Price and specifications of Samsung E100 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of the Samsung E100

The Samsung E100 is a classic feature phone that reflects the transitional phase of mobile phone technology when the need for sleek and portable communication devices was rising. Announced in the third quarter of 2003, the Samsung E100 showcases the era's characteristic cutting-edge design and functionality for its time, although it has since been discontinued. Here, we will explore the different features, specifications, and general impact of the Samsung E100 with a detailed examination of its components and market relevance.

Design and Body

The Samsung E100 boasts a compact and lightweight design with dimensions measuring 83 x 46 x 21 mm (3.27 x 1.81 x 0.83 in) and a weight of just 80 grams (2.82 oz). It is constructed to provide comfort in handling and carrying, using a Mini-SIM for connectivity. The ergonomic design ensures that the phone easily fits into users' pockets, making it highly portable by today's standards.

Display Features

The device sports a TFD display supporting 65K colors, providing good clarity and vibrancy during its time, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, allowing for 8 lines of text. This screen specification, though basic by contemporary standards, offered users a decent quality display for viewing messages and navigating through phone functions.

Network and Connectivity

Focusing on essential connectivity, the Samsung E100 operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800. It also includes GPRS Class 10, enabling basic data transfer capabilities. Connectivity was limited to infrared ports, as the phone lacks modern technology such as Bluetooth, WLAN, and USB ports, reflecting the period's typical standards.

Memory and Storage

The phone's memory capabilities are memory card slot-free, reliant on capacious internal storage that comfortably accommodates a 500-entry phonebook. Call records are segmented into 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, which suffice for typical use at the time.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, the Samsung E100 handles up to 230 hours of standby time and approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. Such battery performance marked a balance between compact design and user expectation of reliability on a single charge.

Audio and Alerts

The phone does not feature a loudspeaker nor a 3.5mm jack, but it does support vibration alerts and offers downloadable polyphonic ringtones, enchanting its users with a wider variety of sound notifications compared to monophonic tones offered by its predecessors.

Communication and Messaging

The Samsung E100 supports SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging, catering to the increasingly diverse communication needs of that era. It also features a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic mobile internet browsing, marking important strides in making digital connectivity more accessible.

Gaming and Entertainment

Entertainment on the Samsung E100 included pre-installed games like "Honey Ball," "Go! hamster," and "Bowling," with the potential for java downloadable extra content to diversify the user experience.

Miscellaneous Features

Despite lacking advanced sensors, GPS positioning, radio, or Java support, the Samsung E100's compactness, reliability, and affordability made it a popular choice within its market segment. Its SAR value was measured at 0.71 W/kg for the head by EU standards, aligning with safety and performance criteria of the time.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung E100 stands as a testament to the evolution of mobile technology in the early 2000s. It encapsulated core functionalities and set trends in design and usability that paved the way for future advancements. Despite its simplicity and limitations by today's metrics, it was celebrated for innovation and accessibility during its life span.