Samsung SGH500 Comprehensive Review Specs & Pricing Unveiled

Overview of Samsung SGH-500

The Samsung SGH-500 was a mobile phone introduced towards the end of the 1990s, at a time when mobile technology was burgeoning and innovations were steadily being integrated into consumer electronics. This device is often remembered for its simplicity and practicality, appealing to consumers who prioritized basic communication functions.

Design and Build

The SGH-500 is characterized by its compact design, featuring dimensions of 112 x 48 x 19 mm. Weighing in at 115 grams with its slim battery, it was considered quite portable during its time. The device was built to be comfortable to hold and operate, with a design that incorporated a monochrome graphic display.

Display

The display of the Samsung SGH-500 was straightforward and functional, using a monochrome graphic type. It had a resolution of 78 x 42 pixels, able to display four lines of text, a common feature that allowed users to easily read messages and navigate through the phone's menus even without the colorful displays we are accustomed to today.

Network and Connectivity

Connectivity for the SGH-500 was based on GSM technology. It supported only the GSM 900 band, which was a standard for mobile communication at the time. However, it did not support GPRS or EDGE, meaning data communication was limited to voice and simple text messages.

Launch and Availability

The Samsung SGH-500 was announced in 1998. Although it has since been discontinued, it was once a staple in Samsung's early mobile phone lineup. Its release marked a significant moment for Samsung as the company continued to establish itself in the mobile phone industry.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the phone was not expandable as there was no card slot available. However, it offered a phonebook capacity for 100 contacts and could keep records for the last 11 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. These features were in line with the typical mobile phones available at that time, serving basic user needs.

Sound and Alerts

The SGH-500 did not come with a loudspeaker and used monophonic ringtones, which was standard for phones from its era. It also supported vibration alerts but did not include a 3.5mm audio jack, reflecting its focus on calls and messaging over multimedia features.

Battery Life

The power unit powering the SGH-500 was a removable Li-Ion battery. It provided a stand-by time of up to 60 hours and a talk time of roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, which was typical for feature phones of that generation. Users valued the ability to quickly swap out batteries, which is a feature not commonly seen in modern smartphones.

Features and Functionality

This phone embraced the essential functions needed for communication including SMS messaging capabilities. It featured an alarm clock, and supported multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide user base. However, it did not feature any games or a built-in web browser, aligning with its role as a straightforward communication device.

Miscellaneous Features

The Samsung SGH-500 was available in three different color options, giving users some degree of personal customization. Despite its limited features compared to modern devices, it was a useful and reliable tool for many people during its time.

Conclusion

The Samsung SGH-500 remains a nostalgic piece of technology, reflecting the transitional phase of mobile phone evolution during the late 1990s. Its focus on providing fundamental communication features like calling and SMS, in a portable and durable format, helped pave the way for the fast-evolving technology in the mobile phone market.