Unveiling the NEC DB500 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to NEC DB500

The NEC DB500 is a feature phone that marked its presence during the late 1990s. Released in 1999, it embodies the technological simplicity of its era. It represents a time when mobile phones were primarily used for calling and texting, lacking many of the features that are standard today.

Design and Build

The NEC DB500 is designed with practicality in mind. At dimensions of 134 x 48 x 26 mm and a weight of 135 grams, the phone is portable and easily fits into pockets. It features a solid build typical of the late 90s design ethos with a robust body capable of withstanding the wear and tear of daily usage.

This device utilizes a Mini-SIM card, which was standard for its time, facilitating easy connectivity on GSM networks operating at frequencies of 900/1800 MHz.

Display

The display is alphanumeric, a standard for devices of its era. It does not feature a high-resolution screen as seen in modern smartphones. Instead, the display supports up to 4 x 12 characters, sufficient for viewing text messages and basic phone information.

Performance

While specific details about the processor and RAM are unavailable, the NEC DB500 is typical of feature phones that rely on basic processing capabilities. This simplicity ensures the device performs its primary functions—calling and texting—with efficiency.

Memory and Storage

This model does not come with support for external memory cards, a common limitation of mobile phones from that period. However, it offers a simple phonebook and call records capability, tracking 5 dialed, 5 received, and 5 missed calls, aligning with its feature phone status.

Connectivity

The NEC DB500 operates on GSM networks and lacks support for GPRS or EDGE, limiting its connectivity to basic cellular interactions. The absence of modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB ports underlines the era this device belongs to.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable NiMH battery with a capacity of 550mAh. On standby, the device can last between 130 to 150 hours, and it offers a talk time of 120 to 400 minutes. This endurance is suitable for the feature phone category, allowing users extended periods of basic operation without frequent recharging.

Sound and Alerts

The sound system on the NEC DB500 is basic, featuring monophonic ringtones. It lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, common among its contemporaries, focusing more on essential functionalities.

User Interface and Software

Operating as a feature phone, the NEC DB500 does not run on a complex operating system like those found in smartphones. It includes basic functionalities such as SMS messaging, a clock, and an alarm. It supports 17 languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users globally.

Additional Features

The NEC DB500 lacks a camera, radio, and games, reflecting its status as a simple, focused communication tool. Its design philosophy prioritizes communication over entertainment or photography capabilities. Despite its simplicity, the phone was available in four colors, adding a touch of personalization.

Conclusion

The NEC DB500 is a historical icon in the mobile phone industry. It encapsulates the transition from traditional landline communication to personal mobile connectivity. As a discontinued model, it serves as a testament to the rapid advancements in mobile technology, echoing an era when devices were straightforward and focused on essential communication services.