Samsung Dart T499 / SGH-T499 / Tass

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Overview:

The Samsung Dart T499, also known as the SGH-T499 or Tass, is an entry-level smartphone that was released around mid-2011. It was primarily targeted towards users who were looking for a budget-friendly Android experience.

Features:

  • Operating System: Android 2.2 Froyo
  • Display: 3.14-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels.
  • Processor: 600 MHz ARM 11
  • Memory: 160 MB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
  • Camera: 3.15 MP rear camera with no flash.
  • Battery: 1200 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: FM Radio, Accelerometer, and Proximity sensor.

Pros:

  • Budget-Friendly: One of the most affordable Android smartphones at the time of its release.
  • Expandable Storage: The ability to expand storage with a microSD card is a plus, especially given the limited internal storage.
  • Removable Battery: Allows users to replace the battery if it degrades over time.

Cons:

  • Outdated OS: Even at the time of its release, Android 2.2 Froyo was becoming outdated.
  • Limited Internal Storage: 160 MB is extremely limited, even for basic apps and updates.
  • Low-Resolution Display: The display resolution is quite low compared to other smartphones available at the time.
  • Basic Camera: The camera lacks features like flash and front-facing capabilities.
  • Performance: The 600 MHz processor can be sluggish, especially with more demanding apps or multitasking.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2011, the smartphone market was rapidly evolving. The Samsung Dart T499 was competing with other entry-level smartphones, but there were several superior devices in the mid-range and high-end categories. For instance:

  • Samsung Galaxy S II: A high-end device from Samsung itself, boasting a much larger Super AMOLED Plus display, dual-core processor, and an 8 MP camera.
  • iPhone 4: Apple’s offering at the time, with a Retina display, sleek design, and a vast app ecosystem.
  • HTC Desire: Another Android device with better specs, a larger display, and a more powerful processor.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Dart T499 was launched in June 2011.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Performance Lag: Users often reported lag and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps.
  • Limited Storage Issues: The limited internal storage meant users had to frequently manage their apps and data.
  • Outdated Software: The device did not receive many software updates, leaving users with an outdated Android experience.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Dart T499 was a budget-friendly option for those looking to dip their toes into the Android ecosystem without breaking the bank. While it served its purpose for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing, it was quickly overshadowed by more powerful and feature-rich smartphones in the market.

Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II

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Overview:

The Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II was the successor to the original Galaxy S and represented a significant leap forward in terms of design, performance, and features. It was widely acclaimed and became one of the best-selling smartphones of its time.

Features:

  1. Display: 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.
  2. Processor: Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9.
  3. Camera: 8 MP primary camera with autofocus and LED flash, and a secondary 2 MP camera.
  4. Storage: 16/32 GB internal storage with an option to expand via a microSD card slot.
  5. OS: Initially shipped with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and was later upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean).
  6. Battery: 1650 mAh removable battery.
  7. Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (in some versions), and GPS.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The dual-core processor made the Galaxy S II one of the fastest phones on the market at its launch.
  2. Camera Quality: The 8 MP camera was a significant improvement over its predecessor and captured high-quality photos.
  3. Slim Design: At just 8.5 mm thick, it was one of the slimmest smartphones available.
  4. Vivid Display: The Super AMOLED Plus display was brighter and more vibrant than the previous generation.

Cons:

  1. Plastic Build: While the phone was slim and lightweight, the predominantly plastic build made it feel less premium than some competitors.
  2. Battery Life: With increased performance came increased power consumption. The battery life was decent but not exceptional.
  3. Software Bloat: Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, while feature-rich, was often criticized for being bloated and slowing down the device over time.

Comparison to Other Technologies on the Market:

The main competitors at the time were the iPhone 4S and the HTC Sensation. The Galaxy S II boasted a larger screen and better performance than the iPhone 4S but lacked the cohesive ecosystem of Apple. Compared to the HTC Sensation, the Galaxy S II had a brighter display and was slimmer, but some preferred the build quality of the HTC device.

Launch Date: The Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II was launched in April 2011.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Overheating: Some users reported the device getting unusually hot, especially during intensive tasks.
  2. Screen Burn-in: Being an early AMOLED screen, there were reports of screen burn-in over prolonged use.
  3. Battery Drain: Some users experienced rapid battery drain issues, which could be attributed to software or specific apps.

Conclusion:

The Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II was a landmark device for Samsung and solidified its position as a major player in the smartphone market. It combined a sleek design with top-tier performance and was a favorite among Android enthusiasts. While it had its share of issues, its pros far outweighed its cons, making it one of the most iconic smartphones of its era.

HTC Hero

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The HTC Hero was a notable early Android device that played a significant role in the platform’s evolution. Here’s an in-depth review of the HTC Hero:

Overview:

Introduced in 2009, the HTC Hero was one of the first Android smartphones to feature a manufacturer’s custom skin, in this case, HTC’s Sense UI. This device showcased how Android could be customized and differentiated by manufacturers, setting a precedent for future Android devices.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 1.5 Cupcake, later upgradeable to 2.1 Eclair.
  • Display: 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM7200A 528 MHz.
  • Memory: 288 MB RAM with 512 MB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: 5 MP rear camera with autofocus.
  • Battery: 1350 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Trackball navigation, 3.5mm headphone jack, and HTC Sense UI.

