Samsung X540 Comprehensive Review Features and Pricing

Overview of Samsung X540

The Samsung X540, announced in October 2006, represents a classic feature phone era when simplicity and functionality were prioritized over the extensive capabilities of modern smartphones. Although it's discontinued now, the device left a mark during its time for users seeking basic mobile functionality with a touch of elegance.

Network Capabilities

The Samsung X540 operates on GSM technology, supporting GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. This ensures wide global coverage for voice calls, which was a significant feature when the phone was released. It also features GPRS Class 10, allowing for basic internet connectivity suited for essential tasks, although it lacks EDGE support.

Design and Build Quality

With dimensions of 90 x 46.5 x 17.9 mm and weighing only 90 grams, the Samsung X540 is a compact and lightweight phone. Its small form factor makes it highly portable, fitting easily into any pocket or purse. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card, which was standard at the time of its release.

Display Features

The display of the Samsung X540 is a 1.9-inch TFT screen with 65K colors. It offers a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 108 pixels per inch. Although the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 27.1%, the display provides sufficient clarity for text messaging and basic phone operations.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung X540 offers 2MB of storage, which is quite limited by today's standards. This storage allows for a phonebook capacity of 500 entries with photo call features. The call record memory can store up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each. It's important to note that there is no card slot for memory expansion, which means users have to manage data efficiently within the given internal storage.

Camera Specifications

Equipped with a VGA camera, the Samsung X540 is capable of capturing basic photos, offering a resolution of 0.3 megapixels. The camera lacks video capability and a selfie camera, indicating its primary focus on simplicity and essential features.

Sound and Alerts

The device includes a loudspeaker and supports vibration alerts, alongside downloadable polyphonic ringtones. However, it does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, suggesting its design was focused on utilizing speakerphone functionality rather than personal music listening.

Communication and Connectivity

Regarding connectivity, the Samsung X540 supports Bluetooth for headset use only, allowing for wireless headphone connections. It does not support WLAN, limiting internet connectivity options to its GPRS capabilities. An FM radio is included, providing entertainment and information through radio broadcasts. The proprietary USB interface allows for charging and data transfer, though it's less convenient compared to universal USB standards.

Additional Features and Applications

The feature set of the Samsung X540 includes basic applications necessary for daily mobile use. It supports SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging, catering to different multimedia messaging needs. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allows for minimal internet browsing. In terms of entertainment, the phone includes downloadable games and supports Java MIDP 2.0, offering limited application functionality compared to smartphones. Its lack of advanced sensors indicates its focus on essential mobile operations without extraneous technology.

Battery Performance

The Samsung X540 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery. It offers a stand-by time of up to 230 hours and a talk time of about 3 hours and 30 minutes, reflecting the efficiency of feature phones of its era. The removable nature of the battery allows for easy replacement, extending the device's overall usability.

Additional Considerations

The phone was available in Pearly White and Gold colors, offering a touch of style and personalization. With a SAR value of 1.00 W/kg for the head and 0.39 W/kg for the body, it complied with safety standards for electromagnetic radiation exposure. The price was approximately 90 EUR, making it an affordable option for users during its time of release.

Conclusion

The Samsung X540 exemplifies the characteristics of feature phones from the mid-2000s, focusing on fundamental mobile communication and basic multimedia capabilities. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a testament to an era when battery life, call quality, and portability were at the forefront of mobile technology.