The Samsung W999 is a unique mobile device introduced in December 2011 and released in the early months of 2012. Although it was discontinued, the phone's distinctive design and features left a mark in the evolution of mobile technology. Known for its flip structure and dual-display feature, the W999 was a blend of classic mobile phone design and modern smartphone functionality.
The Samsung W999 supports GSM/CDMA/EVDO network technologies, making it a versatile device capable of operating in different network standards. This flexibility allowed users to enjoy robust connectivity options whether they were using GSM 900/1800/1900 bands for standard calling and messaging services or CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for faster data transmission with speeds up to 3.1 Mbps on EV-DO Rev.A network standards.
The phone's dimensions are 111 x 59 x 17.8 mm, and it weighs 206 grams, which gives it a robust feel. The Samsung W999 was designed with a dual flip display, a feature that is rare in today’s smartphone market. The build uses a durable material that provides a sturdy grip, while its mini-SIM support highlights its function during the time of its release.
The W999 comes equipped with a 3.5-inch Super AMOLED display, delivering bright and vivid colors with a 480 x 800 pixels resolution. The screen size and resolution provide a decent viewing experience, especially for a flip design, where one screen is located inside and one outside the device, allowing users to interact with the phone without flipping it open for basic operations and notifications. The approximate 267 ppi density offers clear and sharp visuals.
This device runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), powered by a Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3 chipset. It features a dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU which were considered quite advanced at the time, capable of handling the device’s needs smoothly. While the Android 2.3 OS was one of the most popular smartphone operating systems during its release, it now conveys the rapid advance in OS capabilities since then.
The Samsung W999 comes with 16GB of internal storage, ensuring ample space for storing applications, media, and other data. For further expansion, a dedicated microSDHC card slot is available, which provides users room to store additional data without worry. This was a significant feature at the time, as expandable storage became a key aspect of smartphone usability.
The main camera of the Samsung W999 is a 5 MP shooter with autofocus capabilities and an LED flash, capable of capturing images at a resolution suitable for day-to-day photography. It also supports video recording at 720p@30fps. A 1.3 MP front-facing camera can be used for video calls and basic selfies, reflective of the era’s technology when front cameras began to grow in importance.
The Samsung W999 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring sound quality suitable for media consumption and phone calls. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and the ability to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 3.0 for wireless audio and data transfer, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and connecting to other devices.
The phone offers various sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enable additional functionalities like auto-rotation and location-based services. The removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery provides sufficient power to last through regular usage conditions typical to early 2010s smartphones.
The Samsung W999 was priced at around 220 Euros, placing it in the mid to high-end smartphone market segment. Despite being discontinued, it remains a testament to Samsung’s innovative approach to design and functionality in mobile technology. Its dual-screen flip design differentiates it from many other phones, offering users a combination of traditional phone mechanics and smartphone capabilities.
Overall, the Samsung W999 exemplifies a transitional era in smartphone technology. It reflects the technology standards and user demands of its time while highlighting the trajectory of mobile innovation. Although newer devices have surpassed its specifications, the W999 holds a place in the history of smartphone evolution as a device that dared to be different.
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