Samsung has put on sale a lot of cheap touch phones. And today, in our lab, we are going to abuse one of them – the Samsung C3300K Champ. Let us tell you a few words about this phone. The gadget comes in a smallish and stylish box along with a compact charger and a one-piece headset (Pic. 1, 2). The Samsung C3300K Champ is available in 4 colors. Our review phone came in deep black. The handset is all-plastic. There is a chrome effect edging which makes the Samsung C3300K look smart almost like the Apple iPhone 4 (Pic. 3, 4).

The screen is resistive. There is a stylus at the back of the device. We should say that picture quality is ruined by the very limited viewing angles. If you turn the phone a bit to the right, the screen will become dim. If you turn it a bit to your left, the legibility will become pretty poor too. Moreover, even if you stare at the screen, the picture will be of different brightness for each eye. That’s why the eyes get tired fast. One more interesting fact: the phone does not have a unique charger jack. Instead, it has a micro-USB connector which allows to charge the battery with the help of any standard micro-USB universal charger. That’s a brief review of the Samsung C3300K Champ’s technical features. Now it’s time we tested it.
Results

1. Samsung C3300K Champ stress test. Stage 1 – Light shocks

1.1 Drop test

There is no cell phone that was never bumped or dropped. This is an unhappy lot for all the electronic portable gadgets. Every mobile phone stress test includes drops and knocks. We can’t disregard this. During the test, we successively dropped the Samsung C3300K Champ on the ceramic tile (video 2) from 30 cm (11.8 inches) and on the carpet (video 1) from 1 m (3.28 ft). Each time we dropped the phone on a different corner or edge. In general, the Samsung fell for 6 times on each face, edge and corner.

The phone passed this test very well. It showed no damage at all. The back cover fell off only once when we dropped the handset on the tile.

Video 1. Drop on the carpet from 1 m (3.2 ft)

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

Video 2. Drop on the tile from 30 cm (11.8 inches)

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

1.2 Squeeze test

Squeeze test is a good example of the situation when a person steps on his/her cell phone or sits down on it. We placed the Samsung C3300K Champ on a table and applied a 3 kg (6.6 lbs) pressure from a wooden bar above it (Pic. 5). The bar caused a squeak. But the back panel showed no damage. The handset successfully passed the squeeze test.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

1.3 Bend test

Bend test is similar to a squeeze test. This is an example of the situation when a person sits down on a chair with his/her cell phone in the pants pocket. In this case, the applied pressure is focused on a particular part of the gadget.

We put the Champ onto the two planks so that each edge of the phone lies on a single plank. Then we hitched a string with 1 kg load (2.2 lbs) on top of the device. The handset sustained no sign of bend.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

1.4 Durability

The Samsung C3300K Champ is glossy and easily picks up fingerprints. Moreover, it makes even small scratches look visible and strike the eye. In order to find out how the phone would look after using it for a long period of time (i.e., everyday use), we did the following: we placed the gadget inside a drum together with keys, pennies, and plastic balls to simulate what might be happening in a man’s pants pockets while carrying the phone. The drum was rotated for 5 minutes at the speed of 500 rpm. After the test, we examined the phone (for more information watch video 3).

As we expected, there were many scuffs and scratches on the chrome effect edging (Pic. 6). Few small cracks appeared on the screen (Pic. 7). The picture quality wasn’t ruined, though. Some big scratches also appeared on the back panel, especially in the corners (Pic. 8). However, it was only the visible damage. The phone stayed functional.

Video 3. Drum rotation

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

1.5 Scratch test

In order to test the material of which the Samsung C3300K Champ is made, we scratched the screen and the back panel. Our machine that had been devised especially for this test scratched the screen and the back of the phone with a nail at the force of 100 g (0.22 lbs).

The scratch made on the screen wasn’t deep (video 4). The back panel sustained no visible scratch.

Video 4. Screen scratching

The screen gets 10 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)
The back cover gets 15 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

1.6 High temperature

Cell phones working conditions may vary greatly. Gadgets don’t always stay functional in extremely hot or extremely cold weather. Manufacturers of electronic devices can’t guarantee good performance if their products are used under extreme conditions.

We performed our own test by placing the Samsung C3300K Champ in a metallic container 5 cm from the electric bulb (40 Wt). The bulb heated the phone for 3 min. (video 5). The gadget survived such test and performed perfectly afterwards.

Video 5. High temperature test

The grade is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

1.7 Dust test

Dust spoils electronic gadgets and destroys their hardware (keys, slots, ports etc.). In order to check the Samsung C3300K Champ’s dust resistance, we took an enclosed tray containing dust and threw the phone inside it (Pic. 9). We made it vibrate viciously for 2 min. After the test, we examined the device.

