Overview and Historical Context

The Sewon SG-2300CD was a feature phone that was announced in the early 2000s, specifically in the first quarter of 2004. The phone was introduced at a time when the mobile phone industry was rapidly evolving and manufacturers were competing to provide users with more compact and user-friendly devices. Although the Sewon SG-2300CD was eventually discontinued, it remains an interesting artifact from a time when mobile phones were primarily used for calls and basic SMS messaging.

Design and Build

The Sewon SG-2300CD featured a compact design with dimensions measuring 68 x 39 x 22 mm, and it weighed only 72 grams. This design made it highly portable, easily fitting into pockets and bags. It used a Mini-SIM card and its casing was typical of early 2000s feature phones, emphasizing basic functionality over aesthetics. The device did not have space for additional storage, as there was no card slot available.

Display

The Sewon SG-2300CD came with a CSTN display capable of displaying 256 colors. The screen had a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. While this might seem basic by today's standards, during its release, this display was suitable for the phone’s primary function of making calls and sending texts. Its screen offered a straightforward visual experience that catered to the device's functional simplicity.

Network and Communication

Operating on GSM technology, the Sewon SG-2300CD supported 2G bands specifically GSM 900 / 1800. However, it did not support GPRS or EDGE, emphasizing its role as a basic communication device. Its communication engagement was restricted to voice calls and SMS messaging. Given the era of its release, the lack of advanced network capabilities was standard for many feature phones.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 550 mAh. This battery provided up to 100 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. The removable nature of the battery was a common feature in phones of that era, allowing users to replace the battery if needed.

Sound and Alert Features

Designed with simplicity in mind, the Sewon SG-2300CD did not include a loudspeaker or 3.5mm headphone jack. It featured polyphonic ringtones with vibration alerts, aligning with user preferences at the time for audible and tactile call notifications. These features served the primary needs of communication without additional complexities.

Storage and Memory

The device had no external memory card slot, limiting its capacity to store contacts and call logs only. It supported a phonebook capacity of 100 contacts and logs for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This restriction further emphasizes its role as a basic utility phone primarily intended for voice communication.

Messaging and Language Support

SMS functionality was the primary means of sending text messages, reflecting its most advanced form of communication beyond voice calls. The phone supported messaging in English and Chinese languages, catering to a significant section of the global consumer market.

Additional Features

The Sewon SG-2300CD did not support a range of advanced features such as Bluetooth, WLAN, positioning services, or even a built-in radio, limiting its usage to basic calls and SMS. There were no additional sensors or games installed on the phone, keeping its utility straightforward and uncomplicated.

Conclusion

The Sewon SG-2300CD stands out as a representation of the early 2000s mobile communication devices, focusing on essential features tailored for basic telecommunication. Lacking modern extravagances, it highlights an era where efficiency and simplicity were prioritized in mobile design. Although it does not hold much functionality compared to today's smartphones, the Sewon SG-2300CD tells a story of technological advancement and consumer preferences of its time.