Samsung T659 Scarlet Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung T659 Scarlet is a compact and lightweight device that was announced in September 2009 and released in October of the same year. With dimensions of 104.1 x 48.3 x 15.2 mm and a weight of only 93.6 g, it fits easily in your pocket and is comfortable to hold. The phone features a Mini-SIM slot and comes in a stylish gray color, adding to its understated elegance.

Display

Equipped with a TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, the Samsung T659 provides vibrant and clear visuals. Though the exact size of the display is unspecified, it offers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio, providing decent clarity for a feature phone of its time. This resolution makes it suitable for basic tasks such as browsing through text messages or viewing images taken with its camera.

Camera

The device sports a basic but functional 2 MP main camera, allowing users to capture photos on the go. It supports video recording, which, while not high-definition, does provide a basic level of video functionality. Although the phone lacks a front-facing selfie camera, the main camera is adequate for capturing quick snaps given the phone's primary purpose as a communication device.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung T659 Scarlet is compatible with GSM/UMTS technology, supporting 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (UMTS 1700/2100). This ensures basic internet connectivity and communication, with data speeds available up to 384 kbps. Although it lacks Wi-Fi capabilities, it includes Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming and basic file transfer. The phone also features a USB 2.0 port for connecting to other devices.

Memory

This device includes a microSD card slot, which allows users to expand the phone's storage to accommodate more photos, messages, and other data. The phone's internal storage space is largely intended for core functionality, such as storing phonebook contacts, which can go up to 1000 entries with photo call support. Call records can also store information for 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Audio and Sound

The Samsung T659 comes with a built-in loudspeaker for hands-free communication and playing media. However, it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which means users would need to rely on Bluetooth headphones or other wireless audio solutions for private listening.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, the Samsung T659 offers decent battery life for a feature phone. It is capable of providing up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. This battery performance is typical for phones of this era, allowing users to go through a full day or more of standard use without needing to recharge.

Software and Features

As a feature phone, the Samsung T659 runs on a proprietary operating system designed for basic communication and media functions. It supports messaging through SMS, MMS, and Email, giving users multiple ways to stay connected. The built-in browser is WAP 2.0/xHTML, which, while limited, allows for basic web navigation. Moreover, the phone supports Java through MIDP 2.0, making it possible to download and run various simple applications and games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung T659 Scarlet is a straightforward and practical feature phone, aimed at users who require basic communication and multimedia features without the complexities of a smartphone. Its lightweight design, expandable memory, and essential connectivity features made it a suitable device for its time. Though technology has advanced significantly since its release, the T659 remains a noteworthy example of Samsung's feature phone lineup during the late 2000s.