Samsung S200 Complete Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung S200

The Samsung S200, introduced in 2003, is a feature phone that marked Samsung's foray into the burgeoning mobile phone market of the early 2000s. Despite its modest specifications by today's standards, the S200 captivated users with its compact design, reliable performance, and essential features tailored for the time.

Design and Build

The Samsung S200 possesses a small and sleek design, with dimensions of 81 x 40 x 22 mm, making it easily portable. Weighing just 75 grams, it is lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand. The phone came in various colors, including Metallic Silver, Pearl White, Deep Blue, and Wine Red, adding a touch of personalization and style to the user's choice.

Display

The phone features a compact UFB display capable of showing 65K colors. Its resolution of 128 x 144 pixels, while limited, provided vibrant colors for its time. The phone's display was suited to showcase simple graphics and text efficiently, and was geared towards offering a pleasant viewing experience for basic phone functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM technology, the Samsung S200 operated on 2G bands including GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900. It featured GPRS Class 8 connectivity, allowing for modest data transfer rates. Notably, the phone did not support EDGE, WLAN, or Bluetooth, which were emerging technologies at that time for connectivity.

However, the device included an infrared port, a common feature of the era, allowing users to transfer contacts and other data wirelessly within a limited range. The omission of a 3.5mm jack and loudspeaker pointed towards its focus on basic usage and voice communication.

Battery and Performance

The S200 was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery, providing a standby time of up to 220 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours and 30 minutes. An extended battery option with 900 mAh capacity was available, offering even longer standby and talk times — making it a reliable choice for long-term usage without frequent charging, a significant advantage at the time.

User Interface and Functionality

Running on a feature phone operating system, the Samsung S200 provided a user-friendly interface with straightforward navigation. It supported SMS and EMS messaging, expanding communication possibilities beyond simple text messages by allowing formats like enriched texts and emoticons.

The device offered a WAP 1.2.1 browser, allowing users to access the internet in a very limited capacity. Standard features included a clock and alarm, ensuring utility in daily activities. Entertainment was catered to with two pre-installed games, Honey Ball and Hamster, as well as Java support for additional applications.

Memory and Storage

The phone did not include a card slot for expandable memory, a limitation that is stark compared to the near-infinite storage capabilities of modern smartphones. The S200 allowed for storing up to 500 contacts in its phonebook, arranged in groups, with logs for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls to keep track of communication.

Lack of Camera and Multimedia

Notably, the Samsung S200 did not feature a camera, which today stands out as a significant absence. At the time, this was not uncommon as cameras in phones were still emerging and considered a luxury. It focused on core functionalities rather than multimedia capabilities.

The absence of more advanced sound features like stereo output or high-definition ringtones further signifies its nature as a simple communication device rather than an all-in-one media center.

Market Position and Legacy

Released in a time when mobile phones were transitioning from luxurious gadgets to everyday necessities, the Samsung S200 held its ground by offering reliability and essential features. The phone was branded towards users who needed a dependable communication device more than a feature-rich multimedia powerhouse.

For Samsung, the S200 contributed to solidifying their reputation as a key player in the global phone market. While it has since been discontinued, the S200 remains a testament to the humble beginnings of what has eventually evolved into the modern smartphone landscape.