SAMSUNG P100 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Samsung P100

The Samsung P100 was a mobile phone model released in the early 2000s, specifically announced in the third quarter of 2003. Although it did not enjoy a prolonged presence in the market, being discontinued shortly after its launch, it remains a noteworthy example of early mobile technology by Samsung.

Design and Build

The Samsung P100 features a compact and lightweight design with dimensions measuring 89 x 48 x 22.5 mm and weighing 93 grams. Designed for portability, it was easily carried in pockets or bags, making it convenient for users who valued mobility and ease of transport.

The phone utilized a Mini-SIM and was offered in a range of color options such as Blue Silver, Metallic Green, and Indigo Blue. This diversity in color choices provided users some personalization, a trend that was growing at the time of its release.

Display

The display on the Samsung P100 utilized a TFD screen capable of showcasing 65,000 colors with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. While modest by today’s standards, at the time, this was sufficiently vibrant for basic mobile functions and viewing images taken with its camera. However, the size of the display is unspecified in the data available.

Camera

This device comes with a single CIF (Common Intermediate Format) camera, which was capable of taking pictures at 0.1MP. While not designed for high-resolution photography, the camera enabled users to capture spontaneous moments, catering to the burgeoning trend of mobile photography.

The absence of a selfie camera is consistent with the technological norms of that era, as the focus on front-facing cameras only emerged in later years with the rise of social media and video calling.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung P100 supported GSM networks with frequencies of 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, which facilitated international use. The device also featured GPRS Class 8 connectivity, but lacked the more advanced EDGE technology for faster data transmission.

It included an infrared port for short-range wireless data exchange, a common feature prior to the widespread adoption of Bluetooth. However, it lacked both Bluetooth and WLAN capabilities, reflecting the early development stage of these technologies.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, which limited its audio output capabilities. Sound alerts were managed through vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, emphasizing personalization and the user’s ability to customize their device.

The Samsung P100 featured basic multimedia capabilities, consisting of three games pre-loaded onto the device. This reflected the limited storage and processing capacity, restricting it to the basic functions typical of phones at the time.

Memory and Storage

One limitation of the device was the absence of a memory card slot, meaning users could not expand the phone’s storage. Nonetheless, it offered a phonebook capable of storing up to 1000 contacts, along with contact grouping features, which were quite advanced for its time.

Messaging and Browser

The Samsung P100 supported several messaging formats, including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. This diversity in messaging services underlined the phone’s role as a communication device before the era of intensive internet-based communication.

The inclusion of a WAP 1.2 browser allowed for basic internet browsing. While not capable of handling modern websites, it sufficed for simple, text-based browsing tasks like checking email or reading news headlines.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery, the Samsung P100 offered modest battery life by today's standards, but was adequate for the time. The removable nature of the battery gave users the flexibility to replace it, extending the usability of the phone.

Additional Features

Some additional features of the Samsung P100 included a built-in clock, an alarm function, and three onboard games. These features were fairly standard at the time and illustrate the focus on providing essential utilities to users.

Conclusion

The Samsung P100 stands as a testament to the early 2000s mobile technology, illustrating the beginning stages of mobile multimedia and connectivity. While it lacks many modern features, its compact design, basic imaging capabilities, and diverse messaging applications made it a functional device for its time. It provides insight into the evolution of mobile phones and the significant technological advancements that have since occurred.