Samsung T109 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung T109 is a classic feature phone, noteworthy for its compact size and practical design. The phone measures 89 x 45 x 20 mm (3.50 x 1.77 x 0.79 in) and weighs only 88 g (3.10 oz). The build is solid, with a user-friendly interface that was expected from devices at the time. It features a sleek candy-bar design, with a Mini-SIM slot accommodating basic cellular connectivity needs.

Display

The device includes a CSTN display with 65K colors, offering a simple yet functional viewing screen for basic operations. The display size is 1.85 inches, which corresponds to approximately 10.8 cm2, making up about 26.9% of the screen-to-body ratio. The resolution stands at 128 x 160 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of around 111 ppi. While the display might seem minimal by modern standards, it was sufficient for displaying text messages and simple graphics, serving the needs of its users during the time of release.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung T109 is equipped with GSM technology, supporting 2G bands GSM 850/1900. It also features GPRS Class 10, which was a standard form of mobile data technology at the time, but notably, it does not support EDGE or more advanced connectivity options. Limitations in connectivity features extend to the absence of WLAN, Bluetooth, Radio, and more, but it does include a USB 1.1 port for essential connections.

Storage and Memory

In terms of memory, the Samsung T109 offers 3MB of internal storage, which is quite limited compared to modern smartphones. It's important to note that there is no card slot for expandable storage. The phonebook can store up to 300 entries with photocall capability, allowing users to personalize their contacts with images. Additionally, the device keeps a log of 30 dialed, received, and missed calls respectively, aiding users in tracking their communication history.

Battery Life

The T109 comes with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. It provides a standby time of up to 240 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours. This efficiency made it a reliable device for users who required a phone capable of sustaining basic connectivity throughout the day.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone includes a loudspeaker for audio output. However, it lacks a 3.5mm jack, which might limit private listening options. The lack of an integrated camera, advanced media functionality, and multimedia capabilities is evident in its design, focusing primarily on communication functions through SMS, MMS, and IM communication protocols.

Software and Features

Operating as a feature phone, the Samsung T109 isn't equipped with the advanced software that modern smartphones offer. Nonetheless, it supports essential messaging services like SMS, EMS, MMS, and IM, enhancing user communication. The phone has WAP 2.0/xHTML for basic browsing capabilities, alongside basic games and Java support, specifically Java MIDP 2.0, which allows for downloading limited applications and games.

Launch and Market Position

Announced in October 2008, the Samsung T109 positioned itself as an affordable, reliable handset with a launch price around 40 EUR. It targeted consumers looking for basic telephony services without the complexities of a smartphone. Discontinued shortly after, it represents the transition period from feature phones dominating the market to the rising popularity of smartphones.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung T109, like many feature phones of its time, offered basic communication tools without the complexity or distractions of modern devices. While it lacks many of the features that today's users might look for in a phone, such as an advanced camera, extensive storage, or high-speed internet capabilities, it fulfilled its purpose excellently for its user base. Simple, durable, and functional, the T109 holds a place in the history of mobile technology as a reminder of the days when a phone was simply a tool for conversation.