The Samsung E490: A Simple Yet Functional Feature Phone
Released in November of 2006, the Samsung E490 was a feature phone that quickly gained popularity among mobile phone users. Even though it has been discontinued, the E490 remains a nostalgic device for those who used it during its prime.
Design and Size
Weighing only 83g and with a thickness of 15.5mm, the Samsung E490 was a lightweight and compact device that easily fit in the palm of your hand. Its dimensions were 94 x 49 x 15.5 mm, making it a pocket-friendly phone. It had a mini-SIM card slot and came in two colors - red/silver and red/black. What made the E490 unique was that it had different keypad designs for each color.
Display and Memory
The E490 had a 2.2-inch TFT display with 65K colors, providing a decent viewing experience for its users. It also had a second external mono display with a resolution of 128 x 32 pixels and had backlight in seven colors. This feature allowed users to check the time, date, and incoming calls without having to open the phone.
In terms of storage, the E490 had 22MB internally, which was not much, but it did have a dedicated microSD slot that could expand the storage. It could store up to 1,000 entries in the phonebook and 30 dialed, received, and missed calls in the call records. However, it lacked a 3.5mm jack, so listening to music required the use of proprietary headphones.
Camera and Other Features
The Samsung E490 had a 1.3-megapixel main camera, which was considered advanced for a feature phone at the time. Users could also take videos with this camera, making it a versatile device for capturing memories. However, it did not have a front-facing camera for selfies.
The E490 had a loudspeaker with stereo speakers, making it suitable for listening to music or watching videos. It also had vibration and downloadable polyphonic or MP3 ringtones for notifications. Some other features included Yahoo search, predictive text input, and an organizer for keeping track of daily tasks.
Battery Life
The E490 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery, providing up to 5 hours of talk time and up to 200 hours of standby time. This was considered decent battery life for a feature phone in its time.
Price and Availability
Upon its release, the Samsung E490 had a price of 130 EUR, which was affordable for a feature phone with advanced features like a 1.3-megapixel camera. It was available in most countries and quickly gained popularity among users.
The Verdict
Although the Samsung E490 may seem outdated with its limited storage and lack of modern features like Wi-Fi and GPS, it was a reliable and functional phone in its time. Its compact design, decent display, and advanced camera made it a popular choice among feature phones. Its user-friendly interface and affordable price point added to its appeal. The E490 may have been discontinued, but it holds a special place in the hearts of those who owned it during its time.
