The Samba JR: A Feature Phone from BLU Released in 2011
BLU launched its feature phone, the Samba JR in 2011 and is still remembered by many phone enthusiasts for its unique design and features. Let's dive into what made the Samba JR a standout device during its time.
Design and Dimensions
The Samba JR was designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. With a weight of only 75g and thickness of 13.8mm, it was quite portable compared to other phones of that era. It also had a QWERTY keyboard, making it convenient for users who preferred typing on physical keys rather than touchscreens.
Network and Connectivity
The Samba JR was a GSM enabled phone, operating on 2G bands for widespread network coverage. It also had GPRS technology, allowing users to access basic internet services like sending emails or browsing the web. However, it did not have EDGE technology which was becoming more popular at the time.
Display and Memory
The device featured a 1.77-inch TFT display with 65K colors, providing decent visual quality during its release. It had a dedicated microSDHC slot for additional storage, along with 64MB ROM and 32MB RAM. This allowed users to store contacts, messages, and even download some games.
Camera, Sound, and Other Features
The Samba JR did not have a built-in camera, which may be considered a drawback in today's standards. However, it did have a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack for playing music and videos. It also came with a few pre-installed apps such as Facebook and Twitter, making it a social media-friendly phone for its time.
Battery and Price
The Samba JR had a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery, providing a standby time of up to 168 hours and talk time of up to 3 hours. This was considered decent for a feature phone. The device was also affordable, with a price of around 30 EUR.
The Legacy of Samba JR
The Samba JR may not be the most advanced device by today's standards, but it will always hold a special place in the hearts of its users. It was a budget-friendly and reliable phone that offered basic features for everyday use. Its compact design and QWERTY keyboard made it a popular choice for messaging and social media activities.
In conclusion, the Samba JR was a simple and functional feature phone released by BLU in 2011. Its lightweight and compact design, along with its affordable price, made it a popular choice among phone users back then. Despite being discontinued, the Samba JR will always be remembered as one of BLU's iconic devices in the early 2010s.
