Samsung SGH-E848: A Retro Slider Phone Review

Samsung SGH-E848

Definition: The Samsung SGH-E848 (commonly referred to as Samsung E848) is a slim, ultra-portable slider-style feature phone launched by Samsung Electronics in 2007. Positioned as a fashion-forward mid-range device targeting style-conscious users, it combined a sleek metallic design, a touch-sensitive navigation interface, and basic multimedia capabilities—making it a popular choice in the pre-smartphone era, especially in Asian and European markets. The E848 stood out for its compact form factor and minimalist aesthetic, catering to users who prioritized portability and visual appeal over high-end specs.

Core Technical Specifications

Component	Details
Form Factor	Ultra-slim slider phone; closed dimensions: 101 × 52 × 10.6 mm; open dimensions: 101 × 52 × 15.5 mm; weight: 99 g
Display	2.2-inch QVGA (240 × 320 pixels) TFT LCD; 262,144 (260k) colors; 16:9 aspect ratio; glossy finish; touch-sensitive navigation key (central D-pad)
Processor & Memory	Proprietary Samsung mobile chipset; 70 MB internal storage; expandable via microSD card (up to 2 GB, hot-swappable)
Camera System	Rear Camera: 2.0 MP (1600 × 1200 pixels), digital zoom (up to 4×), LED flash, white balance modes (auto, daylight, cloudy, fluorescent, tungsten), panorama modeVideo Recording: QVGA (320 × 240 pixels) at 15 fps; supports MPEG-4 and 3GP formats
Multimedia Features	MP3/AAC/AAC+/WMA music player; FM radio with RDS; video player (MPEG-4, 3GP); 3D sound enhancement; dedicated volume keys; no dedicated music keys
Connectivity	2G GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz); GPRS Class 10 (32–48 kbps); EDGE Class 10 (236.8 kbps); Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP (stereo audio streaming); USB 2.0 (data transfer/charging); no 3G or Wi-Fi support
Battery	Removable 800 mAh lithium-ion battery; up to 3 hours of talk time; up to 250 hours of standby time
Software & Interface	Proprietary Samsung UI; touch-sensitive navigation (tap/scroll for menu control); SMS/MMS/Email (POP3/IMAP4/SMTP); WAP 2.0/xHTML browser; Java MIDP 2.0 support (for basic games/apps); organizer (calendar, calculator, stopwatch, alarm)
Design & Build	Polished metallic silver/chrome finish; smooth spring-loaded slider mechanism; backlit numeric keypad; minimalist front panel with touch D-pad; side-mounted volume/lock keys
Other Features	Voice recognition, voice memo, vibration alert, 64-chord polyphonic ringtones, customizable wallpapers/themes, SIM lock support

Key Selling Points & Innovations

Ultra-Slim 10.6 mm DesignAt just 10.6 mm thick, the E848 was one of the slimmest slider phones available in 2007, rivaling Samsung’s own D908. Its sleek metallic chassis and glossy front panel gave it a premium, modern look that appealed to fashion-focused users. The compact size made it easy to slip into pockets or small bags, positioning it as a “pocket-friendly” alternative to bulkier feature phones of the era.
Touch-Sensitive Navigation InterfaceA standout feature for its time, the E848 replaced the traditional physical D-pad with a touch-sensitive navigation key. Users could tap or scroll the central pad to navigate menus, adjust volume, or select options—adding a hint of touch functionality years before smartphones became mainstream. The touch interface was responsive and intuitive, setting the E848 apart from competitors with purely physical controls.
Balanced Multimedia & Camera CapabilitiesFor a mid-range 2007 device, the E848 offered solid multimedia performance: its MP3 player supported multiple audio formats and included equalizer presets, while A2DP Bluetooth allowed wireless streaming to stereo headphones. The 2.0 MP camera, though not flagship-grade, delivered decent image quality for casual photography and basic video recording—sufficient for sharing photos via MMS or storing them on a microSD card.
Expandable Storage & ConnectivityWith 70 MB of internal storage and support for up to 2 GB microSD cards, the E848 could store hundreds of MP3 tracks, photos, and short videos. USB 2.0 connectivity enabled fast data transfers between the phone and computers, while Bluetooth 2.0 simplified wireless file sharing with other devices (e.g., laptops, Bluetooth speakers).

Limitations & Criticisms

No 3G SupportUnlike some premium 2007 feature phones, the E848 was limited to 2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks, resulting in slow internet browsing speeds. The WAP browser was also optimized for mobile-specific sites, making it impractical to access full desktop web pages.
Basic Camera & Video QualityThe 2.0 MP camera lacked autofocus (a key feature of higher-end models like the D908), leading to blurry photos in low light or when capturing moving subjects. Video recording was restricted to QVGA resolution at 15 fps, producing grainy clips unsuitable for extended viewing.
Short Battery Life Under Heavy UseThe 800 mAh battery provided adequate standby time but drained quickly when using power-intensive features like the MP3 player, Bluetooth, or camera. Heavy users often needed a spare battery to avoid running out of power during the day.
Limited App EcosystemAs a non-smartphone, the E848 relied on Java MIDP 2.0 apps, which were limited to basic games (e.g., Snake, Tetris), utility tools, and messaging clients. There was no support for third-party app stores, and app functionality was far more restricted than modern smartphone apps.

Release & Market Performance

Launch Date: Q1 2007 (first released in Asia, followed by Europe; limited availability in North America due to 2G-only network compatibility).
Pricing: Approximately €250–€300 (unlocked) at launch, positioning it as an affordable mid-range fashion phone.
Sales: The E848 was a commercial success, particularly in Asian markets where slider phones and sleek designs were highly popular. Its combination of style, portability, and basic multimedia features made it a top seller for Samsung in 2007–2008, competing with models like the Nokia 6500 Slide.
Variants: Samsung released regional variants including the SGH-E840 (EU/Asia model) and SGH-E845 (customized for specific carriers). A budget variant with reduced storage, the SGH-E838, was also launched for cost-sensitive markets.
Discontinuation: Phased out in 2009 as Samsung shifted focus to touchscreen smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S series, which rendered feature phones like the E848 obsolete.

Legacy

The Samsung E848 is remembered as a iconic fashion feature phone of the late 2000s, embodying Samsung’s focus on slim, stylish designs before the smartphone revolution. Its touch-sensitive navigation key was a precursor to the full touchscreen interfaces that would dominate mobile devices in the following years. Today, it is a sought-after collector’s item for vintage mobile phone enthusiasts, prized for its retro aesthetic and historical role in the transition from feature phones to smartphones.