Samsung Z360 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Z360 stands as a testament to the design philosophy of the late 2000s, emphasizing compact and lightweight devices. With dimensions of 96.8 x 47.7 x 18.5 mm and weighing just 95 grams, it's a phone designed for comfort and portability. Crafted to fit snugly in the palm, it offers a balance of usability and aesthetic appeal. The device supports a Mini-SIM and comes in a sleek black finish, radiating a subtle yet sophisticated look. Despite its plastic build, the phone’s construction feels sturdy, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to durability at the time.

Display

The display of the Samsung Z360 sports a 2.1-inch TFT screen capable of rendering up to 256K colors. While modest by today’s standards, this screen was quite standard for feature phones in its era. The resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, with a pixel density of approximately 134 ppi, offers decent clarity for basic functions such as text messaging and navigating through the menu. Though the screen-to-body ratio is around 30.1%, it caters well to its intended functionality, balancing efficiency with readability.

Camera Features

The device includes a 1.3 MP main camera, which captures images suitable for standard viewing and casual photography. Video recording is available at QCIF resolution, enabling users to capture short video clips. The Samsung Z360 also features a secondary camera for video calls, which was a relatively advanced feature for feature phones at the time, heralding the onset of video communication over mobile networks.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Z360 operates as a feature phone designed to handle basic telecommunications and light multimedia tasks. With 30MB of internal storage, the phone also supports microSD cards for expanded storage needs, a thoughtful addition for those who require additional space for photos or downloads. The device manages standard operations smoothly, though it's not designed for intensive tasks or applications.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung Z360 supports GSM and UMTS networks, making it functional for both 2G and 3G bands, including GSM 900/1800/1900 and UMTS 2100. It provides a moderate data speed of up to 384 kbps. The device features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless file transfers and the use of Bluetooth accessories. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, a common limitation in feature phones from that era. The proprietary USB interface enables charging and data transfers to other devices.

Messaging and Browser

For communications, the Samsung Z360 offers standard messaging options such as SMS, MMS, and Email. Its browser supports WAP 2.0/xHTML, suitable for accessing basic web pages and online services. Although limited by today’s internet browsing standards, it was adequate for users needing occasional access to web resources while on the go.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, which provides up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 4.5 hours of talk time. This battery life is quite reasonable for a device designed primarily for calls and messaging, offering the convenience of extended use without frequent recharges.

Audio and Multimedia

The Samsung Z360 is equipped with a loudspeaker and supports vibration alerts, downloadable polyphonic, and MP3 ringtones, enabling users to customize their auditory experience. It lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which means users need to rely on Bluetooth for private listening.

Games and Applications

Despite its limitations as a feature phone, the Z360 supports Java MIDP 2.0, allowing users to run basic applications and games. The device comes with a set of preloaded games, and users can download additional ones to enhance their entertainment options.

Legacy and Conclusion

In retrospect, the Samsung Z360 stands as a fascinating glimpse into the transitional phase of mobile technology. Positioned between traditional feature phones and more sophisticated smartphones, it catered to users seeking modern connectivity features without the complexity of a smartphone. While discontinued, its blend of functionality and simplicity offered a noteworthy user experience that paved the way for future innovations in mobile technology.