Pantech PU5000 The Complete Guide to Specs Features & Pricing

Introduction to Pantech PU-5000

The Pantech PU-5000, though announced in June 2006 with an anticipated release, was unfortunately cancelled before making its way into the hands of consumers. Designed to meet the demands of the feature phone era, it combined practicality with a touch of innovation. Below, we delve into its key specifications and features, exploring its intended contributions to mobile telephony.

Network Capabilities

The Pantech PU-5000 was designed to operate on GSM and UMTS technologies. Its 2G compatibility spanned GSM 900/1800/1900 bands, making it viable across many global networks at the time. For 3G, it supported the UMTS 2100 band, offering relatively fast wireless communication for its era with speeds up to 384 kbps. This versatility made it suitable for users who needed reliability in network performance without the complexities of smartphones.

Design and Build

Weighing only 92 grams and featuring a compact form factor with dimensions of 95.7 x 45.6 x 21.6 mm, the PU-5000 was both lightweight and pocket-friendly. Its design was straightforward, using a mini-SIM card, typical for devices of its time. The phone boasted a silver-black color which provided a stylish and business-like appearance, aiming to attract both professional and casual users.

Display Specifications

The device came with a 1.9-inch TFT display capable of showcasing 260K colors. With a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, the screen offered a pixel density of approximately 148 ppi. While this may seem modest by today’s smartphone resolutions, it was standard for feature phones in the mid-2000s, allowing for clear enough viewing for its intended purposes of basic multimedia and communication.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the Pantech PU-5000 was equipped with 30MB of storage. Though limited, it supported expansion via a microSD card slot, allowing users to add more storage as needed. The phonebook functionality could store a substantial amount of contacts, and the device could record up to 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls each, which sufficed for managing communications effectively during its time.

Camera Capabilities

Mainly, the PU-5000 featured a single 1.3 MP rear camera capable of basic photography and video recording. On the front, it had a VGA camera intended predominantly for video calls rather than contemporary selfies. The capability for video calls was particularly advanced for feature phones at the time, showcasing Pantech’s intention to bring some 3G benefits to a broader audience.

Audio and Connectivity

Equipped with a built-in loudspeaker and the ability to download polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, the PU-5000 balanced simplicity with a touch of personalization flexibility in alert types. It did not support a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to make use of its proprietary USB connectivity for additional accessories. Bluetooth support was available, allowing for wireless headset use and basic file transfers between devices.

Additional Software Features

Though lacking in extensive sensors and games, the Pantech PU-5000 supported SMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging, ensuring users stayed well connected. It featured a WAP 2.0 browser for treading the early mobile web. Moreover, compatibility with Java MIDP 2.0 opened the door to a range of downloadable applications and utilities, enhancing the phone's usability.

Battery Performance

The Pantech PU-5000 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, offering up to 4 hours of talk time or up to 340 hours on standby. This longevity was significant, given the phone's small display and efficient power management, ensuring it served well for basic communication throughout the day.

Conclusion

Despite its eventual cancellation, the Pantech PU-5000 was poised to be a solid contender in the feature phone market. It epitomized a blend of foundational mobile features with emerging technologies of its time, offering both functionality and a nod to the future of mobile connectivity. The device represented a step forward in making mobile communication more accessible and versatile, despite its inability to reach the market.