Samsung U960 Rogue Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Samsung U960 Rogue

The Samsung U960 Rogue, launched in 2009, marked a significant step in the evolution of feature phones. This device was designed for users who appreciated the blend of advanced functionalities and traditional phone features. Despite its feature phone classification, it included several aspects that hinted towards its smart capabilities. The phone was backed by Verizon Wireless and catered to a market segment seeking enhanced multimedia and connectivity options in their handheld devices.

Design and Build

The Samsung U960 Rogue presented itself with a strong and sturdy build, characterized by its dimensions of 109 x 55 x 17 mm and a weight of 140 g. It embodied a compact form factor that provided a premium feel in hand. The device featured a full QWERTY keyboard, making it user-friendly for text input. The Mini-SIM slot was discreetly housed within the design, maximizing the available space for a streamlined look.

Display

One of the standout features of the Samsung U960 Rogue was its AMOLED resistive touchscreen. At 3.1 inches, the screen size was considered generous for its time, providing rich and vivid colors across its 256K color spectrum. The resolution of 480 x 800 pixels gave a sharp display output with a density of approximately 301 ppi, ensuring text and images appeared clear and detailed.

Camera Capabilities

The device featured a single 3.15 MP main camera equipped with an LED flash, allowing users to capture images with considerable detail and clarity for that era. While the camera didn't support advanced features seen in contemporary smartphones, it was sufficient for basic photography needs. Notably, the camera could also record video, adding to its multimedia capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung U960 Rogue supported CDMA / EVDO technology, with capabilities to operate on both 2G and 3G bands including CDMA 800/1900 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. The device offered EV-DO Rev.A speeds up to 3.1 Mbps, which was competitive during its production years. Although it lacked WLAN and positioning technology, it included Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless connectivity and a microUSB 2.0 port for wired data transfer.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the phone housed 256MB RAM which supported smooth operation for a feature phone. Storage capabilities were further emphasized with a microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand beyond the internal memory. The phone could handle a substantial phonebook capacity of 1000 entries and supported Photocall, adding to its information storage utility.

Battery Life

The Samsung U960 Rogue was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 960 mAh battery. In terms of talk time, users could expect up to 4 hours and 45 minutes in regular settings, and standby times could reach up to 300 hours. An extended battery option was available, which significantly increased the device’s talk time to 7 hours and 30 minutes and standby to 500 hours, reducing the frequency of charging required by active users.

User Interface and Operating System

Operating as a feature phone, it did not embody a smartphone OS but rather a closed system optimized to perform its designated functions efficiently. The interface was intuitive, making it accessible for users not seeking the complexity of full smartphone platforms. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser and Java MIDP 2.0 support were notable, alongside traditional messaging formats such as SMS, MMS, Email, and IM.

Additional Features and Capabilities

Sensors like the accelerometer were included, facilitating basic phone orientation functions. The device supported a variety of media formats, and users could enjoy music and loudspeaker functionalities, enhanced by the inclusion of a standard 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, the Samsung U960 Rogue offered straightforward gaming experiences with onboard games, adding to its recreational value.

Market Impact and Pricing

Upon its release, the Samsung U960 Rogue found its niche in the market by targeting users who desired more than basic phone functionalities but were not ready to commit to a smartphone. The initial price point was around 90 euros, making it a competitive option for its diverse capability set and durable design. However, as technology rapidly advanced, the model was eventually discontinued, yet it remains a memorable entry in Samsung's lineup for its particular blend of mobility, multimedia, and communication features.

Conclusion

The Samsung U960 Rogue holds its place in the chronicles of mobile technology evolution as a transitional device bridging feature phones and early smart capabilities. It provided users with a dependable device featuring robust communication functions, multimedia capabilities, and a durable build. Though it has long been discontinued, its role in the development of mobile technology remains noteworthy, offering valuable insights into user preferences during its era of popularity.