Unveiling Pantech GF500 Specs Prices & Insights

Overview of Pantech GF500

The Pantech GF500 is a feature phone that was announced in the first quarter of 2005. It showcases a compact design and basic functionalities, typical for feature phones of that era. Despite being discontinued now, it was once recognized for its straightforward usage and compact build.

Network and Connectivity

The Pantech GF500 operates on GSM networks, supporting GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. It includes GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Class 10 for internet browsing, but lacks EDGE support which is evident of the limited data speed capabilities at the time. This phone does not feature advanced connectivity options such as Bluetooth or WLAN, but it does incorporate an infrared port which was commonly used for data transfer between devices in the mid-2000s.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 89 x 46 x 22 mm and a weight of 83 grams, the Pantech GF500 was designed to be lightweight and easily portable. It uses a Mini-SIM card, fitting well with the standard of the time. The phone was available in two colors: Silver Blue and Silver Black, catering to consumer preferences for subtle design variations.

Display

The phone is equipped with a TFT display that supports 256K colors, providing decent color representation for a feature phone. It has a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, which, while modest, was suitable for the simpler user interfaces and functionalities offered by feature phones.

Camera

For photography, the Pantech GF500 offers a 1.3 MP main camera. While this spec may seem minimal by today's standards, it was quite adequate for casual photography during the phone's prime years. The camera is equipped with an LED flash to assist in low-light conditions, and it supports basic video recording.

Memory and Storage

The device features an internal memory of 8.4MB, which was designed to hold essential data and applications without expandable storage options such as a memory card slot. The phonebook can store up to 800 entries, complete with the option for photo calls. Additionally, it logs 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls for easy call management.

Sound

Sound notifications in GF500 include vibrations, polyphonic (64), and MP3 ringtones, although it lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, highlighting its limitations in audio performance. However, these features were fairly standard for feature phones at the time, offering adequate options for audible alerts.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion battery, the Pantech GF500 supports up to 150 hours on standby and offers up to 3 hours of talk time. Such specifications ensured that users could remain connected throughout the day without frequent recharging, adhering to the practical needs of typical feature phone consumers.

Additional Features

In terms of software, the Pantech GF500 runs on a proprietary system designed for feature phones, enabling basic functionalities such as SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser provides limited internet browsing capabilities, suited to the internet speeds and content formats available in the mid-2000s. For leisure, the phone includes built-in games with the possibility of downloading additional ones. Additionally, Java MIDP 2.0 support offers the possibility of running simple Java applications.

The phone does not have advanced sensors or GPS positioning systems, reflecting its design as a basic, user-friendly device. Such characteristics make the GF500 a representation of the straightforward technological approach taken by manufacturers for feature phones during this period.