The R351 Freeform: A Classic Samsung Feature Phone
In 2009, Samsung released a new feature phone that quickly became popular among users due to its sleek design, QWERTY keyboard, and affordable price. Named the R351 Freeform, this device was equipped with all the essential features one would need in a basic phone. Let's take a closer look at what made the R351 Freeform a standout device in the market.
Release and Specifications
The R351 Freeform was officially announced and released in August 2009 by Samsung. It weighed only 103g and had a thickness of 13mm, making it a compact and lightweight device. The phone had a storage capacity of 55MB and also featured a microSD slot for additional storage options. Its operating system was a feature phone, which was ideal for those who wanted a simple and easy-to-use device.
Network and Connectivity
The R351 Freeform had a CDMA/CDMA2000 technology, which allowed for reliable and clear calls. It also had 2G bands of CDMA 800/1900 and 3G bands of CDMA2000 1x, ensuring fast data transfer speeds. Additionally, the phone had Bluetooth 2.0 and GPS capabilities, making it easy to share files and navigate through unfamiliar places.
Display and Camera
The R351 Freeform featured a 2.2 inch TFT display with 256K colors, providing users with a clear and vibrant viewing experience. Its resolution was 220 x 176 pixels, and it had a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 22.3%. On the rear, the phone had a 1.3MP camera for capturing simple pictures and videos.
Memory and Features
With a dedicated microSD slot, the R351 Freeform could expand its memory beyond the initial 55MB. It could store up to 1000 entries in the phonebook and had a call recorder feature. The phone also supported email, SMS, and MMS messaging and had a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. Users could also enjoy games and apps with the Java MIDP 2.0 feature.
Battery and Other Features
The R351 Freeform was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, which provided up to 6 hours of talk time and up to 200 hours of standby time. It also had a loudspeaker and a 2.5mm audio jack for listening to music and making hands-free calls. The phone came in two color options - black and red - and its SAR rating was 1.01 W/kg (head) and 0.53 W/kg (body). It was priced at approximately 110 EUR, making it an affordable choice for consumers.
Conclusion
In just a short amount of time, the R351 Freeform became discontinued, but it left a lasting impression among users as a practical and budget-friendly feature phone. Its compact design, QWERTY keyboard, and decent specifications made it a desirable device for those looking for a basic phone for everyday use. The R351 Freeform remains a classic Samsung device, remembered fondly by those who owned and used it during its prime.
