Unveiling Samsung Z240 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Samsung Z240

The Samsung Z240 was introduced to the market in April 2007, positioned as a mid-range feature phone packed with a variety of functionalities. Despite the fact that it has long been discontinued, understanding its offerings provides a retrospective glimpse into mobile technology trends during the mid-2000s. The device's offering was formidable for its time, underscoring Samsung's commitment to blending functionality with affordability.

Design and Build

The Samsung Z240 sports a compact, lightweight build that stands at 94.7 x 49.6 x 16.8 mm and weighs just 96 grams. The phone features a classic clamshell design, which was popular in the era, protecting the screen and keypad when closed. The device was released in three colors: Scarlet Red, Pearl White, and Indigo Blue, catering to different style preferences. With its Mini-SIM slot and removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, users benefited from a design focused on ease of use and practicality.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 2.1-inch TFT screen displaying 65K colors, a common specification for feature phones of the time. Its resolution of 176 x 220 pixels resulted in approximately 134 ppi pixel density, providing a fare display for basic use, including browsing the phonebook or reading messages. The display's screen-to-body ratio was around 29.5%, which was standard given the flip-style format of the device.

Camera Capabilities

Photographic features included a 1.3 MP single rear camera, which could also record videos. While simple by today's standards, this was a useful feature for capturing quick, on-the-go photos. Additionally, the device included a VGA selfie camera, specifically designed for video calls, which highlights its capacity for early forms of personal video communication.

Sound and Alerts

Audio features of the Samsung Z240 included stereo speakers and supported multiple alert types such as vibration, downloadable polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones. However, it lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, common among feature phones, necessitating reliance on the device's built-in speakers or proprietary accessories for audio playback.

Connectivity and Network

The device supported GSM and UMTS technologies, capable of operating on GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands and using the UMTS 2100 band for 3G connectivity. This supported network speed of up to 384 kbps—sufficient for the era, providing reasonable experience for basic internet browsing over WAP 2.0/xHTML browsers. Limited connectivity was further supplemented by Bluetooth 1.2 and USB 1.1 outlets, enabling file transfers with compatible devices.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Samsung Z240 housed 58MB of storage, supplemented by a microSD card slot for additional memory capacity. The phone's address book could store up to 1000 entries and included features such as photo call, enabling identification of callers through saved photographs. Call record storage encompassed 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed call entries, ensuring ease of access to recent communications.

Messaging and Additional Features

In terms of messaging options, the device supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, providing comprehensive communication capabilities for the time. As for entertainment, it supported downloadable games and Java MIDP 2.0 applications, allowing users to enhance their device with third-party applications and multimedia. The absence of WLAN and radio options might have seemed limiting, yet the device offered a practical balance with its email and Java apps for the general user.

Battery Performance

The 900 mAh removable Li-Ion battery offered up to 340 hours on standby and up to 6 hours of talk time. These battery life metrics underscored the device's efficiency, largely attributed to its optimized feature set, ensuring reliability for users without the constant need for charging.

Market Placement and Pricing

Upon release, the Samsung Z240 was priced at approximately 90 EUR. This positioned the device within a competitively accessible range, intended to attract users seeking value without sacrificing essential functionalities. Its affordability, combined with Samsung’s brand reputation, secured its place as a popular choice for consumers during its time on the market.

Conclusion

The Samsung Z240 epitomizes a bygone era of mobile technology, where simplicity and functionality were paramount. While modern smartphones have since eclipsed the technological constraints of mid-2000s feature phones, devices like the Z240 laid the groundwork for mobile evolution. With its solid array of features, balanced design, and affordability, the Samsung Z240 remains a notable model worthy of recognition in mobile history.