Overview

The Sewon SG-4500 is a feature phone that was released in 2002 and has since been discontinued. Known for its compact design and basic functionality, this phone caters to those who appreciate simplicity and practicality. It is a nostalgic piece of technology from the early 2000s that provides the essentials without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 80 x 46 x 24 mm and a weight of 85 g, the Sewon SG-4500 is a compact and lightweight device that fits comfortably in the hand and pocket. The phone features a classic candy-bar design and is constructed with a robust exterior available in various colors: Crystal White, Gold, Astral Blue, and Dark Blue. The Mini-SIM slot supports seamless connectivity in GSM networks.

Display

The device is equipped with a STN display capable of showing 65K colors, offering a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. This might seem modest by today's standards, but it was quite acceptable at the time, providing clear and readable text and basic graphics. The square 1:1 aspect ratio supports simple interfaces and easily navigable menus.

Network and Connectivity

The Sewon SG-4500 operates on GSM 900 / 1800 bands, ensuring basic connectivity for calls and messaging. It supports GPRS for data services, although users looking for fast internet browsing would find it limited. There is no EDGE, WLAN, or Bluetooth connectivity, and the device does not include GPS or radio capabilities.

Battery Life

Powering the Sewon SG-4500 is a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 900mAh. Users can expect a standby time of 90 to 150 hours, and a talk time ranging from 1 hour 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on usage patterns. An alternative slim battery option is available with a capacity of 550mAh, featuring a slightly reduced standby and talk time of 80 to 120 hours, and 1 to 5 hours, respectively.

Memory and Storage

The device is not designed for multimedia consumption or the storage of large files, evident by the absence of card slots for memory expansion. It comes with a limited phonebook capacity for up to 250 contacts and can store records for the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. This simplicity is well-suited for users seeking a no-frills communication device.

Audio and Entertainment

This phone does not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, showing its focus on communication over entertainment. For alerts, users can choose from 16 polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts, aligning with its basic design. Despite these limitations, the SG-4500 supports simple games to provide basic entertainment options.

Messaging and Features

The Sewon SG-4500 supports SMS and Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) 4.2, allowing for simple text communication without email or multimedia messaging capabilities. A WAP 1.2 browser facilitates basic mobile internet browsing—a modest but functional solution for early mobile web experiences. The absence of Java support limits app availability to built-in games and applications.

Conclusion

The Sewon SG-4500 represents an era when mobile phones were primarily about making calls and sending text messages. Its straightforward design, combined with a robust build and essential communication features, makes it a reliable choice for those seeking simplicity. While it may lack the advanced features and high-performance capabilities of modern smartphones, it serves as a testament to the foundational mobile technology that paved the way for the innovations we enjoy today.