S401i: The Feature Phone That Introduced Samsung to the World
Samsung, a leading brand in the technology industry, released the S401i in July 2006. This compact feature phone brought with it revolutionary features that would set Samsung on the path to becoming one of the most coveted names in mobile devices.
An Early Introduction
The S401i was an early release for Samsung, introducing the brand to a wider market. With dimensions of 88 x 44 x 19.8 mm and a weight of just 75g, this phone was slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It may seem bulky compared to today's standards, but back then, it was considered pocket-friendly.
Small But Mighty
Despite its small size, the S401i came with impressive features. Its operating system – a basic feature phone OS – was perfect for everyday use. The phone also came with a whopping 25MB of internal storage, which may not sound like much now, but it was considered a major upgrade at the time. However, there was no card slot, so storage was limited to the internal capacity.
Connectivity and Networks
The S401i ran on GSM technology and supported 2G bands, including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. It also featured Class 10 GPRS for slower internet speeds, although it did not have EDGE capability. The phone also had Bluetooth functionality, making it easier to transfer files and connect with other devices.
A Display Ahead of Its Time
The S401i had a TFT display with 65K colors, providing a vibrant and clear viewing experience. It also had an external STN display with the same color range and a smaller resolution of 96 x 96 pixels. This feature was ahead of its time and gave the phone an edge over its competitors.
For the Music Lovers
Despite being a feature phone, the S401i catered to music lovers with its MP3/AAC player. This was a new and exciting addition, as most phones at that time only had basic polyphonic ringtones. It also came with a proprietary USB for charging and data transfer.
Sleek Design and Organizational Tools
The S401i's sleek black design was a breath of fresh air in the market. It also came with an organizer for managing daily tasks and even had a limited web browsing feature – iMode, which was popular back then. The phone also had a Java-enabled DoJa 1.5 platform, allowing users to download and play games.
Making Memories
The S401i may not have had the best camera compared to today's standards, but at the time, its VGA camera was considered exceptional. It also had video capabilities, allowing users to capture and store precious moments.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
The S401i had a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery that could provide up to 200 hours of standby time and 4 hours of talk time. This was impressive, considering the phone's small size and multiple features.
The End of an Era
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and the S401i was discontinued after its release in 2006. However, it left a lasting impact on the market, paving the way for Samsung's future successes.
In conclusion, the S401i was a groundbreaking feature phone that helped introduce Samsung to the world. It may seem outdated now, but it was a trendsetter during its time and played a significant role in shaping the brand into what it is today.
Samsung S401i Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, July
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
88 x 44 x 19.8 mm (3.46 x 1.73 x 0.78 in)
Weight
75 g (2.65 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels
Other
Second external STN display, 65K colors, 96 x 96 pixels
Wallpaper