Samsung X490 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Samsung X490

The Samsung X490 was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2005, marking its place in the lineup of feature phones developed by Samsung. At a time when the smartphone revolution was on the horizon, the X490 offered a simplistic and functional mobile experience that catered to users who were interested in basic telecommunication functions without the complexities associated with more advanced devices. Though now discontinued, the Samsung X490 is often remembered for its dependable performance and its straightforward, appealing design.

Design and Build

The Samsung X490 boasts a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions measuring 90 x 47 x 24 mm and a weight of only 86 grams. This made it easy to carry around in pockets and handbags without inconvenience. The phone features a flip design, which was popular at the time, offering protection to the keypad and screen when closed. It was available in two color variants: White Silver and Indigo Blue, providing consumers with at least a basic level of personalization regarding aesthetics.

Display

The device came with a UFB display supporting 65K colors, a common feature during its time, which ensured vibrant color representation on the small screen. The display resolution of 128 x 160 pixels with 8 lines was adequate for viewing SMS messages and using the basic menus the phone offered. While it didn't offer the high-definition displays seen in later models, the Samsung X490's screen was serviceable for a feature phone focused on communication rather than multimedia functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung X490 utilized GSM technology, covering GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. Although it did not support EDGE or 3G technologies, it did feature GPRS Class 10, which was adequate for basic data needs such as accessing WAP 2.0/xHTML mobile web browsing. Bluetooth and WLAN connectivity were not supported, which was standard for phones of this class during this era.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung X490 provided 3MB of storage. While this is minuscule by modern standards, it was sufficient for storing up to 500 phonebook entries as well as keeping a record of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls. There was no card slot available for additional storage, which reflects the limited capacity for multimedia storage and usage.

Sound and Multimedia

The sound features of the Samsung X490 were simple, with no loudspeaker and without a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones. Alert types included vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, which were quite popular at the time due to the rich audio experience they provided compared to monotone ringtones.

Camera Features

One of the notable omissions in the Samsung X490 was a camera. As a feature phone, it was primarily aimed at users who required a device for calls and messages, where a camera was not a necessity. This made the X490 more affordable and straightforward for its target demographic.

Battery Life

The phone was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery. Considering the power requirements of feature phones, this capacity provided impressive battery life, with up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time, minimizing the need for frequent recharges and thus catering to users who needed long-lasting battery performance.

Communication and Messaging

The Samsung X490 supported basic messaging functions including SMS, EMS, and MMS, making it a capable device for text-based communication. The integration of Java MIDP 2.0 allowed users to enjoy Java-based applications and simple games, although the multimedia capabilities remained limited compared to future generations of mobile devices.

Miscellaneous Features

While the Samsung X490 didn't come equipped with advanced sensors or hardware, its solid build and dependable functionality made it a practical choice for users focused on basic mobile phone functionalities. It had a head SAR EU value of 1.20 W/kg, staying within safe limits to ensure user safety.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung X490 represents a snapshot of the mid-2000s mobile technology landscape, defined by simplicity, durability, and primary feature usage. Though considered obsolete by today's standards, it reflects an era where mobile telecommunications were beginning to transition from basic to more sophisticated technologies. For users at the time, the X490 was a reliable pocket-sized companion for essential communications, fulfilling its role with grace and efficiency.