Samsung T509 Unveiling Specs Prices and Performance Insights

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung T509 is one of those classic devices that characterized the mid-2000s era of mobile phones. Released in May 2006, this phone was distinguished by its ultra-slim profile, measuring just 10 mm in thickness. Its dimensions, 117 x 46 x 10 mm, and light weight of only 76 grams made it incredibly pocket-friendly. The phone sported a simple, yet elegant design with its Mini-SIM slot, and it was available in classic colors such as black and silver. The tactile buttons and the small screen were standard for the phones of its time, offering a straightforward user experience focusing more on basic communication rather than multimedia or productivity.

Display

At a time when color displays were becoming more prevalent, the Samsung T509 featured a 1.9-inch TFT screen capable of showing 65K colors. The screen's resolution was 176 x 220 pixels, which equated to roughly 148 pixels per inch (ppi). While these specifications might seem modest by today’s standards, during its release, the T509's display was adequate for reading messages, browsing basic WAP sites, and viewing images captured with its camera.

Camera

The T509 included a VGA main camera with a 0.3 MP sensor, typical during that era for capturing simple photos. It enabled video recording, adding a layer of functionality beyond just still images. Although the camera lacked a flash or advanced features found in modern smartphones, it was sufficient for casual photography and sharing those moments via MMS.

Storage and Memory

In terms of storage, the T509 featured an internal memory of 7MB, which, while limited, was common at the time. This space was used to store contacts, messages, and a handful of low-resolution images or polyphonic ringtones. The phone could store up to 500 phonebook entries and track 30 dialed, received, or missed calls. However, there was no expansion slot for additional memory, which meant users had to manage their space judiciously.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, the T509 was a reliable device when it came to battery life. It provided up to 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time and could stay on standby for up to 170 hours. Given the phone's feature set, this battery performance was satisfactory, ensuring that users could go about their daily tasks without frequent recharging.

Connectivity and Network

The Samsung T509 operated on GSM networks, supporting 2G bands of 850, 1800, and 1900, which allowed for fairly global usage across different regions. For data transfer, it offered GPRS and EDGE class 10, giving users access to the early mobile internet experience. Though the phone lacked Wi-Fi and other modern connectivity options, it did provide Bluetooth 2.0, enabling wireless transfers with compatible devices. Unfortunately, it did not feature GPS or a radio, but it had a proprietary USB connection for charging and data transfer.

Software and Features

As a feature phone, the T509's operating system was basic, tailored towards calls and basic text messaging via SMS, EMS, and MMS. It supported WAP 2.0/xHTML for browsing and Java MIDP 2.0, which allowed users to download and play Java games—an engaging aspect for the broader audience at the time. The phone lacked advanced sensors or apps but made up for it with reliability and simplicity.

Audio and Sound

The phone was equipped with a loudspeaker that supported polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, though it did not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. This was a common shortcoming of the period, requiring users to use proprietary accessories from the manufacturer.

Market Position and Pricing

Priced at about 60 EUR during its release, the Samsung T509 aimed to provide a solid mobile experience without the complexity of modern smartphones. It was targeted at users looking for an elegant, reliable phone primarily for communications and basic multimedia capabilities, making it a popular choice among everyday users.

Legacy and Impact

The Samsung T509 reflects an era when mobile phones began transitioning from utilitarian communication tools to devices integrating modest media and connectivity features. While succeeding technology has surpassed the T509 in nearly every aspect, the phone’s design and practicality are fondly remembered by enthusiasts and former users alike. It highlighted Samsung's approach to combining form and function, laying groundwork elements observed in their later mobile offerings.