Samsung F500 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Network Technology and Connectivity

The Samsung F500 is designed for GSM and HSPA networks, supporting both 2G and 3G bands. Specifically, it operates on GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies for 2G, while for 3G, it is compatible with HSDPA 2100 frequency. The device offers a decent speed through HSPA connectivity, which makes it relatively fast for its time in terms of data transfer and internet browsing.

Launch and Availability

Officially announced in December 2006, the Samsung F500 marked its entry into the market as a feature phone that targeted users demanding more multimedia capabilities. Although it showcased some innovative features, the device has since been discontinued, making it a notable part of Samsung’s mobile history specifically for being a part of the Ultra Edition series.

Body and Design

In terms of physical design, the Samsung F500 measures 116.4 x 50.4 x 10.7 mm, making it extremely pocket-friendly with its slim profile. It weighs only 107 grams, which makes it light and easy to carry. The phone utilizes a Mini-SIM format, which was standard during the time of its release.

Display Features

The Samsung F500 boasts a 2.4-inch TFT display capable of displaying up to 256K colors, a robust feature for its time, providing a bright and vibrant viewing experience. The screen resolution is 240 x 320 pixels, with a 4:3 aspect ratio and approximately 167 ppi pixel density, offering clarity suitable for viewing images and multimedia content.

Memory and Storage

When it comes to memory, the device includes 350MB of internal storage, which was reasonable for a feature phone during that era. It supports microSD cards through a dedicated slot, allowing users to expand storage as needed. The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries with photocall capabilities, and it keeps records of 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Camera and Multimedia

The primary camera of the Samsung F500 is a basic 2 MP shooter, sufficient for casual photography. It is capable of recording video at 320p resolution at 15 frames per second. Although not equipped with a selfie camera, the main camera serves well for simple photo-taking needs.

Sound and Audio

Audio features include downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, enhancing the customization potential of the device. However, the phone lacks a built-in loudspeaker and does not include a 3.5mm audio jack, which can limit audio accessory compatibility.

Communication and Connectivity

For wireless communication, the Samsung F500 is outfitted with Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, facilitating audio streaming for Bluetooth-enabled devices. It lacks Wi-Fi and radio features, but includes a USB 2.0 port for direct computer connectivity.

Additional Features and Battery

The F500 integrates features like SMS and MMS messaging, a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, and Java support with MIDP 2.0 enabling downloadable games. The battery configuration includes a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery offering up to 5 hours of talk time and 260 hours of standby time. An extended 1850 mAh battery variant offers more prolonged use with up to 11 hours of talk time.

Miscellaneous Attributes

Owners of this model had color options consisting of Black, Pure White, and Chocolate, offering a palette to suit different tastes. The SAR value is 1.18 W/kg (head) and 0.81 W/kg (body), with the European SAR being slightly lower at 0.90 W/kg (head), ensuring compliance with international safety standards. Priced initially at around 190 Euros, it targeted consumers looking for functionality balanced with cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung F500 was a key player in the feature phone market upon its release, providing an intriguing blend of multimedia capabilities and communication functions. Despite lacking modern smartphone features, it offered a balanced combination of design, functionality, and connectivity suited to the mobile user of the late 2000s.