The A167 is a classic device manufactured by Samsung, released in May 2009. This feature phone may not have all the fancy features of today's smartphones, but it certainly has its own charm and simplicity. Let's dive into the details of this beloved device.
The Beginning of A167
Announced in May 2009 and released in that same month, the A167 was an instant hit among the masses. It was a time when Nokia and Motorola were dominating the mobile phone market, and Samsung was slowly rising as a major player. The A167 was one of the early devices that helped Samsung establish its brand in the market.
The Physical Features
The A167 has a sleek and compact design, weighing only 87.8g with a thickness of 19.8mm. It may not be the lightest or thinnest device, especially compared to modern smartphones, but it is relatively compact for its time. The phone supports a mini-SIM and has a 1.85-inch CSTN display with 65K colors, giving it a classic look.
Storage and Network
The A167 may not offer a lot of storage (only 2MB) and does not have a card slot for expansion. However, considering it was released in 2009, this was a decent feature. The phone runs on a GSM network and supports 2G bands, specifically 850/1900 MHz. It also has GPRS Class 10, which was quite popular during that time.
The Camera and Sound
The A167 sports a single VGA camera, which might not seem impressive now, but back then, it was revolutionary. Some may argue that even now, a basic camera like this is enough for daily use. The loudspeaker on this device is loud and clear, providing good sound quality. However, it does not have a 3.5mm jack for headphones, so you'll have to rely on the speaker.
Connectivity and Features
The A167 may not have WiFi or Bluetooth, but it does have something that most modern phones don't – an FM radio! It also has basic messaging features like SMS, MMS, email, and IM. The browser is WAP 2.0, which was the standard at that time. The phone also comes with pre-installed games and an organizer, making it a complete package.
Battery Life and Color Options
One of the best features of the A167 is its long battery life. With a removable Li-Ion 800mAh battery, it can last up to 252 hours in standby mode and up to 3 hours when talking. This makes it a perfect companion for long trips or for those who don't want to constantly charge their phones. It comes in a classic gray color and has a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.45W/kg (head) and 0.71W/kg (body).
The Final Verdict
Though discontinued now, the A167 holds a special place in the hearts of Samsung users and phone enthusiasts. It may not have all the features of a modern smartphone, but it delivered what it promised – a simple and reliable device for communication. And with a price of about 30 EUR, it was a steal for its time.
