Samsung B500 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung B500 operates on GSM, specifically supporting GSM 900 and 1800 bands. This was quite standard at the time for feature phones, ensuring compatibility and decent coverage for voice communications. While lacking more advanced technologies like 3G or 4G, its dual-band functionality was more than adequate for basic phone usage. The device includes GPRS Class 10 for basic data transmissions, though it lacks EDGE technology, reflecting its limitations in high-speed internet capabilities.

Launch and Market Position

Announced in February 2008 and released in March of the same year, the Samsung B500 targeted consumers seeking a basic, reliable mobile device. This was an era when feature phones still held prominence, with smartphones just starting to gain traction. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the B500 represented an accessible option at its price point, roughly 80 EUR, appealing to those who prioritized essential communication features over advanced smartphone functionalities.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Samsung B500 sports dimensions of 88 x 43 x 17.9 mm and weighs only 79 grams. This compact and lightweight build made it extremely portable and easy to handle. The phone features a Mini-SIM card slot and comes in a range of colors including Blue, Black, and Gray, offering some level of personalization. The straightforward construction and minimalistic design appealed to users looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use mobile device.

Display

The B500 features a CSTN display capable of rendering 65K colors. Measuring 1.67 inches with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, the screen offers a pixel density of approximately 123 ppi. While modest by today's standards, this display was adequate for its time, providing clear enough visuals for managing calls, messages, and basic applications. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 23.2%, reflecting the smaller screen sizes typical of feature phones.

Memory and Storage

internally, the Samsung B500 comes equipped with 1MB of storage, a common amount for feature phones that primarily focused on calling and messaging. The phone lacks a card slot, so storage expansion is not an option, which might be considered a limitation for users who need to store a larger number of contacts or messages. The phonebook capacity is sufficient for storing up to 500 entries with a photocall feature, and the call record functionality supports logging 30 dialed, received, and missed calls each.

Audio and Multimedia

Although it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, the B500 includes a loudspeaker, and supports various alert types such as vibration and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. While the absence of a dedicated audio out port limits some multimedia capabilities, the inclusion of FM radio offers access to music and news. The device does not support Bluetooth or WLAN, so streaming or wireless audio connectivity is not an option.

Communication Features

In terms of messaging, the Samsung B500 supports SMS, EMS, and MMS formats, making it versatile enough for different types of text and multimedia communications. The device features a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, suitable for basic web browsing, though considerably limited compared to modern internet experiences. Presence of Java support through MIDP 2.0 allows users to run select Java-based applications and games, providing limited entertainment options.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion battery powers the Samsung B500. With a standby time of up to 200 hours and talk time of up to 3 hours, the handset delivers decent battery performance for a feature phone, ideal for users interested in prolonged basic usage without frequent recharging. The option to replace the battery easily also adds to the device's longevity and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

While the Samsung B500 is now discontinued and possesses specifications that seem limited today, this feature phone encapsulated essential mobile communication capabilities suitable for its era. Its affordability, reliability, and user-friendliness made it a viable choice for many consumers, particularly those needing a simple and effective means for voice and basic messaging. Despite technological advances leading consumers toward smartphones, the Samsung B500 stands as a testament to the functionality and form that captured a market sector longing for straightforward communication tools.