Price and specifications of Pantech GF200 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Pantech GF200

The Pantech GF200 was released in 2004 and it was designed as a feature phone during an era where smartphones were still a nascent technology. This device was noted for its compact design and feature set that catered to the basic needs of mobile users during that time. Although it has been discontinued, its specifications offer an interesting insight into the technological landscape of the early 2000s.

Design and Display

The Pantech GF200 had a compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 81 x 42 x 22 mm and a weight of only 85 grams. This made it fairly portable and easy to carry around. The phone featured a TFT display capable of showing 256K colors, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. Although small by today's standards, this screen was adequate for the basic functions that the phone offered.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM network technology, specifically on the 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands, making it compatible with various networks worldwide. It featured Class 10 GPRS for data connectivity but lacked EDGE support, which was a newer technology at the time. The phone did not come with modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but it did include an infrared port for data transfer.

Camera

For photography, the Pantech GF200 came equipped with a VGA camera with a 0.3 MP sensor and an LED flash. This offered basic photo-taking capabilities, a standard feature for phones during that time. While video recording was supported, the quality was limited, aligning with the technological constraints of that period.

Memory and Storage

The Pantech GF200 provided 8.4 MB of internal storage, which was enough for storing contacts, messages, and a few multimedia files. The phone could store up to 800 contacts with support for photoregistration. However, it lacked an expandable memory option like a card slot, requiring users to manage the limited storage efficiently.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 820 mAh battery, the Pantech GF200 offered standby time of up to 200 hours and talk time of up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. This battery performance was typical for feature phones and allowed users to go longer periods between charging sessions compared to today's smartphones.

Audio and Sound

The phone featured stereo speakers and supported downloadable polyphonic ringtones, which were quite popular at the time. It did not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting audio output options. However, it supported vibration alerts and various ringtone options for customization.

Software and Features

The Pantech GF200 operated on a proprietary operating system tailored for feature phones. It supported SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging, and included a WAP 1.2.1 browser for basic web access. Java support enabled users to download and play simple games. Despite lacking sensors or advanced applications, the phone served its purpose well by offering the essential communication features needed for that era.

Conclusion

The Pantech GF200 represents an era of mobile phones where simplicity and functionality were prioritized over the extensive features present in modern smartphones. Although it has since been discontinued, its compact design and fundamental features served the needs of users in the early 2000s. Looking back, the Pantech GF200 serves as a reminder of the rapid technological advancements in mobile devices over the past two decades.