Samsung X640 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Samsung X640

The Samsung X640 is a feature phone that was launched in the first quarter of 2005. Known for its compact design and basic capabilities, this device catered to users who valued simplicity and straightforward functionality over advanced smartphone features. Although discontinued, it remains a reminder of the transition era from simple mobile phones to more complex smartphones.

Design and Build

The Samsung X640 boasts a compact and lightweight design, measuring 87.4 x 47 x 23 mm and weighing just 85 grams. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry in a pocket or small bag. The phone utilizes a clamshell design, which was popular at the time for protecting the keypad from accidental presses and the screen from scratches.

Display

Equipped with a UFB display capable of producing 65K colors, the Samsung X640's screen offers a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, allowing for clarity in its display screen for viewing text and simple graphics. Although small by today's standards, the screen was sufficient for the phone’s primary functions such as making calls, sending messages, and playing basic games.

Camera

The Samsung X640 comes with a basic VGA camera featuring a 0.3MP sensor. Though minimal, it allowed users to capture basic snapshots and attach them to contacts or send them via MMS. It is important to note that the device did not support video recording, a limitation that would be addressed in more advanced models in subsequent years.

Battery Life

The phone houses a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, giving it a stand-by time of up to 220 hours and a talk time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. This performance was quite respectable at the time, especially considering the limited energy demands of the device owing to its basic functionalities and small screen size.

Network and Connectivity

Operating on GSM technology, the Samsung X640 supports GSM 900/1800/1900 bands. However, its connectivity features are notably limited compared to modern standards. The phone does not support EDGE, WLAN, Bluetooth, or any advanced positioning systems. USB connectivity is proprietary, meaning special cables were required for connecting the device to a computer.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung X640 does not come with a card slot, which limits its storage capabilities. However, it supports a phonebook capacity of up to 1000 entries with photo call capabilities, which was adequate for users during that period. Additionally, the device keeps records of the last 20 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Sound and Multimedia

This device is equipped with a loudspeaker and offers vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones as alert types. However, it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, further signifying its focus on essential calling and messaging functionalities rather than multimedia playback.

Additional Features and Functionality

Despite its basic nature, the Samsung X640 includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing. It also supports SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging. As for entertainment, the phone comes pre-installed with two games, Snowball Fighter and Bubble Smile, with the capability to download more games thanks to its support for Java MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.1.

Conclusion

The Samsung X640 is emblematic of an era where the mobile phone's core functions — making calls and sending texts — reigned supreme. While it lacks the extensive features of modern smartphones, its design and capability served the needs of its time remarkably well. Nostalgic users and collectors might appreciate its simplicity, reminding us of the ever-evolving journey of mobile technology.