Samsung T409 Complete Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Samsung T409

The Samsung T409 is a feature phone announced in June 2007 and has since been discontinued. This device, which existed at a time before the dominance of smartphones, served as an essential communication tool with several interesting specifications that catered to the needs of the time. It was a compact, lightweight device designed for those who needed an efficient and straightforward mobile experience without the complexities of modern-day smartphones.

Network Capabilities

One of the significant features of the Samsung T409 is its GSM technology. It supported GSM 850, 1800, and 1900 bands, allowing for wide-ranging connectivity in different geographical regions. It was equipped with GPRS and EDGE technologies both classified as Class 10, which, at the time, provided reasonably fast data transmission rates for basic internet browsing and messaging.

Design and Build

The device's body dimensions stood at 89 x 47 x 19.5 mm, making it a compact option easily storable in a pocket or purse. Weighing only 88 grams, the Samsung T409 was incredibly lightweight, enhancing its portability. It featured a sturdy build with a Mini-SIM card slot and was available in black and blue colors, appealing to users who preferred subtle yet stylish phone colors.

Display Characteristics

The Samsung T409 featured a 2.0-inch TFT display that supported 65K colors, providing users with a bright and clear screen for basic viewing needs. With a resolution of 120 x 160 pixels at a pixel density of approximately 100 ppi, the display offered adequate clarity for reading texts and viewing images, albeit not as sharp as modern displays.

Storage and Memory

Internally, the T409 offered 21MB of storage without the capability to expand using a memory card. For the time, this storage allowed for essential phone functions such as storing contacts up to 1000 entries with photocall feature, and maintaining call logs for 30 dialed, received, and missed calls. This specification was sufficient for users who primarily needed a phone for calling and texting.

Camera Specifications

The phone came with a 1.3MP main camera which also had video recording capabilities. This was typical for feature phones of that time, providing users the ability to capture still images and record short videos. Although the camera quality does not compare to modern smartphone cameras, it was a valued feature for capturing spontaneous moments.

Audio and Sound

On the audio front, the Samsung T409 offered a loudspeaker for media playback and calls. Alert types included vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, allowing users to customize their phone's ringtone. However, it lacked a 3.5mm jack, which meant that proprietary headphones or adapters were required for private listening.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the T409 supported Bluetooth 2.0, allowing for wireless file transfers and connectivity with other Bluetooth devices. It boasted Wi-Fi capabilities with UMA technology, though the utility was limited compared to what later smartphones offered. It did not feature GPS or radio, and the USB connection was proprietary, requiring specific cables for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

The Samsung T409 included several messaging options such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and instant messaging, catering to diverse communication needs. It supported a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet usage and came pre-installed with games, with the option to download more. The device also supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling a range of simple applications and games to enhance its functionality.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 880 mAh battery, the T409 offered a standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. This was quite competitive at the time, ensuring that users could rely on their phones throughout the day without the constant need to recharge.

Market Position and Price

At launch, the Samsung T409 was priced at approximately 70 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option in the mobile phone market. It was targeted toward users seeking a reliable device for basic communication purposes at a time when smartphones were beginning to enter the market but had not yet fully dominated it.

Conclusion

The Samsung T409 represents a nostalgic era of mobile technology, providing essential features with a straightforward user experience. While modern smartphones have far surpassed the capabilities of this device, the T409 served its purpose for users needing a simple, efficient, and reliable mobile phone. Its combination of practical features, compact design, and affordability made it a popular choice for its time, reflecting the advancements of mobile technology during the mid-2000s.