Comprehensive Review Samsung D100 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung D100

The Samsung D100, released in the third quarter of 2003, is a feature phone that exemplifies the mobile technology transition era. At a time when mobile communication was beginning to integrate more advanced features, Samsung delivered a device that merged practicality with emerging technology, setting a foundational standard for what was to come.

Design and Build

The Samsung D100's design is compact and robust, measured at 85 x 43 x 27 mm and weighing only 88 grams. Its lightweight nature made it highly portable and conducive to everyday use. The phone supports a Mini-SIM and its body layout was a precursor to the feature phones of the era, providing a comfortable grip and easy operation.

Display Characteristics

The device sports a TFD screen capable of showcasing 65K colors, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. This display was quite advanced for its time, allowing users to enjoy more detailed and colorful graphics and visuals compared to other phones that were limited to monochrome displays.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung D100 was built to operate on GSM networks with 2G bands covering GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 frequencies. Supporting GPRS Class 10, it allowed for basic mobile internet browsing through its WAP 1.2.1 browser. Though lacking advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth or WLAN, the phone did include an infrared port, which allowed for data transfer with other devices equipped with infrared capability.

Memory and Storage

Memory constraints were a hallmark of early mobile phones, and the Samsung D100 followed this trend with no expandable storage slot. However, it could store up to 1000 phonebook entries with contact groups, alongside call logs for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This was considered substantial storage at that time, offering users ample space for their essential contacts and call records.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable 800 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Samsung D100 could stand by for up to 150 hours or provide a talk time of about 3 hours on a full charge. Such battery longevity reinforced its utility as a reliable communication device during its period of usage.

Sound and Alerts

The phone did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, which limited audio output options. However, users could download polyphonic ringtones that vibrantly utilized the phone’s audio capabilities. Vibration alerts supplemented this feature, ensuring that users were promptly notified of incoming calls and messages.

Communication Features

The Samsung D100 offered several basic communication tools, including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, providing a basic framework for both text and multimedia messaging. Despite not supporting newer messaging technologies of that era, these options were adequate for users looking to stay connected over simple media.

Additional Features and Games

Apart from essential features such as a clock and an alarm, the Samsung D100 came with pre-installed Java-enabled games. Users could entertain themselves with classic games like Bowling, Mobile Chess, Fun2Link, BubbleSmile, Ultimate Golf, and Java-based applications, adding an edge of leisure to the phone's utilitarian design.

Market Impact and Legacy

During its launch, the Samsung D100 established itself as a reliable feature phone, combining essential communication tools with early internet capabilities. Although it was eventually discontinued, it represented a crucial step in the evolution of mobile devices, transitioning from mere communication gadgets to multifunctional tools.

Today, while the D100 might seem outdated, it serves as a reminder of the rapid technological advancements that have since transformed the mobile industry. Its balance of functionality, design, and connectivity set a precedent for subsequent Samsung models and left a lasting imprint on the early 2000s mobile landscape.