Samsung W299 Duos Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Samsung W299 Duos

The Samsung W299 Duos is a classic feature phone that was released in 2009. It is designed to provide dual SIM functionality which was quite popular during its time. The phone is tailored for users who prefer simplicity and basic mobile phone functions alongside the ability to maintain two lines simultaneously.

Design and Build

The Samsung W299 Duos features a compact design with dimensions of 113 x 49 x 15.9 mm and a weight of 114 grams, making it quite manageable for one-hand use. The handset sports a traditional candy bar design reminiscent of early mobile phones. It is predominately black, which gives it a sleek and professional look. The phone’s exterior is made with sturdy materials, ensuring durability for daily use.

Display

The device is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT display supporting 16M colors. The screen resolution is 240 x 320 pixels with an approximate pixel density of 182 ppi, which provides a basic but clear display experience. Given its compact screen size, the phone is suitable for basic functions like messaging and calls but limited for media consumption.

Camera

Photography capabilities are modest with a single 2 MP main camera. The camera is capable of capturing simple photos and video, suitable for basic image documentation rather than high-quality photography. There is no front-facing camera, which is consistent with the feature phones of its era.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung W299 Duos supports GSM/CDMA network technologies. It offers 2G connectivity with GSM 900/1800/1900 frequency bands. Despite this, the phone lacks advanced connectivity options like EDGE or 3G/4G support. For local data sharing, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP is available, and it includes a USB 2.0 port for physical connections. Notably, the phone does not feature WLAN capabilities.

Audio and Media

Despite its limitations on the connectivity front, the phone includes a stereo FM radio with RDS. This feature allows users to tune into various radio stations on the go. The phone includes a built-in loudspeaker but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a limitation for personal audio use.

Battery and Power

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1140 mAh battery. While the capacity might seem minimal by modern standards, it aligns well with the phone’s limited power demands, providing adequate battery life for basic phone functions.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung W299 Duos provides 38 MB of storage, which can be expanded using a dedicated microSD card slot. The phonebook can store up to 1000 contacts with photo call functionalities. This storage configuration is suitable for a feature phone, offering just enough space for basic needs like storing contacts and text messages.

Operating System and Performance

Operating on a simple feature phone platform, the Samsung W299 does not run on a sophisticated operating system like Android or iOS. It serves as a straightforward communication device with capabilities limited to SMS, MMS, and Email. The absence of advanced processing power means that this phone efficiently handles basic tasks without any multitasking capabilities.

Additional Features

The Samsung W299 Duos supports basic WAP 2.0/xHTML browsing, allowing access to simple web pages on the go. It also supports Java MIDP 2.0, enabling users to download and run Java-enabled games and applications. There are a few pre-installed games for entertainment, and it also supports SMS and MMS messaging options.

Availability and Pricing

Upon its release, the Samsung W299 Duos was priced approximately at 80 EUR. However, the phone has since been discontinued and, as such, is now only available through second-hand markets or as leftover stock from various electronic retailers.

Conclusion

The Samsung W299 Duos was a functional and practical choice for its time, appealing to users who required dual SIM functionality without the complexities of modern smartphones. While its specifications seem basic by today’s standards, it was a reliable and cost-effective solution for staying connected.