximately 80 EUR, the Samsung S5610 was positioned as an affordable, no-frills solution for individuals who required basic communication capabilities augmented with a few multimedia features. By today’s standards, it serves as an excellent example of mobile technology evolution and the transition between feature phones to smartphones.

Tangible Connection to the Present

While the Samsung S5610 may no longer compete with modern smartphones, its practicality, reliability, and straightforward operation continue to appeal to specific demographics such as the elderly or individuals seeking a basic secondary device without the complexities of a modern smartphone operating system. This prolonged usability emphasizes its lasting impact on mobile phone design and consumer needs.

Conclusion

The Samsung S5610 remains a curious piece in the history of mobile phones. With its balanced marriage of simplicity and functionality, it satisfies a niche market for users who value communication prowess over technological advancement. As technology progresses, the S5610 stands as a testament to purposeful design that meets fundamental user needs efficiently and effectively.