The three hardware keys beneath the touch screen are perfectly positioned. We didn’t find dust in the seams between these keys and the casing. However, dust penetrated the stereo speakers (Pic. 10). The micro-USB port remained almost clean because it is protected by a plastic flap (Pic. 11). We also found little dust under the back cover (Pic. 12). It was easy to shake all the dust out of the seams and slots. Soon the handset was clean as it had been before this test. The phone stayed absolutely functional.

The grade for the screen and the panel is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

1.8 Connectivity

The main function of any cell phone is to make and receive calls. This ability depends on the signal strength. In order to find out the signal reception quality of the Samsung C3300K Champ, we carried out the following test. We placed the handset inside a box. Then we foiled the box (the foil served as a shield) and made a 40 x 45 mm (1.57 x 1.77 inches) hole in it. Then we started to make calls in order to check the signal strength of the phone (video 6). The signal reception fell only by 1 – 2 points. Generally speaking, the Samsung C3300K received all the incoming calls with no problem.

Video 6. Connectivity test

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

After the 1st stage of the stress test, the Samsung C3300K Champ got 187 (with 192 being the highest possible grade)

2. Samsung C3300K Champ stress test. Stage 2 – Tough conditions

2.1 Drop test

We made this test tougher. The height of the drop on the carpet was 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and the height of the drop on the tile was 50 cm (1.64 ft). As you may see from video 9, the back cover fell off after each drop. However, the phone stayed functional.

Video 7. Drop on the carpet from 1.5 m (4.9 ft)

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

Video 8. Drop on the tile from 50 cm (1.64 ft)

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

2.2 Squeeze test

In this test, we increased the applied pressure to 10 kg (22 lbs). Just like the previous squeeze test, the Samsung C3300K Champ sustained no damage. However, the applied wooden bar caused a squeak again.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

2.3 Bend test

This time, the Champ sustained a slight bend, caused by 5 kg (11 lbs) load (Pic. 13). The handset stayed safe. Probably, the thick plastic front panel makes the phone sturdy.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

2.4 Durability

We increased the time of this test to 10 min. As a result, more scuffs and scratches appeared on the chrome effect edging than in the previous durability test (Pic. 14). The chrome effect edging is not durable at all. Even a slight knock or bump can cause cracks and dents on it (Pic. 15). Many new scratches appeared on the touch screen (Pic. 16). However, they were invisible when the display lighting was on. The back cover remained the same as it had been before this test. The phone stayed functional.

The grade is 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

2.5 Scratch test

This time, the machine scratched the Samsung C3300K Champ at the force of 300 g (0.66 lbs) and it made the bigger and deeper scratches (video 9). The scratch on the screen was quite visible. It ruined the picture. The scratch on the back panel was not so big and deep as on the screen (video 10).

Video 9. Screen scratching (the force is 300 g (0.66 lbs))

The back cover gets 10 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

Video 10. Back panel scratching (the force is 300 g (0.66 lbs))

The back cover gets 10 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

2.6 Freeze test

It’s widely known that in freezing temperatures, cell phone batteries deplete quicker than usual (that is, their capacity goes down much faster compared to moderate temperatures). We performed this test in order to find out the length of the Samsung C3300K Champ’s battery life, the functionality of the display and the keys.

We took a box filled with ice cubes, placed the handset in it, and then placed the box in a freezer for 2 hours. The phone was left in speaking mode during that time. The temperature in the freezer was approximately -15 – -20 °C (+5 – -4 °F).

After the test, we examined the gadget. The capacity of the battery went down by more than a half (video 11). The touch screen stayed functional, but it did not register the taps from the fingers so accurately as before the freeze test. The keys stayed functional too. When we warmed the Samsung C3300K Champ, it performed perfectly.

Video 11. Freeze test

The grade is 12 (with 18 being the highest possible grade)

2.7 High temperature

In this stage of the test, we increased the time of heating to 5 min. The result was the same as in the previous high temperature test. The screen showed no damage, the keys sustained no sign of melting.

The grade is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

2.8 Immersion in water

Electronic gadgets come in contact with liquids very often. This is one of the reasons of cell phone damage. May be it happens because there is a lot of water on Earth? This test did not help us to find the answer, but we found out how the Samsung C3300K Champ withstands immersion in water.

We dunked the phone under distilled water for 1 sec. (video 12). When we took it out, we could hear barely any sound. However, the stereo speakers performed fine again soon. The phone survived 1 second immersion in water. The micro-USB port stayed dry because it is protected by a plastic flap. The mini-jack is bare (Pic. 17). It was filled with water. However, the handset stayed functional and after air drying it performed pretty fine.

