The Ch@t 322: A Feature Phone By Samsung That Still Holds Up Today
When it comes to smartphones, we often get lost in the sea of new releases and forget about the simpler devices that paved the way for our current technology. One such device is the Ch@t 322 by Samsung, a feature phone that was released in November 2010.
About the Device
The Ch@t 322 may not have all the fancy features of today's smartphones, but it was a popular choice for its time. It measures 95g and is only 12.3mm thick, making it lightweight and easy to carry around. It has a decent storage capacity of 54MB, with the option to expand it using a microSDHC card.
Samsung decided to go with a dual SIM setup for the Ch@t 322, allowing users to switch between two different networks seamlessly. The device also boasts an optical trackpad, which was a unique feature for its time.
Display and Camera
The Ch@t 322 sports a 2.2-inch TFT display with 256K colors, giving users a clear and vibrant viewing experience. While the screen-to-body ratio may be low at 23.2%, it was still impressive back in 2010. It also has a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels and a density of 128 ppi.
A single 1.3MP camera is located on the back of the device, allowing users to capture basic photos and videos at QCIF@15fps. There is no front-facing camera, so selfies were not yet a trend at that time.
Network and Connectivity
Being a feature phone, the Ch@t 322 operates on GSM technology and supports GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands. It also has GPRS for internet connections but does not have EDGE.
On the connectivity side, the device has Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless file sharing and a microUSB port for charging and data transfer. However, it lacks features like Wi-Fi and GPS positioning.
Additional Features
The Ch@t 322 comes with an array of additional features that make it stand out from other feature phones of its time. It supports SMS, MMS, Email, Push Mail, and instant messaging, making it possible to stay connected and communicate with friends and family. It also has a basic web browser, downloadable games, and built-in Java for additional functionalities.
Other notable features include SNS integration, an MP3/eAAC+ player, an MP4/H.264 player, an organizer, and voice memo. It also has a predictive text input system, making it easier to send messages without having to type out every single letter.
Battery Life and Price
The Ch@t 322 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, which can last up to 500 hours on standby and up to 11 hours of talk time. This long battery life was one of the selling points of this device, especially for users who were always on the go.
Priced at around 60 EUR, the Ch@t 322 was an affordable option for those looking for a reliable and functional feature phone.
The Verdict: Still a Great Device
Even though the Ch@t 322 was released over a decade ago, it still holds up as a great device for communication and basic tasks. Its simple design, long battery life, and ergonomic keyboard make it a convenient choice for those looking for a secondary phone or a reliable backup device.
If you're in the market for a simple and reliable feature phone, the Ch@t 322 by Samsung is definitely worth considering. It may not have all the bells and whistles of today's smartphones, but it paved the way for the devices we have now and deserves recognition in the ever-changing world of technology.
