The Samsung Z510: A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
Samsung’s Z510 was released in late 2005, making it one of the first of its kind in the mobile phone market. Despite its age, the Z510 offers a wide range of features that were ahead of its time. Let's dive deeper into the specifications and what made it stand out in its time.
Release Date and Operating System
The Samsung Z510 was released in the fourth quarter of 2005. At that time, feature phones were the norm, and the Z510 was no exception. With its slim design and lightweight of only 97g, it was easy to carry around. Its dimensions measured at 14.9mm thickness, making it a compact device ready to fit in your pocket or purse.
Storage and Network
The Z510 comes with 138MB of internal storage, which might seem minuscule compared to today's standards. However, at that time, it was considered a reasonable amount of storage for a feature phone. A downside to this device is that it does not have a card slot for external memory, so users couldn't expand the storage capacity.
In terms of network connectivity, the Z510 supports both GSM and UMTS technologies, making it compatible with most networks. The 2G bands it supports are GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, while for 3G, it supports UMTS 2100. The device also has a speed of 384 kbps, which may seem slow by today's standards but was considered acceptable back then.
Display and Body
The Z510 features a 2.0-inch TFT display with 256K colors, providing a clear and vibrant screen for its users. Its resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio was impressive for a feature phone at that time. Additionally, it also has a second external display, which is a TFT screen with 65K colors and a resolution of 96 x 96 pixels.
The device's body dimensions measure at 99 x 52 x 14.9 mm (3.90 x 2.05 x 0.59 in), making it a compact choice for users. It also weighs only 97g (3.42 oz), making it lightweight and easy to carry around. The Z510 also supports a Mini-SIM, which was the standard at that time.
Memory and Camera
The Z510 does not have a card slot for external memory, so users had to rely on its internal storage of 138MB. However, this feature phone stands out with its 1.3MP primary camera with LED flash, allowing users to capture clear and well-lit photos. Unfortunately, it does not have a front-facing camera for selfies, which is a common feature in today's smartphones.
Sound and Other Features
The Z510 may not have a loudspeaker, but it does have 3D sound technology, making listening to music or other audio enjoyable. It also supports vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones. A notable feature of the Z510 is its video telephony capability, which was rare in feature phones at that time.
Other features of the Z510 include SMS, MMS, and Email messaging, as well as a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for internet access. It also comes with two built-in games, Bobby Carrot and Powerinlinex, and supports Java for other game and app downloads. Additionally, it has an organizer and predictive text input for convenience.
Battery and Other Specifications
The Samsung Z510 comes with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery that provides up to 200 hours of standby time and 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. It is available in a sleek silver color and has a SAR value of 0.59 W/kg (head) and 0.76 W/kg (body).
In Conclusion
The Samsung Z510 may have been discontinued, but its impact on the feature phone market was significant. With its slim design, impressive display, and wide range of features, it was considered a high-end phone back in 2005. Today, it may seem outdated, but it is still remembered as a device that was ahead of its time.
Samsung Z510 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM / UMTS
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands
UMTS 2100
Speed
Yes, 384 kbps
Launch
Announced
2005, Q4
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
99 x 52 x 14.9 mm (3.90 x 2.05 x 0.59 in)
Weight
97 g (3.42 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
Resolution
240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio
Other
Second external display TFT, 65K colors (96 x 96 pixels)
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
1000 entries, Photo call
Call records
30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls
Internal
138MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Features
LED flash
Video
Yes
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Other
3D sound
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
2.0, A2DP
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Bobby Carrot, Powerinlinex
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
Video telephony
MP3/AAC/AAC++/WMA player
Predictive text input
Organizer