Samsung U600 Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

The Samsung U600, released in 2007, was part of the Ultra Edition II series and was lauded for its blend of design, functionality, and portability. Despite being discontinued, it still garners appreciation for its sleek design and pioneering features for the feature phone market. This article delves into the comprehensive details of the Samsung U600, exploring its specifications, design, capabilities, and overall impact on the mobile phone industry during its time.

Design and Build

One of the outstanding features of the Samsung U600 was its sleek and stylish design. The device measured 103.5 x 49.3 x 10.9 mm, making it remarkably thin for its era. Weighing only 81 grams, it felt lightweight and easy to carry, appealing to users seeking both functionality and portability. The phone was a slider, a popular form factor at the time, which allowed for a larger screen while keeping the phone compact. It was available in various colors including Sapphire Blue, Crystal Blue, Platinum Silver, Copper Gold, Garnet Red, Neutral White, and Soft Black, offering plenty of personalization to suit individual styles.

Display

The Samsung U600 featured a 2.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 182 ppi, the screen offered vibrant colors and decent clarity for a feature phone. The screen-to-body ratio was around 29.4%, which was typical for slider phones of that era. The display was capable of showing 256K colors, making it suitable for basic multimedia consumption and navigation.

Camera Features

Equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera, the Samsung U600 was quite advanced in terms of mobile photography during its time. The autofocus feature helped in capturing clearer images, while the LED flash allowed for better photography in low light conditions. Although the video recording was limited to CIF quality, the camera was competent enough for basic photo captures, a significant feature for users at the time.

Memory and Storage

The phone came with 60MB of internal storage, which could be expanded using a microSD card through a dedicated slot. This expandability was crucial as it allowed users to store more photos, music, and other data. The phonebook could hold up to 1000 entries, ensuring ample space for contacts, which was ideal for both personal and professional use.

Battery Life

The Samsung U600 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 690 mAh battery. According to manufacturer specifications, it offered up to 250 hours of standby time and a talk time of up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. While modern smartphones offer much more in terms of battery life, the U600 was sufficient for day-to-day use at the time of its release and satisfied the needs of most users.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the U600 supported GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands, making it compatible with various network providers worldwide. It had Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, allowing for wireless audio streaming to compatible devices. Although it lacked Wi-Fi, the presence of EDGE class 10 provided a faster data connection compared to the standard GPRS. Users could also connect to PCs and other devices via a USB 2.0 connection.

Multimedia and Entertainment

The Samsung U600 was equipped with a stereo FM radio with RDS, enabling users to listen to their favorite radio stations on the go. The sound quality was respectable with a loudspeaker available for hands-free operation. It could handle various audio formats and allowed for downloadable games, providing ample entertainment options for users.

Messaging and Java Support

The U600 seamlessly supported SMS, MMS, and Email, catering to comprehensive communication needs. For additional flexibility, it supported Java MIDP 2.0, enabling the installation of various Java applications and games, enhancing functionality and entertainment.

Market Impact and Legacy

The Samsung U600 was one of the flagship models in the Ultra Edition II lineup, representing Samsung’s effort to merge high-end design with feature-rich capabilities. At a time when feature phones dominated the market, the U600 stood out with its advanced camera and sleek design. Despite more advanced smartphones emerging later, the U600 remains a notable mention in discussions about iconic phones from the late 2000s. It set a benchmark for feature phones aiming to provide more without compromising design aesthetics.

Conclusion

Though the Samsung U600 is no longer in production, it serves as a memorable example of early mobile innovation. Its contribution to mobile phone design and function continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts and former users. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, looking back at devices like the U600 helps underscore the transformative journey of mobile telephony.