Price and specifications of Samsung T500 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Samsung T500

The Samsung T500 is a feature phone that was launched in the first quarter of 2003. Though it has been discontinued, it remains a memorable entry in the world of mobile phones due to its compact design and basic functionalities that served the communication needs at that time. The device is equipped with a simplistic feature set that reflects the tech landscape of the early 2000s, targeting users who prioritized basic telephony functions over advanced features.

Design and Build

The Samsung T500 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 76 x 44 x 23 mm and a lightweight build of 80 grams, making it highly portable and easy to carry. The phone features a Mini-SIM card slot, adhering to the standard SIM size used during this period. The only available color for this model was wine red, giving it a distinct aesthetic suitable for the fashion-forward consumer of its time.

Display

The display of the T500 sports a CSTN screen capable of displaying 65K colors, which was considered impressive for feature phones at the time. With a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, the screen size and quality were adequate for basic operations such as reading messages and checking call logs. However, the screen size in inches was not specified, typical of many devices from that era where precise display measurements were often omitted in specifications.

Battery and Standby Time

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, the T500 offered a standby time of up to 120 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. This was sufficient for users who required simple voice communication and limited screen interactions, as the energy demands were minimal compared to today's smartphones. The removable battery design offered the convenience of swapping batteries, which was a common practice for prolonging handset usability in those days.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung T500 operates on GSM technology, specifically supporting GSM 900/1800 bands. The phone lacks GPRS and EDGE capabilities, indicating its limitation to basic voice calls and SMS messaging. Connectivity options were minimal, with no support for Bluetooth, WLAN, or radio, and no positioning capabilities. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack further emphasizes its focus on voice communication rather than multimedia consumption.

Memory and Storage

When it comes to memory, the T500 does not support external memory card slots. Internally, it allows for storage of up to 500 phonebook entries with the option for creating contact groups, a useful feature for organizing contacts. The call records maintain a brief history of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This limited memory aligns with its intended use as a functional, communication-oriented device.

Sound and Alerts

The sound capabilities of the T500 include downloadable polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts, though it lacks a loudspeaker. The absence of a loudspeaker might be a drawback for some, but the phone caters to basic alert needs through its vibration function and polyphonic tones, which could also be user-composed to personalize the device’s ringtone.

Messaging and Browser

In terms of messaging features, the Samsung T500 supports SMS and Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS), providing a way to send text and simple multimedia content like pictures and sounds. The inclusion of WAP 1.2.1 browser allows for basic mobile internet access, though the browsing experience is limited compared to modern standards, focusing primarily on text-based content and simple web pages.

Additional Features

Additional features of the Samsung T500 include basic tools like a clock and an alarm function, essential utilities that have remained a staple in mobile phones. However, the device does not support Java applications, limiting its capability to run additional apps or games that could enhance user experience.

Market Position and Legacy

As a feature phone, the Samsung T500 was positioned to cater to a market segment prioritizing fundamental mobile communication features over advanced computing capabilities. Its release in 2003 placed it among numerous other feature phones competing for attention in a diversifying market. Though it does not compare with today's standards in terms of features or performance, the T500 remains a testament to the early days of mobile telephony, reflecting the transition from basic to more advanced mobile technology.

Conclusion

The Samsung T500 may be considered basic by today’s standards, but at the time of its release, it offered a suite of features that aligned well with the needs of mobile users during the early 2000s. It stands as a significant reminder of how far mobile technology has evolved, showcasing a period where the primary function of a phone was communication, augmented with a few modest conveniences. Despite its discontinuation, the T500 remains a piece of technology history, illustrative of early mobile device innovation.