Panasonic A200 Comprehensive Review with Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Panasonic A200

The Panasonic A200 was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2004, representing a compact and lightweight mobile device that catered to the essential communication needs of its time. As a feature phone, it offered basic functionalities suitable for users who required simple mobile communication without the complexities of modern smartphones. Despite its minimalistic features, the A200 holds a special place in the evolution of mobile phones, reflecting the technological aspirations and limitations of its era.

Design and Build

The Panasonic A200's design focuses on simplicity and functionality. It measures 90 x 44 x 18 mm with a volume of 67 cc, making it a compact option for those on the move. Weighing only 77 grams, the phone is notably lightweight, enhancing its portability. The use of a mini-SIM aligns with the standards of the time, and its physical structure supports durability with the basic plastic casing. Available in three colors—White, Black, and Pink—the A200 offers a bit of personalization for users.

Display Features

Equipped with a TFT screen that supports 65K colors, the Panasonic A200 provides a basic yet effective display. The resolution of 128 x 128 pixels ensures that the interface and visual elements, though simplistic, are adequately visible for the phone’s purpose. While the screen size is modest, it fulfills the fundamental requirements for displaying text messages and menu options.

Network and Connectivity

The device operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands of GSM 900 and 1800. It includes GPRS Class 4 for basic data services, allowing for simple web browsing via its WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. However, the phone lacks advanced connectivity features such as EDGE, Bluetooth, WLAN, GPS, and USB support, reflecting its role as a device primarily for voice calls and text messaging.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage capacity of the Panasonic A200 is 512 KB, which, by today's standards, is minimal. It does not support memory expansion via card slots, thus limiting its use for media storage. The phonebook can accommodate 200 entries with 10 fields each, supporting features like picture call and contact grouping into 10 different categories. Additionally, it keeps logs of 50 dialed, 50 received, and 20 missed calls—a handy feature for tracking communication.

Sound and Alert Systems

Sound capabilities on the A200 are straightforward, omitting a loudspeaker and the 3.5mm headphone jack. Alert options include vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, which can be customized with the built-in composer. This feature set highlights the phone's primary function as a communication tool, focusing less on multimedia entertainment.

Battery Performance

The Panasonic A200 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 730 mAh battery, offering reliable power management for its time. The standby time can reach up to 300 hours, with a talk time of up to 9 hours per full charge, catering well to users who need long-lasting performance without frequent charging sessions. This battery life coincides with its streamlined features, ensuring efficiency and practicality.

Games and Other Features

Game enthusiasts could engage with two built-in games: Wall Breaker and Move Box. While simplistic, these games provided entertainment during downtime. The lack of Java support limited further game downloads or application expansion, aligning with the device's focus on core functionalities. Additionally, messaging features are comprehensive for the time, supporting SMS, EMS, and MMS formats, which expanded the ways users could communicate visually.

Conclusion

In summary, the Panasonic A200 reflects a time when mobile phones were transitioning from being mere communication devices to full-feature multimedia hubs. While it lacks modern-day features such as a camera or multimedia functionality, its durability, design simplicity, and reliability underscore the essence of feature phones. The A200 holds historical value, serving as a reminder of how much mobile technology has evolved and how users' needs have shifted towards more integrated and comprehensive mobile experiences overtime.