Video 12. Immersion in water

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

2.9 Dust test

This time, we shook the enclosed tray containing the phone and dust for 5 minutes. The result did not differ much from the result of the previous dust test. The main difference was the micro-USB port that was full of dust (Pic. 18). Compared to the previous experiment, there was twice as much dust under the back cover. But the performance of the phone was still fine.

The grade is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

2.10 Connectivity

We reduced the signal by making the size of the hole smaller: 20 x 20 mm (0,787 x 0,787 inches). Though the signal indicator displayed only 1 bar, the Samsung C3300K Champ received all the incoming calls with no problem (video 13).

Video 13. Connectivity test

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

After the 2nd stage of the stress test, the Samsung C3300K Champ got 219 (with 240 being the highest possible grade)

3. Samsung C3300K Champ stress test. Stage 3 — The toughest conditions

3.1 Drop test

At the last stage of the stress test, we dropped the Samsung C3300K Champ on the carpet from 2 m (6.56 ft) and on the tile from 1 m (3.28 ft) (video 14, 15). During the drops on the tile, the back cover fell off for 5 times (with 6 being the maximum number of drops). Sometimes the front and the back panel separated, but we easily put them together.

The phone performed fine afterwards. Many new dents appeared on the casing because of the falls. However, they seemed invisible in comparison with the big deep scratches that appeared during the durability test.

Video 14. Drop on the carpet from 2 m (6.56 ft)

The grade is 30 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

Video 15. Drop on the tile from 1 m (3.28 ft)

The grade is 20 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

3.2 Squeeze test

At the last stage of the stress test, we increased the force of squeezing to 20 kg (44 lbs). Despite this heavy weight, the phone passed the test successfully.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

3.3 Bend test

This time, the phone showed the sign of bend again (Pic. 19). The applied weight was 10 kg (22 lbs). However, the circuit board and the screen survived with no problems. The gadget stayed functional.

The grade is 24 (with 24 being the highest possible grade)

3.4 Durability

At the last stage of this test, we increased the time the phone spent in the drum to 20 min. As a result, many new scratches of different size appeared on the chrome effect edging (Pic. 20). The back panel looked more attractive than the front panel: most of the scratches appeared in the corners. All the gloss was gone (Pic. 21). A lot of new cracks and scratches also appeared on the screen (Pic. 22), but the picture quality was fine due to high granularity.

The grade is 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.5 Scratch test

At the 3rd stage of this test the force of scratches was 600 g (1.322 lbs). The result was disappointing: the scratch on the screen was very deep (Pic. 23). We saw the nail cutting off small pieces of plastic (video 16). The new scratch on the back panel was also deep (Pic. 24, video 17).

Video 16. Screen scratching

Video 17. Back panel scratching

10 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade) for the screen

10 points (with 15 being the highest possible grade) for the back cover

3.6 High temperature

We increased the time of this test to 10 min. When we took the Champ out of the container it started to malfunction, the touch screen did not register the taps so accurately, as it did before this test. We took the battery out, put it back in the slot in a few minutes and rebooted the phone (video 18). We saw that the display became dim, the touch screen softened and leaned against the screen when we navigated the phone. This caused stains on the screen.

But when we cooled down the Samsung C3300K Champ, the performance of the touch screen became fine again.

Video 18. High temperature test

The grade is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

3.7 Immersion in water

1 second immersion in water was not a problem for the Samsung C3300K Champ. But what will happen if we dunk it under water for 20 seconds (video 19)?

Had we done this, the phone gave a warning that it was connected to a PC. The reason of this wrong warning was the micro-USB port that got wet (Pic. 25). In order to solve this problem, we dried the handset for a long period of time. We did not have to disassemble and clean the phone. The air drying did its job well. The Champ performed fine again.

Video 19. Immersion in water for 20 seconds

The grade is 20 (with 30 being the highest possible grade)

3.8 Immersion in beer

Cell phones may come in contact not only with water, but with other liquids too. There are plenty of liquids in which electronic gadgets may accidentally be dropped by their owners. In this test, we immersed the phone in beer.

Actually, we dunked the Samsung C3300K Champ under beer for 10 sec. (video 20). It was surprising, but the phone showed no damage. The gadget did not even give a warning about the connection to a PC. The micro-USB port stayed dry because it is protected by a plastic flap. However, much beer penetrated the back cover.

