Samsung M800 Instinct
| Industry | Consumer electronics, Telecommunications |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Products | Mobile phones, smartphones |
| Parent | Samsung Electronics |
Samsung Instinct (SPH-M800) Overview
The Samsung Instinct (model SPH-M800) is a smartphone equipped with Internet connectivity, developed and distributed by Samsung Mobile. It features a touchscreen interface enhanced with haptic feedback and includes three virtual touchscreen buttons positioned from left to right as [back], [home], and [phone] (shown in the accompanying image). Beyond its primary role as a mobile phone, the device also serves as a camera phone, portable media player, text messenger, and offers full-featured web browser and e-mail client capabilities. Notably, the email application provides access only to the main inbox of linked accounts, excluding subfolders. The "drafts," "sent," "deleted," and "outbox" folders contain solely messages composed or managed directly on the handset.
The built-in MP3 player enables simultaneous music playback while sending text messages, automatically pausing audio when calls are received. Users can upload tracks to the music library; however, the phone does not support MP3 files as ringtones.
Initially launched exclusively in the United States via Sprint, the Instinct was later introduced in Canada through Bell Mobility on August 8, 2008, followed by availability on Telus Mobility starting August 19, 2008. It quickly became Sprint's second fastest-selling handset, trailing only behind the Palm Pre.
Specifications
According to the details provided on Samsung Instinct’s official website, the device offers the following features:
- Display dimensions: 7.87 cm (3.1 inches)
- Resolution: 432×240 pixels
- Input interface: Haptic touch-screen system
- Memory: Comes with a 2GB MicroSD card and supports higher-capacity MicroSDHC cards. Officially, it can be upgraded to an 8GB card; however, software limitations restricting the use of larger cards might be resolved through a firmware update issued by the network carrier, such as Sprint in the U.S. or Bell and Telus in Canada. As of now, no such update has been made available.
- Network compatibility: CDMA EV-DO Rev A operating on 800 MHz and 1900 MHz bands, comparable to mainstream 3G networks
- Battery: Equipped with a 1,000mAh Li-ion battery providing up to 5.75 hours of continuous call time; aftermarket extended batteries with capacities up to 1880 mAh are also obtainable
- Physical dimensions: 11.61 × 5.51 × 1.24 cm (4.57" × 2.17" × 0.48")
- Weight: Approximately 124.74 g (4.4 oz)
- Pre-installed applications include:
- Video capture and streaming capabilities using MPEG-4 AVC (Note that streaming or playback features may be restricted or disabled in Canadian models)
- Personal organizer functions
- Built-in 2 megapixel camera with a maximum image resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels
- Web browsing supporting WAP 2.0, XHTML, HTML, WML, and WMLS. The device can run Opera Mini (currently version 4.2 is most compatible), which performs efficiently compared to the native browser
- Removable secondary battery with an independent charging case included in the U.S. package
- Sprint Navigation service available in the U.S., contingent on cellular plan subscription
- Preloaded demos for games such as Bejeweled, Brain Challenge, EA Sudoku, Midnight Bowling, Million Dollar Poker, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Pac-Man Plus, and Scene It? Movies
Sprint advertising against Apple iPhone
Upon launching the Instinct, Samsung adopted marketing tactics reminiscent of Apple's strategy. One approach involved a comparative teaser website for Instinct that highlighted all features where it outperformed, lacked, or matched the first-generation iPhone’s capabilities, as reported by TG Daily. Key advantages emphasized included:
- Significantly faster web page loading speeds;
- Precise location tracking via integrated GPS;
- Wireless music downloads directly through the carrier’s network;
- Ability to watch live television broadcasts;
- Video recording and sharing functionalities.
Additionally, Samsung produced a fictional movie trailer showcasing the phone within a clip styled after major Hollywood productions.
The advertising campaign employed aggressive language such as "kill" and "defeat" aimed at the iPhone, which drew criticism from TG Daily for poor marketing choices—specifically for using negative rhetoric and directly confronting Apple’s product, inadvertently increasing its visibility.
At that time, the launch of the iPhone 3G was imminent—less than two weeks away—while Samsung scheduled the Instinct’s release for June 20, 2008, coinciding with anticipated iPhone announcements. The iPhone 3G officially debuted shortly thereafter on July 11, 2008.
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