Samsung T349 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung T349

Launched in May 2009, the Samsung T349 was a unique blend of design and functionality, targeting users who sought robust texting capabilities without the complexities of a smartphone. Despite its discontinuation, the T349 still holds a place in the hearts of tech enthusiasts who appreciate its QWERTY keyboard and feature-rich experience for its time.

Design and Build

The Samsung T349 boasts dimensions of 114 x 50 x 13.5 mm and weighs in at a mere 90.7 grams, making it both compact and lightweight. The sleek design is accompanied by a black finish, providing a professional and elegant look. One standout feature is the partial QWERTY keyboard, strategically designed to facilitate quick messaging and emailing. The inclusion of a Mini-SIM slot reflects the standards of mobile connectivity prevalent during its release.

Display

Sporting a 2.2-inch TFT display capable of rendering 256K colors, the T349 offers a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. While not as advanced as modern screens, this display was quite competitive in its time, providing a vibrant and clear viewing experience suitable for browsing, messaging, and other activities typical of a feature phone.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung T349 operates on GSM technology, with support for 2G bands GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900. This ensured compatibility with a wide range of carrier networks across various regions. The inclusion of Class 10 GPRS and EDGE provided modest mobile internet capabilities suitable for basic browsing tasks.

On the connectivity front, the T349 did not support WLAN, limiting its wireless internet access. However, it did include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, enabling wireless file transfers and use of wireless audio devices. The absence of GPS and radio are notable, yet typical for many feature phones of its era. USB 2.0 support allowed the phone to connect to computers for data transfer and charging.

Camera and Multimedia

The T349 features a single 1.3 MP camera, suitable for basic photography needs. Video recording was also possible but limited by the camera's resolution and storage capacity. The phone’s multimedia capabilities included a loudspeaker for audio playback, although it did not offer a 3.5mm jack, limiting headphone options to wireless or proprietary accessories.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with a microSDHC card slot, the T349 supports expandable memory, allowing users to store additional photos, videos, and ringtones. Though the onboard storage specifics are scarce, the ability to utilize a memory card was a significant advantage. The phonebook could store up to 1000 contacts, complete with a photocall feature, underscoring its utility as a communication device.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion battery provided up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time, which was quite standard for feature phones. The removable nature of the battery allowed users to replace it easily, thereby extending the device's practical life.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone operating system, the Samsung T349 was not designed for high-powered apps but did offer essential functions such as SMS, MMS, Email, and instant messaging. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser supported basic web access, while Java MIDP 2.0 allowed for a range of applications and games, adding to its entertainment value.

Conclusion

The Samsung T349 remains a representative example of feature phones from the late 2000s. Its focus on reliable communication, ease of use with a QWERTY keyboard, and expandable memory made it a practical choice for users prioritizing texting and basic phone functions over more advanced smartphone capabilities. Though it is now discontinued, the T349 provides an interesting case study on mobile phone evolution and consumer preferences during its time.