Samsung M200 Comprehensive Specs Pricing & ProsCons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung M200

The Samsung M200, released in early 2009, is a feature phone that was designed to cater to the needs of those who sought basic mobile functionalities without the complexities of modern smartphones. While it is now discontinued, the device is remembered for its simplicity, durability, and practicality during the era when feature phones were the norm. This article delves into the various aspects of the Samsung M200, examining its specifications, features, and the impact it had on the mobile phone market during its time.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung M200 supports GSM technology, specifically on the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands, allowing for broad compatibility with global networks. However, it lacks EDGE capability, relying on GPRS Class 10 for data transfer. Although limited in today's context, these specifications were typical for the era and offered users reliable voice and text communication. The absence of advanced connectivity features such as WLAN and GPS positioning is indicative of its purpose as a straightforward communication device.

Design and Build

The design of the Samsung M200 emphasizes simplicity and compactness, with dimensions of 107.6 x 45.6 x 12.9 mm. This made it easy to handle and pocket-friendly, a key feature for many users. The device features a classic candy bar design with a mini-SIM slot, a common configuration in the late 2000s. The weight of the device is not specified, but it's likely light given its small form factor and minimal materials.

Display

The M200 is equipped with a 1.9-inch TFT display capable of displaying 65K colors. With a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, the display has a density of approximately 108 pixels per inch. While relatively small by modern standards, this screen size was typical for feature phones at the time and sufficiently served its purpose for texting and basic navigation.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of the Samsung M200 is limited to 20MB, aimed primarily at storing contacts and messages. However, the availability of a dedicated microSD slot allows users to expand storage, which was a valuable feature for those looking to save more multimedia files such as MP3s. The phonebook supports a considerable amount of entries, ensuring that users could maintain an extensive list of contacts without difficulty.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung M200 houses a single 1.3 MP main camera, which also supports video recording. While seemingly modest, this camera offered users the ability to capture basic photos and videos, a feature that was becoming increasingly popular at the time. The absence of a front-facing camera highlights its focus on essential functions as opposed to luxuries.

Sound and Multimedia

The device features a loudspeaker but lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, requiring users to rely on its built-in speaker or Bluetooth for audio playback. This was somewhat limiting, but manageable with the use of Bluetooth headsets, which the phone supports with Bluetooth 2.0 and A2DP profiles. Additionally, the inclusion of an FM radio with recording capabilities provided users with an extra source of entertainment.

Communication and Messaging

Despite its simplicity, the Samsung M200 offered diverse messaging options including SMS, MMS, and Email, catering to different communication needs. The browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML for basic internet browsing. Preloaded games and downloadable options further enhanced the user experience by adding a layer of entertainment, despite its primary focus on communication.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable battery, the Samsung M200 could last up to 300 hours on stand-by and provide up to 3 hours of talk time. The advantage of a removable battery was significant, allowing users to easily swap out batteries in case of failure, a feature less common in modern smartphones.

Additional Features and Sensors

Besides its core functionalities, the Samsung M200 included basic gaming capabilities, and support for Java MIDP 2.0 enabled additional application installations. However, it did not include advanced sensors, staying true to its identity as a basic mobile device.

Market Position and Impact

Upon its release, the Samsung M200 was priced at approximately 90 EUR, placing it within an affordable range for many users. This price point, combined with its reliable functionality, made it a competitive choice in the feature phone market. Although discontinued, the M200 is still remembered fondly by users who valued its simplicity and dependability.

Conclusion

The Samsung M200 embodies an era where mobile phones were primarily designed for calls, texts, and essential multimedia. Its features, while basic by the standards of today's smartphones, met the needs of consumers looking for simplicity and ease of use. The device's compact design, expandable storage, and reliable performance made it a successful product in its time.