Samsung ZV40 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices and Performance

Overview of Samsung ZV40

The Samsung ZV40 is a classic feature phone that was announced in July 2006. While it has been discontinued, this device holds a special place in the history of mobile phones due to its practical design and functionality during its time. Featuring basic functionalities that catered to users' essential communication needs, the ZV40 is a representation of the transitional phase between traditional mobile phones and more advanced smartphones.

Design and Build

The Samsung ZV40 has body dimensions of 91 x 47 x 23 mm, making it compact and easy to carry. With a weight of 93 grams, the device is lightweight and portable, fitting comfortably in the pocket. The design is characterized by its minimalistic dark warm gray finish, which appeals to those who prefer subtle aesthetics. The device accommodates a Mini-SIM card, which was standard at the time.

Display

The phone comes with a 1.9-inch TFT display that supports 256K colors. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 148 ppi, the screen offers basic clarity suitable for essential phone functions such as dialing, messaging, and accessing stored photos. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 26.6%, highlighting its keypad-centric design.

Camera

The ZV40 features a 1.3 MP main camera, which was decent for casual snapshots at the time. The camera also supports QCIF video recording, allowing users to capture video clips with relative ease. While not designed for high-quality photography, the camera serves well for capturing everyday moments.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM and UMTS network technologies, compatible with 2G and 3G bands such as GSM 900/1800/1900 and UMTS 2100. Although the browsing speed caps at 384 kbps, it is sufficient for basic internet activities like accessing WAP 2.0/xHTML browsers typical for mobile internet use at the time. The inclusion of Bluetooth facilitates file transfer between devices, although WLAN and GPS capabilities are absent. USB connectivity is provided through a proprietary port, used for charging and data transfers.

Audio and Sound

The device does not feature a loudspeaker, opting instead for vibration alerts, and downloadable polyphonic or MP3 ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm jack reflects the era's tendency towards using device-specific headphones or adapters for audio output.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, the Samsung ZV40 offers up to 275 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. This longevity supports users in maintaining communication throughout the day without frequent recharging, emphasizing its practicality for daily use.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the ZV40 comes with 30MB of storage, a modest capacity that can be expanded using a microSD card through its dedicated slot. The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries with photo call capabilities, and it logs up to 30 dialed, 30 received, and 30 missed calls. These storage solutions align with the user's need to store essential contact information and call history.

Operating System and Features

Running as a feature phone, the ZV40 supports SMS, MMS, and email messaging. It provides a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic web access and incorporates Java MIDP 2.0 for running compatible applications and games. Despite its limited operating system in comparison to modern smartphones, these features provided rich usability for the time.

Miscellaneous Features

The Samsung ZV40 has a SAR rating of 0.74 W/kg for the head and 0.29 W/kg for the body in compliance with international safety standards, which emphasizes health and safety by adhering to radiation limits. Its European SAR head value stands at 1.00 W/kg. These measures ensure that the device is safe for everyday use over prolonged periods.