Samsung S9110 Comprehensive Review and Price Analysis

Overview of Samsung S9110

The Samsung S9110, released in November 2009, is an innovative device that blends the functionality of a compact mobile phone with the convenience of a smartwatch. Although it has been discontinued, this device was considered groundbreaking for its integration of communication features in a wristwatch form factor at the time of its release. The S9110 is especially notable for its attempt to pioneer the wearable technology market.

Design and Build

Weighing in at only 91 grams, the Samsung S9110 sports a sleek and minimalist design. With its dimensions of 57.5 x 41.1 x 12 mm, the device is compact and wearable like a traditional wristwatch. It features a robust build with a Scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating to protect against scratches and fingerprint smudges, adding durability to the overall design.

Display

The device comes with a 1.76-inch TFT screen that supports multiple colors (256K colors to be precise). The screen resolution is 176 x 220 pixels, which equates to approximately 160 pixels per inch. This display, while small, serves the needs of accessing basic functionalities like checking the time, viewing messages, or accessing contacts.

Performance and Operating System

Running on a proprietary operating system, the Samsung S9110 was equipped to handle essential tasks such as message notifications, viewing contacts, and making calls. Although limited by today's standards in terms of multitasking capabilities and app support, it excels in performing basic functionalities seamlessly. The exact processor specifications are undocumented, but the device was sufficient at the time for the intended minimal use.

Memory

In terms of storage, the Samsung S9110 contains 40 MB of internal storage. Given its purpose and design as a wristwatch device, the absence of additional storage (i.e., no card slot) means that the data handling is limited to essential information like contacts and messages. This constraint aligns with the device's vision of providing minimal but sufficient communication capabilities.

Connectivity

The connectivity suite of the S9110 includes GSM 900/1800 bands for basic cellular communication. It also features Bluetooth version 2.1, allowing it to pair with other Bluetooth devices for hands-free call functionalities. However, it does not support WLAN, USB connectivity, or GPS positioning. The device did include support for GPRS and EDGE, operating on Class 10 technology for a modest data connection.

Battery Life

Powering the Samsung S9110 is a non-removable Li-Ion 630 mAh battery. This battery capacity, though quite modest, was adequate for a device utilized primarily for basic communication and as a time-telling piece. Given the less power-intensive tasks it performed, users enjoyed an acceptable standby and usage duration.

Sound and Audio

The Samsung S9110 comes with a built-in loudspeaker but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. This absence underscores the minimalist and focused design of the watch, orienting more towards direct calls and alerts rather than music playback or media consumption.

Additional Features

The Samsung S9110's communications browser supports WAP 1.2.1/xHTML, providing a basic online browsing capability tailored to a watch interface. With built-in applications such as a calendar, world clock, and a mini-photo viewer, it attempted to encapsulate essential features for a holistic yet simple experience.

Market Position and Legacy

Upon its release, the Samsung S9110 stood out as one of the first attempts to converge mobile and wearable technologies in a single device. While the limitations in terms of connectivity, media, and processing power were evident, it paved the way for future advancements in the wearable tech segment. As such, even when discontinued, it remains a significant milestone in the evolution of smartwatches and wearable devices.