Price and specifications of Samsung W259 Duos advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Samsung W259 Duos

The Samsung W259 Duos is a versatile dual-SIM feature phone that was released in 2009. It managed to capture the market's attention with its functional dual-network technology, allowing users the flexibility of managing two phone numbers in one device. Despite being discontinued, the W259 Duos still holds relevance for its practicality and ease of use in an era dominated by smartphones.

Design and Build

The Samsung W259 Duos features a classic candy bar design with dimensions of 115.5 x 48 x 15.9 mm and a weight of 120 grams. This compact and lightweight design makes it comfortable to hold and portable. It employs a mini-SIM format, which was standard at the time. The phone is crafted with a black exterior, giving it a sleek and professional look.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display, capable of showcasing up to 256,000 colors. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, it delivers satisfactory clarity and sharpness for basic media viewing and text messaging. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 27.5%, which was typical for phones of its category.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung W259 Duos supports both GSM and CDMA network technologies, enhancing its usability across different network providers. The 2G bands include GSM 900/1800, enabling stable connectivity. Its GPRS and EDGE capabilities allow speeds up to 384 kbps for basic internet browsing and connectivity needs. Essential communication protocols are supported by Bluetooth 2.1 and USB 2.0.

Memory and Storage

The device includes 40MB of internal storage, which may seem limited compared to modern standards but was fairly common for feature phones of its time. To augment the storage, the W259 Duos offers a dedicated slot for microSDHC cards, with a 1 GB card included out of the box. This additional storage provides more space for multimedia and applications. The phonebook supports up to 1000 entries and features photocall capabilities.

Camera

The Samsung W259 Duos features a single 1.3 MP rear camera which is capable of basic photography and video recording. Although it doesn't support selfies with a front camera, the rear camera is adequate for capturing simple photos and moments.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone is equipped with a loudspeaker, ensuring clear call quality and audio playback. However, there is no 3.5mm audio jack, limiting external audio device connectivity. Despite this, the built-in FM radio with recording functionality enriches the multimedia experience for users wanting to tap into radio broadcasts.

Battery Life

The Samsung W259 Duos is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1140 mAh battery. It promises up to 230 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours and 50 minutes of talk time. This endurance is sufficient for day-to-day operations during travel or extended periods away from power sources.

Software and Features

This feature phone runs a basic OS typical of its classification, supporting essential messaging formats such as SMS, MMS (for GSM users only), and email. It incorporates a WAP 2.0 browser, functional only with a GSM SIM card. For entertainment, the phone comes pre-loaded with games, with Java support (MIDP 2.0) allowing for additional downloadable games and applications.

Market Impact and Conclusion

Launched at a price of about 80 EUR, the Samsung W259 Duos represented a cost-effective solution for consumers needing a reliable dual SIM feature phone. Despite being discontinued, its balanced features and durable design left a lasting impression on the industry's transition from feature phones to the complex smartphones of today. Its utility and ease of operation continue to be appreciated by those who had the chance to use it.