Overview

The Verykool S351 is a mobile device that was launched in June 2014. At its time, it catered to users who desired basic smartphone functionality without the additional costs often associated with high-end devices. Though it is now discontinued, the S351 still serves as an interesting study into the design and capabilities of budget smartphones from the mid-2010s.

Design and Build

The Verykool S351 showcases a compact and lightweight design, measuring 116.9 x 62.7 x 12.7 mm and weighing only 90.5 grams. This makes it a handy device, easy to carry and use with one hand. It was available in a black and green color scheme, giving it a stylish yet professional look. The build quality is simple, crafted primarily from plastic, which was common for budget devices from that era.

Display

The device features a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. Although modest by modern standards, this was a typical screen size for its time, particularly for budget-friendly options. The display technology, being TFT LCD, provides decent color representation and viewing angles, adequate for basic smartphone functionalities like messaging, browsing, and light app usage.

Performance

Powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz processor, the Verykool S351 was designed to execute basic tasks efficiently. It operates on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, which was a widely used operating system in 2014. While it may not handle highly demanding apps or multitasking smoothly, it sufficed for fundamental smartphone needs, including communication apps, light browsing, and multimedia playback.

Memory and Storage

The S351 comes with 512MB of internal storage, accompanied by 512MB of RAM. Although the RAM is minimal, it is consistent with the phone's positioning as an entry-level device. There's also a microSDHC card slot available, allowing users to expand the storage capacity for additional media and applications, which is a beneficial feature for those with larger media libraries.

Camera

Photography capabilities include a single 2 MP rear camera, equipped to capture basic photos and video. The front camera is a VGA offering, primarily used for video calls rather than high-quality selfies. These camera features align with the budget nature of the phone, meeting basic user needs without the advanced functionalities seen in more recent models.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery, which provided enough power for modest daily activities. According to specifications, the battery can last up to 144 hours on standby and allow up to 4 hours of 3G talk time. Considering the device's specifications, this battery duration ensures users can manage their daily tasks without frequent recharges.

Connectivity

The Verykool S351 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, ensuring compatibility with widely available cellular networks. The connectivity suite includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n capability with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 2.0, and a micro USB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Additionally, it has an FM radio feature, catering to users who enjoy listening to radio broadcasts. One notable absence is GPS, limiting its functionality for navigation purposes.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, which was a standard and critical feature for many users to connect headphones or external speakers. The audio capabilities are basic, but they serve typical functions for call alerts and music playback without advanced multimedia requirements.

Additional Features

An accelerometer sensor is present in the S351, which is primarily used for adjusting the display orientation and gaming applications that rely on tilting actions. These features complement the user experience, enhancing usability in common scenarios like screen rotation.

Conclusion

The Verykool S351 exemplifies a straightforward, budget-oriented approach that focuses on delivering core smartphone functionalities without unnecessary complexities. While technology has significantly advanced since its release, understanding devices like the Verykool S351 provides insight into the evolution of mobile technology and helps appreciate the wide range of options available to consumers today. Its design and features serve as a reminder of how industry standards can shift and how budget-friendly devices pave the way for widespread technology access.