Video 20. Immersion in beer for 10 sec

The grade is 9 (with 9 being the highest possible grade)

3.9 Dust test

We increased the time of the dust test to 10 min. When the experiment was over, we examined the Champ: the stereo speakers and the microphone were full of dust (Pic. 26). Many small grains of dust penetrated the back cover (Pic. 27). The micro-USB port and the charger jack were filled with grime and sand (Pic. 28). A few grains of dust penetrated even the phone itself and accumulated under the camera lens (Pic. 29).

The grade is 12 (with 12 being the highest possible grade)

3.10 The keypad

The keys of the Samsung C3300K Champ are perfectly positioned and comfortable to use. All the keys sit low and it’s hard to loosen them. They can withstand dust, water and beer and stay functional even in extreme temperatures. The keys showed good results in all our tests.

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.11 Connectivity

At the last stage, we decreased the size of the hole to 15 x 15 mm (0,59 x 0,59 inches). The signal strength varied from 0 to 3 points. The Champ, however, received all the incoming calls. But sometimes it took us more time to connect. In general, this is not bad.

Video 21. Connectivity test

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.12 Short circuit and overcharge

At first we wanted to know what would happen to the battery charger if we made a short circuit of the power supply terminals with the help of the forceps for 1 sec. Watch video 22 to witness how it did not break the battery charger.

Video 22. Short circuit of the battery charger

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

Then we did the same with the battery: we short-circuited “+” and “-“ with the help of the forceps (video 23). The battery stayed absolutely safe and did not deplete.

Video 23. Short circuit of the battery

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

Next, we checked the reaction of the gadget to the increase and decrease in charging voltage. We plugged the battery charger in the PSU and the PSU cable in the phone. When we decreased the charging voltage to 3.4 V, the gadget gave a warning that the battery was full. That was wrong. In truth, the voltage of the battery became the same as the voltage of the charger. The Samsung C3300K Champ identified this as a full battery charging. This is a disadvantage of the phone. Simply speaking, if you attempt to charge this phone with the help of the battery charger that was not produced specially for this model (or if the charging voltage is too small or too great), you risk to break the battery or not fully charge it.

When we increased the charging voltage to 8 V, the charging did not stop. The power consumption was normal, though.

Video 24. Increase/decrease in charging voltage

The grade is 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

Finally, we found out how the circuit board of the Samsung C3300K Champ can deal with a power supply increase. We took the battery out if the slot and plugged the PSU in the phone, instead (video 25). At first, we decreased energy supply until the gadget switched  off. It happened when we reached 3.1 V.

Then we rebooted the phone and increased energy supply until we reached 7 V – the power consumption increased almost tenfold (from 50mA to 470 mA). However, the handset stayed functional.

Video 25. Power supply increase

The grade is 15 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

3.13 Disassembling

After all the tests, we disassembled the Samsung C3300K Champ (Pic. 30). The build quality is the same as in all cell phones produced by Samsung. All the microchips are compounded. The vibrating motor and the stereo speakers are standard. Some components are soldered with the circuit board which makes it difficult and more expensive to replace them. We didn’t find a metal frame inside the handset. Instead, the Samsung C3300K Champ has a thick plastic front panel.

The touch screen is soft. It doesn’t have a glass basement. Among the screen advantages, we can mention the ability to stand up to bends, knocks and bumps. Among the disadvantages – a short operation life. The design of the circuit board is quite simple. There are few components on it and a lot of empty space. The largest microchips are the memory, the processor and the transceiver (Pic. 31). The circuit board occupies almost all the space in the casing.

The grade is 10 (with 15 being the highest possible grade)

After the 3rd stage of the stress test, the Samsung C3300K Champ got 301 (with 351 being the highest possible grade)

Conclusion:

Overall, the Samsung C3300K Champ showed average results in our stress tests. Let’s highlight its disadvantages. The bad results we must mention include the appearance, i.e. the chrome effect edging. A new Samsung C3300K Champ looks attractive, but in half a year a lot of scuffs are likely to appear on the screen. There is also a great risk to scratch the front panel of the phone. Beware of the contact with liquids: when we disassembled the phone, we saw that water and beer penetrated the circuit board.

Among the strong spots, we can point out the keys that can withstand dust and liquids. The signal strength of the phone is also fine. The Champ consumes little energy which guarantees many hours of talk time.

Here’s how the gadget looks like after all the tests (Pic. 32, 33, video 26).

Video 26. The Samsung C3300K Champ after all the tests

All in all, the Samsung C3300K Champ gains 707 points (with 783 being the highest possible grade).

Based on a 100-rating scale, the Samsung C3300K Champ gets 90 points.

Samsung C3300K Champ stress test, 8.2 out of 10 based on 6 ratings