NEC N500 Full Specs Pricing & Review

Overview of the NEC N500

The NEC N500 was a feature phone introduced in the fourth quarter of 2004, representing a unique blend of practical utility and sleek design for its time. While not abundant with features compared to modern smartphones, the NEC N500 offered essential functionalities tailored for users looking for a reliable and straightforward mobile phone experience.

Design and Build Quality

With dimensions of 86 x 48 x 14.5 mm, the NEC N500 was compact and easy to carry, weighing only 80 grams. These dimensions made it quite handy for users seeking a lightweight device. The phone's aesthetic was characterized by its minimalist form factor and was available in classic colors such as white and black. The device utilized a Mini-SIM format, typical for phones of that era.

Display Characteristics

The NEC N500 featured a TFT resistive touchscreen that supported 256K colors. It provided a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. Despite its modest screen size, the display was adequate for basic functions such as text messaging and simple visual content.

Network and Connectivity

Operating on GSM technology, the NEC N500 supported 2G bands, including GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies, which were common for mobile communications at the time. Connectivity was basic, with GPRS for data services but lacking more advanced options such as EDGE, WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, or radio services.

User Interface and Functionality

This feature phone ran on a proprietary operating system, emphasizing ease of use with functionalities like SMS and MMS messaging. The device included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, offering a basic internet browsing experience. While it did not support Java applications, it allowed downloadable games, which were a popular form of entertainment for mobile users.

Memory and Storage

The NEC N500 had no expandable memory card slot, which was typical for feature phones during that period. It could store up to 300 entries in its phonebook and kept track of call records, logging up to 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a VGA camera of 0.3MP, it provided very basic photography options. The camera supported video recording; however, it was limited by the technology of the time and did not include a selfie camera or advanced photo features.

Battery Life and Management

The phone featured a removable Li-Ion 540mAh battery, a considerable specification for feature phones, granting up to 120 hours of standby time and approximately 2 hours of talk time on a full charge. This endurance was sufficient for typical daily use cases, given the phone's limited power demands.

Sound and Alerts

The NEC N500 did not include a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, focusing instead on downloadable polyphonic ringtones for audio alerts. The vibration alert was another essential feature, ensuring users were notified of calls and messages even in noisy environments.

Market Presence and Legacy

Released during a time when feature phones dominated the market, the NEC N500 served its audience with essential functionalities without the complexities of modern smartphones. Although officially discontinued, its design and capabilities remain a representation of the transitional phase between basic mobile phones and the emerging smartphone technology of the early 2000s.