Pros:

  • HTC Sense UI: The introduction of Sense UI was a game-changer, offering a more user-friendly and visually appealing experience over stock Android. It included features like integrated social media, a customized home screen, and unique widgets.
  • Design: The Hero had a distinct design with a chin at the bottom, which set it apart from other devices. It also featured a Teflon-coated back, which was resistant to smudges.
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Unlike some early Android devices, the Hero included a standard headphone jack, which was a significant selling point for many users.
  • Expandable Storage: The microSD slot allowed users to expand the device’s storage, which was essential given the limited internal memory.
  • Cons:
  • Performance: The 528 MHz processor, combined with the heavy Sense UI, sometimes led to lag and performance issues.
  • Camera Quality: While the camera was decent for its time, it lacked a flash and struggled in low-light conditions.
  • Battery Life: The battery life was average and could be a concern for heavy users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2009, the smartphone market was still in its formative years. The HTC Hero faced competition from:

  • iPhone 3GS: Apple’s offering with its smooth iOS experience, App Store ecosystem, and sleek design.
  • Motorola Droid: A significant Android device with a slide-out keyboard and a large screen, backed by Verizon’s marketing.
  • Palm Pre: Palm’s comeback device with its innovative webOS platform and multitasking capabilities.

Launch Date:

The HTC Hero was announced in June 2009 and released in July 2009.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Lag and Stutters: Due to the hardware limitations and the added weight of the Sense UI, users often reported performance issues.
  • Software Updates: While the Hero did receive an update to Android 2.1, it was delayed multiple times, leading to user frustration.
  • Trackball Concerns: Some users found the trackball to be less intuitive compared to pure touchscreen navigation, and it could get dirty over time.
  • Conclusion:

The HTC Hero was a significant device in the early days of Android. It demonstrated the platform’s flexibility and how manufacturers could differentiate their devices through custom skins. While it had its challenges, the Hero’s introduction of the Sense UI was influential, setting the stage for the plethora of customized Android experiences that would follow. The device remains an important part of Android’s history, reflecting the platform’s rapid evolution and the competitive landscape of the late 2000s.

Motorola Droid

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The Motorola Droid, also known as the Motorola Milestone in some markets, was a pivotal device in the history of Android smartphones. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Droid:

Overview:

Launched in 2009, the Motorola Droid was a collaboration between Motorola, Verizon, and Google. It played a crucial role in popularizing the Android platform in the United States, thanks to a significant marketing push by Verizon. The device was positioned as a direct competitor to the iPhone.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 2.0 Eclair.
  • Display: 3.7-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels.
  • Processor: 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8.
  • Memory: 256 MB RAM with 512 MB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
  • Camera: 5 MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and autofocus.
  • Battery: 1400 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Slide-out QWERTY keyboard, dedicated search button, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

Physical Keyboard: The slide-out QWERTY keyboard was a significant selling point for many users, offering tactile feedback for typing.
Display: The Droid's screen was sharp for its time, boasting a higher resolution than many competitors.
Android Experience: Being one of the first devices to run Android 2.0 Eclair, it introduced features like Google Maps Navigation.
Build Quality: The device had a solid and industrial feel, reflecting Motorola's design ethos.

Cons:

  • Weight and Bulk: The inclusion of a physical keyboard made the device heavier and bulkier than some competitors.
  • Camera Performance: While the camera specs were decent on paper, the actual performance was often criticized for being slow and producing mediocre images.
  • Processor Speed: The 600 MHz processor was adequate but was quickly outpaced by newer devices.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2009, the smartphone market was beginning to heat up. The Motorola Droid faced competition from:

  • iPhone 3GS: Apple’s offering with its smooth iOS experience, App Store ecosystem, and sleek design.
  • HTC Hero: An early Android device featuring HTC’s Sense UI, which added a layer of user-friendly features.
  • BlackBerry Storm: BlackBerry’s attempt at a touchscreen device, targeting its traditional business audience.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Droid was announced in October 2009 and released in November 2009.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Keyboard Layout: Some users found the keyboard layout to be cramped and criticized the placement of the d-pad.
  • Software Bugs: Early versions of Android on the Droid had their share of bugs, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.
  • Battery Life: Typical of many smartphones of its era, the battery life could be a concern for heavy users.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Droid was a landmark device for Android. With Verizon’s “Droid Does” marketing campaign, it brought significant attention to the Android platform and positioned it as a viable alternative to the iPhone. The device’s success laid the groundwork for a series of “Droid” branded phones on Verizon. While it had its limitations and faced stiff competition, the Motorola Droid’s impact on the Android ecosystem and its role in popularizing the platform cannot be understated.