Price and specifications of Bird S199 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview and Release

The Bird S199 was announced in the third quarter of 2005 and has since been discontinued. It was a feature phone designed at a time when mobile phones were rapidly evolving, yet catered to users looking for basic functionalities without the complexities of smartphones. This device was popularly recognized for its simplicity and efficiency in performing essential tasks like calling and messaging.

Design and Build

The Bird S199 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 104.3 x 42.6 x 15 mm and a feather-light weight of 75 grams. This made it incredibly portable and user-friendly. The body of the phone was built to accommodate a Mini-SIM, reflecting the standard technology of that period. The design comes in two classic colors: Silver and Black, providing a touch of elegance and simplicity.

Display

The display of the Bird S199 utilized a CSTN mono screen, which was common for feature phones of that era. Though the size of the screen is not detailed, it offered a resolution of 112 x 64 pixels, supporting a 16:9 ratio. This straightforward display was effective for users interested in basic communication and functionality without the distraction of high-resolution graphics.

Networking and Connectivity

The Bird S199 was equipped with GSM technology and supported 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800, which were widely used networks at that time. However, it lacked modern connectivity features such as GPRS, EDGE, and Bluetooth, focusing instead on core communication capabilities.

Memory

The Bird S199 did not support any external memory card slots, aligning with the practice of many feature phones at the time. It featured a phonebook capacity of up to 250 entries, which was more than sufficient for average users. Call records were aptly managed, with space for 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls, facilitating the user's call management needs.

Sound and Alerts

Continuing with its focus on essential features, the Bird S199 included a loudspeaker for clear audio output. For alerts, users could rely on vibration and monophonic ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm jack indicates that it wasn't designed for extensive multimedia use, further emphasizing its intended role as an efficient communication tool.

Battery Performance

The Bird S199 was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 1000mAh. This ensured that users could easily replace the battery if needed, extending the phone's longevity. In terms of performance, it offered up to 140 hours of standby time and a talk time of up to 2 hours, which was on par with other feature phones at that time and adequate for daily use in basic communication.

User Interface and Features

As a feature phone, the Bird S199 operated on a simple system designed for unpretentious functionality. It supported SMS messaging and came with a few built-in games to provide occasional entertainment. However, it didn't support more advanced features like Java applications or a web browser, making it an ideal choice for users who preferred minimalism over complexity.

Notable Limitations

While the Bird S199 had several beneficial features for its time, it did have limitations that are worth noting. The lack of a camera, internet connectivity, and multimedia capabilities may have been viewed as drawbacks. However, for a segment of users looking for a reliable, straightforward communication device, these omissions were unproblematic.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Bird S199 represents a class of mobile phones that focused on providing primary communication functions in a straightforward package. Its simple features, portability, and user-friendly interface made it a perfect fit for those who needed a no-frills device. Although it didn't offer the latest technology, it excelled in delivering reliability and ease of use, marking its place in the history of mobile communication.