Samsung Z170 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Samsung Z170

The Samsung Z170, released in July 2007, was a part of Samsung's entry-level feature phone lineup. Although it is now discontinued, during its time, the Z170 offered a compact form factor with basic multimedia and connectivity features, aimed at users who required a simple yet functional device.

Design and Body

The Samsung Z170 boasts a slim and lightweight design, measuring 117.5 x 48.5 x 9.3 mm and weighing just 76 grams. Its sleek black finish gives it a classic look that was typical of early 2000s mobile devices. The device uses a Mini-SIM format, and while it may lack some modern conveniences, its design was ergonomic and pocket-friendly, making it easy to carry and use on the go.

Display

The phone features a 1.8-inch TFT display capable of displaying 256K colors. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, the screen provided clear and sufficiently bright visuals for basic phone functions. Although small by today’s standards, the display's compactness complements the overall design and keeps the device lightweight.

Camera

The Samsung Z170 included a 1.3-megapixel main camera, which was quite modest but acceptable for simple photography needs at that time. It's capable of capturing images and QCIF-resolution video. In addition, there's a VGA front camera designed for video calls, a feature that hinted at the early stages of multimedia communication on mobile devices.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Z170 comes with 55MB of storage, allowing for storage of contacts, SMS, and a limited amount of multimedia content. It also includes a microSD slot for expandable storage, accommodating users who required more space for their files than the internal storage could provide. The phonebook could store up to 1000 contacts, and users could manage up to 20 records each of dialed, received, and missed calls.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a removable Li-Po 880 mAh battery. It offers a standby time of up to 250 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours, which was sufficient for daily use in the pre-smartphone era. The removable design of the battery also allowed users to replace it easily if needed, thereby extending the device’s lifespan.

Connectivity

This model supports GSM/UMTS networks, offering basic 2G and 3G connectivity for calls and limited internet use with speeds of up to 384 kbps. While it lacks Wi-Fi capabilities, it does feature Bluetooth 1.2 with A2DP for pairing with wireless peripherals like headsets and keyboards. The device also includes a USB 1.1 port for data transfers.

Sound and Multimedia

The Z170 offers a loudspeaker feature, and users can personalize their device with downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, meaning users would rely on Bluetooth or proprietary connections for private listening.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone OS, the Z170 supports basic messaging services such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. It includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for light web browsing and supports Java MIDP 2.0 for running small mobile applications and games. Additionally, it features basic downloadable games to keep users entertained during downtime.

Market and Legacy

Priced at around 80 EUR at launch, the Samsung Z170 was targeted at cost-conscious consumers who needed a functional mobile phone with basic multimedia features. Although it has since been surpassed by far more advanced devices, the Z170 is remembered for its straightforward design and ease of use, attributes that appealed to its target audience. The influence of devices such as the Z170 can be seen in Samsung’s continued commitment to offering a range of devices catering to different segments of the mobile phone market.