Samsung U485 Intensity III Comprehensive Review & Insights

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung U485 Intensity III offers a robust design that aligns with the needs of those looking for durability and functionality. It's compact with dimensions of 112 x 54 x 14.5 mm and weighs around 115 grams, which makes it highly portable and easy to manage. The phone is equipped with a physical QWERTY keyboard, making texting and typing more efficient than typical alphanumeric keypads. Its construction materials are focused on providing a sturdy feel, which is a bonus for users who prioritize durability.

Display

Featuring a 2.4-inch TFT display, the Samsung U485 Intensity III offers a screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 167 ppi. While modest by modern standards, this display supports 256K colors, which was quite standard at the time of its release. The screen size and resolution are sufficient for basic phone functions such as texting, calling, and navigating menus. The screen-to-body ratio of about 29.5% reflects the era’s typical device design, where functionality took precedence over expansive display sizes.

Camera Capabilities

The phone comes with a single 2 MP main camera capable of capturing photos and videos. At the time, this resolution was adequate for basic photography purposes, though it does not support the more advanced photographic capabilities found in modern smartphones. The absence of a front-facing camera renders it less suited for selfies or video calls, but the simplicity is suited for users who utilize phones primarily for communication.

Battery Life

One of the notable aspects of the Samsung U485 Intensity III is its removable 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery. This phone can sustain a stand-by time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. Given the phone's functionalities and its non-intensive power usage, the battery life is adequate for everyday use without frequent recharges. The removable nature of the battery offers convenience for replacing it should the power capacity degrade over time.

Performance and Internal Specifications

Powered by a standby operating system, the Samsung U485 Intensity III does not have a dedicated CPU like modern smartphones. It operates with a feature phone system that is optimized for basic tasks like calling, text messaging, and light browsing. The device includes 128MB RAM and 256MB internal storage, complemented by a microSDHC slot for expanded storage needs. While these specifications are minimal, they support the main functionalities expected from a feature phone.

Network and Connectivity

The phone supports CDMA and CDMA2000 technology for connectivity and communication, placing it in a category separate from GSM phones more common in some regions. It operates on 2G and 3G bands with a data speed capability of up to 384 kbps, which is sufficient for essential communication functions. For local connectivity, the phone includes Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR support, but it lacks Wi-Fi and radio functionalities. MicroUSB 2.0 is present for data transfer and charging purposes.

Communication Features

The Samsung U485 Intensity III is built with messaging in mind, supporting SMS with threaded view, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging (IM) services. These features accommodate a variety of communication preferences, ensuring users can stay connected through multiple platforms. The inclusion of a QWERTY keyboard enhances the device's messaging capability, allowing for faster and more accurate typing than traditional keypads.

Additional Features

While limited by modern standards, the Samsung U485 Intensity III includes features such as games and the ability to personalize through different phone settings and ringtones. However, it lacks Java support and sensors, which limits the expansion of its functionality through third-party applications or integrations.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung U485 Intensity III is apt for users who prioritize basic communication features and durability over advanced smartphone capabilities. Its design, while simple, focuses on practicality, and the QWERTY keyboard is a notable advantage for avid texters. Although discontinued, the device met the needs of its time through its reliable performance and straightforward feature set.