Samsung SGH600 Comprehensive Review

Overview of Samsung SGH-600

The Samsung SGH-600 is a feature phone that was announced in 1999 and has since been discontinued. It was part of the early generation of mobile phones that focused on providing basic communication functionalities. The device is recognized for its simplistic design and reliable features which were suitable for the mobile users of that era.

Network Specifications

The Samsung SGH-600 operates on the GSM technology, specifically on the GSM 900 band. This was one of the first mobile technologies that allowed for widespread mobile phone usage across different regions. The device does not support GPRS or EDGE, meaning it was largely limited to voice calls and text messaging without the capability for data-intensive applications or internet connectivity.

Launch and Availability

First announced in 1999, the Samsung SGH-600 was released during a time when mobile phones were becoming increasingly popular worldwide. However, the phone has been discontinued, which means it is no longer available for purchase through standard retail channels.

Body and Design

The SGH-600 boasts a compact size with dimensions of 108 x 44 x 21 mm and weighs approximately 95 g with its slim battery, making it lightweight and easy to carry. It uses a Mini-SIM card, a standard at the time. The phone's design was typical of the era, focusing on portability and ease of use rather than advanced functionalities.

Display Features

Unlike modern smartphones with large, high-resolution screens, the Samsung SGH-600 features a monochrome graphic display. The resolution of the screen is 96 x 32 pixels and the display can show up to 4 lines of text. This simplicity in display was common among feature phones of the time, prioritizing basic functionality.

Memory and Storage

The phone does not have a card slot for additional storage, indicating limited built-in memory. It can store up to 100 contacts in the phonebook and keeps records of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. This sparse memory was typical for the era, where phones were mainly communication devices rather than multi-use gadgets.

Camera and Multimedia

The SGH-600 does not include a camera or support for multimedia functionalities that are commonplace in today’s mobile phones. Instead, the device focuses solely on voice and text communication. Audio is also limited, with the phone supporting monophonic ringtones and lacking a loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack.

Connectivity Options

As a feature phone, the Samsung SGH-600 lacks modern connectivity options. It does not support WLAN or Bluetooth, nor does it have GPS capabilities, radio, or USB interface. This means that data transfer and connectivity options outside of direct mobile network communication are extremely limited.

Additional Features

Among other features, the SGH-600 includes basic tools like a clock and an alarm. It can send and receive SMS, but lacks a browser for internet access. The phone does not support games or Java applications, but offers functionality in 17 different languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The absence of advanced sensors further roots the device in its time period.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery. In its slim form, the phone provides a stand-by time of up to 35 hours and a talk time of approximately 2 and a half hours. With the standard battery, stand-by time extends to around 65 hours and talk time can reach up to 3 and a half hours. Battery life was a consideration for mobile phones at the time, particularly for those frequently away from charging facilities.

Color Options

The phone was available in two color variants, reflecting the minimalist design preferences of that period. Though not varied compared to contemporary standards, the availability of color options was a means to appeal to a broader consumer base.

Legacy and Impact

The Samsung SGH-600 holds a significant place in mobile phone history. As a feature phone preceding the smartphone boom, it represents a time when phones were shifting from luxury items to everyday necessities. Its design and features were fitting for the transitional phase from basic mobile communication devices to multi-functional smartphones.

In summary, the Samsung SGH-600 is a symbol of the late '90s mobile technology advancements. It showcases the balance of reliability, simplicity, and portability that defined the early era of mobile communications.