Overview of Sewon SG-5000

The Sewon SG-5000 is a basic feature phone that was launched in 2002. It is a compact device that reflects the design and technology trends prevalent in early 2000s mobile phones. While it lacks the advanced features found in modern smartphones, it serves as an interesting example of mobile technology from its era, designed primarily for voice communication and basic messaging.

Design and Build

The Sewon SG-5000 features a simplistic design with dimensions of 82 x 45 x 22 mm, making it highly portable and easy to handle. Weighing in at just 90 grams, it is a lightweight mobile device that can easily fit in pockets. The phone employs a classic black color scheme with a front surface dominated by its display and keypad. Its durable plastic casing and physical buttons are designed to withstand daily use.

Display Specifications

Equipped with a grayscale graphic display, the phone supports 4 shades of gray. The 128 x 128 pixel resolution offers basic visibility for text and simple graphics. While the screen size is not specified, the compact dimensions of the phone imply a small display area typical of feature phones of its time.

Performance and Battery Life

The Sewon SG-5000 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery. Although the processing capabilities are not detailed, the phone's design for simple tasks like calls and SMS means it likely runs efficiently within its technological confines. The battery life is adequate for a feature phone, providing up to 75 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. This battery performance ensures users can rely on their phone for basic communication throughout the day without frequent charging.

Connectivity and Network Capabilities

Operating on GSM technology, the SG-5000 supports 2G bands at frequencies of GSM 900 and 1800. It does not include GPRS or EDGE for data connections, reflective of its primary role as a voice and messaging device. The lack of advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth, WLAN, or GPS highlights its focus on fundamental communication needs.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with a limited internal storage system, fitting for storing up to 250 phonebook entries. It does not offer a memory card slot, thus limiting the possibility of expanding storage capabilities. For call records, it maintains a history of up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. These features reflect the typical usage expectations for a device designed at the time.

Messaging and Communication

SMS and EMS 4.2 messaging features are supported by the device, allowing users to send and receive basic text messages. Additionally, a WAP 1.2 browser is incorporated, offering very basic web browsing capabilities compatible with the limited network access and display technology of the era.

Sound and Alert Capabilities

The Sewon SG-5000 does not include a loudspeaker or 3.5mm audio jack, placing emphasis on its role as a voice communication device. The alert system relies on vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, which were a popular feature for customization in phones of its class during the early 2000s.

Games and Entertainment

Despite its limited functionality, the SG-5000 includes basic games to provide entertainment. While no specific titles are mentioned, simple, text-based or early graphic games were common, which provided distraction and amusement without demanding significant processing capacity.

Conclusion

The Sewon SG-5000 serves as a representation of early mobile phone technology, offering basic functionalities in a compact design. While obsolete by today's standards due to its limited features and connectivity, it reflects the priorities and technological limitations of the time it was created. The device is an interesting retrospective on how far mobile technology has evolved since the early 2000s. Despite its discontinuation, the SG-5000 remains a notable part of mobile phone history.