Samsung J200 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to the Samsung J200

The Samsung J200 is a device that marked its entry into the market in the late 2000s, reflecting a period of transition and offering essential features that fit the needs of that era. This phone, categorized as a feature phone, bridged the gap between the basic phones and the emerging smartphones during its time. Let's delve into its specifications, which define its positioning in the mobile phone ecosystem of the late 2000s.

Network and Connectivity

The J200 operates on GSM and UMTS network technologies, providing users with 2G and 3G connectivity options. The supported 2G bands include GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, while the 3G band support is limited to UMTS 2100, catering mainly to the European markets. With a data speed of up to 384 kbps, users could enjoy basic internet browsing and multimedia messaging.

Launch and Availability

Announced in August 2007, the Samsung J200 was made available in the market by January 2008. Although discontinued later, it served as a reliable choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for essential mobile features during its tenure.

Design and Build

The J200’s dimensions are 103 x 44.5 x 15.5 mm, and it weighs around 79 grams, making it compact and lightweight. It features a traditional bar phone design, equipped with a Mini-SIM slot. Its ergonomic design allowed for ease of use, while its black color provided a classic and professional appearance.

Display Characteristics

This device features a TFT display that supports up to 256K colors, a vivid display standard for feature phones during that period. The 1.8-inch screen, which has a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, catered to the essential needs of phone users by providing basic visual clarity and color production suitable for typical phone functions such as calls, texts, and basic multimedia viewing.

Memory and Storage

The J200 was equipped with 40MB of internal memory, which was considered ample for storing contacts and SMS messages at the time. It also featured a dedicated microSD card slot allowing users to expand their storage, which was essential for storing additional data such as photos and music files. The phone's phonebook supported up to 1000 entries and included a photocall feature. Users could also access a log of 30 dialed, received, and missed calls, which facilitated efficient call management.

Camera Features

The Samsung J200 was designed with a 1.3 MP main camera that also supported CIF video recording, providing users a tool for capturing moments in still photography and basic video captures. The inclusion of a VGA camera for video calls was an innovative feature for the era, allowing users to engage in face-to-face communication despite its basic resolution.

Audio and Sound

Sound management on the J200 included a built-in loudspeaker and support for vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, giving users flexibility in customizing alert tones. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which required users to utilize compatible Bluetooth headsets or use proprietary accessories.

Connectivity Options

For wireless connectivity, the J200 provided Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, facilitating a relatively straightforward method to connect to Bluetooth accessories and transfer files wirelessly. The absence of Wi-Fi and GPS was typical for feature phones of its time. The phone did not include a built-in FM radio, which could have provided live news and entertainment for the users.

Additional Features

The phone supports various messaging formats including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, enabling users to stay connected through multiple forms of text communication. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allowed for basic web browsing. Java support (MIDP 2.0) enabled users to enjoy downloadable games and applications, which were prevalent among mobile phones at the time.

Battery Life

The J200 housed a removable Li-Ion battery. Although the battery's capacity isn't specified, the removable aspect allowed users to swap out batteries if necessary, ensuring longer device longevity and usability per charge—standard among feature phones.

Concluding Thoughts

Priced at about 70 EUR, the Samsung J200 provided value for its time through its practical functionality and affordability. The device met user needs for essential communication with a few bonus features such as a basic camera and Bluetooth connectivity. While it may not compete with smartphones today, its importance lies in its role in mobile technology evolution, bridging older mobile designs with emerging technologies that paved the way for the future of mobile phones.