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Samsung W999 Unveiling Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2012, Q1
Camera
5MP
Battery
1500mAh
Processor
Snapdragon S3
Screen
3.5"
Storage
16GB , microSDHC
Operating System
Android 2.3

Introduction to Samsung W999

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.

Network Technology

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.

Design and Build

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.

Display

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.

Platform and Performance

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.

Memory and Storage

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.

Camera Features

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.

Audio and Connectivity

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.

Additional Features and Battery Life

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.

Market Impact and Legacy

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.

Conclusion

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.

Key Features of Samsung W999

  • Network: Supports GSM, CDMA, EVDO technologies
  • Display: 3.5-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels
  • Platform: Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3 chipset
  • Processor: Dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU and Adreno 220 GPU
  • Memory: 16GB internal storage with microSDHC card slot expansion
  • Main Camera: 5 MP with autofocus and LED flash, supporting 720p video recording
  • Selfie Camera: 1.3 MP
  • Sound: Equipped with a loudspeaker and 3.5mm jack
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS with A-GPS, and microUSB 2.0
  • Sensors: Includes accelerometer, proximity, and compass
  • Battery: Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery
  • Color: Available in Black

Disadvantages of Samsung W999

  • Discontinued model: The Samsung W999 was released in early 2012 and is now a discontinued device, meaning it no longer receives official support or software updates.
  • Outdated operating system: Runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which is several generations behind the latest Android versions.
  • Heavy and bulky design: With dimensions of 111 x 59 x 17.8 mm and a weight of 206 g, it is relatively bulky and heavy compared to modern smartphones.
  • Small display size: Features a 3.5-inch display which is considered small by today's standards, offering less screen real estate for multimedia consumption.
  • Limited camera capabilities: Comes with a single 5 MP rear camera and 1.3 MP front camera, which are low-resolution by contemporary standards.
  • Lack of 4G or LTE support: The device supports only GSM/CDMA/EVDO networks, limiting internet speed and connectivity capabilities.
  • Modest battery capacity: Equipped with a 1500 mAh removable battery, which may not sustain prolonged usage without frequent recharging.
  • Only Bluetooth 3.0: The device supports Bluetooth 3.0, which is an older version with slower data transfer rates compared to newer standards like Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Limited internal storage: Comes with 16GB of internal storage, which might not be sufficient for users with extensive app, media, or data needs.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / EVDO
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1
3G bands CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Speed EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2011, December. Released 2012, Q1
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 111 x 59 x 17.8 mm (4.37 x 2.32 x 0.70 in)
Weight 206 g (7.27 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type Super AMOLED
Size 3.5 inches, 34.9 cm2 (~53.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3
CPU Dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion
GPU Adreno 220
Memory
Card slot microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB
Main Camera
Single 5 MP, AF
Features LED flash
Video 720p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 1.3 MP
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n , hotspot
Bluetooth 3.0, A2DP
Positioning GPS, A-GPS
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery
Misc
Colors Black
SAR 0.67 W/kg (head)     0.69 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 0.14 W/kg (head)
Price About 220 EUR

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