Samsung U300 Comprehensive Review – Specs Pricing Features & Drawbacks

Overview

The Samsung U300, released in February 2007, is a discontinued feature phone that once captivated consumers with its slim design and essential functionalities. As part of Samsung's Ultra Edition line, the U300 combined aesthetic appeal with practicality, offering a basic communication device suitable for everyday use.

Design and Build

The Samsung U300 is noted for its slim and stylish build, measuring just 9.6 mm in thickness and weighing a mere 89 grams. Its compact dimensions (100 x 51 x 9.6 mm) make it incredibly portable, easily fitting into pockets and handbags. The phone was released in three striking colors: Blue/Gold, Gray/Black, and Silver, catering to varied aesthetic preferences.

Display

Equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display, the Samsung U300 showcases 256K colors at a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. While the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 29.4%, it provides a decent viewing experience for its time, enabling users to view messages, calls, and basic multimedia content with clarity.

Camera

The phone features a single 3.15 MP main camera, which was sufficient for capturing basic photos and video recordings. This camera represented a modest attempt to integrate multimedia capabilities into a feature phone, primarily aimed at snapping quick photos rather than capturing high-resolution imagery.

Performance and Memory

Given its status as a feature phone, the Samsung U300 did not prioritize high-end processing power or advanced operating systems. It offered a limited internal storage capacity of 70MB with no card slot for expansion. Users could maintain up to 1000 phonebook entries and keep track of call logs with 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls, providing adequate space for essential contact information.

Connectivity and Communication

The Samsung U300 supported GSM technology on the 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, facilitating international roaming where those networks were available. The device came with GPRS Class 10 and EDGE capabilities, enhancing its data connectivity options to a basic degree. For short-distance communication, it supported Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, but lacked Wi-Fi or GPS functionality, underscoring its focus on essential telecommunication needs.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 690 mAh battery, the Samsung U300 provided a standby time of up to 300 hours and talk time up to 6 hours, which was satisfactory for its role as a basic communication tool. The removable battery feature offered users the flexibility to carry an extra battery for prolonged usage, a desirable trait among feature phones.

Additional Features

The device supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messages, making it a versatile communication tool for its time. Additionally, it featured a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for Internet access in a limited capacity. The phone embraced entertainment through downloadable Java-based games, supported by MIDP 2.0.

Despite the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, the phone's loudspeaker and support for vibration and downloadable polyphonic/MP3 ringtones enhanced the user experience. However, it did not include an FM radio feature, which was a common inclusion among feature phones during that era.

Market Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, the Samsung U300 was priced at approximately 150 EUR, placing it within the mid-range segment of feature phones. Although it is now discontinued, the U300's sleek design and essential features garnered a respectable following among users seeking a no-nonsense mobile communication device.

The Samsung U300 was a testament to Samsung's ability to design chic yet functional phones within their Ultra Edition series. While the device certainly lacks the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, it remains a significant chapter in the evolution of mobile technology, illustrating an era where simplicity met elegance.

SAR Information

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for the Samsung U300 stands at 0.32 W/kg (head) and 0.12 W/kg (body), with the European Union rating at 0.26 W/kg (head). These ratings indicate compliance with international safety standards regarding radiofrequency exposure, ensuring user safety during prolonged use.

Conclusion

The Samsung U300, part of the Ultra Edition series, encapsulates the essence of feature phones with its focus on streamlined design and essential functionalities. While the advancements in smartphone technology have overtaken such devices, the Samsung U300 remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when mobile phones balanced style with straightforward utility.