Samsung U320 Haven A Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung U320 Haven

The Samsung U320 Haven is a compact feature phone designed primarily for ease of use. Released in July 2010, it was marketed as a device aimed at users seeking a straightforward mobile experience without the complexities and distractions of modern smartphones. This article delves into its specifications, features, and overall performance, providing a comprehensive insight into this memorable device from Samsung.

Design and Build

The Samsung U320 Haven features a minimalist design, measuring 100 x 51 x 18 mm and weighing 99 grams. Its compact size and weight make it an easily portable device, fitting comfortably in the hand without being cumbersome. The device is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot and is presented in a classic black color, embodying a traditional and simplistic aesthetic that appeals to users who appreciate practical and straightforward design.

Display

The phone boasts a 2.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. Though modest by today's standards, this display is sufficient for basic tasks such as reading messages and viewing contact details. With a color depth of 65K colors, the screen provides a decent visual experience for a feature phone, ensuring clarity and adequate visibility for text-based applications.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung U320 Haven operates on CDMA technology, supporting both 2G and 3G bands. Specifically, it supports CDMA 800/1900 for 2G and CDMA2000 1x for 3G connections, ensuring reliable voice communication. However, the phone lacks modern connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, focusing instead on its primary role as a communication device. It is equipped with E911 capability for emergency calls, underscoring its utility-oriented approach.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the Haven includes 24MB of internal storage, accompanied by 16MB RAM and 64MB ROM. While these specifications may seem minimal, they are adequate for the phone's intended purposes, such as storing up to 500 phonebook entries and maintaining a log of call records. The device does not support expandable memory cards, adhering to its fundamental design as a feature phone with essential functionality.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the Samsung U320 Haven offers respectable battery performance. The device provides a standby time of up to 336 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. This extended battery life is a significant selling point for users who value longevity and reliability, minimizing the need for frequent charging.

User Interface and Software

The Haven runs on a compact operating system tailored for feature phones. Its interface is intuitive, prioritizing ease of use and familiarity. Messaging capabilities include SMS and MMS, allowing users to communicate effectively, while a WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser facilitates basic web browsing activities. Impressively, the device supports Java, enabling users to enjoy a selection of simple games and applications compatible with MIDP 2.0.

Sound and Multimedia

The device includes a loudspeaker that offers adequate sound quality for phone calls and alerts. However, it does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, reflecting its minimalistic design ethos. The absence of a camera, radio, and advanced multimedia features further underscores its status as a basic communication tool.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the Samsung U320 Haven was priced at approximately 90 EUR. This positioned it as an affordable option for users seeking a no-frills mobile phone that prioritized essential communication functions over extraneous features. Its discontinuation marks the end of its availability, yet it remains a reminder of the era when feature phones dominated the landscape.

Conclusion

The Samsung U320 Haven stands out as a testament to the era of feature phones, emphasizing simplicity and practicality. Its design and functionality cater to users who seek a reliable communication device without the added complexity of modern smartphones. Although discontinued, the Haven's legacy as an easy-to-use, durable mobile phone endures, making it a noteworthy chapter in Samsung's history of mobile devices.